I try to keep nominal digital gain at -20 dBfs throughout all the digital processing stages, xovers and EQ's etc.
Then, after those processing stages, attenuate digitally just prior to DA conversions.
If the digital processing is 24 bit or higher and floating point, I'm completely happy with a lot of digital attenuation just prior to DA conversion.
SNR and dynamic range, remain outstanding, ime.
Only time analog attenuation is needed, is when final post-processing digital attenuation is simply too extreme.... like needing -30 to -40dB or more.
(and only happens with kick-*** speaker/amps 😀).
If that's the case, just cut back amps' analog input sensitivity (available on most pro-amps, which makes gain structure life very easy)
Then, after those processing stages, attenuate digitally just prior to DA conversions.
If the digital processing is 24 bit or higher and floating point, I'm completely happy with a lot of digital attenuation just prior to DA conversion.
SNR and dynamic range, remain outstanding, ime.
Only time analog attenuation is needed, is when final post-processing digital attenuation is simply too extreme.... like needing -30 to -40dB or more.
(and only happens with kick-*** speaker/amps 😀).
If that's the case, just cut back amps' analog input sensitivity (available on most pro-amps, which makes gain structure life very easy)