Reddit reviews Mackie Big Knob Series, 3x2 Studio Monitor Controller 192kHz USB I/O (BIG KNOB STUDIO)
We found 3 Reddit comments about Mackie Big Knob Series, 3x2 Studio Monitor Controller 192kHz USB I/O (BIG KNOB STUDIO). Here are the top ones, ranked by their Reddit score.
Professional source and monitor selection O choose between 3 sources and 2 monitor pairs O classic Big knob volume controlFlexible 2x2 USB recording interface O two boutique-quality onyx mic preamps including phantom power for condenser microphonesComprehensive feature set for professional studios O flexible source connections including CONVENIENT 1/8” input for your smartphone O dual headphone Outs with independent level controlCompatible with all major DAWs on both Mac and WindowsIncludes traction recording software
I've been hearing the latest Windows 10 update hasn't been playing nice with Focusrite's USB interfaces. Can't confirm, I am Mac based and I love Focusrite's products, so I don't want to bash them. They make amazing products.
Just throwing this out there, however... adding just an USB interface may not satisfy the upgrade bug if the sound is already acceptable.
Regardless, there are lots of other options to act as a preamp (volume controller) in the middle, perhaps with additional inputs and outputs, headphone amplifiers, Microphone inputs, and/or the ability to to add some EQ. Below are just some examples I've found that all have balanced outputs (either XLR or 1/4" (TRS)) and these all have USB interfaces (DACs) built in too for direct PC/Mac connectivity! -
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DJ style mixers:
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Desk style mixers:
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Monitor controllers:
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Other style interfaces:
Is it better to get an all-in-one desktop solution or a more expensive modular desktop solution?
Right now I just want really good speakers for my desktop. I've been hardset on the Vanatoo T0's, which include bluetooth, usb, optical, and aux in. They're pretty much everything I need in one amazing package.
But on the other hand, I've been looking at near-field studio monitors like the JBL 305P, the Mackie MR524 and audio interfaces like the Mackie Big Knob and other DAC's. The big knob also has an input for a microphone which I might want to use for high-quality recording.
Then there's also buying a desktop amp like the SMSL AD18 paired with an actual pair of speakers.
Both the modularity and upgradability appeal to me, but the compactness of the vanatoo's is also so nice.
Any thoughts?
I'm guessing he has powered speakers, so need an RCA pre-out for those. And then maybe a "tape out" or "rec out" or whatever they call it for a headphone amplifier. Plenty of AV receivers can do this, so that may be an easy fix.
Or maybe something like the Mackie Big Knob Studio would be a more elegant solution?