New Music Gear Monday: Updated Mackie Big Knob Monitor Controller

One of the things that every DAW-based studio needs is a monitor controller, and the Mackie Big Knob has been one of the best sellers in the category for about a decade now. The series now gets an update with new electronics and a few new features.

The thing about Big Knob controllers is that they contain all the features that you really need when it comes to monitor control like selectable stereo inputs and outputs, mono, mute and dim controls, and that great big volume knob that everyone likes so much. On the Studio and Studio+ models there’s also cue mixes, talkback, and the onboard preamps.

The Big Knob series now consists of 3 units: the Big Knob Passive, Studio, and Studio+. The passive is pretty cool in that it has a number of features not seen on other passive units, like Mono, Mute Dim,  Source A/B and Monitor Select switches. Big Knob Studio and Studio+ now have 2 of Mackie’s Onyx mic preamps and Onyx based high-res electronics, along with the ability to choose between multiple input sources.

Big Knob Studio adds USB recording/playback and expands the I/O routing to three sources and two monitor pairs. It also incorporates essential studio features like integrated talkback and dual headphone outputs. Studio+ adds even more features, with three selectable monitor outputs and four input sources, including a USB playback from a DAW with 192kHz / 24-bit audio conversion. Other tools like a dedicated, amp-driven studio out for a headphone distribution system are ideal for project and professional studios.

The prices are all very reasonable as well. Big Knob Passive has a street price of only $69.99, while BK Studio comes in at $199.99 and the Studio+ at $299.99. For many more details, go to Mackie’s dedicated Big Knob controller page or check out the video below.