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Mackie Big Knob Passive Studio Monitor Controller (Gray)

BH #MABKPSMC • MFR #BIG KNOB PASSIVE
Mackie Big Knob Passive Studio Monitor Controller (Gray)
Key Features
  • 2x2 Monitor Controller
  • Two Sources and Two Monitor Pairs
  • Classic Big Knob Volume Control
  • Mono, Mute, and Dim Functions
The gray Mackie Big Knob Passive is a monitor controller that allows you to choose between two audio sources and two monitor pairs. It can be used in project and professional studios and is designed to increase your workflow for recording and mixing applications.
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Mackie Big Knob Overview

  • 1Description
  • 2Professional Source and Monitor Selection
  • 3Helpful Features for Project Studios
  • 4Professional Production Content
  • 5DAW Essentials Collection

The gray Mackie Big Knob Passive is a monitor controller that allows you to choose between two audio sources and two monitor pairs. It can be used in project and professional studios and is designed to increase your workflow for recording and mixing applications.

It features mono, mute, and dim functions and delivers pristine audio quality. Built with the classic Big Knob volume control, it is designed with a passive audio path, which requires no power supply. The Big Knob Passive studio monitor controller is sturdy and has a built-like-a-tank design.

The Big Knob Passive features a download for Waveform software and the DAW Essentials Collection, which includes 16 contemporary FX plugins including EQ, Compression, Delay, Limiter, Flanger, and more. To authorize the software, simply input the mixer's serial number on the website.

Professional Source and Monitor Selection
  • Choose between two sources and two monitor pairs
  • Classic Big Knob volume control
  • Mono, mute, and dim functions
Helpful Features for Project Studios
  • Flexible source connections including convenient 3.5mm input for your smartphone
  • 1/4" inputs and outputs support balanced or unbalanced connections
  • Passive design requires no power source
Professional Production Content
The DAW Essentials Bundle for Waveform OEM includes 16 powerful plugins like Equalizer, Compressor, Reverber8, and Limiter

DAW Essentials Collection
  • Introducing a collection of 16 contemporary FX plugins for use with any DAW. Utilizing the very latest algorithms and coding techniques, the plugins feature extraordinary sound quality in an extremely efficient package, allowing the plugins to be used liberally across a wide range of native computer systems
    • Equalizer: Allows you to sculpt and mix your frequencies. With an integrated analyzer, you can quickly identify areas of the frequency range and deploy the configurable 8 bands for precision adjustments. With up to ±30 dB gain, various shapes and ‘Q’ for each band there are ample capabilities for even the most demanding mix engineer
    • Compressor: Full featured mono/stereo side chain compressor is designed to be absolutely transparent even under the most demanding dynamic crushing scenarios. The compressor can be switched into expander mode for further versatility along with the side chain with dedicated filter and soft-clip function
    • Reverber8: High-quality reverb plugin. Produces a pristine, highly configurable solution that could challenge the finest convolution reverbs, yet be efficient enough to be used throughout a mix with confidence
    • Delay Studio: Build complex multi-tap delay lines for ultra-creative results or build classic dub style FX or go further into full sound design mode, crafting evolving and expressive soundscapes
    • Stereo Delay: Fast and creative stereo delay with a distilled set of controls that can quickly add expressive stereo delay effects. Tempo synchronization, filters, crossfeed,  and feedback come together to handle a wide range of stereo delay effects
    • Tape Delay: Classic tape delay effect with tape emulation features such as wow/flutter
    • Crossover: Allows you to separate frequency bands for downstream processing. Especially useful in environments such as T7’s ‘racks’ the crossover can be used to create frequency limited outputs
    • Limiter: Simple, fast, and extremely transparent, the Limiter gives you all the control needed to tame any signal. The look ahead capability allows the processing to operate realtime for low-latency situations or dial in look ahead for improved processing response on recorded clips
    • Gate / Expander: Two essential tools in a single plugin, the Gate/Expander is also extremely transparent and also features the look ahead capability for varied processing response
    • Ducker: Essential tool for managing levels of backing music and presenter vocal levels. The tool can also be used effectively in a mix to manage levels between elements—such as bass and kick drum
    • Flanger: Spacial time-based effect with the ability to tempo synch the rate to quickly dial in rhythmic effects to match your composition
    • Crusher: Reduces the resolution and/or bandwidth of your audio to impart varying degrees of distortion. Surgically sculpt the desired sound with comprehensive controls and clear visual feedback
    • Chorus: Quickly thicken up any track for a slick, produced sound. With the ability to tempo synch the rate, you can quickly dial in rhythmic effects to match your composition
    • Bus Compressor: Featuring the same processing algorithms as the flagship Compressor, the Bus Compressor is a simplified tool for deployment in areas of the mix that simply require outstanding sound quality and less tools
    • Phaser: Using a series of variable all-pass phase-shift networks, the Phaser gives your track a sweeping effect to add movement. Popular for electric guitar and low-frequency sounds
    • Auto Filter: Allows you to sweep, resonate, synch, and sculpt your tracks. Use a variable wave shape LFO to modulate the filter to add motion to your sounds
UPC: 663961050462

