Macbook & the Griffin iMic

[sunseeker888]

Hi, I am using an iMic for my computer system and was wondering what volume level would be ideal on the macbook. (When output is set to USB, the audio/MIDI controller still allows for volume adjustment, which i don't care for.) Should I just set it to max?

I ask because I'll be configuring the system as follows:

Macbook>iMic>Little Dot II++ or MKII

I want to be able to control volume solely through the Little Dot, and leave the mac's volume alone. Would maximum (0dB) introduce some sort of digital clipping?

 

[bigshot]

Maximum should be fine. If you want to be like old timers, you turn it to the maximum and then back off a hair.

See ya
Steve

 

[gilency]

The iMic looks interesting at an unbeatable price. I wonder how it compares to some of the other affordable DAC like the HotUSB1 USB DAC and others. Sunseeker, how do you like it and have you heard any other DACs for comparison? How much better is the sound as opposed as a direct connection from the Mac line out to the amplifier(compared to the Mac internal sound card)?

 

[sunseeker888]

Thanks Bigshot!

Gilency, I just got this device this afternoon. So far it is already better than the internal line-out (which is actually a headphone jack, and not a true line-out). I realize it still needs time to break-in,

but the separation between the channels as well as the air between the instruments have both improved.

It seems that the iMic's line-out is capable of driving my Grado's directly, but they sound a hell of a lot fuller out of the Little Dot's jack.

 

[DefectiveAudioComponent]

Good to hear that the iMic can be useful for something (it is quite useless for my microphones).