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Fostex PC-100USB Volume Controller with USB DAC
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- In Stock
- B&H # FOPC100USB
- Mfr# PC-100USB
Product Highlights
- Metal Construction with Rubber Feet
- 16-bit D/A Converter
- High-Quality Volume Knob
- Stereo RCA and USB Connectors
- 3.5mm Mini Headphone Jack
The PC-100USB Volume Controller with USB DAC from Fostex allows you to convert a digital USB audio signal to an analog feed and control the volume when used with a set of powered monitor speakers, such as the PM0.4n, PM0.5n, and others. The controller has a metal construction with rubber feet for secure placement on your desk.
Simply connect the USB connector to your computer and the internal 16-bit digital-to-analog converter will send the computer audio to the controller's stereo RCA output so you can connect your speakers for high-quality reproduction. The high-quality volume knob provides smooth operation and allows you to control the volume of your left and right monitors simultaneously. A 3.5mm mini output is provided for headphone monitoring.
- Durable metal construction with rubber feet for secure placement on your desk
- Converts computer audio received over USB to analog audio that's sent out via RCA connectors for use with a variety of active monitor speakers
- The internal 16-bit digital-to-analog converter provides high-quality transfer of digital computer audio to analog stereo audio
- The high-quality volume knob provides smooth operation and allows you to control the volume of your left and right monitors simultaneously
- A 3.5mm mini output is provided for headphone monitoring
| Bit Rate | 16-bit |
| Sampling Frequencies | 32/44.1/48kHz |
| Output Level | 6dBV |
| Load Impedance |
RCA: 10 kOhms 3.5mm: 32 Ohms or More |
| Headphone Output | 5mW + 5mW (32 Ohm Load, < 0.5% THD) |
| Connectors |
1 x USB Type B Port 1 x Stereo RCA Output (2 Jacks, L/R) 1 x 3.5mm Headphone Jack |
| Power | 5V, 500mA USB Bus Power |
| Power Consumption | 2.5W Max |
| Dimensions (WxHxD) | 2.6 x 1.7 x 2.8" (66 x 44 x 70mm) |
| Weight | 6.7 oz (190g) |
REVIEW SNAPSHOT®
by PowerReviews(based on 6 reviews)
Ratings Distribution
80%
of respondents would recommend this to a friend.
Pros
- Compact (5)
- Durable (4)
- Easy to use (4)
- Good audio (4)
- Lightweight (4)
Cons
Best Uses
- Home studio (3)
- Reviewer Profile:
- Experienced (4)
REVIEWS
Reviewed by 6 customers
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Displaying reviews 1-6
Pros
- Clear Sound
- Compact
- Durable
- Easy To Use
- Lightweight
Cons
Best Uses
- Home Studio
Comments about Fostex PC-100USB Volume Controller with USB DAC:
I wanted an analog volume control knob because I dislike the "dek dek dek" sound my iMac makes when using the keyboard to change listening volumes. The knob turns smoothly without detents so you can get the exact magnitude of volume you want out of your speakers. Very nice!
I have the RCAs hooked to a Lepai LP-2020A+ tripath amp for completely clean and authoratative sound. I've turned the output of my amp up to max and there is absolutely no discernale hum or other extraneous noise which exit the speakers (6.5" bookshelf Dayton Audio B652's). There is indeed a noticable gain in audio quality and clarity. I enjoy my music more now and can hear things that I haven't previously noted.
Pros: knob can be put anywhere on your desktop for improved ergonomics, build quality is nice- feels like a real quality piece of hardware, easily compatible to Apple or Windows OS, comes with cables (!), pleasant green light indicating operation is not obnoxiously bright
Cons: rubber feet sometimes don't grip to tabletop surface and can be knocked around a bit, wish it could DAC up to 24-bit but for my purposes it sounds nice enough as it is
Pros
Cons
Best Uses
Comments about Fostex PC-100USB Volume Controller with USB DAC:
This volume controller is exactly what I needed for my purpose.
Pros
- Clear Sound
- Compact
Cons
Best Uses
- Desktop Monitor
Comments about Fostex PC-100USB Volume Controller with USB DAC:
I was looking for an "analog" volume control knob for my desktop speakers (also Fostex). I originally just wanted the one without USB DAC, but since I was not happy with the sound quality of the USB DAC I was using, I decided to replace the DAC as well. (When you consider the price of this product, it's like getting the DAC for free anyway.)
I was expecting decent quality from Fostex, but still surprised by the build and the sound quality. All metal construction. Very low noise output. The knob has a nice heft to it, and well damped. I remembered how nice to be able to control volume with a flick of a wrist, instead of pushing up/down buttons.
Pros
- Balanced Weight
- Compact
- Durable
- Easy To Use
- Lightweight
- Well build
Cons
- Dimentionless Sound
- Poor Sound Quality
Best Uses
- Very Basic Computer Audio
Comments about Fostex PC-100USB Volume Controller with USB DAC:
I used a USB DAC to replace and improve my lapto's sound card. using the laptop's internal sound with nice monitors (M-audio and Rokit 5) is not too bad, but it has some hum and computer noises. Also , I relly liked teh idea of volumn control, in a reachable place, not through the laptop's miniature controls.
All was good, guild quality is solid, volume control is very nice and smooth, and teh device functions great.
However, listening through speakers, the sound "emptied". it lost it's depth and vibrancy, and not it sounds flat and boring, even with great monitors.
it is much wors than the original laptop sound card, which is surprising. it removed the hums and buzzes, which is good, but it also removed the beauty of the music...
Pros
- Clear Sound
- Compact
- Driverless On Os X
- Durable
- Easy To Use
- Lightweight
Cons
- Limited Functions
Best Uses
- Home Studio
- Performances
Comments about Fostex PC-100USB Volume Controller with USB DAC:
I had been using a Line6 product for years to interface between my Macbook Pro and my studio monitors. I prefer a USB interface because I can use a USB hub and avoid having to use the headphone jack to feed my monitors. My Line6 interface began having issues, either due to age or buggy drivers, so I picked up the Fostex box on sale at B&H.
The Fostex USB box worked right out of the box with OS X 10.8 Mountain Lion. There were no drivers to install, and I have not had a single issue with dropouts or audio glitches yet. All you have to do is hook up the USB and option-click the audio icon in the top right system icon bar and choose the Fostex as the audio output device.
The box is rugged, made out of solid metal, and the knob is pleasantly smooth and accurate. The RCA outputs feed my monitors, and I can plug in some earbuds to the headphone jack if I want
Pros
- Clear Sound
- Compact
- Durable
- Easy To Use
- Lightweight
- Versatile
Cons
Best Uses
- Amateur Recording
- Home Studio
Comments about Fostex PC-100USB Volume Controller with USB DAC:
I use it to bypass factory sound card.
It is not a bad, sounds pretty clear.
However, didn't really amaze me. Only marginally better than on-board sound card.
Displaying reviews 1-6
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