Mackie Big Knob Specs

Inputs
4 x 1/4" TRS Balanced/Unbalanced Line Inputs
1 x 1/8" / 3.5 mm TRS Unbalanced Stereo Input
Outputs
4 x 1/4" TRS Balanced/Unbalanced Monitor Outputs
Mono/Mute/Dim
Yes
Frequency Response
10 Hz to 30 kHz (±1 dB, 0 dBu Input)
THD + N
<0.005% (0 dBu Input at 1 kHz)
Crosstalk
< -85 dB (0 dBu Input at 1 kHz, 20 Hz to 20 kHz)
Attenuation
-100 dB
Signal-to-Noise Ratio
< -100 dB
Maximum Input Level
+22 dBu
Maximum Output Level
+15 dBu
Power Requirements
None
Dimensions
5.6 x 5.4 x 3.1" / 14.2 x 13.7 x 7.9 cm
Weight
2.2 lb / 1 kg
Packaging Info
Package Weight
2.875 lb
Box Dimensions (LxWxH)
8.3 x 7.85 x 4.9"

Mackie Big Knob Reviews

Time Saver

By Jose
Rated 5 out of 5
Date: 2023-08-01

Amazing Device! Saves so much time when monitoring mixes on two separate monitors for reference. That little "Mono" button is also amazing as you can hear the mix in mono. Idk how I did it without the Big Knob for so long. Now that I own this, I'm spoiled!

Bang for your $!

By Isabelle
Rated 5 out of 5
Date: 2023-01-24

Excellent audio quality & bang for your buck. Able to route signals to the DAW from external devices, route mixes to other hardware recorders, and transcribe vinyl. They don't take near as much space as the expensive units and give you mono mute control you can't go wrong. Plus delivered in 2 days - so fast!

Surprisingly Good

By Randolph
Rated 5 out of 5
Date: 2023-01-18

I never paid attention to a monitor controller until I added a new set of monitors and kept my old ones so I could A/B them during mixes. The Big Knob has exceeded my expectations on every level. My previous experiences with Mackie have been less than impressive, but I can't detect any noise, hiss, or degradation in sound while using it. The buttons work as promised, and the master volume knob is silky smooth allowing me to dial in the volume perfectly. I had an issue before I bought this where my old monitors would randomly issue a loud pop when on but not in use. Since adding the Big Knob that has gone away. It's hard to believe I had this much improvement for under $70.

Simple, clear, does exactly what you need it for.

By Brett
Rated 5 out of 5
Date: 2023-01-12

I appreciate this device for its simplicity. A few clearly marked buttons, and one big knob (hence the name). It doesn't color my sound, and it works exactly as I needed it to. Great tool, and Mackie is solid quality. B&H did a great job shipping it out, even though FedEx bobbled it at the end.

a simple solution

By Andrea
Rated 5 out of 5
Date: 2023-01-12

This is a simple but solid solution for home studios. You can have 2 set of self powered speakers connected to switch in between to check your mixes. The mono, dim and mute buttons are very useful. Simple but very effective.

