SM Pro Audio M-Patch 2.1: Passive Monitor Controller with Subwoofer Connection - Manual (Page 8)

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5. APPLICATION
Using the M-Patch 2.1
You can use M-Patch 2.1 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 potentiometers and mas-
ter attenuator switch, the M-Patch 2.1 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 the M-Patch 2.1 to trim the output level of a Digital
to Analog Converter like those found in high end pre-amplifiers. It is also useful as
a local volume control for distributed audio systems. The possibilities are endless!
Handy applications... The M-Patch 2.1 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 choice is to hook up through an external 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 add 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… Typically you should connect the output
of your soundcard or audio interface to the input of the M-Patch 2.1 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 to the balanced combo con-
nectors, and your soundcards mini-jack output to the stereo 3.5mm AUX input on the
M-Patch 2.1 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!
Connect XLR cables from the outputs of the M-Patch 2.1 to your active monitors or
the amplifier that powers the monitors. Remember you have two (2) output destina-
tions as well as a subwoofer output so if you have two different monitor pairs (near-
field & far field (room speakers)) you can connect one pair to output 1 (L&R), and the
other pair to output 2 (L&R) and share the same sub.
Turn the volume all the way up on your monitors or amplifier, set your software &
software volume control panel to Zero dB, and use the M-Patch 2.1 on your desktop
to control your monitor level.
Simple, effective, transparent!