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The Big Knob from Mackie. I had beed shopping for a device to more easily allow me to compare loudspeaker setup in my workshop, and decided to try the Mackie monitor controller. I though it also would be useful in the future loudspeaker demo room of my retail store - allow multiple ins while comparing up to three loudspeaker/amplifier combinations.
This last weekend however, I put it to use in my main system - and I have the rack tore apart anyway.
In general the value is a killer! I spent $300 and I can't find a fault. Even the phono preamp is quiet and true. Could be the best sleeper product of the year. I use my audio interface in on the DAW input - direct CD in another - And the third input could be used for input comparison. I love the feature that the input and outputs can be level matched to each other, and I use the Mono button all the time - much better to evaluation of changes than a stereo mix.
I use the Talkback Mic and Studio outputs to record my comments and observations - though the Studio output could be used as a second zone output.
The two things is doesn't have are a remote control and a processor loop between inputs and outputs.
Some might miss the need for digital inputs - but in this case you'll likely want your own D-A converters.
Three most important things in Audio reproduction: Keep the noise levels low, the power high and the room diffuse.
Follow Ups:
I've purchased several of these "CHEAP STEALS" in the past, they never work for me. As much as I want them to be great, they are never as good as i hoped for. I've learned my lesson to pass on them....and to not buy blindly.
shipping included .
Yeah I bought mine 6 weeks ago. :( Guitar Center.
Three most important things in Audio reproduction: Keep the noise levels low, the power high and the room diffuse.
Bought first one for $270 and about a year later, Logitech had them on sale for $210.
I now have a second one. :)
That modest device has reintroduced me to my musical library unlike anything else I've purchased in a long time. Highly recommended.
I'm thinking someone at the top of that company owns a BMW...(iDrive?)
Baba-Booey to you all!
In my office I use only one knob.
One passive volume knob for balanced audio...[image not to scale]
Dynobots Audio
Music is the Bridge between Heaven and Earth - 音楽は天国と地球のかけ橋
..no way that thing would find it's way into my system. To each his own, I suppose.
Oz
Don't worry about avoiding temptation. As you grow older, it will avoid you.
- Winston Churchill
a signal goes through no fewer than six op amps! Mackie, like Behringer, likes $.26 NJM4580/M-80 op amps. Such is pretty much required for that budget.
My experience with the 4580s is pretty dreadful. Hard and closed in sounding.
I'd pass. So do lots of others. Google the knob and you'll find others preferring the improved sonics of the passive Presonus Central Station for switching and DAW mixing duties.
If serious listening includes the tasks of microtuning Crossover Points of loudspeaker designs than I'd have to say this product works great.
It will never work for you because - without even a listen - you have dismissed the product and you will not have confidence in it's capabilities. Confidence in your equipment is probably the most important characteristic you need when you are trying to imagine performances from a two channel stereo system.
Three most important things in Audio reproduction: Keep the noise levels low, the power high and the room diffuse.
I wouldn't want that thing anywhere near my system either.
If a piece sounds good it sounds good. Of course synergy with the connected components plays a big role, and I typically prefer the shortest, simplest path in my system as well (a simple tube pre) but dismissing it (and anyone who owns it) completely without the courtesy of either a listen or the benefit of the actual user's experience with it is at best ignorant and at worst snobbish and rude.
Baba-Booey to you all!
I'm pretty sure it sounds good to him, and probably so would to you. However, I have enough experience with quality gear to dismiss something like this as cheap piece of crap, that can do nothing but harm when inserted into signal chain.
See also post by E-Stat above.
I an a very "gullable" listener. I can be drawn into the music listening experience (imagining a performance) with just about any system, A Bose 1-2-3 will do it for me, or the highest quality system. That doesn't mean I am unable to descriminate tiny differences in signals? When I an in the "engineering" or "Analytical" mode I can hear small differences and distortions - especially with test signals - and some specific music tracks I use over and over.
When I listen to music for enjoyment, however. I "turn off the analyitics", relax, and enjoy the music - wishing I could be that skilled or creative.
Three most important things in Audio reproduction: Keep the noise levels low, the power high and the room diffuse.
I do....
Sometimes, I do not pay attention to the quality of the sound, soundstage, etc. But also sometimes, when I hear great dynamics, soundstaging, detail, or timber accuracy from a playback system, I get drawsn into the room from outside it.
If I listen to a "cheaper" car stereo, boombox, or radio or something, then I listen differently, and listen for content. As a songwriter/musician, I had friends who really only focused on content. I can still enjoy the music, just a bit less...
Whenever I hear systems that I think sound amazing, I enjoy the music more.
"In this land right now, some are insane and they're in charge. To hell with poverty, we'll get drunk on cheap wine."
"and I typically prefer the shortest, simplest path in my system as well"
That alone is enough cause for YOU to dismiss it in YOUR system.
Even I never said it might not work for him, just wouldn't work for ME.
Oz
Don't worry about avoiding temptation. As you grow older, it will avoid you.
- Winston Churchill
You are right, I probably would have zero confidence in it. I don't like to add anything unnecessary to the chain.
You said:
"allow multiple ins while comparing up to three loudspeaker/amplifier combinations."
Now THIS reminds me of what I used to see when I would go in circuit city. Speakers lined up next to each other and a switch box with push buttons to select between them. Oh the glory.......
Oz
Don't worry about avoiding temptation. As you grow older, it will avoid you.
- Winston Churchill
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