@@SAMA-ct2li I believe u gotta switch.. I’m still looking for something small like this that I can switch between a full 5.1 surround sound system for my PC to just the desktop speakers for gaming
After about a year the volume pot will scratch & pop and mismatch left/right volume. The pot appears to be sealed so it can't be (easily) cleaned. That said I really like it & will try to find a way to clean it.
Don't have an audio interface.... no wonder this is not working as planned. Bit higher end than I knew what I was buying. So now I got buy an audio interface... YEAH TEAM! But as a review? Outstanding.
My source button plays audio unbalanced between the monitors unless I put it sideways…seems like it needs a wedge or something…also low volume it plays unbalanced unless in mono…
I have one question, but first off I wanna say, thank you soo much for this video! My question is, with the controller, would I be able to have both pairs playing simultaneously or is it only able to play the pairs of monitors solo’d? Like can I have A and B on at the same time, or is it only going to play just A or just B?
hello sir,, when i connect my interface(focusrite solo 3rd gen) to the big knob, the volume reduced a lot. I always set my interface volume knob to 12o clock(without the big knob). after i connected it i have to turn the big knob all the way up to sound like my usuall setting. i'm wondering why this happen..
When you're using a dedicated monitor controller like the Big Knob, you should turn the volume *nearly* all the way up on your audio interface. I say "nearly all the way up" because some audio interfaces introduce noise when cranked to 10.
Same here. I've previously been using a Solid State Logic SSL2+, but just testing out the Big Knob and it is very quiet. I have to turn everything up to max for input and for the receiving output. Big Knob is nearly turned to max too. It must be about half the volume output of the SSL2+. I wonder if it is because the SSL2+ is USB powered? My question now would be how does the volume of the Big Knob compare with USB powered Big Knob Studio?
The big knob reaches it's full volume at full which is whatever your interface is set to. Turn up the interface and you'll be able to reach the 12 o'clock volume at a lower big knob setting.
I hope this is more reliable than the TC Pilot. That thing had an issue with shorting out and now I have a cabinet filled with several failed worthless TC Pilots.
I've owned this since summer 2018, very handy. But I'm not 100% sure if the device interferes with my signal as my AXE FX III doesnt seem as lush through this device as it does straight to the monitors....
Hey man! Have you found any work arounds? I'm looking into similar setup. I'm about to buy Quad Cortex and I'd like to have that and my audio interface/computer connected to my monitors at the same time. So that I can play music from my computer or play guitar at any times without unplugging cables etc.
@@sergejkrynycky728 I'm still using the Big Knob to switch between Monitors and my Friedman ASM12 units. I've changed my stance on my comments above as I've learned along the way. I think you will be fine with it. I also use the A/B switching to switch between Axe3 and PC sound card so I use both switches Monitor select, and input select. Works great.
@@rahliE777 it's a switch. I recently bought the much pricier Drawmer CMC2 and will never look back. It switches the same as the Mackie but also can blend both inputs and outputs. Also it is an active device that is much quieter than the Mackie was. $350 vs $60 guess ya get what ya pay for.
I brought it but I think, its the wrong thing for me... I also need my headphone amp to work along with it.. I have the presonus Audio box 1818VSL and preonus headphone amp HP4... What should I do? Whats the config for this setup. Thanks.
USB hub, run to computer then make sure both interfaces and its software is installed in your computer.. Select your DAW of choice. select the interface you then want to use located in the DAW interface selection. ENJOY YOUR session... @SOOESOSS
Sorry Newb here, I have a focus rite solo and when I plug in my headphones to focusrite, audio comes out of speakers and headphones... Would this allow me to just isolate the studio monitors and just have audio out to headphones?
I have not used the Solo, but after a little research I can see in only has ONE volume knob for both the monitors and headphones. I don't know if Focusrite Control works with the SOLO, but with the 18i8 I do have, there are Mute buttons in there. With all that in mind, the Big Knob Passive should allow you to do what you want. The rear output of the SOLO would be plugged into the Big Knob inputs, and your Monitors would be plugged into the Big Knob outputs. You could hit the MUTE on the Big Knob to Mute the monitors, but still use the Monitor knob on the SOLO to adjust your headphone volume.
