Sample Edit preview level (MPC One Gen 2)

Hey,

Is there a software-based solution for controlling raw sample preview volume inside Sample Edit on the MPC One Gen 2?

In Sample Edit / Trim mode, the software bypasses project faders, pad levels, insert FX, and the Main Mixer entirely. This means there is no way to lower the raw waveform playback volume in Trim mode unless I physically reach around and turn down the main volume pot on the back of the unit.

From what I can see, there is no digital preview fader, Q-Link assignment, or dedicated audition level setting for this specific screen. Currently, the only workaround I have is going to Process -> Gain Change, but that permanently alters the audio file for the track view unless I remember to manually undo it every time.

Is there an audition/preview level preference or a dedicated Q-Link shortcut for Trim mode that I am missing in the current OS, or is turning the physical knob/using an external volume controller the only way to manage this?

I keep the main vol knob to max & turn the headphone vol down on mixer or on the unit (Force Phone vol knob). I also have the the vol levels on the samples layers down to like 40 by default & the same for plugin & ext synth MIDI tracks. It's like they kinda want you to do some level mixing ahead of time or maybe I'm doing it wrong...

Is there a specific reason why you keep the physical Master Vol turned all the way up on your setup?

I'm trying to figure out if maxing the main volume actually helps keep the MPC’s internal DAC (Digital-to-Analog Converter) running at full bit-depth, or if that doesn't make a noticeable difference in practice. The idea is that keeping the digital signal maxed prevents losing resolution or dynamic range before it leaves the unit, while also avoiding that balance shift (stereo drift) where the audio leans to one speaker at the bottom of the volume knob.

I'm also really interested in the older analog pots on vintage gear (like the MPC2000XL) and whether those dual-gang pots drifted at the bottom end just like these modern units, or if it's just an unavoidable trait of analog pot design across all generations.

To control my actual listening levels, I run a dual 1/4" TS to single 1/4" TRS splitter cable out of the MPC's L/R main outputs into the 1/4" input jack on a SubZero HC1 passive volume controller downstream. The goal is to keep the raw MPC output strong, though I'm still testing to see if using a passive box like the HC1 introduces any downsides, like shaving off high-end crispness over longer cables.

When you keep your Master Vol maxed out, are you doing it because you feel running the MPC output wide open genuinely preserves the punch and detail of the DAC, or is it mostly just a convenience thing for your gain staging?