Do I Need a Monitor Controller?

[monads]

Hi all! New here and here goes my first post. Just need to know if it's recommended to have a monitor controller between the monitors and AD/DA converter for volume control?

I was just going to plug my monitors into the AD/DA converter (mixerless setup) and control levels via the Lynx internal mixer but reading posts on the forum suggest this is not the best approach due to reducing bit word length when I adjust volume within the DAW. Unsure at this point and still trying to get through all the technical jargon.

[tINY]

It depends. If your volume control is actually lowering the bit resolution to lower the output level, then you probably want a volume knob somewhere (there's an old joke there about making the room smaller...)

If the Lynx output has a VCA to control output level, then you don't need it. Personally, I like the idea of having a way to change the output level quick, so I always have a knob or


-tINY

[Brad Blackwood]

I always vote for analog volume control - if your software or DAC were to start spitting out FS noise, you'd be at the mercy of the power button...

[Jules]

http://www.colemanaudio.com/

Make em...

[monads]

I see there are all kinds of options; Grace Designs m904, Cranesong Avocet, Presonus Central Station, Mackie Big Knob, SPL 2381, etc.

[tINY]

You might consider a small mixer too. You never know when it might come in handy to mix outboard effects, re-amp a track, or provide a cue mix.

As a bonus, when you select the right one, you get a volume control for your monitors.....



-tINY

[Onan]

Having the volume control is an asset. But you NEED a monitor controller so you can a/b your work to other recordings at the flick of a switch.

[alphajerk]

Originally posted by monads
I was just going to plug my monitors into the AD/DA converter (mixerless setup) and control levels via the Lynx internal mixer .

DONT do that... it wont decrease your resolution but if something gets thrown out at FS, and you would be suprised where DAWs do it [like auditioning a soundbite], you be REAL suprized, deaf and possibly damage your speakers.

on the cheap end, look at the NHT passive. $100.

[Paul David]

Originally posted by monads
I see there are all kinds of options; Grace Designs m904, Cranesong Avocet, Presonus Central Station, Mackie Big Knob, SPL 2381, etc.

If you already have good D/A and you need level control then you can scratch off the Avocet, Grace, and Central Station. If you want great sonics you can delete the Big Knob and SPL

I just bought a Coleman Audio M3PH and although I haven't hooked it up yet I've heard nothing but great things about it. If you decide you want one email me and I'll hook you up! I'm not a gear pimp but I do have some useful info.

http://www.colemanaudio.com/m3.html

[monads]

Thanks alot for your help gang. I understand the importance of the controller now. I'm gonna look at the options and start another thread cause before with a firewire audio interface life was really simple. Plug your instruments, effects unit, monitors and off you went. By far the BEST cause you can do better with standalone boxes. The problem is as you expand making the right decisions upfront that affords so.

[chadd]

Originally posted by Paul David If you want great sonics you can delete the Big Knob and SPL

Hmmm...I've been leaning towards getting the SPL MTC, mostly because I like the latency-free cue mix feature. What didn't you like about it's sonics? Surely it would have to be an improvement on the Mackie 1202 I've been using as a controller/cue mixer.

[TER]

I'm also curious about the SPL-bash...not too long ago Bob Ludwig had an SPL mastering console in his main room...I have a bunch of SPL gear that is all really good stuff. What's the story with the SPL monitor controller?

You can always just get a Benchmark DAC-1...works quite well, sounds great.

-tom

[RaGe]

Originally posted by Brad Blackwood
I always vote for analog volume control - if your software or DAC were to start spitting out FS noise, you'd be at the mercy of the power button...

I learned this the hard way. Although I was always extra careful of the master fader level, it hapenned anyways while I was trying to find out which attenuator to buy. I recommend the NHT Pro box too.

[zimv20]

benchmark dac-1 into a coleman m3ph here

[Paul David]

I owe you guys an apology. I broke one of my own rules while posting in this thread. I try not to talk about the sonics of products that I haven't heard. I was looking into the SPL for quite some time and when it finally came out all I heard was negative reports from users. I decided to skip it based on those claims.

Sorry for bashing Spl

[Grasshopper]

DP4 -- Rosetta 800 --- M3PH ---- Monitors