Ok please someone answer this….I’m limited with my Apollo to 3 pairs of monitor speakers I can switch between smoothly. What is the best way to be able to add one more pair to my system. Thank you so much in advance
I have a 2 channel DJ mixer and 3 sources (2 cdj’s, 1 turntable).. I can plug my turntable into one of the ‘b’ channels, but that means that I can’t mix with records half the time. Could i send my turntable into the big knob (line in), and send the big knob out to both ‘B’ channels on my mixer ? This workaround would mean no reason to buy a 3 or 4 channel mixer.
very nice video. actually I would like to know. at the output of the Big knob, can both pairs of speakers play simultaneously? or you will always have to switch between one pair and the other.
I have a question, I have a rode ai1 audio interface for my rode mic, it goes in my laptop with usb, can I plug my headphones in the ai1 and then plug the interface in the big knob with my speakers?
mac laptop --> 3.5mm TRS to dual 1/4 TS (Hosa Y cable) --> Big Knob Input A Audio interface --> Hosa dual 1/4 TRS --> Big Knob Input B Presonus e3.5 speakers --> Hosa Dual 1/4 TRS --> Big Knob output B ******ISSUE is i am getting a hum/loud high pitched noise from the speakers********** why????????????? Is it the speakers???? or cables?????
I think these passive boxes are trying to do to much Most of us have functionality via an interface and just want to switch sets of monitors from a single set of monitor out Jacks It seems easy a trs Y even with a manual routing option should do it Trs from mon outs is passive going into powered monitors so if I can unplug one set of monitors that sound fine and plug in the next set of monitors to the same outputs and have them sound fine then why cant someone produce a simple AB switch to toggle back and forth so I don’t have to plug and unplug constantly? My interface has dim, mute, mono and phase rev so why spend as much as an interface just to change signal direction There is no electrical calcs necessary here it can be a simple mechanical solution The big knob is passive but introduces a potentiometer, internal electronic switching options, a kill for mute and resistor for dim all good if it wouldn’t kill the soak the volume, tone and introduce hum and or distortion My active radial and active Drawmer accomplish this at a rather high price point so if you need blue tooth, or have 3 sets of monitors, simultaneous monitor playback, or multiple interfaces then great there are options but for the smallest desktop footprint, with the simple A- goes to the left trs and B goes to the right trs goal in mind a solution not unlike Using a patchbay should be readily available
I have 2 pc's with each of them it's own soundinterface. Can I hook the outputs from both interfaces up to one active monitor set with this device? So instead of using 2 monitorsets I need to hook up 2 stereodevices to one pair of monitors
Only by making additional connections. Every connection will slightly degrade the signal strengt, however it's very likely inaudible, especially when this is intended to use in a studio and not long cable runs.
Hello. I'm trying to figure out if this would work. I've finally got hold of a ps5 but to use my monitor speakers I have to plug a jack into line in on my computer from my monitor to get audio into them. I then have to mess about disabling line in when I'm back using my pc as I can hear interference which I believe maybe to do with the hdmi for the ps5 and display port from pc being on at the same time. The audio from my pc comes through my focusrite 212 3rd gen. What I want is to be able to play audio through these speakers without having to turn the pc on. Would this work. 1. Focusrite out cables(2x balanced) plugged into big knob. 2. Audio jack from monitor where hdmi from ps5 is plugged(could either use 3.5 to 3.5 I suspect to plug into big knob or 3.5 to 2 trs jack if there would be an audiable difference?. 3. Balanced Audio cables from big knob into monitor speakers. Would this now work so when I played the ps5, the audio would pass through the big knob and play into the monitor speakers without the need for power from the pc? Then when I want to switch to pc can just resort to the audio select button on the big knob?. Would solve a case then of not having to power on my pc and having all the mess about of extra electricity usage just to be able to hear audio from my ps5 into the monitor speakers. Thank you
Not only does this monitor switcher degrade the sound quality it also attenuates the sound significantly. Mackie used to make the best gear out there but this is a fail. Very disappointed in Mackie.
