Volume2

Model 2602

High-End Stereo Volume Controller

"Every reviewer should own a Volume2 to know what is achievable for less than 300 Euro. It’s very enlightening!" (Joël Chevassus, 6moons.com)

As a cost-effective alternative to our full-featured Stereo and Surround Monitoring Controllers MTC 2381 and SMC 2489, the SPL volume controllers are dedicated solely to level control.

The Volume2 model is intended for stereo applications, while the Volume8 can control up to 8 channels. Both devices are designed with active circuitries to circumvent inevitable disadvantages of passive circuitries that result in impedance variation and therefore degraded linearity in frequency response.

Who needs analog level control?

Simply put—most DAW (Digital Audio Workstation) users. 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 can lead to commensurate loss of audio quality.
A further, very interesting application area is in the construction of a straight, audiophile-quality stereo playback chain, where the Volume2 is situated between the playback machine and either power amp and speakers or simply active speaker system. 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.

Additional reasons to employ the Volume2

  • High quality balancing stages with extremely good common mode rejection minimize interferences and disturbances in the signal paths
  • The mute switch allows for very fast reaction times in cases where loud speakers or ears should be protected (for example, with computer crashes)
  • Users of analog summing without monitoring facilities can cost effectively improve their systems

Special Features

The Volume2 is built only with analog circuitry and performance, and its high quality parts in sophisticated circuitry design are prerequisites to superior audio quality:

  • High end volume potentiometer and illuminated mute switch from ALPS; the potentiometer controls signals directly (without VCA or DAC circuitry)
  • Balanced XLR in- and outputs
  • A high quality power supply with toroidal transformer
  • Massive, 45 mm diameter aluminum knobs ensure consistent, refined handling
  • The elegant, compact format housing (215 x 80 mm or 8.5 x 3.1 inch) allows for flexible desktop positioning near or under a computer monitor or generally saving space in positioning

Unbalanced Connections (e. g. RCA, TS Jack)

You can establish unbalanced connections easily and without adaptors – for example from CD-Players with RCA outputs or to (HiFi) power amplifiers with RCA inputs. It is important to pay attention to the correct polarity of the three XLR wires.
Connections to RCA and TS Jack inputs or outputs are always unbalanced. Connections to TRS inputs or outputs may be balanced or unbalanced. In any case we recommend to use readily configured cables from XLR to the respective RCA or TS/TRS connector to dispense with adaptors. Ask your dealer for configured cables. With the XLR pin configuration diagram in our manuals any audio expert can ensure to select or configure appropriate cables.