The Volume8 Multi Channel Volume Controller from SPL is a straight-forward volume control designed to be a cost-effective alternative to SPL's full featured VC units. With minimized features, this volume control unit is dedicated solely to accurate level control.

The Volume2 model is intended for stereo applications, while the Volume8 can control up to eight channels. Both devices are designed with active circuitry to circumvent the inevitable disadvantages of passive circuitry that result in impedance variation and therefore degraded linearity in frequency response.

A majority of D/A converters and sound cards provide nothing in the way of analog level monitoring control, and this means the necessity of varying signal levels at the converter outputs. The result is a lowered bit rate in the monitoring signal, which leads to commensurate loss of audio quality. So, the Volume8 gives the DAW owner the opportunity to listen through an analog-based monitor playback device to hear the sounds in the DAW, as they are, and without signal degradation.

A further, application area is in the construction of a straight multi-channel playback chain, where the Volume8 is situated between the playback machine and either power amp and speakers or simply active speaker systems. In such cases, the playback machine must offer analog outputs. This provides for minimal financial and electronic efforts through the most direct possible playback path.

Common AV receivers employ VCA and DAC components which tend to produce more distortions, or the signal runs through further AD/DA converters for the volume control. Thus especially with SACD or DVD-A sources, only a high-quality analog, direct control of the source output ensures an unimpaired playback of the original information.

The Volume8 is built only with analog circuitry with a custom designed, eight-ganged potentiometer with attention to each and every gain level. It includes a large, 1.78-inch diameter graded, aluminum-clad potentiometer, offering more exact setting positioning, an illuminated passive mute switch from ALPS, and relay switching for all channels. Input and outputs are over DB-25 connectors (to multicore XLR or 1/4-inch TRS), and the power is supplied with a toroidal transformer. The more compact format housing allows for flexible desktop positioning near or below a computer monitor, and fits where other, larger format monitoring devices,might not.

Larger format volume potentiometer for more smooth and precise adjustment

Illuminated passive mute switch

Balancing stages with common mode rejection which minimizes interference and disturbance in the signal path

Mute switch allows for very fast reaction times in cases where loud speakers or ears should be protected

Users of analog summing without monitoring facilities can cost effectively improve their systems

Related Questions and Answers

Q: 1. Can the xlr side be used as input or is it only output?

A: No. The XLR side of the RapcoHorizon LTIBLOX Laptop BLOX 1-Channel Passive Direct Box is an output only

Q: 2. Most wall volume controls I see are for 70v speaker systems. Is this safe to use with a standard power amp and PA speakers?

A: Yes, it is safe to use.

Q: 3. Is this unit for speaker level adjustment or just line level?

A: I bought this unit for line level control and it works great

Q: 4. I orderd these and it seems the product has a mono output, at least that is what it is doing to my audio. Can you confirm if this is a stereo output?

A: It is stereo with individual Left and Right inputs and outputs. None of the individual ins or outs is stereo, you need to connect to both sides.

Q: 5. For which brand mixer or ampllifer this controller suits? Hope its not an universal controller. So please send me the Amplifier

A: The AtlasIED Atmosphere C-ZSV Zone, Source, and Volume Wall Controller (Black), BH # ATCZSVUSB, is designed to work with AtlasIED components. See examples below: AtlasIED Atmosphere 4-Zone Audio Processor (B&H # ATAZM4) AtlasIED Atmosphere AZM8 8-Zone Audio Processor (B&H # ATAZM8) AtlasIED Atmosphere 400W Networkable 4-Channel Power Amplifier (B&H # ATAZA404) AtlasIED Atmosphere 800W Networkable 4-Channel Power Amplifier (B&H # ATAZA804)

Q: 6. Can 2 Frontliners be connected for stereo operation of the processing modules?

A: Unfortunately the Frontliner is designed as a single channel unit with no linking features for dual or stereo operation.

Q: 7. What are the dimensions of the unit? I only saw the dimensions of the shipping box.

A: The dimensions of the Mackie CR8S-XBT Creative Reference Series 8" Multimedia Subwoofer with Bluetooth and Volume Controller would be as follows 12.6"w x 14.0"h x 16.2"d).

Q: 8. If I was looking to mix 5.1 audio for post production, would this be a good solution as the interface between my 5 speakers + sub and my computer (running Adobe Premiere and Audition CC)? Would I need any additional hardware? I'm confused over whether something like this, or something like the Focusrite 18i20 is better for my purposes. Or something else? Again, I'm NOT using this to record audio, but only to mix audio for video post production. While 80% of my mixes will be for stereo output only, a small portion will be for 5.1 surround. Please advise.

A: The 18i20 will work much better.

Q: 9. WHAT INPUT FROM AMP AND OUTPUT TO SPEAKERS?

A: It uses speaker wire. The volume control interrupts the regular wiring.

Q: 10. Is this hardware version 1.1? If so it will have dip switches on back of unit. This allows home theater bypass.

A: The SPL Elector Preamp has 4 dip switches on the back. This and further details can be found on the SPL product page for the Elector Preamp, linked here: https://spl.audio/en/spl-produkt/elector/