Mackie Big Knob Passive

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Monitor Controller

For up to two monitor pairs and two stereo sources
Passive +4 dB signal path without separate power supply unit
Large volume control
Switches for mute, dim, mono, and toggling monitor and signal sources
2 stereo line inputs: 6.3 mm jack balanced, plus a 3.5 mm mini-jack
2 stereo monitor outputs: 6.3 mm jack balanced
Steel casing
Includes Tracktion Waveform Recording Software

30-Day Money-Back Guarantee

3-Year Thomann Warranty

Available since May 2017
Item number 407242
Sales Unit 1 piece(s)
Number Of Monitoring Outputs (Stereo) 2
Headphone connection 0
Talkback Function No
Built-in AD / DA converter No
Incl. Remot control No
Level Meter No
Number of 2 track inputs 0
Summing Function No
Surround No
Design Desktop
Dimensions 142 x 137 x 79 mm
Weight 1,0 kg

879 kr

All prices incl. VAT

Sales Rank

in Studio Monitor Controllers

Take a Big Knob home today

The Mackie Big Knob Passive is an extremely affordable passive monitor controller that sticks to the essentials: That means precise control over listening levels, including mute and dim functions, plus the option to sum stereo signals to mono. It also throws in some expanded routing tricks, letting producers run two stereo sources and two pairs of studio monitors into the controller. For more advanced pro features – like talkback or a larger set of I/Os – Mackie also offers a number of larger models, namely the Big Knob Studio and Big Knob Studio+.

Mackie Big Knob Passive, monitor controller

Drop in, tune in, rock out

The Mackie Big Knob Passive can be dropped straight into any traditional monitoring setup. Using the 6.3mm jack sockets on the back panel, which support both balanced and unbalanced connections, the unit can be quickly hooked up to an audio interface and a set of studio monitors. Input B also comes with a 3.5mm mini‑jack for devices like a smartphone, tablet, or similar. When both inputs on channel B are connected, the mini‑jack takes priority over the 6.3mm sockets.

I/O section of the Mackie Big Knob Passive monitor controller

Interference: 0. Interruptions: 0.

The Mackie Big Knob Passive is a wallet-friendly option that also delivers all the key monitoring functions users actually need; beginners in particular will immediately feel at home, which is a strength in itself. At the same time, this compact controller can hold its own from a technical perspective thanks to the properly professional audio quality it delivers. Stereo tracking stays solid across the entire travel of the titular "big knob" as it controls the volume – no level jumps, no shifts in the stereo image. Switching between inputs and outputs, as well as engaging the mute, dim and mono buttons, also produces no unwanted noises. The result is a mix that's free of interference and a mixing session that's free of interruptions.

About Mackie

In 1988 Greg Mackie, already a successful co-founder of a pro audio company, founded Mackie Designs Inc. with the goal of producing affordable, high-quality mixers. The company's first official product, the LM-1602 line mixer, was initially produced within the four walls of his home. As sales figures were encouraging, its successor model CR-1604 soon followed - and in 1991 the company finally moved into its first proper production facility. The combination of reliable quality and low prices quickly brought the company enormous success, so that by 1995 Mackie had already sold 100,000 products. In 2003, the company was renamed LOUD Audio, LLC so that there is no longer any confusion between the Mackie brand and its former parent company of the same name.

Essential tools for exposing weaknesses

The Mackie Big Knob Passive works with any standard studio monitor setup, providing a solid monitoring backbone for home studios. An A/B comparison between two speaker systems, a mono switch for checking mono compatibility, and precise control over listening levels all count as essential tools for exposing weaknesses in a mix. On top of that, the Big Knob's compact footprint means it fits comfortably even on a smaller or impromptu studio desk, and thanks to its grippy rubber feet and a weight of just over 1kg, the controller stays put – even when the cables it's hooked up to get tugged around.

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4.6 / 5

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284 Reviews

Great use, but possibly faulty unit?

Alex Djuran 16.03.2020

I purchased this because I wanted to purchase a pair of secondary reference monitors and needed a fast and easy way to switch between the pair. This seemed like a fantastic way to do it but I do have one complaint with it. Running pink noise trough my new speakers, I noticed that ever since wiring the speakers trough the Big Knob, the left speaker seemed to be noticeably quieter than the right speaker. I checked this without the Big Knob, and the issue went away instantly. It could be a bad cable, but I do think it had more to do with the unit itself. I might return it, but the convenience of changing is holding me back. Purchase with caution!

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Great addition to my monitors

Svetlin Simeonov 15.06.2019

I have this for about 6 months. The big idea to buy this was to have easy way to switch between different configuration. I have windows PC which I use for music and mixing, and also for gaming and watching movies. So when I am working on music, I am using my Audio Interface Focusrite Clarett 8pre USB, but when I am gaming or watching movies - I see no reason to keep my sound card ON. Also one of my big problems was Volume Control.

And here comes the Mackie big knob. This thing solved all my issues at ones. First this device is all metal , great build. It has big and easy to roll knob for Volume, and great buttons for Mute, DIM , MONO, switch A/B speakers and very important for me - switch A/B input. A input is from my Audio Interface, and B input is directly from my PC with 3.5mm connector. Another big plus was that this thing is little and easy to put in front of my monitor. This way audio interface can be placed a little away from me.

After 6 months , I still think this was a great addition to my studio.

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Kawaiieg 10.02.2023

I got this in order to add an analog stage between my digitally controlled audio interface and my monitors. My current set up has just the single stereo input A and outputs selecting between my monitors and my headphone amp, so I can switch at the press of a button (as opposed to multiple software buttons) to go back and forth. The Mono and Mute switches are a bonus and overall this thing feels very sturdy and robust.

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Awesome

T0mmas 06.02.2022

I bought the Mackie controller for my home studio. I run 2 sets of monitors and 2 different input sources through it. I find it particulary pleasing and user friendly!

The build quality is awesome. It is really heavy so it won't "go for a walk" at random times. The box is pure metal and screams reliability. The buttons are enough hard to press - not that sturdy, yet not that soft and loose. The big knob runs smooth. Haven't experienced any noise or scratches while it turns. I am really impressed how good and smooth it operates.

I recommend this!

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Mackie Big Knob Passive

Monitor Controller