Bottlehead Forum

Bottlehead Kits => Crack => Topic started by: Vonkrumm on July 11, 2018, 01:35:59 AM

Title: Not enough outputs on Focusrite DACs (Or most budget Interfaces)
Post by: Vonkrumm on July 11, 2018, 01:35:59 AM

Hi guys,
I need some help driving my Bottlehead crack...  :-\
Just finished it yesterday, and to my dismay I can't run it!!!

I am using the Focusrite 18i8 below:
*https://us.focusrite.com/usb-audio-interfaces/scarlett-18i8/inputs-and-outputs*

Currently my speakers / monitors are using up the two 1/4 inch jack outputs.
I don't think I can use the S/PDIF, without getting another DAC, but then that kinda defeats the purpose.
Perhaps I can use a 1/4 jack splitter, but then I am worried that sending half the signal to my monitors (at the same time as the RCA on the Crack) won't work?

Other than buying a new DAC / interface, is there any other suggestions you guys can make?
Am I missing something?

Thanks for your help in advanced!!!  :)

Title: Re: Not enough outputs on Focusrite DACs (Or most budget Interfaces)
Post by: Doc B. on July 11, 2018, 04:52:51 AM

The output is rated at +16dBu or 4.89Vrms balanced, which should be way loud thru a Crack even if knocked in half by a splitter. That is assuming your active speakers have a reasonably high input impedance so they don't load the DAC output down.

Title: Re: Not enough outputs on Focusrite DACs (Or most budget Interfaces)
Post by: Tom-s on July 11, 2018, 05:02:50 AM

Your solution will work just fine.
I use my Crack with RCA splitters coming from a DAC, shared connection with a speaker power amp.
No problems whatsoever.

Title: Re: Not enough outputs on Focusrite DACs (Or most budget Interfaces)
Post by: Vonkrumm on July 11, 2018, 04:33:31 PM

That's funny cos I asked the guys at the local music shop about splitting each channel in two, and running two half signals to each of the Crack RCAs (the other 2 x half signals to each of my active monitors).

They just shook their heads and said it wasn't recommended...  :-\
They also tried to sell me a $50 headphone amp instead so probably didn't offer the best guidance.


Anyway thanks for your help guys!!
For each L & R channel I will have a 1/4 jack to 2 x 1/4 jack splitter :)