smallstonefan
I use an Avantone and love it. Here's how I route:
 
1. Main monitors (Adams) from the Monitor Outs on my Apollo.
2. I use a pair of line outs on my Apollo (7/8) and use a Y cable that takes stereo TRS to mono TS. This mono signal is fed into one of these:
http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B000T9K8ZO?psc=1&redirect=true&ref_=oh_aui_search_detailpage
The Avantone is hooked up to one side of the passive monitor control.
 
Switching between them is a two step process. First, I press the volume knob on the Apollo and and that toggles the mute of the main monitors. Next I hit the mute switch on the above mentioned passive volume control to toggle the mute of the Avantone.
 
I calibrated my main monitors to around 80db with full volume (attenuating affects the signal), and then I calibrated the Avantone by ear with the passive volume control all the way open. That way, when mixing the volumes are complimentary and driven by the pink noise calibration I did with the Adams.
 
hope this helps,

Thanks for the reply I did not know these little buggers are pricy. I will more than likely use my stereo head phone out for one mono speaker to mix.

I didn't pay that much even though I got it from Amazon - I paid $59 for mine. :/
 
You can probably find it cheaper elsewhere or get one used.
 
I chose it because I wanted an affordable passive volume attenuator - those that use active circuitry mess with the signal more.
 
If you use the headphone out, definitely consider your gain staging...
 

smallstonefan
I didn't pay that much even though I got it from Amazon - I paid $59 for mine. :/
 
You can probably find it cheaper elsewhere or get one used.
 
I chose it because I wanted an affordable passive volume attenuator - those that use active circuitry mess with the signal more.
 
If you use the headphone out, definitely consider your gain staging...
 

$59 for what speaker?

ah no sorry, for the passive volume control in the link. The Avantone is pricey, but you only need one. :)

smallstonefan
ah no sorry, for the passive volume control in the link. The Avantone is pricey, but you only need one. :)

Ahhh that makes sense I see threads about a using http://www.sweetwater.com/store/detail/C50A anyone have a review of Behringer C50A?  I have learned you get what you pay for so... just trying to make sure there is not a better option that the Avantone

YMMV, but I will never put Behringer gear in the critical path of my audio again (I had the Truths in the past, and some miscellaneous rack gear).
 
However, I DO get the need to budget. 

Here is a review of auratone, avantone and behritione.  It seems this person says auratone are better but the replies in this thread seem to favor avantone so I will go with my fellow Cakewalkers.  Thanks for all the help with this issue
http://www.trustmeimascientist.com/2012/02/06/auratone-avantone-behritone-review/

Does any know the difference between a the Passive or Active Avantone mixing Cube?  Is there an advantage either way?  From researching the Passive cube cost more.  Thanks

I think you're seeing 2 passive cubes cost more than 1 active cube. Check the fine print. The disadvantage of the passive cube is that you'll need an external amplifier for it. The disadvantage of the active cube is that you're paying for an amp whether you need one or not. I'll be getting an active cube since my other monitors are active and I have no amp available.

fret_man
I think you're seeing 2 passive cubes cost more than 1 active cube. Check the fine print. The disadvantage of the passive cube is that you'll need an external amplifier for it. The disadvantage of the active cube is that you're paying for an amp whether you need one or not. I'll be getting an active cube since my other monitors are active and I have no amp available.

Thank you