MOD Dwarf Output Volume: DSP attenuation or analog attenuation?

#1

Hi MOD team,

I have a quick question about the MOD Dwarf output gain staging.

From the wiki and forum posts, I understand that the output stage is actively buffered and safe for both TS and TRS connections. What is still unclear is where the user-adjustable “Output Volume” attenuation actually happens.

At a high level, is the Output Volume:

  • implemented as DSP-level attenuation before the DAC, with a fixed-gain analog output buffer,
    or
  • does it include any form of analog attenuation after the DAC (e.g. VCA or digitally controlled analog attenuator)?

I’m not looking for schematics — just a conceptual clarification to help with proper gain staging and post-Dwarf (post-amp) design.

Thanks in advance.

#2

Hey @Shin.K,

Thanks for your question, and it’s eventually something that I will try to clear out also on the wiki.
I’m not sure if I fully understood the question, yet, the Output Volume control (from here)) happens on a DAC level.
Something like the Pedalboard Out Gain (from here) happens still on a digital level. As well as (obviously) any gain staging from plugins inside the virtual pedalboard.

Does that answer your question?

#3

thanks a lot for the clarification, that answers my question very well.

So to confirm my understanding:

  • The Output Volume control on the screen affects the signal at the DAC level.
  • Pedalboard Out Gain and plugin gain staging are handled purely in the digital domain.
  • The physical output itself is therefore an active line output, not a passive attenuator.

That makes perfect sense, and it helps a lot for proper gain staging when feeding external analog gear.

Thanks again for taking the time to explain this — looking forward to the wiki update as well.

Best regards,
Shin

#4

Great :slight_smile:

On the screen of the MOD Dwarf, yes.

exactly

I guess yes. This here is already a bit out of my scope of knowledge.

Great :slight_smile: I’m happy to help

Yes! On that, I’ve been working on quite a lot of things over there, but these “small gaps” are always hard to find. So I take them case by case and try to understand where the info could better make sense.

#5

Okay…
If I understand correctly, then the Dwarf’s outputs are “Active,” would that be like using an “active” instrument? I’m also trying to adjust my gain structure. I need to understand the “Signal Level” and impedances… So it’s not “Instrument level” but “line level”? If I were to send it to the mixer, would I have to put it in “Line In” or use a “Direct Box”?

I use send/return loops in my signal chain (Pedrone Penta MIDI), and the Dwarf MOD, despite being in the last loop, isn’t always connected to the amplifier. I like to have control and the possibility of having Guitar - Amplifier connected without anyone in between, and inserting pedals and pedalboards into the chain only when necessary.

I also think there’s a lack of technical data and configuration tips for different scenarios.

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#6

Hi Yan,

Yes, the MOD Dwarf outputs are line level, so understanding and managing gain staging is very important depending on what you connect it to.

In my own setup I’m also using send/return loops (Pedrone Penta MIDI), and the Dwarf sits in the last loop but isn’t always connected to the amp. I like keeping the option of Guitar → Amp direct, and only inserting pedals or pedalboards when needed.

Because of that kind of flexible routing, I’d definitely recommend paying close attention to input/output levels and overall signal level management — it makes a big difference when switching between different configurations.

Best,
Shin

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