Single channel volume control recommendations?

[Chris-toe-fur]

I have minor hearing damage in my right ear so audio sounds like it's panned to the left. I can normally deal with it in software but I have a few audio sources, such as gaming consoles, where that's not an option. Not all frequencies are equally effected, but the difference between them isn't that great, I find that just attenuating the left channel works well enough. I was thinking about buying the schiit sys and only running one channel through it but shipping to Australia costs more than the product itself, plus the international exchange rate isn't so great. Does anyone have alternatives to suggest? I don't need anything fancy beyond volume control, such as remotes.

I have a DAC and an amp, originally I was thinking about having the sys in between those for only one channel.

 

[Pareto Pragmatic]

Try this for a search: Left Right Channel Rca Volume Controller Adjuster Passive

I see options generally between $50-100 US, less if you want to go AliExpress. I can't speak to the quality of any options, but that would likely be the lowest cost option.

 

[JayGilb]

Try this for a search: Left Right Channel Rca Volume Controller Adjuster Passive

I see options generally between $50-100 US, less if you want to go AliExpress. I can't speak to the quality of any options, but that would likely be the lowest cost option.

Does anyone sell a single knob volume control with a channel trim capability ?

 

[Pareto Pragmatic]

Does anyone sell a single knob volume control with a channel trim capability ?

I have no idea. You can likely get an inexpensive preamp with balance control, but that will be a bit more money (more parts/functions means more money), and from what I have seen balance is pretty uncommon.

I would use the simple volume control option to alter channel volume, but control the total volume with another device. Set to max, pull down the problem channel however far needed, then use the preamp/amp volume for overall level.

Actually I would just run through my Wiim and shelf down one channel, since that would be free to me.

 

[mhardy6647]

The classic way to do this is with a variable L-pad.

https://www.parts-express.com/search?keywords=l pad&oq=l-pad

Nowadays, we see them mostly used as attenuators in a (passive) crossover, but they can be used to control the volume of a single (passive!) loudspeaker without changing the load impedance seen by the amplifier driving said loudspeaker.

As 'they' used to say:
"KISS" ("Keep it simple, stupid!")

 

[antcollinet]

Have a look at the Behringer Monitor 1, and just use one channel. £30 in the UK.

Alternatively if you can work out how much attenuation you need, and can solder, you could build an RCA cable with a couple of resistors in.

 

[mhardy6647]

Have a look at the Behringer Monitor 1, and just use one channel. £30 in the UK.

Alternatively if you can work out how much attenuation you need, and can solder, you could build an RCA cable with a couple of resistors in.

I.e., a fixed L-pad*

L pad calculator - attenuation dB damping impedance decibel loudspeaker speaker voltage divider - sengpielaudio Sengpiel Berlin

L pad calculator impedance attenuation damping dB decibel loudspeaker speaker voltage divider - Eberhard Sengpiel sengpielaudio

sengpielaudio.com

(taken from the calculator link above)

Know Your L- and T-Pads, September 1967 Radio-Electronics

Potentiometer values are chosen to maintain a fairly constant input and output impedance throughout the attenuation adjustment range.

www.rfcafe.com

_____________
*there are, in fairness & in full disclosure, other constant impedance attenuator topologies, too.

 

[antcollinet]

I.e., a fixed L-pad*

L pad calculator - attenuation dB damping impedance decibel loudspeaker speaker voltage divider - sengpielaudio Sengpiel Berlin

L pad calculator impedance attenuation damping dB decibel loudspeaker speaker voltage divider - Eberhard Sengpiel sengpielaudio

sengpielaudio.com

View attachment 427479
(taken from the calculator link above)

Know Your L- and T-Pads, September 1967 Radio-Electronics

Potentiometer values are chosen to maintain a fairly constant input and output impedance throughout the attenuation adjustment range.

www.rfcafe.com

_____________
*there are, in fairness & in full disclosure, other constant impedance attenuator topologies, too.

I was thinking more about doing it at line level, rather than speaker level. Much smaller resistors needed

(and negligible load dependent FR variation)

 

[mhardy6647]

I was thinking more about doing it at line level, rather than speaker level. Much smaller resistors needed

(and negligible load dependent FR variation)

good point(s)!