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Is the end of an analogue volume knob always perfectly channel balanced?

thomasjast

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If volume control attenuates the volume, then does cranking it to 100% provide perfect channel balance?
 

PaulD

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Probably... Perfect is difficult to achieve in anything, I'm assuming 0.1dB or better is "perfect" here.

For an analogue pot style of volume control, then there could still be some residual contact resistance even at the end stops, but it is probably "perfect".

For a switched attenuator style of volume control (which should have "perfect" channel balance anyway), then unless it is faulty the maximum setting will be perfectly balanced.

Digital attenuator volume controls already have perfect channel balance.

Hope that helps!
 

solderdude

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If volume control attenuates the volume, then does cranking it to 100% provide perfect channel balance?

It actually depends on how the resistance track and mechanical construction is made. In the vast majority of cases the 'max. position' is simply a contact point. At that point the resistance track is not in circuit anymore and completely in parallel to the signal.
So in the majority of cases... yes L-R should be (near) perfect.
However, there could well be a balance control or amplifier circuits inside with tolerances that, for some reason, are high enough to be measurable.
So even when the pot has perfect L-R tracking there may be other aspects of the entire device that f' things up.
 

Wombat

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I use the balance control to adjust if needed. It helps with some recordings, also.

But if the imbalance is not referenceable it probably doesn't matter. :)
 
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