Quality is not what I had hoped for

By Austin
Rated 3 out of 5
Date: 2023-01-06

We have been using the mid-size Studio model since 2018, and it has, for the most part, been a pretty decent device. There is a lot that I like about it -- it's a great DAC to drive my edit suite monitors and an occasional VO recording session. The talkback mic is not amazing, but I've never had any issues in communicating with talent in the iso booth. I really like having a big... well, knob, for volume control on my monitors, and the other control features are great too -- for instances when I need to quickly mute the monitors and listen through headphones, or dim the audio feed when I'm looking for production music where the preview levels are quite loud. But.... four years later, the poor thing is falling apart. The spring-latched buttons no longer stay depressed, so I've had to tape over them to keep them activated. One of the monitor outputs has failed entirely, as has one of the inputs, but a quick switch to the second set out inputs and outputs solved the issue (for now). As for the functioning parts of the Big Knob, the preamps are just okay. They work well and have a respectable noise floor, but I have to trim the XLR inputs much higher than I would have liked. My biggest gripe about the Big Knob is that the mid-size Studio version is ever so slightly too simple, while the next size up (Studio+) is far more complex than what we need it for. For instance, on the standard Studio there is no easy way to send the talkback mic to a monitor output. I have to jerry-rig a feed from the second headphone output on the front of the device, which, other than being unsightly, is inconvenient because I have no independent volume control over the booth feed if I also need to listen with headphones while recording. I could, of course, pay $100 more and step up to the Studio+ for this functionality, but suddenly I have three-too-many inputs and two-too-many outputs, which, since in our application we wouldn't ever use the additional inputs and outputs, feels like a waste of money. I wish that there was a version of the Big Knob that had all of the routing features of the Studio+ with the more limited I/O and form factor of the standard Studio. Overall, because of the hardware falling apart, and the inconvenience of some of the routing options, and since our primary application is VO recording, I will likely not purchase another one. 3.5/5

Simple, compact, well made - can't go wrong

By Michael
Rated 5 out of 5
Date: 2023-03-24

Work great, well priced, well made.

No Noise

By Christopher
Rated 5 out of 5
Date: 2023-03-13

The mute, dim, mono mode and dual A/B selectors make this more than just a volume knob. No noticeable noise added using 2-3' TRS 1/4 cables. Great controller, made my workflow easier.

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question

Would there be any issues using a Y cable to send audio to headphones as one of the outputs?
Asked by: Daniel E.
This is a passive unit. The outputs are not designed to drive headphones (or speakers for that matter). But you can easily DIY a headphone amp with an old stereo receiver, mixer, or something similar. Or buy the Big Knob Studio, which provides 2 headphone outs.
Answered by: Joe W.
Date published: 2021-11-03

Will it convert unbalanced to balanced?

Will it convert unbalanced to balanced?
Asked by: LEONARDO
This passive monitor controller accepts and outputs cables with either balanced or unbalanced connections, but it does not actively convert signals from balanced to unbalanced or visa versa.
Answered by: Steve
Date published: 2021-02-25

Is the DAW Essentials built in? If not, how are ...

Is the DAW Essentials built in? If not, how are those options accessed?
Asked by: Al
The Mackie Big Knob Passive Studio Monitor Controller includes Waveform OEM software and the DAW Essentials Collection, which features 16 contemporary FX plugins including EQ, Compression, Delay, Limiter, Flanger, and more. The software can be downloaded from the manufacturer's website and the URL will be provided.
Answered by: Lisa
Date published: 2022-06-28

can i record vocals with the mackie studio or i ...

can i record vocals with the mackie studio or i need to buy a separate interface?
Asked by: Jorge
You can record your vocals on the Mackie Big Knob Studio model, as it has two mic inputs and it also operates as an audio interface.
Answered by: David
Date published: 2022-07-29

Does it allow you to play both monitors at the ...

Does it allow you to play both monitors at the same time?
Asked by: Richard
No, the Mackie Big Knob Passive Studio Monitor Controller allows you to choose between two audio sources and two monitor pairs. This means that you can connect the monitor controller to two different pairs of monitors and choose which pair that you want to hear. You can only listen to one pair at a time, but not both pairs at the same time.
Answered by: Lisa
Date published: 2022-08-27

Does this unit come with cables?

Does this unit come with cables?
Asked by: Lee
The Mackie Big Knob Passive Studio Monitor Controller does not include any cables.
Answered by: calvinm
Date published: 2023-08-15

Will this record through USB to 4 separate ...

Will this record through USB to 4 separate channels? What exactly does 2x4 when referencing USB mean? I am NOT referencing the analog inputs/outputs, ONLY how it relates SPECIFICALLY to USB.
Asked by: Paul
The 2x4 means this interface will send 2 channels (Left and Right ) to a recording program for recording, and will return 4 playback channels for monitoring. This will only record 2 tracks at one time.
Answered by: Daniel
Date published: 2020-06-25

can I connect a preamp like the dbx 286s to the ...

can I connect a preamp like the dbx 286s to the Mackie big knob studio?
Asked by: Jorge
Yes
Answered by: David
Date published: 2022-07-29
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