Hello
The RME can be configured for a +4dBu max output level, which of course lowers its noise compraed to its +19dBu mode.
IIRC the Motu output level is around +20dBu, and the output elvel can only be adjusted in the digital domain (a big step back compared to previous models, that the better DAC chip does not compensate for).
Did you compare the RME in +19dBu mode with the motu?
Hello
I think that the switch for +4dBu and +19dBu is only in the new PROfs card (the old is fixed 19dBu?) but anyway I've set the output volume at the maximum possible level
I don't know for the UltraLite, but the 24Ao sure seemed more noisy than many other DACs I have tried, compared to its output level (S/N), and what I heard was not uncorrelated random noise...
Something like this?
MOTU
In any case a +20dBu DAC with a +26dB gain amp and a compression driver is calling for trouble
What you can do is introduce some form of analog volume reduction along the line: either between the amp and dac (a passive reduction like an xlr pad should work given the amp has a buffer), or between the amp and compression driver (lpad, or an autoformer).
I know, I know... You too, don't you? I'm waiting some components to build a cheap multichannel stepped attenuator that can solve a lot of problems, I hope... or I can sell the Motu and buy an Okto dac8...
I have the nc500mp and I don't want to break the warranty.I guess you could also try removing the buffer on your nc500 build and see if that works well with your DAC
Anyway thanks for replying
Fabio
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