You sound just like the guy that used to say "EA Sports... It's in the game!"
😂
So true😂😂
I just got one and love it ! I never knew I needed one got it for free. So useful for home studio recordings.
This is the most useful video I've found on this unit yet. Thanks!
Does it allow you to play all monitors at the same time? Or do you “have” to switch between your 2 sets of speakers
whats the answer?
@@SAMA-ct2li I believe u gotta switch.. I’m still looking for something small like this that I can switch between a full 5.1 surround sound system for my PC to just the desktop speakers for gaming
Is there any interface that lets you play on two pairs of monitors at the same Time?
After about a year the volume pot will scratch & pop and mismatch left/right volume. The pot appears to be sealed so it can't be (easily) cleaned. That said I really like it & will try to find a way to clean it.
Don't have an audio interface.... no wonder this is not working as planned. Bit higher end than I knew what I was buying. So now I got buy an audio interface... YEAH TEAM! But as a review? Outstanding.
I have seen a lot of people complaining about a static buzzing when the knob is high, what is your experience with this?
Can I use 4 speakers at the same time with the thing??
Well done, now I need one!
Man I love your voice. I wish I could use you for a DJ drop name. Oh I like the video review too that I end up subscribing.
My source button plays audio unbalanced between the monitors unless I put it sideways…seems like it needs a wedge or something…also low volume it plays unbalanced unless in mono…
Can you play both sets of monitors at the same time with this?
no, it's only switch between 2 monitors
nope if yo uwanna do that, check out the presonus monitor mixer.
Love the review. I'd like to know if I can connect a pair of actives monitors to Output A and my headphones to Output B, and switch between them.
hi it is unpowered you wont hear sound
I have one question, but first off I wanna say, thank you soo much for this video! My question is, with the controller, would I be able to have both pairs playing simultaneously or is it only able to play the pairs of monitors solo’d? Like can I have A and B on at the same time, or is it only going to play just A or just B?
It's either one or the other. A or B
hello sir,, when i connect my interface(focusrite solo 3rd gen) to the big knob, the volume reduced a lot. I always set my interface volume knob to 12o clock(without the big knob). after i connected it i have to turn the big knob all the way up to sound like my usuall setting. i'm wondering why this happen..
When you're using a dedicated monitor controller like the Big Knob, you should turn the volume *nearly* all the way up on your audio interface.
I say "nearly all the way up" because some audio interfaces introduce noise when cranked to 10.
Same here. I've previously been using a Solid State Logic SSL2+, but just testing out the Big Knob and it is very quiet. I have to turn everything up to max for input and for the receiving output. Big Knob is nearly turned to max too. It must be about half the volume output of the SSL2+. I wonder if it is because the SSL2+ is USB powered? My question now would be how does the volume of the Big Knob compare with USB powered Big Knob Studio?
The big knob reaches it's full volume at full which is whatever your interface is set to. Turn up the interface and you'll be able to reach the 12 o'clock volume at a lower big knob setting.
Great video!
I hope this is more reliable than the TC Pilot. That thing had an issue with shorting out and now I have a cabinet filled with several failed worthless TC Pilots.
Mackie makes some great speakers imo
Which is the best interface? Focus Rite, steinberg, Roland, thump, presonus, yamaha, sound craft,...
They are all good. Just depends on the features you want.
Apollo twin is nice
Is there a way to use one interface (Focusrite 2i4) and hear both pair of monitors at once?
Thanks
I've owned this since summer 2018, very handy. But I'm not 100% sure if the device interferes with my signal as my AXE FX III doesnt seem as lush through this device as it does straight to the monitors....
Hey man! Have you found any work arounds? I'm looking into similar setup. I'm about to buy Quad Cortex and I'd like to have that and my audio interface/computer connected to my monitors at the same time. So that I can play music from my computer or play guitar at any times without unplugging cables etc.
