iFi Audio Zen Dac 3... Plug In, World Out!

[ArchDragoon]

Not possible. The DAC's volume control is a physical volume control that only works for its own outputs, it's not possible for it to control Windows' volume that way.

The best way to control Windows' volume control is to use a keyboard that has that as a feature. For example, I have a Razer keyboard that can control playback and volume control in Windows.

That's not what I mean. When using Zen DAC 3 the volume control on Keyboard, or on the Windows just doesn't work. no matter what volume I adjust it to. it look like Zen DAC 3 just bypass it.

 

[sulfuriq]

That's not what I mean. When using Zen DAC 3 the volume control on Keyboard, or on the Windows just doesn't work. no matter what volume I adjust it to it look like Zen DAC 3 just bypass it.

Yes because you are using USB output to your Zen Dac as your output so you only can control the volume from the knob. You have to choose other Sound Output

 

[ArchDragoon]

Yes because you are using USB output to your Zen Dac as your output so you only can control the volume from the knob. You have to choose other Sound Output

TBH this is pretty weird, My Sound Blaster X3 and PHA-2A don't have this limitation.

 

[sulfuriq]

Probably because ifi using its own usb driver so it can " bit-perfect" to your zen dac.

 

[nioh]

Let me clarify this one because I can understand what he's saying.

* IFI's audio output is NOT bit-perfect on Windows
* Windows volume control does not work when Zen DAC3 is connected. This works with all other DACs I have and they are all USB-C. Whether using default driver or IFI's USB driver, it's the same.
* Volume control adjustment works in apps - Browser (Youtube), Apple Music, Qobuz, Spotify etc. It's only the Windows Volume control that is locked which is indeed weird.

I don't fully understand this but I'm guessing the Zen DAC 3 locks the digital volume control in Windows to avoid any issues.

 

[ArchDragoon]

Let me clarify this one because I can understand what he's saying.

* IFI's audio output is NOT bit-perfect on Windows
* Windows volume control does not work when Zen DAC3 is connected. This works with all other DACs I have and they are all USB-C. Whether using default driver or IFI's USB driver, it's the same.
* Volume control adjustment works in apps - Browser (Youtube), Apple Music, Qobuz, Spotify etc. It's only the Windows Volume control that is locked which is indeed weird.

I don't fully understand this but I'm guessing the Zen DAC 3 locks the digital volume control in Windows to avoid any issues.

Yes, the issue is just like what you describe.

 

[sulfuriq]

ASIO routes audio straight to to your audio output. It bypasses Windows, so Windows volume control is unrelated to it.

The same thing if you are using TIDAL

 

[ArchDragoon]

ASIO routes audio straight to to your audio output. It bypasses Windows, so Windows volume control is unrelated to it.

The same thing if you are using TIDAL

Yes, with other DAC or Sound Card it doesn't force to use ASIO like this Zen DAC 3 so... not sure why iFi force this.

 

[Assationater]

Yes, with other DAC or Sound Card it doesn't force to use ASIO like this Zen DAC 3 so... not sure why iFi force this.

With most other dacs, you can still adjust via windows volume control no matter what bit perfect stream, i guess the zen dac 3 is just weird

 

[ArchDragoon]

With most other dacs, you can still adjust via windows volume control no matter what bit perfect stream, i guess the zen dac 3 is just weird

and it has been weird since the V2 https://www.reddit.com/r/iFiaudio/comments/oon83q/ifi_zen_dac_v2_windows_volume_controller/

iFi, what've you been doing?

 

[sulfuriq]

and it has been weird since the V2 https://www.reddit.com/r/iFiaudio/comments/oon83q/ifi_zen_dac_v2_windows_volume_controller/

iFi, what've you been doing?

Nope, since Zen Dac v1 as I'm still using it. My Zen Dac attached to my pc then to my bookshelf active speaker (Fixed) and to my headphone too. I have to control the volume through remote for the speaker.

 

[nioh]

ASIO routes audio straight to to your audio output. It bypasses Windows, so Windows volume control is unrelated to it.

The same thing if you are using TIDAL

You still don’t understand. This has nothing to do with ASIO or bit-perfect output. You can still adjust volume within apps on Windows. Try to change volume on YouTube, it works fine.

 

[nioh]

Anyways found the answer in the above Reddit post. Newer IFI DACs do not implement Software volume control. This is just a limitation of the Zen DAC 3 and other IFI DACs. Let’s move on

 

[sulfuriq]

Anyways found the answer in the above Reddit post. Newer IFI DACs do not implement Software volume control. This is just a limitation of the Zen DAC 3 and other IFI DACs. Let’s move on

Newer? Since when?

 

[nioh]

Newer? Since when?

Ask IFI. That’s the official statement from them.