Mackie Big Knob Passive
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
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Available since May 2017
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Item number 407242
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Sales Unit 1 piece(s)
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Number Of Monitoring Outputs (Stereo) 2
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Headphone connection 0
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Talkback Function No
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Built-in AD / DA converter No
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Incl. Remote control No
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Level Meter No
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Number of 2 track inputs 0
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Summing Function No
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Surround No
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Design Desktop
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Dimensions 142 x 137 x 79 mm
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Weight 1,0 kg
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Big Knob strikes again
The Mackie Big Knob Passive is an affordable, no-frills monitor controller designed to keep the audio path as simple and transparent as possible. Part of Mackie's long-running Big Knob series – a staple among project studios for over a decade – it strips the concept back to its essentials: There are no active electronics in the signal chain, ensuring precise analogue level control and strong signal integrity. The Big Knob Passive features two stereo inputs and two pairs of monitor outputs, allowing engineers and producers to switch easily between sources and speaker sets for comparative monitoring and critical listening. Mute and dim functions are provided for quick level management, as well as a mono switch for checking phase relationships and mix compatibility. For studios requiring additional routing, talkback, or other on-board features, Mackie's Big Knob Studio and Big Knob Studio+ models provide more options.
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Straightforward 2×2 monitoring
The Big Knob Passive integrates easily into studio monitoring setups. All audio connections are via 6.3mm jack sockets supporting balanced and unbalanced signals, allowing the unit to sit at the end of the signal chain – for example between an audio interface and a pair of studio monitors – while accommodating an additional playback source. The second input is also available via a 3.5mm stereo mini-jack, allowing smartphones, tablets, or other portable devices to be connected; when both connectors on Input B are used, the mini-jack takes priority. Source and speaker selection is handled directly from the front panel, enabling quick switching between sources and monitor pairs. The mute and dim functions allow the output to be instantly silenced or reduced for quick reference adjustments, while the mono function provides a reliable way to check phase coherence and overall mix balance.
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Clean signal, precise control
Designed for home studios, project studios, and professional environments, the Big Knob Passive offers a straightforward and reliable solution for switching between stereo sources and monitors. Its fully passive design will appeal to users who prioritise signal transparency, while its intuitive layout and compact footprint adapt to even the simplest setups. The large central control knob – unsurprisingly, the Big Knob's defining feature – provides smooth and accurate adjustment across its entire travel, with no level jumps or shifts in the stereo image, even at lower listening levels. Switching between sources and monitor outputs, as well as engaging the mute, dim, and mono functions, occurs cleanly and without unwanted clicks or noise, supporting a consistent and dependable monitoring environment across a wide range of applications, including tracking, editing, and mix evaluation.
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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.
Tune in, weed out
In practical use, the Big Knob Passive provides essential tools for evaluating and refining a mix while maintaining a high level of technical precision. The ability to switch between two monitor pairs supports A/B comparisons, while the mono function helps identify phase issues and balance inconsistencies. Its passive design avoids introducing additional noise or coloration into the monitoring chain, allowing decisions to be made with confidence. The secondary input, including the 3.5mm mini-jack, adds a useful degree of flexibility, making it easy to route a reference signal, a submix, or audio from a mobile or laptop directly into the monitoring path. Its compact footprint fits comfortably on smaller desks, and the solid metal chassis with rubber feet keeps the unit stable, even when connected cables are moved. This combination of precision, flexibility, and stability makes it a dependable monitoring hub in both compact and more developed studio setups.
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