USB DAC/onboard volume controls

[Alinoe]

Hi,

I'm currently using an Abrahamsen A-dac connected to a pair of swans M200 MKII speakers. I really miss being able to use the volume controls on my imac. Is there a USB dac that allows this? Or would I have to start using optical?

 

[ChrisA]

Hi,

I'm currently using an Abrahamsen A-dac connected to a pair of swans M200 MKII speakers. I really miss being able to use the volume controls on my imac. Is there a USB dac that allows this? Or would I have to start using optical?

Using any kind of digital volume control will reduce the dynamic range. Round off errors will reduce the number of bits. This is just basic math/physics and there is no way around it.

Are you asking for an analog volume control that can be controlled remotely by a mouse?

The way I do it is to compromise, I turn the digital volume way up but not 100% then adjust the analog volume controls on by Firefire Presonus interface down to reasonable levels. Now I have some control with the mouse and I bet I still have 20 bits of dynamic range

 

[KeithPratt]

This is just basic math/physics and there is no way around it.

Do it at 32 bits? Isn't that what the iTunes volume knob does?