hmmm...

I know that there is quality loss such as less dynamics, depth,... when lowering volume of sound card via the TotalMix of the sound card... digitally, pre DA... yes?

So, what I mean to ask is:

Is there a quality (bit rate, depth...) change when you change these Input Level, Output Level, and Phones level settings...

   Phones:
      0dB
     -6dB
     -12dB

Input Level:
     Lo Gain
     +4  dBu
     -10 dBu

Output Level:
     Hi Gain
    +4  dBu
    -10 dBu

I have problem especially with phones... when I use monitors I can lower the gain on them, beacuse of the TotalMix 0dB...

But these Phones settings is only way to lower the phones output... and with both the totalmix and dsp settings odb, its too loud...

Thx
Milos

Thank you very much Jeff,

from manual:

24.2 Line Outputs

"To maintain an optimum level for devices connected to the analog outputs, the HDSP 9632
internally uses hi-quality electronic switches, which allow for a perfect adaptation of all outputs
to the three most often used studio levels."

24.1 Line Inputs

"One of the main issues when working with an AD-converter is to maintain the full dynamic
range within the best operating level. Therefore the HDSP 9632 internally uses hi-quality electronic
switches, which allow for a perfect adaptation of all inputs to the three most often used
studio levels."

I guess that these "electronic switches" are there to change levels without changing the bit depth... and overall quality of the signal, relatively speaking... yes?

thx
Milos