Topic: Digital gain reduction quality in HDSP 9632
I own the HDSP 9632 soundcard and I'm about to hook up a pair of active monitors to it. My plan is to set the monitor volume controls to the highest volume I'll need with the HDSP mixer set at ~0 dB. I'll then control volume straight from the HDSP mixer panel. But my question is, how about the quality of the digital gain reduction in the 9632 compared to an external analog controller (not taking into account the impracticality of using a mouse)?
What I've read on the internet: reducing gain in the digital domain (as opposed to on external analog controller) can cause bit depth loss. Someone said however that it's an "audiophile myth" because the bit loss is beyond the hearing capability of humans. And thirdly, I've read the amount of bit loss depends on how well the gain reduction is implemented in the digital interface (sounds logical).
I was considering a passive volume control to put in between but all of the better ones are too pricey (and I only need one volume with no other gimmicks) - plus there have been reports of uneven channel levels at low volumes, sound coloration, channels dying after a few months etc. quality issues. I know it's not as handy to use the HDSP mixer panel but it sounds far better than buying a so-so analog volume control.
I'd really like to hear any ideas because it's time to start thinking about all the cables and stuff I'll need. HeadScratch