Benchmark DAC-1 Level-Matching Question

Synth80s · 3rd February 2005

Fellow Slutz:

I'm considering purchasing a Benchmark DAC-1 or a Lucid DA9624 primarily to improve my monitoring chain. I currently monitor using the studio outputs of my Tascam DM-24 -- not the best D/A converters.

Since I always mix either in Cubase or on my DM-24, the D/A will be connected solely to my powered monitors 95% of the time. Still, I would also like to have the option of using the D/A to route my mixes out through analog gear during mixdown while still monitoring the output.

Since the Lucid has two sets of balanced outs (XLR and TRS 1/4"), I can run one set to my monitors and wire the second set to my patch bay. I noticed the following in the Lucid manual: "The connectors are wired in parallel, so doing something electrically to one affects the other." I checked with Lucid tech support (very helpful) and they said that connecting to a patch bay won't create any problems and when I use the 2nd set of outputs on the patch bay, the overall volume may decrease, but again, no problems.

The Benchmark DAC-1 has balanced XLR outs and unbalanced RCA outs. To achieve the same flexibility, it seems my only option would be to use a level matching tool like the Rane Balance Buddy: http://rane.com/bb22.html.

So, after all this, my question: will the Rane unit or any similar device (Ebtech makes one as well) affect the sound quality? Is this a good or a bad idea?

If I could afford 8 channels of quality D/A, that would be great, but it's much more than I need.

Thanks for any input,
Synth80s

Synth80s · 5th February 2005

Update: I e-mailed Benchmark with this question and I received a reply today from Rory Rall in sales. He was very friendly and informative. Rory spent 10-15 minutes helping me understand my options for using a DAC-1 for my distinct needs.

I'm still figuring out what I want to do, but it's nice to know that Benchmark offers excellent support when it's needed.

Mytek, on the other hand, never returned either of my "pre-sales" e-mails over the last month. You do the math.

-Synth80s

3rd February 2005	#1
Synth80s Lives for gear Joined: Sep 2004 Location: Beautiful Southern California (cough, choke, honk) Posts: 812 Thread Starter	Benchmark DAC-1 Level-Matching Question Fellow Slutz: I'm considering purchasing a Benchmark DAC-1 or a Lucid DA9624 primarily to improve my monitoring chain. I currently monitor using the studio outputs of my Tascam DM-24 -- not the best D/A converters. Since I always mix either in Cubase or on my DM-24, the D/A will be connected solely to my powered monitors 95% of the time. Still, I would also like to have the option of using the D/A to route my mixes out through analog gear during mixdown while still monitoring the output. Since the Lucid has two sets of balanced outs (XLR and TRS 1/4"), I can run one set to my monitors and wire the second set to my patch bay. I noticed the following in the Lucid manual: "The connectors are wired in parallel, so doing something electrically to one affects the other." I checked with Lucid tech support (very helpful) and they said that connecting to a patch bay won't create any problems and when I use the 2nd set of outputs on the patch bay, the overall volume may decrease, but again, no problems. The Benchmark DAC-1 has balanced XLR outs and unbalanced RCA outs. To achieve the same flexibility, it seems my only option would be to use a level matching tool like the Rane Balance Buddy: http://rane.com/bb22.html. So, after all this, my question: will the Rane unit or any similar device (Ebtech makes one as well) affect the sound quality? Is this a good or a bad idea? If I could afford 8 channels of quality D/A, that would be great, but it's much more than I need. Thanks for any input, Synth80s

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5th February 2005	#2
Synth80s Lives for gear Joined: Sep 2004 Location: Beautiful Southern California (cough, choke, honk) Posts: 812 Thread Starter	Update: I e-mailed Benchmark with this question and I received a reply today from Rory Rall in sales. He was very friendly and informative. Rory spent 10-15 minutes helping me understand my options for using a DAC-1 for my distinct needs. I'm still figuring out what I want to do, but it's nice to know that Benchmark offers excellent support when it's needed. Mytek, on the other hand, never returned either of my "pre-sales" e-mails over the last month. You do the math. -Synth80s