As a cost-effective alternative to our full-featured
Stereo and Surround Monitoring Controllers
MTC
2381 and
SMC
2489, the SPL volume controllers are dedicated solely
to level control.
The Volume2 model is intended for stereo applications,
while the Volume8 can control up to 8 channels.
Both devices are designed with active circuitries to
circumvent inevitable disadvantages of passive circuitries
that result in impedance variation and therefore degraded
linearity in frequency response.
Who needs analog level control?
Simply put—most DAW (Digital Audio Workstation)
users. A majority of D/A converters and sound cards
provide nothing in the way of analog level monitoring
control, and this means the necessity of varying signal
levels at the converter outputs. The result is a lowered
bit rate in the monitoring signal, which can lead
to commensurate loss of audio quality.
A further, very interesting application area is in
the construction of a straight, audiophile-quality
stereo playback chain, where the Volume2 is situated
between the playback machine and either power amp
and speakers or simply active speaker system. In such
cases, the playback machine must offer analog outputs.
This provides for minimal financial and electronic
efforts through the most direct possible playback
path.
Common AV receivers employ VCA and DAC components
which tend to produce more distortions, or the signal
runs through further AD/DA converters for the volume
control. Thus especially with SACD or DVD-A sources,
only a high-quality analog, direct control of the
source output ensures an unimpaired playback of the
original information.
| Additional
Reasons for employing the Volume2 |
| • |
High quality balancing stages with extremely good
common mode rejection (minimize interferences
and disturbances in the signal paths) |
| • |
The mute switch allows for very fast reaction
times in cases where loud speakers or ears should
be protected (for example, with computer crashes) |
| • |
Users of analog summing without monitoring facilities
can cost effectively improve their systems |
| |
|
| Special
Features |
| The
Volume2 is built only with analog circuitry and
performance, and its high quality parts in sophisticated
circuitry design are prerequisites to superior
audio quality: |
| • |
High end volume potentiometer and illuminated
mute switch from ALPS; the potentiometer controls
signals directly (without VCA or DAC circuitry) |
| • |
Balanced XLR in- and outputs |
| • |
A high quality power supply with toroidal transformer |
| • |
Massive, 45 mm diameter aluminum knobs ensure
consistent, refined handling |
| • |
The elegant, compact format housing (215 x 80
mm or 8.5 x 3.1 inch) allows for flexible desktop
positioning near or under a computer monitor or
generally saving space in positioning |
 |
