Topic: question with volume ref level switch

I'm curious to know more about how RME ADI-2 Pro fs controls the volume.
For instance, when adjusting input ref level, two relay clicks will be heard (4->13dbu, and 13->19dbu), while 19->24dbu the device is silent.
The output level will have one click noise from 4->13dbu, but neither 13-> 19 nor 19->24 produce relay noise. A short switch noise could be heard from output device (so probably this is done by electric switch instead?).
Pretty curious to know what actually happens during level adjustment. If electric switch can do the job well, why do we need a relay in certain cases?

2

Re: question with volume ref level switch

'Electric switches' as you call them have limits and might increase THD a bit. In this case (19 to 24) the switch works within the balanced output stage in a way that there is no measurable degradation. The other level switches needed to be relais to not decrease the THD spec.

Regards
Matthias Carstens
RME

Re: question with volume ref level switch

That's very informative! Thanks, MC!