Features 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 The Volume8 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 channels Input and outputs over DB-25 connectors (to multicore XLR or 1/4-inch TRS) 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, 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 below a computer monitor or generally saving space in positioning.

• Inputs/Outputs
• Instrumentational amplifier, electronically balanced
• (differential), transformerless
• Nominal Input Level: +4 dBu
• Input Impedance: =22 kOhm
• Output Impedance: ‹ 600 Ohm
• Max. Input Level: › +20 dBu
• Volume Gain: ∞ to -4 dB
• Measured Data
• Frequency Range: 10 Hz-100 kHz
• (100 kHz = -3 dB)
• CMRR: › 60 dBu@1 kHz
• THD: & N (@ +15 dBu Input Level) › -100 dBu
• S/N A-weighted: -102 dBu
• Crosstalk L/R (@ 1 kHz): › -80 dBu
• Dynamic Range: 120 dB
• Power Supply
• Toroidal transformator:155 VA
• Fuse: 250 mA/230 V, 500 mA/115 V
• Voltage Selector: 230/50 Hz ‹› 115 V/60 Hz
• Power Consumption: ca. 15 W
• Dimensions & Weight
• Housing:
• 215 x 80 x 220 mm/8.5 x 3.1 x 8.8 inches
• Depth incl. Potentiometer & Sockets:
• 245 mm/9.8 inches
• Weight: 1.9 kg/4.18 lb
• Notes:
• 0 dBu = 0.775 V
• Subject to change without notice.

 

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 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 Volume8 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 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.

The electrical pin configuration of the balanced DB 25 input and output sockets comply with the TASCAM standard (see graphic below). The nominal input level is +4 dB, other levels are transmitted 1:1.
DB 25 to XLR, TRS or RCA multicore cables are required for connection of input and output signals. The eight channels of the DB 25 connector at one side are routed to eight single XLR, TRS or RCA connectors on the other side.

The channel configuration is free (input=output). Here are some common multi-channel configurations:

SMPTE/ITU: L/R/C/LFE/LS/RS/L(t/o)/R(t/0)
DTS: L/R/LS/RS/C/LFE/L(t/o)/R(t/0)
Film: L/LS/C/RS/R/LFE/L(t/o)/R(t/0)
SDDS: L/LC/C/RC/R/LFE/LS/RS