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Mackie Big Knob Studio Command System

The Mackie Big Knob is a desktop audio control center that provides physical control over studio monitor & input source selection, level control and talkback & headphone control. 24 People rated this product: Rate and Review This Product
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Product Description

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.

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, we 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.

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.

Features

- Tabletop level control / monitor switcher / source selector & talkback box
- Big, convenient volume knob for precise level adjustments
- Switch amongst 3 sets of studio monitors
- Built-in Talkback microphone for easy communication with musicians
- Monitor 4 independent Stereo inputs including one for your DAW Mix
- Dual Headphone outputs with independent volume controls and headphone mix bus
- Phono preamp for direct turntable connection
- High-end studio sound quality and robust construction
- Perfect for computer-based studios
- Humorous product name ensures years of off-color studio humor zZounds is an authorized dealer of Mackie products.
Dimensions and Weight in Packaging
Base Item
Shipping Weight: 9 lbs
Shipping Dimensions: 20 x 10 x 6 in
Mackie Warranty If you have additional warranty questions, please call the manufacturer at 800-898-3211
Our extended 30-Day 100% Satisfaction Guarantee applies on this product. Buy it, and if it isn't just right for you, return it!
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Customer Reviews
4.5 out of 5 (24 ratings) Rate and Review This Product
zZounds has verified that this customer bought this product from us. "Is there anybody here who doesn't want a Big Knob?"
Sound: Neutral as far as I can tell. Feature: Terrific if you have a couple sets of monitors and like to switch between them. I like to switch between my Blue Sky Pro Desk monitors and some cheap computer speakers to see how my podcasts and voiceovers translate to equipment that everyone has. I don't have a control room separate from the "studio", but this unit is just the ticket if you do. Built-in phono inputs are great for ripping vinyl. And of course, there's the Big Knob itself. You'll love the ability to route inputs and outputs at the push of a button. Things I miss: should have just one more set of inputs! But then again, if you are recording more than a couple of tracks, you probably have a mixer or a multi-channel interface anyhow. Quality: Solid steel baby! No plastic crap. I like that. Doesn't move around on the desk unless you want it to. Good layout, easy-to-read labels. Some question about the rear trim controls though -- seemed a little loose at certain postions, but didn't seem to effect signal or usability. Unless you swap out equipment, the trim controls are pretty much "set and forget". Value: Seems a little pricey for what it does, but I can't complain. Don't see anything else on the market that comes close in quality and versatility. Manufacturer Support: Have had no need for support. Mackie is quite responsive though -- just pick up the phone. The Wow Factor: Looks like pro equipment. Overall: Damn near essential for a home studio DAW setup, especially if you have two or more sets of monitors. I use it every day for basic tracking, recording teleconferences through a digital telephone hybrid, listening to CD's with headphones, and occasionally, ripping vinyl. Anticipate this unit will be on my desk for years.
Style of Music: voiceovers, archival sound projects
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zZounds has verified that this customer bought this product from us. "Great features, well built"
Sound: Noticed no degradation of sound quality (in-line between E-MU 1820M and PM5s). Just make sure you get your levels right - more than just pressing bal/unbal button. Feature: Only wish it could do 5.1 Ease of Use: After reading manual, any confusion was cleared up (lots of i/o, some of it for larger studio functions that don't apply for me) Quality: Seems well built (for studio equipment), don't think it was really designed for road use. Value: Bit pricey, but probably best balance of quality/features/price I seen. Manufacturer Support: N/A The Wow Factor: Looks sharp, and once you grab a Big Knob you'll never want to let go. Overall: Would buy again, but if I were a bit richer, I might buy the PreSonus Central station (all the i/o of the Mackie, plus digital - and a smaller footprint [with the add-on controller]) but you do trade mixing for switching on the inputs.
Style of Music: Rcok, Country , Classical etc.
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