Computer volume control + powered monitors

[MAJ_T_Baggin]

I am a little confused. Just a little.

I recently bought a pair of M-Audio BX5a powered studio monitors.

I have an auzentech Prelude sound card and currently run the speakers directly from it. In the future I plan to add some form of simple preamp between the computer and speakers to control volume.



Volume control has me puzzled...

Right now the speakers have individual volume controls.

Audio creation mode for the Prelude has a host of volume controls.

There is also a master volume control in Audio Creation Mode.

Music players have independent volume controls too.


Any suggestions on how to handle all of these volume "controls" ?

How about once I get a passive volume control?

I'm mainly curious because I have heard that software volume adjustments cause the output bit rates to change. Maybe someone with more knowledge could explain what actually happens when a software volume control is adjusted.


I appreciate any advice. Thanks.

[Maniac]

In my experience, it would be best if you crank all volume control in computer to 100% for the best sound quality, and use an external volume control like a pre-amp for that purpose.

[warpdriver]

yes...You basically want to max your software controls and let the hardware control the volume.

[MAJ_T_Baggin]

Roger that. Thanks guys.

I guess I am now in the market for some kind of passive preamp volume control thingamajig...

to use a technical term.

[warpdriver]

The cheapest good one I know of is a NHT PVC PC