Sounds as though running fixed ref for a specific voltage would be the simple way forward in my case.
As for calculating the voltage:
- Volume is shown in dBr is somewhat of an open scale, where the reference value is implied. In this case, we can assume the reference value is the user-set Ref Level. So with ref level of 13 dBu, and a volume of -4.5 dBr, we have an output of 8.5 dBu (13 - 4.5 = 8.5).
Nearly nailed. The reference is the max level available at the respective output, +19 dBu at XLR, +13dBu at RCA. If the user sets a ref level there is no dBr anymore, the unit will show dB as volume/gain value.
It would be more easy to understand having a unit
The user sets a ref level, the volume is shown as dB and relates to that specific ref level.
If I understand him correctly. There are two modes.I read the manual before I posted. So the thing I got wrong was about the ref level, since it is auto set instead of user-set, then? Why not just say that?
I think what he meant was in user set mode, it doesn't show dBr but only dB.That's what I thought too, which is the behavior I initially described.
Ok so it caps at a set dB number. I get the logic.Correct. But showing dBFS would be wrong. This is a volume setting, means gain control, from +6 dB down to -97 dB, not a digitally measured level.
I forget who asked to see a real headphone load versus dummy load so here it is:
View attachment 16962
As with my previous tests of Benchmark DAC3 and ADI-2 Pro, there is significant degradation in low frequencies due to reverse EMF current from the headphone driver getting strong.
Note that the above is at low output level (1 volt) and with double the bandwidth of the dashboard. As such, THD+N is much lower even with the dummy load (33 ohm).
On the plus side, the ruler flat response is impressive with dummy load. There is no frequency dependent components.