Now shipping through Kaysound Imports is the SM Pro Audio M-Patch 2, a compact, desktop/rack-mountable passive volume attenuator and patch control device. Like the original M-Patch, the new M-Patch 2 passively attenuates stereo signals from soundcards, CD players, preamps, and mixers. The unit features balanced combo XLR/TRS input jacks and XLR outputs, RCA and 3.5 mm jack inputs, a mono/stereo summing switch, a mute switch, A/B output pairs, and a built-in stereo headphone amplifier.

According to the manufacturer, one of the benefits of passive volume attenuation is that you no longer have to control volume with your software master volume fader. Because reducing audio levels from software reduces your bit depth and can lead to signal quality loss, it is better to keep your software masters at unity and passively attenuate the audio to your active monitors.

To learn more about the M-Patch 2, visit SM Pro Audio at www.smproaudio.com.