2. amps-preamps
  3. 193385-187633

Somebody Please Make This Already...

Imagine an interesting new product: Two sets of analog inputs (when I say sets, I mean each set has single-ended and also balanced), one volume attenuator that controls output synchronously BY WAY OF TWO SETS OF SYNCHRONIZED RESISTOR LADDERS (analog-domain attenuation, not digital) between the two sets of inputs, and then matched sets of outputs (again, both, single-ended and balanced). The entire device should be active, so that if you use single-ended input, it can still output a balanced, differential signal after the volume control, and on the output end there should be an option to combine L/R signals into a single signal (like an LFE output).

Even better yet, we should allow adjustable high-pass filter on the first set of in/outputs and an adjustable low-pass filter on the second set of in/outputs. Slope and frequency should both be adjustable. And of course both filters can be separately bypassed.

The unit should also have a single 12V trigger input and three 12V trigger outputs, and it should have a remote control that can control volume, filter slopes and filter frequencies.

-Ed

eddnog
zlone
774 posts
 

Isn’t that a preamp?

eddnog OP
65 posts
 

I have yet to see any device that synchronously controls the volume level of two entirely separate signals, preamp or otherwise.

With this device, for example, you can have full-range or high-pass filtered L/R signals from a DAC go through input 1 and a separate, full-range or low-pass filtered L/R signal go through input 2. The signal going into input 1 would go out to your power amp(s) and can be high-pass filtered by this device if the source signal is full-range. The signal going into input 2 would go out to your subwoofer, where you can apply a separate low-pass filter with this device or your subwoofer if it’s a full-range signal. You can then level-match the sub to the speakers using the subwoofer’s volume control, and then from there adjust the entire system’s volume in-sync.

You otherwise can’t do this if there’s no bass management upstream. So you could call this more of an independent bass-management system more than you would a preamp, especially if you sell this without a remote control.

Some people also don't like the idea of digital volume control, so something like a WiiM Ultra streamer, despite having bass management, controls volume digitally. This device would allow an analog, resistor-ladder volume control to be used even with bass management, while keeping the sub and speakers level-matched.

-Ed

kr4's avatar
kr4
3,697 posts
 

Do you think there is a real market for such a commercial product?

eddnog OP
65 posts
 

I think there is. It’s not going to sell 800,000 units, but it has numerous potential uses and at the moment would have close to nil competition for what it can do.

-Ed

carlsbad2's avatar
carlsbad2
1,943 posts
 

Why do you need two synchronized volume controls?

I assume you have 2 amps, one SE and on XLR. you want them to go up and down at the same rate but how are you going to set them at the same level to begin with? so you have to ask for an adjustable offset between the 2 outputs.

This is already available for AV--any AV receiver allows you to set the levels of each speaker or even automatically does it for you with a microphone.

If you are looking for something for your 2 channel system biamped, I think you’re looking for a custom piece.

Jerry

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