Sound Performance Lab Analog Mixer - Manual (Page 4)

4 Volume 2
The Volume Controller Volume 2 serves as a system-independent analog
volume regulator in all areas of audio processing and playback, including
• Stereo music production
• Movie and video post production, video computer games production
• Demanding hi-fi delity applications
Complementing the fully equipped SPL Stereo Monitoring Controller (MTC
2381), the Volume 2 focuses exclusively on the highest possible quality in
active volume control. Users who do not need additional monitoring function-
ality provided by the MTC 2381 will fi nd the Volume 2 an cost-effective solution
without compromises. The Volume 2‘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 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 Volume 2 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 fi nancial and electronic efforts through the
most direct possible playback path.
Additional Reasons for employing the Volume 2
• 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 2 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, refi ned
handling
• The elegant, compact format housing (215 x 80 mm or 8.5 x 3.1 inch) allows
for fl exible desktop positioning near or under a computer monitor or gener-
ally saving space in positioning
Introduction