TEST: Mackie Big Knob Studio

 Desktop monitor controllers seem to be the product of the moment. Whether it's the success of SPL's Crimson series or the ever-increasing trend towards multiple functions in the smallest possible space, the combination of controller and audio interface is unstoppable in the home studio sector. Aware of this, Mackie has also smelled a rat and has positioned itself in good time with a new edition of its Big Knob series. With the Mackie Big Knob Studio, we have the middle version of the new triumvirate for testing.

Concept

As already mentioned, the Mackie Big Knob Studio functions as a combination of controller and interface, although the combination does not necessarily have to be used in parallel. The product can also be used as a controller for analog signal routing only. A total of 3 stereo signals can be routed to 2 monitor paths plus a stereo track, which is switchable between -10 dB and + 4 dB. The Mackie Big Knob Studio can also interface to a PC via a USB output, and it also has 2 headphone outputs, which in turn have a talkback microphone connection.

Front

In addition to the two headphone outputs, which can be fed with the USB signal and inputs 1-4, there is a mini-jack on the front of the housing under the designation StereoIn 3/4 to quickly connect and listen to devices from the iPhone/iPad league. In this case, the signal is preferred to the inputs 3 and 4 on the back and is not to be understood as an independent input source.

Rear panel

Besides the On/Off switch and the screwable input socket of the included power supply (+18V / 1.5 A), all other inputs and outputs have been placed on the back of the case. Except for the two lockable combo jacks from Neutrik, these are TRS jacks without exception, which can be assigned either balanced or unbalanced. In addition to the already mentioned outputs, the inputs 3/4 are also available here, optionally in -10 dB and + 4 dB input sensitivity.

Housing and controls

Once again Mackie convinces with a very massive construction. The Chinese-made device has a solid steel housing, 4 non-slip rubber feet, which even adhere to a glass plate as if glued and a very pleasant knob feel, which offers just the right resistance between sluggish and cumbersome. Due to the solid steel housing, the weight of the Mackie Big Knob Studio screws up to a stately 1.6 kilograms despite the comparatively small dimensions of 81 mm x 251 mm x 163 mm (H x W x D), which results in a pleasantly firm and secure stand on the work surface.

Operation and appearance

The surface of the Mackie Big Knob Studio can be divided into 3 areas due to the centered and grayed strip, whereby the product's namesake, the master volume control of monitor outputs A and B, is the optical focus. Said Big Knob glides smoothly and evenly over the entire control range, which does without further scaling. If you like to work with a dB display or something similar for volume control, you will unfortunately be disappointed here.

In the gray contrasting strip one finds 2 output (monitor A and B) and 3 input pressure switches (USB, 3/4, 1/2), whereby a multiple activation is possible. As a visual control, the pressure switches are underlaid with a green backlight when activated. Once again, the popular Onyx amplifiers have been installed as preamplifiers for inputs 1/2, which can boost even very quiet signals with up to 60 dB. A stereo pan push button switch lets you choose whether you want to use the two inputs as a stereo L/R signal or as a dual center-routed mono signal. Likewise, a phantom power of +48V is possible via a push switch.

In the upper segment of the surface, the respective gain controls of the Onyx preamplifiers are located on the far left, which also only have the Min/Max designations. Further orientation aids, such as the popular U-grid of other Mackie consoles, are missing here. For this, you have to make a jump to the right, where the gain control of the stereo channel 3/4 has been laid out with said grid and the level attenuation/boost of +/- 12 dB. On the far right, there are two trim controls to individually adjust the output volume of the two speaker pairs A and B by lowering the level by up to -12 dB.

Below the gray bar are 2 independent volume controls for the two headphone outputs, which have to share a common path. Via a push button, the user can choose whether the headphone signal taps the 2-track output or the cue signal. A knob to the left of the two headphone controls allows the user to continuously select between the playback and the input signal, ensuring latency-free monitoring.

Below the Big Knob volume control are three pushbuttons labeled Mono, Mute and Dim, which are self-explanatory in their function and relate their action only to the monitor outputs. As a visual control of the output level, the Mackie Big Knob Studio also has a 2x 16-digit LED chain above the volume control. Last but not least, the talkback volume control is located on the bottom right of the surface, along with an activation push button, which routes the talkback signal to the headphone outputs.

Interface

As already mentioned, with the Mackie Big Knob Studio you get 2 devices in one. In addition to the controller functions, the device can also take over interface functions. Via the USB interface, both PC and Mac are available as DAW platforms, whereby the latter, as expected, gets by without additional drivers, while the former requires the installation of the ASIO driver, which can be downloaded from the Mackie website. In the DAW, 2 inputs and 2 outputs appear after installation, with the converters generating 192 kHz at 24-bit as the maximum resolution.

There is also a push button on the back called "Rec Src Select" which simplifies loopback recording for blogs, podcasts, etc. When the button is pressed, only the combo jacks are routed to the DAW; when the switch is not pressed, the DAW's output signal is output in addition to the Mackie Big Knob Studio's inputs, allowing for annotation of the signal.

Practice

When placing the Mackie Big Knob Studio, you should be aware that there is enough space both behind and in front of the unit. Personally, I'm not a fan of front-facing audio jacks, as they usually have to be routed in tight curves back behind the unit, unless you're dealing with signal sources that are only rudimentary to the controller.

