Mackie Big Knob Studio Control Center The Mackie Big Knob Studio Command System is a new monitor switching, source selection and communications box for DAW-based studios. Big Knob is designed for professional and project studio owners who record with computer-based systems and need the essential control room functions absent from many of today's software-based systems.
Big Knob's name is inspired by its most prominent feature - a large, convenient volume knob that provides easy access for precise level adjustments. Also handy are three buttons for quick switching between three sets of studio monitors, a built-in Talkback microphone, Input Source Select for up to four different stereo sources, dual headphone outputs with an independent headphone mix bus, as well as Mono, Mute and Dim switches.
A host of rear-panel connections include a dedicated DAW mix input as well as three independent 2-track stereo inputs, each with variable gain control as well as +4dB and -10dB selection buttons. Three 2-track stereo outputs also provide +4dB and -10dB selection buttons. Other connections include a DAW Phones Mix Input, a Phono preamp input, outputs for up to three sets of control-room monitors as well as one set of in-studio monitors and a Talkback Foot Switch input.
Mackie Big Knob Features
- Tabletop level control / monitor switcher / source selector & talkback box
- Big, convenient volume knob for precise level adjustments
- Switch between 3 sets of studio monitors
- Built-in Talkback microphone for easy communication with musicians
- Monitor 3 independent Stereo inputs plus Mix input
- Dual Headphone outputs with independent headphone mix bus
- Phono preamp for turntable connection
- High-end esoteric studio sound quality and robust construction
- Perfect for computer-based studios
Applications
Big Knob is perfectly suited to a range of applications beyond desktop music making, including home stereo systems, keyboard/guitar rigs, high-end multimedia systems, archiving LP’s to CD, classrooms and boardrooms, and more.
The Must-Have Audio Command Center for Desktop Studios
You asked for it. Your band asked for it. Your clients asked for it. Your mom practically asked for it.
Since the dawn of computer-based music making, folks have longed for a simple monitor switching and level control box with built-in Talkback functions. You know, something that sits right on your desktop, letting you easily switch between sets of studio monitors and different stereo sources. And send musicians custom headphone mixes while you communicate with them via a built-in Talkback microphone. Your wish is Mackie's command...
Introducing The Big Knob
The Big Knob is a simple yet powerful desktop audio control center that lets musicians and engineers get right to the business of making music in four major ways: Level Control, Studio Monitor Selection, Input Source Selection and Talkback & Headphone Control.
Precise Level Control
Using a big, convenient volume knob, Big Knob lets you adjust volume levels the way our ancient audio ancestors (Analogus Engineerus) did - with a simple, intuitive knob, not with a mouse and screen. The end result is a higher degree of precision and much quicker level adjustments.
Monitor Selection
When it comes to mixing, pros know it’s best to get a second, and third, opinion. So Big Knob lets you quickly switch between 3 pairs of studio monitors, or 2 studio monitors and a subwoofer, or studio monitors and a home stereo, or any other combination of powered speakers.
Source Selection
On the input side, Big Knob lets you connect up to 4 stereo input sources at once. This means you can simultaneously connect to your computer/DAW outputs, CD player, cassette deck and even a turntable using the premium onboard RIAA preamp. You can even connect keyboards, guitars, drum machines, samplers - anything you’d like to hear - through your monitors. This makes Big Knob great for comparing your mixes-in-progress to your favorite CDs, for archiving your old LPs, jamming along to your favorite tune, and lots more.
Talkback Section & Headphone Control
With its built-in Talkback mic and spring-loaded activation switches, Big Knob lets you quickly communicate with musicians in both the studio and tracking room - no more hand signals through the glass! Big Knob also sports two high-powered headphone outputs with a discrete headphone mix bus, solving the communications needs of most computer-based studios.
All the Right Connections
Although its shiny silver knob is a head-turning feature, Big Knob's rear panel is equally impressive. There you’ll find three distinct Monitor outputs with individual level control; 2-Track A and 2-Track B stereo outputs with level selection switches; a DAW stereo output for your computer; a Studio output with level control; a Phones Mix input with level selection switch; 2-Track A and 2-Track B Stereo Source inputs with level control; a DAW Mix input from your computer with level control; and even a Phono input with level control for direct connection to your turntable.
Sound Quality
Because Big Knob plays a crucial link between recording output(s) and studio monitors, Mackie placed the utmost importance on pristine, no-compromise sound quality. For this reason, Big Knob features ultra low-noise op amps, extremely low-tolerance components and state-of-the-art surface mount technology. All of this ensures superb sound in critical listening environments and long-term reliability - even under daily, and nightly, studio use.