SF_Green
When you use the software mixer to turn down the volume you actually reduce the bit depth of the audio.

With 24bit audio this is completely irrelevant, and it's not even close.

This volume controller is a big help for me since my interface is not within reach and the master volume knob on it is so small. It's been a pain using the software. There's is always a solution to everyone's situation. 

drewfx1

SF_Green
When you use the software mixer to turn down the volume you actually reduce the bit depth of the audio.

With 24bit audio this is completely irrelevant, and it's not even close.

I'm glad you chimed in on this one.. If it were true then one would think any software developer worth their salt would warn us not to use any of our digital controls.. It's like telling me I should not use the levels on my 01v   :?

Back in the day, before the loudness wars, these devices were quite popular.  We used to call them, "Volume Controls".  For example, if we wanted our music to be a bit louder, instead of 100:1 ratio compression followed by brick wall limiting, we could *turn a dial* and the music would become louder!  Such devices were viewed as a form of witchcraft and so were effectively banned and fell from public knowledge for many years.  But a few were entrusted with this secret knowledge, an underground society which kept the 'potential ohm meter' alive, passing it on from generation to generation by word of mouth and an hieroglyphic form of electrical circuit diagram.  Those highest in the order must have deemed that humanity, once again, is ready to be entrusted with this most sacred of controls.

 
http://www.jblpro.com/ProductAttachments/nanopatchplus_JBL_manual_090215.pdf
 

this is a toy.
 
if thinking about a monitor controller, get one with at least two inputs (to be able to listen to your references CDs via your studio monitors) and outputs for 2 speakers ...

I got one of these in a JBL deal when I purchased some JBL monitors it was thrown in with a package deal free along with some hi quality cables. I thought it would be some gimmicky monitor control box that I would try and then throw aside. I was surprised how valuable it became to me in "my" workflow. I have it sitting on my desk and use it constantly as a volume controller and quick mute. More efficient for me than reaching for my interface volume all the time, kind of like a mini Mackie Big Knob, same concept with a few less features. I was actually looking to get the Mackie before I got this, but this is serving the purpose for me.
Would I have bought this alone, if it didn't come bundled with the monitors (before I had tried it)? Probably not. Would I purchase this at the right sale price now that I know how  extremely useful it is for "my" workflow? Yes I would.