TOPIC:

Hi,
I have a streamer connected to my SHD Studio. The streamer volume is set to fixed (max on) and I adjust the actual volume from my SHD Studio.

My question is, can I set the SHD Studio to a fixed output, (disable the volume control), and use the volume control on my streamer instead? My streamer is pretty nice and I would rather use it as my control amp with it's built in streaming and other inputs. An alternative would be to set it at the level needed and hide the unit, but I would prefer a software setting to disable the physical volume knob.

I also have a 2x4HD on another system which is hidden, but it only has analog outputs so everything goes through it's built in DAC.

Thanks!

Simply set the volume on the minidsp to 0dB and forget all about it!

asx77 wrote:

Simply set the volume on the minidsp to 0dB and forget all about it

 

As I wrote, I realize I could do that but someone not familiar with my rig might turn the miniDSP knob not knowing how I set this up. I prefer not to hide the unit.

I have 2 different brand streamers and an integrated amp that have the option to use their volume control or lock it on full level in a setting. I thought maybe I missed this in the SHD Studio, but I guess it does not have this option.

In the Device Console software there is an option to not display inputs that are unused when you cycle through the them. It would be a nice option to also be able to lock the volume control in the software too. Do the developers read these forums or is there another place feature requests are made?

Thanks.

There's a "suggestions box" section that you could post this in.

asx77 wrote:

Simply set the volume on the minidsp to 0dB and forget all about it!

It would generally be prudent to make this - 10 dB to avoid the risk of digital clipping causing distortion. 

In terms of the original question, it's possible that volume control using the SHD would be the better option for sound quality. Worth comparing anyway.

It would generally be prudent to make this - 10 dB to avoid the risk of digital clipping causing distortion. In terms of the original question, it's possible that volume control using the SHD would be the better option for sound quality. Worth comparing anyway.

both good suggestions. I am still in the trial and error stage. I gotta stop using wire ties to dress cables until I am ready to commit.

I still think it would be a good thing to add if it could be done with a software or firmware update.

Thanks!!!

Yes forgot that. Makes sense. Think I applied used to have my -10dB on each channel in the outputs tab but found I never turned the master volume above -25dB so I removed it. Now when I use the SHD for volume control and i  never go above about -15dB on the master volume. Presume the importance of the -10dB somewhere in the structure is more important if you’re fixing the output at ‘max’ is it?

asx77 wrote:

Yes forgot that. Makes sense. Think I applied used to have my -10dB on each channel in the outputs tab but found I never turned the master volume above -25dB so I removed it. Now when I use the SHD for volume control and i  never go above about -15dB on the master volume. Presume the importance of the -10dB somewhere in the structure is more important if you’re fixing the output at ‘max’ is it?

To be fair the real issue is if the volume adjustment is then down downstream using an analogue pre-amp/ integrated amp. I tend to play it safe with general advice to just include the headroom suggestion though, as some will run into problems without. 

A wee white paper on the overall subject of headroom and gain structure in general would help. There used to be one on gain structure but I couldn't find it last time I looked .

As it turns out the Eversolo DMP-A6 Streamer I wanted to use as a control/pre amp outputs it's internal streaming music to digital and analog, but the 3 selectable other DIGITAL inputs only output as analog.

So to keep everything all digital until the end I will resume using the SHD Studio as my control amp.

I still think a volume control lockout would be a good addition in the software settings though.

Thanks for the replies.

Tony_J wrote:

A wee white paper on the overall subject of headroom and gain structure in general would help. There used to be one on gain structure but I couldn't find it last time I looked .

This one maybe?
www.minidsp.com/applications/dsp-basics/gain-structure-101

A volume control lockout feature exists on the 4x10HD, but I really can't see much point in implementing it on the SHD.
The SHD is designed as a control center.  It's best used that way.

Dave.

I really can't see much point in implementing it on the SHD.The SHD is designed as a control center.  It's best used that way.

In your case I would leave the volume control "enabled".

dreite wrote:

Tony_J wrote:

A wee white paper on the overall subject of headroom and gain structure in general would help. There used to be one on gain structure but I couldn't find it last time I looked .

This one maybe?
www.minidsp.com/applications/dsp-basics/gain-structure-101
 

That's the one, thanks. Good as far as it goes but it needs additional material to deal with the problem of headroom within the miniDSP (e.g., if Dirac boosts the signal).

Dirac is just another form of equalization.  Just a different starting gate......so to speak.
The same rules still apply.

Dave.

Hollywood wrote:

I really can't see much point in implementing it on the SHD.The SHD is designed as a control center.  It's best used that way.

In your case I would leave the volume control "enabled".

 

Wonderful wisdom there.  Thank you very much.