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Mackie Big Knob Passive 2x2 Studio Monitor Controller

Passive Monitor Controller with 2 Selectable Stereo Inputs, 2 Selectable Stereo Outputs, and Mono/Mute/Dim Buttons
107 Write review Item ID: BigKnobPass
$69.99

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Mackie Big Knob Passive 2x2 Studio Monitor Controller
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High Quality Monitor Control for Smaller Studios

The Mackie Big Knob Passive monitor controller provides switching between two sets of inputs and two sets of studio monitor speakers. Passive circuitry means your audio signal will remain true to its source, while a large volume knob makes it easy to make level adjustments while you're mixing. Handy buttons for Mono, Mute and Dim put necessary monitoring functions at your fingertips. The original Big Knob has been a popular solution at Sweetwater for years, and with upgraded circuitry and a streamlined control set, the Mackie Big Knob Passive is an ideal monitor controller for project studios.

Related Videos: Big Knob Passive 2x2 Studio Monitor Controller

Mackie Big Knob Passive Monitor Controller Features:

  • Passive studio monitor controller
  • Passive electronics for ultra-low noise and maximum signal integrity
  • Connect two sets of inputs and easily switch between them
  • Supports two pairs of studio monitor speakers
  • Large volume knob for easy level adjustments
  • Handy buttons for Mono, Mute, and Dim

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Studio Monitor Buying Guide

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Tech Specs

  • Input Channels: 2 x stereo sources
  • Output Channels: 2 x stereo monitors
  • Analog Inputs: 4 x 1/4" TRS, 1 x 1/8" (line in)
  • Analog Outputs: 4 x 1/4" TRS
  • Form Factor: Desktop
  • Power Supply: Passive
  • Height: 3.1"
  • Width: 5.4"
  • Depth: 5.6"
  • Weight: 2.2 lbs.
  • Manufacturer Part Number: 2047800-00

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Customer Reviews

4.4 out of 5

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Very Handy To Have

I recently went from an 8 input desktop audio interface to a rack mounted one with more than double the inputs. Unfortunately, I didn't think about the fact that I was also using the audio interface as the volume control for my monitors. The rack is far enough away from where I sit that it's awkward to make adjustments on the interface for casual use. This helpful device has stepped in to fill that gap, and it works great. Not only do I have a handy volume control, but the mute button makes it easy to take out the speakers for recording. I'm setting up an adjoining room for instruments, and the A/B switches will give me the option to toggle between speakers in that room if I want, without having to set up a second interface in there. I used right-angle TRS cables to connect the switch into the system, which makes the desk tidier. A very handy device to have.
by Jack Evans from GREENFIELD, IN on

Perfect for my application

I am using this MACKIE Big Knob for a slightly different purpose. When I first set up my Tascam Model 12 Mixer/Recorder over a year ago I dedicated Channels 9&10 to the Pre-Amp Out of my uTurn Turntable. As much as the Tascam Model 12 is the Hub to my Music Production it is also a part of our Music Rooms listening experience.
Now that my set up has grown (with seemingly no end in sight) I wanted to free up those 2 Channels, as the Turntable is not used as frequently (we have a +Audio System in our living room for most of our Vinyl listening).
I decided to get a Passive Switcher. In the old days I would have just gone down to my local electronics shop and bought the components and built one but those days of those kind of shops are long gone.
I wanted something small. In my research I found a Mackie "Big Knob" Passive Monitor Controller. It is typically used to switch between 2 set of Monitors, like a main and reference pair. But you can also connect two sets of inputs and easily switch between them, which is what I needed.
So I just bought one. The build quality is excellent, it is small enough that it fits nicely to the right/rear of my Tascam Model 12. It's out of the way but with easy access.

Being passive, the minimal amount of electronics used makes it ultra-low noise and maximum signal integrity. In fact comparing it to the direct signals into the Tascam Model 12 and coming out of the Big Knob there is zero difference, no noise, coloration or volume loss. I don't understand some of the reviews that claim it was either Noisy or The Volume was low. Non of that was the case with mine. I can only suspect "USER Error" or connecting it improperly from those reviewers.

It also has some buttons for Mono, Mute, and Dim which might come in handy.
Simple, Low cost Solution and based upon my using it I am sure it also makes for a perfect Monitor Controller if that is what you need!
by Floyd O'Neil from Greenville SC on
Music background: Still a Drummer. Recording Engineer and Studio Owner from 1972 until 1988. Synthsizer Programmer since 1972.

Just what I needed and more.

Mackie's Big Knob is a very helpful and easy-to-use solution for my need to change speaker monitor levels throughout the day.

The volume pot on my MOTU UltraLitemk3 hybrid is very small and shares duties with the headphone output volume. So it's a 2 step process and, again, the knob is small. The Big Knob has a big knob. Additionally, the mute and dim buttons have already proved useful.

Add to those features: source select (between 2), a MONO button, and a monitor select (between 2). That's a lot for 70 clams.

My only issue is that the knob itself seems a tad delicate. But I'm very gentle with my gear. I'll just have make sure the grandkids don't get their hands on it. I still give it 5 stars because it does what it claims very well.

Set-up was a snap. It took longer to remove the Big Knob and the two short cables (additional purchase) from the shipping box.

As always, I appreciate the Sweetwater candy.
by ANGELO NATALIE from Stamford, CT on
Music background: songwriter/arranger/producer

My review of Mackie Big Knob Passive

I use this every single day! Works like a charm for multiple monitors
by Brandon Jones from Orlando on
Music background: Artist

Fantastic !

Love my Mackie Big Knob ! Exactly what I needed to turn my studio monitors off and on and switch between them. This unit is bulletproof. Built like a tank - Highly recommended !
by Bruce from Newstead, NY on
Music background: Professional performing and recording songwriter and musician
See also: monitor management, Mackie, Mackie Studio Monitor Management
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