My favorite interface/DAC volume control is the MOTU M4. It is a single rotation, with a clearly marked line on the knob with hard stops. I'm not sure about other's use but for me, I use the interface on a PC that browses the internet as well as streams music. The sometimes huge differences in volume of various videos requires a constant use of the volume. I literally hate the multi turn designs that don't have hard stops. If something comes up that is very high in volume, I want to be able to quickly and mindlessly lower it with a quick twist of the knob. There is nothing like having a near field system with a powerful amplifier and a volume control that takes multiple turns to lower it.
I have several "higher performing" DACs that have typical multi-rotation volume controls and they sit in a drawer...
Man at last someone who understands me…..
I am mixing music and have to adjust the volume dozens to hundreds of times in a few hours depending on the project.
I need for example to be able to raise the volume directly and fast in order to „zoom in acoustically“ when searching for backround noise on a channel . or listening to Delta signals of plugins, or listen to how the mix behaves in high volumes vor a few seconds.
People can`t imagine how bad infinite encoders are for this i think this is why they talk as if its the perfect solution.
That said…… WHaaaaat? The M4 has single rotation knob? !!! My Ultralite Mk5 takes 5-6 full rotations to do that .
I owned all Ultralites since Mk3 and always hated the Knob (and placement exactly above the headphone socket…)
Now you make me considering replacing the Ultralite with the M4 simply for this reason alone….
"higher performing" DACs that have typical multi-rotation volume controls“. I know EXACTLY what you mean.
Today i connected an old Sm Nano Patch passive volume controller i had in the drawer for years and put it before the Flex.
Cant believe that i even use this again.
Does it degrade the sound a bit? Yes
Am i willing to accept this for now to have a bit of piece of mind? Definitely
Here are some pictures. I had to „modify“ the enclosure a bit so i have the knob in the front and also in order to fit it where it has to go.