Old 06-16-2018, 11:20 PM   #1
Tubeguy
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Default Passive volume control opinion?

I need to stretch a lot to reach mixer volume slider and setting volume using software is not so goods due to bit degradation. So I thought about the passive volume control knob they now sell. But is it a good idea? I can't imagine having 4 meters of cable (out and back in),not degrading sound (mainly in HF) due to the resistance/capacitance of the cable unless it's maybe pure silver but even than...
That's why engineers build amps and mixers with the shortest routes possible between components, having long cables completely defeats the original design.
What do you guys think, any experiences with the passive knobs?

Last edited by Tubeguy; 06-16-2018 at 11:29 PM.
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Old 06-17-2018, 01:21 AM   #2
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If you are talking about monitor controllers, they work just fine. Been using mine for years & being as it controls the output level of Reaper into you amp/speakers, there isnt much likelihood of signal degredation unless you are talking JUST a volume control over far more than 4 metres total travel.
Mine is the SMpatch Pro which routes between two signal paths and two speaker paths, also has a headphone amp built in. Works for me.
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Old 06-17-2018, 01:29 AM   #3
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A couple of thoughts:

1. Make your setup more ergonomic. Don't make yourself reach for faders.

2. Gain changes in software are "clean" and won't degrade your audio.
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Old 06-17-2018, 02:28 AM   #4
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Quote:
Originally Posted by Tubeguy View Post
setting volume using software is not so goods due to bit degradation.
If sound degradation is your concern, software is ideal.
Quote:
So I thought about the passive volume control knob they now sell...
What do you guys think, any experiences with the passive knobs?
Palmer Monicon L (passive) user her. Works very well.
I need a physical knob on the output.
Balanced cable degradation is little concern.
Stereo-imaging is a bigger factor as knob is a dual gang resistor, but not any problem here.
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Old 06-17-2018, 02:51 AM   #5
Geoff Waddington
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Quote:
Originally Posted by G-Sun View Post
Palmer Monicon L (passive) user her. Works very well.
Nice unit.

I also like this one, make sure to order the 10k version (lower impedance = lower degradation over longer runs) with xlr connections.

http://www.goldpt.com/sa2x.html

But I'll say, even though the Dangerous D-Box was a forced purchase when a TC LevelPilot went down suddenly, it has turned out to be a great purchase, the "mastering grade" converters are actually quite good, and the switching is very well thought out.
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Old 06-17-2018, 04:41 AM   #6
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Quote:
Originally Posted by Geoff Waddington View Post
Dangerous D-Box
Nice.

It's important to think through what you need or not,
form-factor, budget, priority etc.
Then there are typically just a few contenders.
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