@@sergejkrynycky728 I'm still using the Big Knob to switch between Monitors and my Friedman ASM12 units. I've changed my stance on my comments above as I've learned along the way. I think you will be fine with it. I also use the A/B switching to switch between Axe3 and PC sound card so I use both switches Monitor select, and input select. Works great.
@@tantrumus7186 does this force you to choose between your 2 sets of speakers, or can you still play them all at the same time if you wish?
@@rahliE777 it's a switch. I recently bought the much pricier Drawmer CMC2 and will never look back. It switches the same as the Mackie but also can blend both inputs and outputs. Also it is an active device that is much quieter than the Mackie was. $350 vs $60 guess ya get what ya pay for.
Much obliged
I brought it but I think, its the wrong thing for me... I also need my headphone amp to work along with it.. I have the presonus Audio box 1818VSL and preonus headphone amp HP4... What should I do? Whats the config for this setup. Thanks.
Step 1... did you miss it?
How do you connect 2 interfaces to the computer
USB hub, run to computer then make sure both interfaces and its software is installed in your computer..
Select your DAW of choice. select the interface you then want to use located in the DAW interface selection. ENJOY YOUR session...
@SOOESOSS
Hola, se puede conectar a una interfaz beringher ?
Sorry Newb here, I have a focus rite solo and when I plug in my headphones to focusrite, audio comes out of speakers and headphones... Would this allow me to just isolate the studio monitors and just have audio out to headphones?
I have not used the Solo, but after a little research I can see in only has ONE volume knob for both the monitors and headphones. I don't know if Focusrite Control works with the SOLO, but with the 18i8 I do have, there are Mute buttons in there.
With all that in mind, the Big Knob Passive should allow you to do what you want. The rear output of the SOLO would be plugged into the Big Knob inputs, and your Monitors would be plugged into the Big Knob outputs. You could hit the MUTE on the Big Knob to Mute the monitors, but still use the Monitor knob on the SOLO to adjust your headphone volume.
Thank you so much! I just pulled the trigger on a big knob for 50 bucks from guitar center!
Ok please someone answer this….I’m limited with my Apollo to 3 pairs of monitor speakers I can switch between smoothly. What is the best way to be able to add one more pair to my system. Thank you so much in advance
I have a 2 channel DJ mixer and 3 sources (2 cdj’s, 1 turntable).. I can plug my turntable into one of the ‘b’ channels, but that means that I can’t mix with records half the time.
Could i send my turntable into the big knob (line in), and send the big knob out to both ‘B’ channels on my mixer ? This workaround would mean no reason to buy a 3 or 4 channel mixer.
very nice video. actually I would like to know. at the output of the Big knob, can both pairs of speakers play simultaneously? or you will always have to switch between one pair and the other.
it'll only let you switch between them
How do you think, Mackie or Palmer monicon controller?
What brand are the cables used in this video ?
Is there any interface that lets you play on two pairs of monitors at the same Time?
I have a question, I have a rode ai1 audio interface for my rode mic, it goes in my laptop with usb, can I plug my headphones in the ai1 and then plug the interface in the big knob with my speakers?
Can you also switch from monitor to headphones or is it only monitors to monitors?
Would this also work going from speakers to headphone amp? Ty
mac laptop --> 3.5mm TRS to dual 1/4 TS (Hosa Y cable) --> Big Knob Input A Audio interface --> Hosa dual 1/4 TRS --> Big Knob Input B Presonus e3.5 speakers --> Hosa Dual 1/4 TRS --> Big Knob output B ******ISSUE is i am getting a hum/loud high pitched noise from the speakers********** why????????????? Is it the speakers???? or cables?????
I think these passive boxes are trying to do to much
Most of us have functionality via an interface and just want to switch sets of monitors from a single set of monitor out Jacks
It seems easy a trs Y even with a manual routing option should do it
Trs from mon outs is passive going into powered monitors so if I can unplug one set of monitors that sound fine and plug in the next set of monitors to the same outputs and have them sound fine then why cant someone produce a simple AB switch to toggle back and forth so I don’t have to plug and unplug constantly?
