Umbrella Company / The Fader Control

This is a fader volume controller made by Umbrella Company.

■ Fader Volume Controller, Headphone Amplifier

""Studio Reference Sound with Two Modes of Flexible Control.""

Umbrella Company's ""The Fader Control"" is a comprehensive fader volume controller. It also boasts the capabilities of a studio-reference quality high-fidelity headphone amplifier.

It features two modes, ""Output Mode"" and ""Input Mode,"" flexible control via a microprocessor, and pure, original sound reproduction using ""electronic volume.""



The Fader Control can be used by switching between ""Output Mode"" and ""Input Mode."" In ""Output Mode,"" it functions as a monitor controller for a DAW system or a reference headphone amplifier. In ""Input Mode,"" leveling during recording can be performed using the fader.

While maintaining the comfortable operation of a fader, The Fader Control achieves control using ""electronic volume."" This analog volume control eliminates the problems inherent in traditional analog volume controls: circuit impedance changes due to variable resistors, crackling and gang errors caused by poor contact, and absolutely no change in sound quality with volume. Because there's no variable resistor noise at all, extremely pure and faithful reproduction of the original sound is achieved. It truly delivers a sound worthy of being a reference.

Flexible control via a microprocessor allows access to various convenient functions with just the push of a button, and settings can be memorized and recalled.

■Reference Sound Quality Output Mode

It can be used as a monitor controller for studio reference sound.

Connect it to active speakers or power amplifiers to provide fader-operated volume control functionality. As a studio reference, it possesses the high capability to ""reproduce the original sound 100%."" ??Committed to ""basic performance"" that delivers the original sound exactly as it is to the playback device without any distortion of phase or waveform, it professionally fulfills its role as a completely ""invisible"" monitor amplifier. It features a reference sound quality that vividly captures even the ""expression and dynamic performance of the music.""

Equipped with XLR balanced inputs and outputs, it allows switching between line output and headphone output for monitoring. The microprocessor-controlled functions include essential features for professional monitoring, such as ""REF"" (which recalls a user-set reference level regardless of fader position), ""DIM"" (which memorizes attenuation levels), and ""MUTE"" (which mutes the sound).

■Exceptional Realism of the Headphone Amplifier

In ""Output Mode,"" The Fader Control can be used as a studio-reference quality high-fidelity headphone amplifier.

While The Fader Control is a multifaceted fader volume controller, and the headphone amplifier is part of its functionality, its performance as a standalone headphone amplifier clearly surpasses its price range. It features a pure, high-end reference sound thanks to its ""electronic volume"" configuration.

With smooth fader operation (switchable to HP volume control), this exquisite reference headphone amplifier reproduces not only instrument sounds but also the ambient sound, capturing the full nuances of art.

■ Input Level Adjustment During Recording with Faders

In ""Input Mode,"" real-time level control during recording is possible using the faders. The volume level is digitally specified in 0.125dB steps (precise level setting), while volume changes are analog and stepless (smooth control). It accurately captures the engineer's fingertip information and precisely reproduces the fader position as a volume value. Furthermore, by complementing and controlling the amount of change, it smoothly follows the fader operation. It boasts robust professional basic performance.

In mono operation, two outputs can be simultaneously output at ""variable level"" and ""fixed level,"" useful for backup recording. In stereo operation, it functions as a perfect volume controller with a L/R level error of less than 0.05dB and no gang error.

Furthermore, all function keys in Input Mode require simultaneous pressing to prevent accidental operation, preventing accidents during recording (this mode can be disabled in the settings). You can operate the MONO/STEREO operation switch, MUTE, and SCALE switching function to change the volume level relative to the fader position at 0dB or +10dB.

■ Accurate and Smooth Volume Control

The Fader Control achieves accurate and smooth volume control by digitally controlling analog circuitry with a microprocessor.

● Reads fader position information as analog voltage.

→ Constantly monitors and operates in real time if there is a change.

● The microprocessor processes information on the speed and amount of change.

→ Programmed to connect with fades, resulting in smooth volume changes.

● Outputs volume level as 10-bit digital data.

→ 1024-step resolution, practically stepless.

● Converts digital control data to analog control voltage with a DAC.

→ Precisely expresses differences down to 0.125dB near 0dB.

● Accurately controls the VCA voltage to determine the volume.

→ Accurate level setting, smooth volume adjustment operation.