Benchmark DAC1 or Coleman Audio TB3?

[toneski]

I would appreciate any advice you guys can give on this. I want to control the level from my monitors, (Dynaudio BM6a's). Currently I have a small mixer, (Soundcraft Spirit Folio F1 16/2), that has the outputs of my 192 going into it that controls the volumne level of my monitors. I am working at 96KHZ. I normally mix in the box and have the two channels of audio go through the mixer and then to the monitors, primarily to control the output to the monitors. I feel that the mixer does muddy the audio and was considering getting a controller like the Coleman TB3, however there is the option of getting a Benchmark DAC1 which would have its own D/A convertors, (are they any better than the 192 convertors?), which would then also control the output level to the monitors. Which option would you guys go for?

Many thanks,
Tony

Protools HD3
192
G5 2.7GHZ

[Stig Eliassen]

I bought the DAC1 a while back, and I'm very satisfied with it. Before that I used a Yamaha 01V with an AES/EBU option card installed, with the speakers connected to the Yamaha monitor out. Quite a difference, and I love the stepped level control at the front.

Never heard the Coleman...

[guitar012001]

Hi toneski,
I've been using a Benchmark DAC-1 since 2003! It's a phenominal DA converter with great digital input connections. The new one even has a USB input and 192khz capabilites! I currently have my Digi 192 I/O feeding into it via AES/EBU, my G5's feeding in via lightpipe, and my CD player feeding in via SPDF. This allows me to compare tracks to my mix via Toast, CD player, and Pro Tools via the flick of a switch that's at arm's reach. I have the analog outs patched into my dbx Driver Rack, (which I use to calibrate my monitor levels for each set of my monitors) then I patch the main outs of the Drive Rack into the Mackie Big Knob so that I can select between 3 sets of monitors connected to it when I'm tracking. However, when mixing, mastering, and critical listening, I patch the DAC-1 analog outs directly into the Drive Rack and out of the drive rack to whatever monitors that I want to mix with. I do this because I've made "calibration marks" on the face of the DAC-1 for mixing and mastering levels. I understand that Benchmark is offering the 192khz upgrade for a small fee and quick turnaround, which I'm thinking about doing since mine is only 96khz. Most of my work is 24bit, 48khz anyway but having the 192khz capability has to have some benefit especially with better DA conversion.

Randy
www.reflectiveproductionsandrecording.com

[pmklein]

If you can afford it, you should check out the Dangerous Music stuff. They have a couple of monitoring pieces. Top shelf. And they include a world-class D-A in the unit.
www.dangerousmusic.com

[toneski]

Many thanks to you all for your replies and advice. Anymore advice will be gratefully accepted.

Tony