Node USB Digital out: effect of volume control

Answered

William Heck

• August 31, 2023 16:33

I'm using the Node as a streamer with digital out to my processor/preamp. Until now, I've been using the coax (S/PIDF) output, but it would be more convenient to use the USB digital out. I've tried it, it works, but the output volume control engages, i.e, I don't have the fixed output option. Looking through previous posts, that's likely because my processor appears to the Node as a DDC, not a DAC. 

So here's my question: does using USB digital output with the volume control set to 0db (full volume, the default) output the identical digital stream as having fixed output? That is, if the volume control is showing up, does that engage any other processing, such as resampling or DAC/ADC reconversion?

My goal is to have the unprocessed digital output that's being sent from the source (the stream) passing straight through the Node without any processing, which would be identical to fixed output.

BTW, I'm *not* using a DDC to correct supposed errors or jitter or whatever. The processor/preamp is a fully digital unit that does room correction. That requires upsampling, which is why it appears to the Node as a DDC rather than a DAC. If the Node is unavoidably processing the digital output stream, I'll figure out a way to stay with coax output instead of USB. 

Thanks in advance for any info!

1

• Official comment

  

  Tony W.

  Product Support Manager

  • August 31, 2023 18:01

  HI William

  does using USB digital output with the volume control set to 0db (full volume, the default) output the identical digital stream as having fixed output?

  Yes Max variable volume is Fixed Volume

   That requires upsampling, which is why it appears to the Node as a DDC

  If it is upsampling, it is by definition performing a digital-to-digital conversion. The NODE DAC is still not being used, but you likely gain no advantage to using USB over COAX,
  
  In the end, regardless of what you see, trust your ears and go with what sounds best to you.
• 

  William Heck

  • August 31, 2023 19:06

  Hi Tony, thanks for the confirmation on that point.

  It's really a matter of convenience as to which input I use. For one of my sources, I can only use coax, so I would like to use USB for the device for which I have a choice. 

  And I seriously doubt that I could tell any difference in sound between the inputs anyway -- more of a theoretical concern, as in not wanting to *potentially* degrade the results. So long as the max variable is the same as fixed, even that potential is removed. (I'm already sure that the fixed volume, i.e., unprocessed in any way, digital stream from any of the outputs running is identical.)

  Now back to listening to some music!

  1
• 

  Tony W.

  Product Support Manager

  • August 31, 2023 19:10

  Glad to hear sir!

   

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