Anyone using a Mackie Big Knob?

 I've been through a 3 different monitor control surfaces and I just can't seem to get one that works properly. First I tried the JBL MCS-1. I purchased my first MCS-1 and exactly a month later the left channel was no longer working. I exchanged it for another one and the same thing happened. Both myself and the associates at Guitar were blown away that two units would have the same problem but sure enough both were junk. I'm currently using a Presonus Monitor station and it's just not doing it for me. As soon as I hooked it up it introduced interference in my monitors(been dealing with this for about 2 months), the mute knob doesn't fully mute the signal and it feels rather cheaply constructed. So, I've decided to give the Big Knob a shot and wanted to see if anyone has anything to say about it. Thanks.

Thanks for the reply. I'm hearing the same concerning coloration from a few other sources as well....hmmm. Correct me if I'm wrong but wouldn't the Presonus Monitor Station introduce some coloration as well? What exactly is ARC? Thanks again. 

You might want to look at the TC level pilot too.  Very clean.  And cheap.  A studio owner used it in his b room and then moved it to the A when his SSL was getting worked on.  he had no complaints about the sound.

Thanks guys for the responses. I purchased a Mackie Big Knob today and so far the coloration seems about equal to the Presonus Monitor Station that I returned. Seems better manufactured and the mute button fully kills the signal unlike the Monitor Station. Thanks again. :D

skullsession


I used the Big Knob for about 4 years.  No problems....sold it for a decent price on craigslist.  Still looked and worked like brand new.  Held up nicely to the use it saw over those years.  No problematic noise anywhere.

I upgraded a couple of months ago to the Dangerous Monitor system....but I wouldn't have any major complaints about having to mix through the Mackie again if I had to.

The worst part about the Mackie is all the cables that have to run to the unit.  I kinda hated the spaghetti thing.  But if you get it placed well, you can keep all of that out of your way.

Wow,....thanks for the response. It's good to know that you could go from an almost $2000 monitoring system down to the Big Knob if you had to.....I don't feel so bad about owning the Big Knob now.  Thanks for the response! 

I am  Big Knob user and I love it.  It's true that there are a LOT of wires connected to the Big Knob, but the sound, according to Mackie, isn't colored at all by the Big Knob.

I have a set of KRK V4's, KRK V6 and a cheap set of desktop speakers connected to it so I can check my mix with various monitors. I use it to talk to the vocalist through the built in talk back mic, and  I love using the DIM button on it.  I LOVE MY MACKIE BIG KNOB.
 
HEY.. I survived Hurricane IRENE... Today..

Peace .