My interface has dim, mute, mono and phase rev so why spend as much as an interface just to change signal direction
There is no electrical calcs necessary here it can be a simple mechanical solution
The big knob is passive but introduces a potentiometer, internal electronic switching options, a kill for mute and resistor for dim all good if it wouldn’t kill
the soak the volume, tone and introduce hum and or distortion
My active radial and active Drawmer accomplish this at a rather high price point so if you need blue tooth, or have 3 sets of monitors, simultaneous monitor playback, or multiple interfaces then great there are options but for the smallest desktop footprint, with the simple A- goes to the left trs and B goes to the right trs goal in mind a solution not unlike
Using a patchbay should be readily available
Is there any way to use this big knob for headphones during recording and playback?
Hello good Hello. What passive monitors do you use?
can you directly hook up your studio monitors into it?
no cable power ?
can you use this and connect it to your pc and ps5?
Hello sir,can u suggest me a good studio grade two way crossover
Do you have to have powered speaker to use this?
这东西我有两个，里面有个 螺丝……我至今不知道是干什么用的
Can you connect and play to sets of speakers at once
i don't think you can, the source inputs and outputs are A/B toggle
I have 2 pc's with each of them it's own soundinterface. Can I hook the outputs from both interfaces up to one active monitor set with this device? So instead of using 2 monitorsets I need to hook up 2 stereodevices to one pair of monitors
Yeah, that should work. But you won't hear both interfaces at the same time, you can switch between them.
@@BenoniStudio Thank you
Can i use this big knob with 2 pairs of monitors, but just the connect only on the left side ? I don t have 2 interfaces, i got just 1.
Sure. You don't have to switch interfaces.
@@BenoniStudio oh, thank god! Thank you so much 🙏🏻
Does it degrades the audio quality?
Considering it's passive, unlikely.
Only by making additional connections.
Every connection will slightly degrade the signal strengt, however it's very likely inaudible, especially when this is intended to use in a studio and not long cable runs.
How does it power on?
it's a passive switcher and volume control. no power needed.
Sorry software dont work on Mac Computor
Hello. I'm trying to figure out if this would work. I've finally got hold of a ps5 but to use my monitor speakers I have to plug a jack into line in on my computer from my monitor to get audio into them. I then have to mess about disabling line in when I'm back using my pc as I can hear interference which I believe maybe to do with the hdmi for the ps5 and display port from pc being on at the same time. The audio from my pc comes through my focusrite 212 3rd gen.
What I want is to be able to play audio through these speakers without having to turn the pc on. Would this work.
1. Focusrite out cables(2x balanced) plugged into big knob.
2. Audio jack from monitor where hdmi from ps5 is plugged(could either use 3.5 to 3.5 I suspect to plug into big knob or 3.5 to 2 trs jack if there would be an audiable difference?.
3. Balanced Audio cables from big knob into monitor speakers.
Would this now work so when I played the ps5, the audio would pass through the big knob and play into the monitor speakers without the need for power from the pc? Then when I want to switch to pc can just resort to the audio select button on the big knob?.
Would solve a case then of not having to power on my pc and having all the mess about of extra electricity usage just to be able to hear audio from my ps5 into the monitor speakers.
Thank you
I don't know about the rest, but my understanding is that the Big Knob Passive is not true balanced :(
it works. the only difference is the gaming console, the interface and two sources that I use . :)
Hum machine
This is the voice that scares immigrants 😂✌🏽
Not only does this monitor switcher degrade the sound quality it also attenuates the sound significantly. Mackie used to make the best gear out there but this is a fail. Very disappointed in Mackie.
I have not noticed any sound degrade or a reduction in volume. Are you using TRS cables?
can it play all 4 speakers at the same time?
No. 1 pair at a time.
Wow that's a game changer for me .. I need both playing at the same time sometimes for referencing. Thanks for your reply
@@nocturnalstudio4119 why?
@@nocturnalstudio4119 that doesn't make any sense. correct me if I'm wrong tho