Achieve passive yet aggressive volume control with the compact SM Pro Audio Nano Patch Plus ($79). This passive volume controller has a seemingly invincible output -- no active circuitry, buffers, transistors, batteries, or power supply of any kind can interfere with the Nano Patch Plus's main passive output.

According to the manufacturer, one of the benefits of passive volume attenuation is that you no longer have to control volume with your software's master volume fader. Reducing levels from your software only reduces the audio bit depth, so it is better to keep your software masters at unity and attenuate the audio to your active monitors with a passive controller. This is where the Nano Patch Plus fits in. When you use this passive controller, you will maintain maximum audio resolution and attenuate your monitoring volume without compromising the integrity of your audio.

Let's look at the main features:

• Compact 2-channel analog passive volume control
• Rotary volume attenuation control
• Mute button
• Transparent operation
• No power required
• 2 x combo inputs (balanced and unbalanced)
• 2 x TRS outputs (balanced and unbalanced)
• 1 x Mini jack input and output

The NP+ comes in your choice of black or silver. For more details, visit the SM Pro Audio Web site.