I have a new Ultra that I’m running through an external DAC through USB. The volume is extremely low. If I use the internal DAC and use line out, the volume is fine. I’ve tested the DAC with another cable, etc, and it seems fine. My WiiM volume is set to 100% and I can find no other settings that might affect the volume through USB. Any ideas? Thanks!
USB out - extremely low volume
- Thread starter Rjar
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- wiim ultra
If you do not use EQ, you ought to set Fixed Volume Output checked in the Audio Settings. I see you indicate that but I suggest you review your settings. Do you have any volume settings/volume control in your external DAC?
I don’t use EQ and do have Fixed Volume Output checked on. The external DAC doesn’t have any controls. Thanks for your reply!
Ok, have you used that DAC with a different digital source and the result was different?
I haven’t. Though I do know other people use this DAC with WiiM Ultras and don’t have this issue. I will look into options for further testing. The DAC has USB inout only and my other possible source devices have optical and coax outputs.
What connection are you plugging your Dac into, presumably you are controlling the volume on that device as well.
The volume on the WiiM streamer is set to 100%. The DAC has no volume control. The amp (Bryston) also has volume control. So, I use the amp for volume. Using the Wiim’s internal DAC, the volume is fine. But using the external it is very quiet even when the amp is at full volume.
Ok, head scratching moment, what make/model DAC is it that you are using?
This is an SMSL PO100 AK. I know (from reviews) that other Ultra users use this successfully.
If the Ultra's output is set to 100% (volume and Volume Limit in Audio Settings) its output is bit-perfect. This includes no alteration of volume.
In this case, the cause must be further down the chain.
PS:
While you're at it, also check the Pre-Gain settings on the Audio Input page of your WiiM Ultra.
In this case, the cause must be further down the chain.
PS:
While you're at it, also check the Pre-Gain settings on the Audio Input page of your WiiM Ultra.
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That’s my thought as well. I’m guessing the SMSL DAC (next in chain) is defective. The next device is a Bryston amp that works we’ll.
Please also check the pre-gain settings, just to be on the safe side. I was too slow editing my own post.
Pregain is flat at 0db. I can see if this makes a difference.
Thanks for the thought!
Following this thread because the USB ouput on my new Wiim Ultra is behaving in the same manner (super low volume). I have recently used the USB in on my DAC (SMSL M500) with an iPad Mini (lightning to USB B cable), and it worked great, so I am assuming the issue is with the Ultra.
Are you aware of what "super low volume" means regarding a digital signal? It doesn't mean that the signal level is low ...
Huh? That's what I meant, in any case. In case it's not clear: When the optical out is used, the volume of the music coming out of my speakers is as loud as one would might expect (compared to other sources I've had in the system). When the USB out is used and everything else is the same, the volume of the music coming out of my speakers is much much lower, like, a third of the volume using the optical out.
I don't question that. I just want to make sure you understand that the volume of a digital signal is contained within the signal itself. It has nothing to do with the output voltage of the digital output interface.
In the digital domain, volume control is a bit shifting operation. It takes active signal processing for a digital signal to become lower in volume. This doesn't happen just by chance and certainly not because of defective hardware. It could be a configuration problem or a software bug, of course.
It's probably best you send feedback to WiiM from within the WiiM Home app, so they can analyse the device logs.
Ok. I don't really mind all that much, since the performance that I'm getting through the optical out is fantastic, and I'm really loving the Wiim Ultra for many reasons. I just figured it would be nice if I could also have the USB be an option, in case future me needed/wanted the extra input option.
Let WiiM know about your issue through the feedback function in the WiiM Home app anyway. Should there be a software glitch they need user input (including the device logs) to analyse it.
I just did that. Cheers.
