User Manual

4
Volume 8
The Volume Controller Volume 8 serves as a system-independent analog
volume regulator in all areas of audio processing and playback, including
• Stereo and surround music production
• Movie and video post production, video computer games production
• Demanding hi-delity/home cinema applications
Complementing the fully equipped SPL Surround Monitoring Controller
(SMC 2489), the Volume 8 focuses exclusively on the highest quality in active
volume control. Users who do not need additional monitoring functionality
provided by the SMC 2489 will nd the Volume 8 an cost-effective solution
without compromises. The Volume 8‘s design is based on active switching to
avoid nonlinear frequency response introduced by impedance changes with
passive designs when changing levels.
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 moni-
toring 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 leads to commensurate loss of audio quality.
A further, very interesting application area is in the construction of a straight
multi-channel playback chain, where the Volume 8 is situated between
the playback machine and either power amp and speakers or simply active
speaker systems. In such cases, the playback machine must offer analog
outputs. This provides for minimal nancial and electronic efforts through the
most direct possible playback path.
Additional Reasons for employing the Volume 8
• 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 Volume 8 is built only with analog circuitry and performance, and its high
quality parts in sophisticated circuitry design are prerequisites to superior
audio quality:
• Custom designed, high end, eight-ganged potentiometer with invariable
precision at each and every gain level
• Illuminated passive mute switches from ALPS, relay switching for all chan-
nels
• A high quality power supply with toroidal transformer
• Input and outputs over DB-25 connectors (to multicore XLR or 1/4-inch TRS)
• Massive, 45 mm/1.78-inch diameter aluminum knob ensure consistent,
rened handling
• The elegant, compact format housing (215 x 80 mm or 8.5 x 3.1 inch) allows
for exible desktop positioning near or below a computer monitor or gener-
ally saving space in positioning
Introduction