Wireless Handheld Master Volume/Mute Remote for Hapi DAC Overdue

ajant · Jun 2, 2024

I want to get the Merging Hapi DAC to use with my 3.1 system. https://www.merging.com/products/interfaces/hapi , but has anyone devised a wireless handheld remote that will do master volume/mute for this MCH DAC? When I suggested issuing such a handheld device to Merging support, Rune or another person argued that Hapi is targeted to the pro audio market and who prefer wirED remotes. Really? Then why did Merging bother submitting the Hapi to a leading high end consumer audio online newsletter for review? https://www.stereophile.com/content/merging-hapi-mkii-multichannel-digital-processor

Instead, Rune’s only alternative suggestion was to add the Anubis hardwired interface (> $2K) or opt for the NADAC ($11K!!), rather than the Hapi for thousands less. THAT is their idea of a sensible solution merely for obtaining master volume/mute remote control? Again, Anubis is a wirED box and with tons of features I’ll never need. I’ve received better customer support from Amazon and Walmart.

JRiver will be my Windows player of choice but I’d rather not use that JRemote app, as my iPhone 7+ is 3” too wide and heavy for my small hands to fumble with. A simple master volume/mute wireless remote-like we've had forever with DVD/BD players-can't be asking too much by now.

Meanwhile, will I lose resolution by using the up/down keys on my wireless keyboard to control the Hapi's master volume via JRiver? If no, then what Windows or other drivers must be installed-AND where-to ensure lossless audio attenuation via keyboard?

Kal Rubinson · Jun 2, 2024

ajant said:
Really? Then why did Merging bother submitting the Hapi to a leading high end consumer audio online newsletter for review? https://www.stereophile.com/content/merging-hapi-mkii-multichannel-digital-processor

This is false. I bought the HAPI and, as I did, I suggested a review to my Editor. He agreed.

ajant said:
Instead, Rune’s only alternative suggestion was to add the Anubis hardwired interface (> $2K) or opt for the NADAC ($11K!!), rather than the Hapi for thousands less. THAT is their idea of a sensible solution merely for obtaining master volume/mute remote control? Again, Anubis is a wirED box and with tons of features I’ll never need. I’ve received better customer support from Amazon and Walmart.

"Hapi is targeted to the pro audio market." How many HAPIs do you think they sell to audiophiles?

ajant said:
Meanwhile, will I lose resolution by using the up/down keys on my wireless keyboard to control the Hapi's master volume via JRiver? If no, then what Windows or other drivers must be installed-AND where-to ensure lossless audio attenuation via keyboard?

I have no idea what your wireless keyboard is but, when I tried that, nothing was required other than the normal communications between keyboard and host. As for resolution, the operation is just the same as with adjusting volume in Jriver.

BTW, if all you want is volume up/down, there are many cheap-and-cheerful hand-held RCS available on the Internet that will work. Here's one that I have:

ajant · Jun 8, 2024

Kal Rubinson said:
"Hapi is targeted to the pro audio market." How many HAPIs do you think they sell to audiophiles?

I don't know, though perhaps IF the cost and sound quality were comparable, probably more than from Motu, miniDSP and Prism., as many use MCH DACs for active crossovers and/or surround sound.

Kal Rubinson said:
I have no idea what your wireless keyboard is but, when I tried that, nothing was required other than the normal communications between keyboard and host. As for resolution, the operation is just the same as with adjusting volume in Jriver.

Logitech MK

Kal Rubinson said:
As for resolution, the operation is just the same as with adjusting volume in Jriver.

That is, no resolution loss via my keyboard, whether its controlling JRiver player's volume or the Hapi's master volume?

Kal Rubinson said:
BTW, if all you want is volume up/down, there are many cheap-and-cheerful hand-held RCS available on the Internet that will work. Here's one that I have:

But it that wireless remote volume control also imposes no resolution loss then why use this wired one, which you at least imply here that you're not very happy with? Wouldn't the handheld one let you volume adjust and mute faster and easier than the wired USB remote? https://yabb.jriver.com/interact/index.php/topic,135523.msg939054.html#msg939054

Kal Rubinson · Jun 8, 2024

ajant said:
Logitech MK

Should be fine. I used a Logitech K400 Plus TV model.

ajant said:
That is, no resolution loss via my keyboard, whether its controlling JRiver player's volume or the Hapi's master volume?

1. It can control only Jriver. There is no access to the Hapi.
2. This is gnarly but, technically, there is always a loss with digital volume controls as one is deleting data. OTOH, JRMC does this at 64bits and is inaudible.

ajant said:
But it that wireless remote volume control also imposes no resolution loss then why use this wired one, which you at least imply here that you're not very happy with? Wouldn't the handheld one let you volume adjust and mute faster and easier than the wired USB remote?

That RC is really small and the buttons are tiny! Although it works perfectly and adjusts volume in the same way as the big knob, it is, ergonomically, a pain in the ass to use. If you find a similar one that is much bigger (and much simpler), let me know.

ajant · Jul 28, 2024

Kal Rubinson said:
That RC is really small and the buttons are tiny! Although it works perfectly and adjusts volume in the same way as the big knob, it is, ergonomically, a pain in the ass to use. If you find a similar one that is much bigger (and much simpler), let me know.

Looks like your keyboard is better suited for the Hapi than my Logitech K270. https://www.logitech.com/en-us/products/keyboards/k400-plus-touchpad-keyboard.920-007119.html Did you program it in any special way for quicker and more positive master volume/MUTE control of the Hapi?

ajant · Jul 28, 2024

What would scare-no terrify me if not for wearing ear plugs + these
https://www.hellbergsafety.com/products/hearing-protection/passive/E0023-secure_1_headband/184174 throughout much of the initial hookup-about using straight 8 channel DACs like the Hapi or Convert-8 (still undecided) rather than processors from Anthem (and all of what it has that I don't need) was your direct connection of those Benchmark beasts of yours to the Hapi outputs.

Without using, say, a balanced passive preamp (which IIRC you'd rather avoid even those) to ensure that the Hapi's output voltages were dialed down, if you had (mistakenly?) already connected the amps to the speakers-and even if you had checked the Hapi interface to ensure that all trimmers were at zero-would you not at least have been wearing firmly seated ear plugs?

Excuse any apparent paranoia, but if it's not too much trouble please describe your steps for doing that Hapi/amplifier/speaker hookup safely.

Kal Rubinson · Jul 28, 2024

ajant said:
Excuse any apparent paranoia, but if it's not too much trouble please describe your steps for doing that Hapi/amplifier/speaker hookup safely.

Assiduous visible observation of Jriver's gain setting before hitting "Play."

ajant · Jul 28, 2024

Kal Rubinson said:
Assiduous visible observation of Jriver's gain setting before hitting "Play."

Yes, of course, long after you made all of the system connections. But during the hookup process, did you first power on the Hapi and ensure that all trimmers were at zero? Then connected the powered OFF amps, with no speakers connected. Yes?

Any other hardware and/or software steps/procedures to prevent ultra loud accidents?

Kal Rubinson · Jul 29, 2024

ajant said:
Yes, of course, long after you made all of the system connections. But during the hookup process, did you first power on the Hapi and ensure that all trimmers were at zero? Then connected the powered OFF amps, with no speakers connected. Yes?

Any other hardware and/or software steps/procedures to prevent ultra loud accidents?

Nope. If there's nothing playing, why would there be accidents?

Wireless Handheld Master Volume/Mute Remote for Hapi DAC Overdue

ajant

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ajant

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Kal Rubinson

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ajant

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