This level-control product has been marketed in several configurations which are all basically the same function (stereo volume attenuation) but offering different input-output wiring. In this review I’m looking at the model with XLR balanced input and output connections.
The Level Pilot X is a passive stereo volume control (an attenuator, a gadget made to reduce signal level electrically). It has a weighted, analog, metal knob which lets you reduce the signal level in a stereo, balanced circuit (you can also use just one circuit for a mono fader function). A single cable feeds from the knob to the breakout-end where you’ll find standard XLR input and output connectors on a pigtail style cable end.
The Level Pilot is extremely close to being a straight-thru piece of wire (not affecting your sound) when it is UP All The Way. If you turn it down (reduce the signal level) you might notice a tiny bit of high frequency roll off happening depending on your cabling and installation (it’s a forum debate topic). Both channels (L and R) are reduced simultaneously when you turn the knob to lower level positions.
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| Ready for Installation |
OVERVIEW
The TC Electronic Level Pilot X was designed for desktop use with active studio monitors. It features balanced XLR connectors (2x female inputs and 2x male outputs) and uses a high-quality Bourns potentiometer for precise control. It requires no external power and is fully balanced to maintain signal integrity.
INPUT IMPEDANCE
The official user manual and product specifications do not explicitly state a numerical value for the input impedance. As a passive device with balanced XLR inputs, its input impedance is designed to be compatible with standard pro audio line-level sources (typically 600 Ω outputs from audio interfaces or mixers). In practice, passive attenuators like this one present a high input impedance (likely in the range of 10kΩ to 20kΩ per leg in a balanced configuration) to minimize loading on the source and avoid signal degradation or frequency response issues.
This design ensures:
- Low insertion loss at maximum volume (practically 0 dB attenuation).
- No added noise or coloration, as confirmed in measurements.
For optimal performance, keep cable runs short (the included 1.8 m quad-core cable helps) to prevent high-frequency roll-off due to impedance mismatches in passive circuits.
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Specification |
Details |
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Connectors |
Inputs: 2x XLR female (balanced) Outputs: 2x XLR male (balanced) Cable: Quad-core, 1.8 m (6 ft) |
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Volume Range |
-∞ to 0 dB |
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Potentiometer |
High-quality stereo, fully balanced Bourns potentiometer |
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Power Requirements |
None (passive) |
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Dimensions (H x W x D) |
51 x 60 x 60 mm (2 x 2.4 x 2.4 in) |
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Weight |
0.4 kg (0.9 lbs) |
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Finish |
Sandblasted aluminum with rubberized base |
USING THE LEVEL PILOT - Setting Levels Correctly
One of the most obvious uses is controlling the volume of active monitor speakers. The compact knob design lets you have the volume control right next to you if that is where you want it. The Level Pilot is designed to have a great feel, the weighted base helps keep it in place.
The correct “normal” setting for the Level Pilot knob is wide-open or all the way up. You’ll want to use the indivdual input gain knobs on your studio monitors so that they’re making “reference volume level” when the Level Pilot is at maximum. All the way UP is where the knob has the minimum impact on volume and tone.
OTHER APPLICATIONS - Volume Fade Out
I usually mix outside the box, the stereo output from my console-system feeds a couple of Tascam recorders. Usually one is set to encode mp3 and the other, a DA3000, is set to 24/192 high resolution. The external recorders are fed from a Coleman TC-4 where various bus processors can be inserted. I have one of these TC Level Pilots in the patch bay so I can put it in the 4th (last place) processor slots on the Coleman. This lets me use the Level Pilot to control the fade out on the way to the stereo recorders. The vintage tube compressors and EQP master equalizers add low level residual noise, I put the Level Pilot after everything else in the signal path and do the final fade out by hand using the Level Pilot. I’ve used the Coleman TC-4 to listen for any degradation caused by the Level Pilot and have not heard any yet.
EPILOGUE
In my studio experience the TC Level Pilot pots have not been long lasting. After one to two years of daily use the pot inside seems to develop a static sort of noise, especially at lower level positions. The complete XLR TC Level Pilot device is priced under $50, I now have a spare in stock so if one goes bad I can swap it with a new one without waiting for a delivery or running into a backorder. $25/year is an acceptable maintenance cost and swapping one of these out is so easy my GF just changed out the one in the bedroom. I have three of these in regular use; in my small studio, the big room and our bedroom where we use a Level Pilot to control the movie screen sound system. I love the analog feel of “The Knob”, it’s smooth, it’s compact, it is fast and easy to use and it works great.
Thanks for reading High on Technology, Good Music To You!
©September 2025 by Mark King, it is not ok to copy or quote without written permission from the author.
Here, we just call it “The Knob”, it is so much smoother than an IR remote for controlling volume. Have you created anything beautiful today. . . . . . . . .