Here Mackie once again proves the practical thinking of its engineers. Input devices such as iPhones or iPads are usually only used for a short time before they are used for other purposes, so the mini-jack stereo input on the front makes sense. As for the headphone outputs, the reasonableness of the front jack placement depends on its area of use. If the sound engineer and producer or similar primarily want to listen to the headphone signal, placing the outputs on the front is optimal. If, on the other hand, the signal is to be sent to a vocal booth, for example, I consider rear-mounted jacks, which route the cable into a corresponding strand, to make more sense.

In terms of haptics, Mackie once again meets the demands that are placed on a modern desktop device these days. A bomb-proof stand and an intuitive switch and control assignment, in cooperation with an ergonomic housing shape, allow stress-free, targeted work in almost all speech and music areas. The entire signal routing, starting with the preamps and ending with the output signals, shines with a round, neutral sound, which is at no time diminished in quality with ambient noise or headroom bottlenecks.

Conclusion

With the Mackie Big Knob Studio, the American manufacturer scores with its combination of controller and interface across the board. The product with its 2in1 concept is made for the private home studio and offers, in addition to 2 high-quality preamps and a flexible monitoring, an overall coherent concept for almost all situations of modern home recording.

Additional Informations:

Mackie Audio: A Comprehensive Report on the Company

    Introduction: Mackie Audio is a renowned audio equipment manufacturer that has been at the forefront of the professional audio industry for several decades. Founded in 1988 by Greg Mackie and Martin Schneider, the company has established itself as a leading provider of innovative and high-quality audio solutions for musicians, recording engineers, and sound reinforcement professionals. This report aims to provide a detailed overview of Mackie Audio, covering its history, product range, market position, and impact on the industry.

    History and Background:
    Mackie Audio was born out of a vision to create affordable and user-friendly audio equipment without compromising on quality. Greg Mackie, a studio recording engineer, and Martin Schneider, a professional sound reinforcement expert, joined forces to develop products that catered to the needs of audio professionals at all levels. Their first breakthrough came in 1989 with the release of the LM-1602 mixer, which revolutionized the industry with its compact size and intuitive design.

    Product Range:
    Mackie Audio offers a diverse range of audio products designed to meet the needs of various applications. Their product line includes:

a) Mixers: Mackie mixers are widely recognized for their exceptional sound quality, robust construction, and intuitive controls. From compact models for small gigs and home studios to large-format consoles for live sound reinforcement, Mackie offers a comprehensive range of mixers to suit different budgets and requirements.

b) Studio Monitors: Mackie studio monitors are highly regarded for their accuracy and transparency, making them a top choice for professional recording studios and home setups alike. The company offers both active and passive monitor options, ensuring that customers have a wide selection to choose from.

c) Loudspeakers: Mackie loudspeakers are renowned for their durability, portability, and exceptional audio performance. Their portable PA systems and powered speakers have gained popularity in the live sound market, providing high-quality sound reinforcement solutions for concerts, events, and installations.

d) Recording Equipment: Mackie provides a range of recording equipment, including audio interfaces, control surfaces, and studio accessories. These products are designed to enhance the recording experience and offer flexibility and convenience to audio professionals.

    Technological Innovations:
    Mackie Audio has consistently pushed the boundaries of audio technology with its innovative solutions. Over the years, the company has introduced several groundbreaking features and technologies, including:

a) Onyx Preamps: Mackie's Onyx preamps are known for their low noise, high headroom, and exceptional audio fidelity. These preamps have become a hallmark of Mackie's mixers, ensuring pristine sound reproduction.

b) High-Resolution Studio Monitors: Mackie's HR series studio monitors deliver accurate, detailed, and transparent sound reproduction, making them an ideal choice for critical listening and professional mixing/mastering applications.

c) DL Series Digital Mixers: Mackie's DL series mixers integrate the power of digital mixing with the convenience of wireless control via iPad, iPhone, or iPod touch. This innovative approach revolutionized the way live sound engineers mix performances.

d) FreePlay Series: The FreePlay series combines portable, battery-powered design with powerful sound reproduction. These systems are equipped with advanced Bluetooth streaming capabilities, making them versatile solutions for small venues, presentations, and outdoor events.

    Market Position:
    Mackie Audio has successfully positioned itself as a trusted brand in the professional audio industry. Their commitment to quality, innovative design, and customer satisfaction has garnered a loyal customer base. The company's products are widely used in recording studios, live sound applications, broadcast facilities, and home setups. Mackie Audio has also expanded its global reach, with distribution networks in various countries, enabling a wide availability of their products worldwide.

    Industry Impact:
    Mackie Audio's contributions to the audio industry extend beyond its product offerings. The company has played an instrumental role in shaping the way audio equipment is designed, manufactured, and marketed. Mackie's user-friendly approach, focus on affordability, and commitment to delivering reliable performance have set industry standards and inspired other manufacturers to follow suit. Furthermore, Mackie's emphasis on customer feedback and product development has resulted in a continuous cycle of improvement and innovation.

    Conclusion:
    Mackie Audio has emerged as a leading force in the professional audio industry, driven by its commitment to innovation, quality, and customer satisfaction. With a diverse product range, technological advancements, and a strong market position, Mackie continues to provide audio professionals with reliable and high-performance solutions. As the company moves forward, it is poised to further shape the industry with its groundbreaking products and unwavering dedication to the art of sound reproduction.