The Mackie Big Knob Studio+ is a professional active monitor controller that can also function as a USB audio interface. It is designed for large studios and can handle the most complex monitoring and routing tasks that sound engineers may encounter. This model is the flagship of the Big Knob series and offers the maximum number of inputs and outputs.
This device allows for the connection of up to four audio sources. It features two combo jack/XLR microphone/line/instrument inputs equipped with Onyx preamps, phantom power, and can be used as the 1/2 input source. The 3/4 and 5/6 inputs are available on four 1/4'' Jack TRS connectors, which can accommodate balanced or unbalanced audio signals. The 5/6 input is also duplicated on a 1/8'' Jack TRS connector located on the front panel. In addition, the USB interface can serve as a source of audio, offering two inputs and four outputs. Source selection buttons are located on the main panel. The centerpiece of this device is the large aluminum volume knob with extremely smooth operation. Convenient Mute (silencing sound by -60 dB), Dim (reducing sound by -20 dB), and Mono buttons are located next to it, as well as a 16-segment input volume meter that can quickly indicate overload. An additional audio source can be connected through the Aux In input on two 1/4'' Jack TRS connectors.
For outputting sound to monitors, there are three outputs on six 1/4'' Jack TRS connectors. There is also a Studio/Phones Amp output on two 1/4'' Jack TRS connectors for connecting external headphone amplifiers. The Cue Source selector allows for choosing the signal source for headphones, including the Aux In input, the 1/2, 3/4, and 5/6 main inputs, as well as the USB. This way, the Big Knob Studio+ allows for sending different mixes to headphones and monitors, which is often required during studio sessions. For recording in a portable studio or other external recorder, there is a 2-Track output on two 1/4'' Jack TRS connectors. The built-in Talkback microphone is available for communication between the sound engineer and the performer, and there is also an XLR input for an external microphone. The controller can be used as a USB audio interface by connecting it to a computer via the USB-B port. It supports 24-bit recording of audio signals from inputs 1/2 with a sampling rate of up to 192 kHz. Therefore, recording can be done either onto an external device connected to the 2-Track outputs or onto a computer via USB.
The Mackie Big Knob Studio+ is an incredibly useful device for large recording studios with multiple monitor pairs. In addition to avoiding extra cables and external equipment, this device also enables routing signals to headphones, recording, and communicating with musicians. The controller's housing is a sturdy, all-metal construction, and it is powered by an 18V DC adapter. The package includes the adapter itself and keys for activating the Tracktion recording software.
Features:
- Professional monitor controller
- Connect up to 4 audio sources and 3 pairs of monitors
- Can be used as a USB interface with 2 inputs and 4 outputs
- 24-bit/192 kHz recording format
- Large aluminum volume knob
- Built-in Talkback microphone and the ability to connect external microphone
- Sturdy metal housing
- Frequency range: 20 - 20000 Hz
- Signal-to-noise ratio: 125 dB
- Inputs: 2 x TRS / XLR, 4 x TRS, 1 x XLR talkback mic in, 1 TRS footswitch
- Outputs: 6 x TRS
Package includes:
- Audio interface
- Power adapter
- USB cable
- Documentation