Reddit reviews Mackie Big Knob Series, Passive 2x2 Studio Monitor Controller (BIG KNOB PASSIVE)
We found 9 Reddit comments about Mackie Big Knob Series, Passive 2x2 Studio Monitor Controller (BIG KNOB PASSIVE). Here are the top ones, ranked by their Reddit score.
Excruciatingly simple 2x2 monitor controllerChoose between two sources and two monitor pairsPristine audio qualitySturdy built-like-a-tank designClassic Big knob volume control
>JBL Nano Patch as DAC
This is not a DAC, it is a passive volume control only.
The DDJ-400 already has a USB DAC built in. If you want to use another USB interface and switch audio devices under your OS, then get a monitor controller.
PASSIVES (with 2 switchable inputs)
ACTIVES (some have a USB interfaces too):
his turntable has a built in preamp (which he is currently running to the speakers) so he can easily add a passive preamp between the two without the need for a phono stage, the sys is an option, but something like the Mackie Big Knob or JBL Nano Patch is designed for studio monitors. i'd probably grab the Mackie Big Knob just because it has 2 inpuits/2 outputs
pretty much all you need is the mackie big knob, a set of TRS cables to go from the big knob to the monitors, and a set of TRS to RCA cables to go to the turntables preamp, optionally add a second set of TRS to RCA cables to connect to another source (or TRS to 3.5mm to connect to a computer/phone/etc)
The simplest way is to get a passive volume control, like this one, or a higher end one, like the mackie big knob passive. I have that one and like it a lot.
A better way is a dac/amp combo like the fiio k3, schiit fulla 2, etc.
You plug the speakers into the dac output using the correct cable, set the physical volume on your speakers (I usually go around 75%) and use the volume knob on the dac/amp to adjust while listening. And being that you're using the dac instead of onboard sound, you'll probably get less noise and interference.
yeah, a DJ mixer.
You can find them used for cheap at yard sales and craigslist. The preamps may even be better than the built in AT one.
Barring that, use the line out and simply get a mini desk mixer from Mackie like the Mackie Mix5:
...or a passive controller like the Big Knob Passive:
For studio monitors, a studio monitor controller.
Or a mixer.
Or a passive volume controller with RCA.
Do you have the ground wire connected from the turntable to the phono stage/preamp? Are you mixing unbalanced and balanced connections?
Well, that brings up a factor I would have told you about if I had been in communication with you in advance. The Optical Out does NOT respond to the TV Volume Control. It is that way on all TVs. That is because there is no volume to control, it is a series of numbers until it pass through the DAC at which time it become voltages.
So, you do need some type of volume control. Were I previously been advising you, I would have recommended some Edifier Speakers that do have their own Volume Controls (remote control).
https://www.edifier.com/us/en/shop?product_type=Speakers&features_group=[[%22bookshelf%20speakers%22]]
Sometime the square brackets can mess up Links, so simply go to Edifier.com and select Products, then select Bookshelf Speakers.
The Mackie Big Knob (passive) will give you a manual volume control, but not a remote control.
https://www.amazon.com/Mackie-Controller-2x2-KNOB-Passive/dp/B01NCUZ32O/
What you really need is an Amp with Pre-Amp out, or a Pre-Amp either with a Remote Control. That's not going to be free, but if you search out used equipment, it would be reasonably priced.
But yes, you need some way, external to the TV, to control the volume.
Sorry about that. Any chance you can come up with some cash to create a better system?
If you have a budget but it is limited consider something like this -
https://www.edifier.com/us/en/speakers/r1280db-bluetooth-bookshelf-speakers-built-in-amplifier-coaxial-optical
If you can wrangle up some serious money, then consider this -
https://www.edifier.com/us/en/speakers/s350db-bookshelf-speakers-subwoofer
EDITED: Actually I searched Amazon for "DAC with Remote Control" and these two DACs came up, both roughly $20 -
https://www.amazon.com/Neoteck-Converter-Digital-Coaxial-Adjustment/dp/B07G6YXSHD/
https://www.amazon.com/Optical-Digital-Converter-Support-Control/dp/B07BKX8BV7/
If you want to salvage what you already have, these DACs could be a workable solution at a modest price.
Let me know what you think.
https://www.amazon.com/Mackie-Controller-2x2-KNOB-Passive/dp/B01NCUZ32O?ref_=fsclp_pl_dp_1 this looks like what you are referring to.
No. The Behringer sends out balanced signal via 1/4" TRS to XLR.
Maybe you'd be better off moving the computer a bit.
Smaller.
https://www.amazon.com/dp/B01NCUZ32O/ref=sxts_kp_bs_lp_1?pf_rd_m=ATVPDKIKX0DER&pf_rd_p=8778bc68-27e7-403f-8460-de48b6e788fb&pd_rd_wg=VoqSC&pf_rd_r=91BHSVWVXR9W35BRMV75&pf_rd_s=desktop-sx-top-slot&pf_rd_t=301&pd_rd_i=B01NCUZ32O&pd_rd_w=5neVK&pf_rd_i=mackie+big+knob&pd_rd_r=341f41d8-d8b1-410f-a6a8-72e565993a10&ie=UTF8&qid=1541678262&sr=1
Why not just use the chromecast's volume as a pre-amp? The chromecast also has a optical out that you can hook up to a dac/amp.
Also the Schiit Sys might be a decent passive pre-amp as well as the mackie big knob passive if you don't mind buying new cables.