Help Setting up Volume Attenuator

[GrooveToad]

Hi All,

I was wondering if someone could help me set up the gain structure for my Goldpoint SA1X Volume attenuator. Basically the end of my signal chain comprises of a LUCID DA9624 which feeds my Adam P11A's.

The question is do I run the Lucid at full volume into the Goldpoint (and then attenuate the Goldpoint to 83db SPL) or just up to the point where it reaches 83db SPL into the Goldpoint at full tilt (0 attenuation).

Thanks for any help and I hope this makes sense :0)

[bob katz]

Originally Posted by GrooveToad

Hi All,

I was wondering if someone could help me set up the gain structure for my Goldpoint SA1X Volume attenuator. Basically the end of my signal chain comprises of a LUCID DA9624 which feeds my Adam P11A's.

The question is do I run the Lucid at full volume into the Goldpoint (and then attenuate the Goldpoint to 83db SPL) or just up to the point where it reaches 83db SPL into the Goldpoint at full tilt (0 attenuation).

Thanks for any help and I hope this makes sense :0)

I am not familiar with the impedance requirements of the Goldpoint, but be aware that the Goldpoint will only likely produce its correct steps into the proper load impedance. And if it's a medium impedance attenuator, it should be used with a short cable run into the power amp (Adams)

As for gain optimization, any reasonable output gain setting for the DAC is acceptable. As long as it produces an output which keeps it from being noisy or distorted, you're fine. Say, any level from, say, -10 dBu through +4 dBu at -20 dBFS 1 kHz sine wave into your Goldpoint you should be fine.

Next, is the Goldpoint balanced? If not, then further precautions will be necessary and I'm not covering unbalanced in this post!

Since the Adams have an adjustable input gain, I suggest you first adjust the Lucid to produce 0 dBu with a 1 kHz -20 dBFS sine wave. This is a conservative level, it won't distort or be noisy. Then set the Goldpoint to fully open (0 dB) and adjust each Adam's input gain to produce the standard SPL with the standardized pink noise signal. (can be downloaded from digido.com). Then you're ready to rumble (or not rumble, ideally :-).

BK

[GrooveToad]

Thanks Bob!!

Funny you should reply as the whole reason I am doing this is so that I can use your K monitoring standard. I have been using it for a while unwittingly but in this way I always know I am monitoring at K20, 14 or 12 and that the DA is working at its optimum.

Is there a device that you would recommend over the Goldpoint?

Hope you are well :0)

[bob katz]

Originally Posted by GrooveToad

Thanks Bob!!

Funny you should reply as the whole reason I am doing this is so that I can use your K monitoring standard. I have been using it for a while unwittingly but in this way I always know I am monitoring at K20, 14 or 12 and that the DA is working at its optimum.

Is there a device that you would recommend over the Goldpoint?

Hope you are well :0)

I am well, but seem to have had another bout of insomnia, I got up at 5 AM and look at that, I'm answering your question!

Anyway, I would recommend a custom passive attenuator made from a good rotary switch and metal film resistors. I have a spreadsheet on that for different impedances if you are interested. Outside of that, I LOVE my Cranesong Avocet, but it's considerably more money than a passive attenuator.

[GrooveToad]

Thanks for that and hope you manged to catch up on your z's at some point :0) The Avocet looks awesome but is way out of my league

Thanks again Mr.Katz for giving so much so freely