8
Application
5. APPLICATION
5.1 Using the M-Patch
You can use M-Patch anywhere you want to trim the amount of gain; ie, reduce the volume of
analog audio signals. For example, you could use one to trim the output of a microphone pre-
amplifier. With its high-quality potentiometer, the M-Patch passes signal more accurately, and
sounds better than most built-in volume controls. Another use might be to trim the levels of a 5.1
or greater multi-channel monitor system -- either one pair of channels, or two, or all of them. You
can also use a M-Patch to trim the output level of a Digital to Analog Converter like those found
in high end pre-amplifiers. Or as a local volume control for distributed audio systems. The possi-
bilities are endless.
Handy applications..
The M-Patch is great for those times when you prefer to monitor directly from the outs on your
sound card or audio interfaces main outputs directly to your monitors. When your monitors are on
they are normally extremely loud. As a result, you may become a bit frustrated as the volume is
often simply too high to be comfortable. Your only choices is to either hook up through an exter-
nal mixer and attenuate the signal or to attenuate the signal in the computer outputs, thereby
degrading your bit-levels. Neither solution is completely satisfying. Mixers adds color to the signal
and reducing the digital output in the computer will compromise the fidelity of your audio.
Simple steps for your home workstation:
1.
Typically you should connect the output of your soundcard or audio interface to the input of the
M-Patch using RCA, TRS or XLR jacks. You could also connect multiple connections at the same
time if required. For example, connect the outputs of your audio interface (eg Digidesign MBox)
to the balanced combo connectors, and your soundcards minijack output to the stereo 3.5mm
AUX input on the M-Patch. You could also connect your CD or other line level device to the AUX
RCA inputs. This enables you to level balance two input sources by passive attenuation!
2.
Connect XLR cables from the outputs of the M-Patch to your active monitors or the amplifier
that powers the monitors. Remember you have two (2) output destinations so if you have two dif-
fent monitor pairs (nearfield & far field (room speakers)) you can connect one pair to output 1
(L&R), and the other pair to output 2 (L&R).
3.
Turn the volume all the way up on your monitors, software & software volume control panel, or
amplifier and use the M-Patch on your desktop to control your monitor level. Simple, effective,
transparent.
Controlling the M-Patch:
- Use the input selector switch on the front panel to select which input source you wish to listen
to (main or Aux inputs).
- Use the Mute switch when required. Great for powering down without pops, or muting without
changing your level control and forgetting exactly where you were.
- Use the Mono/Stereo switch if you want to sum the stereo signal to mono for testing.
- Use the Output selector to select output 1 or 2 for listening. Great to A/B listen between near-
field and far-field monitors pairs.
