Mackie Big Knob Studio+ is a monitor controller that can switch four stereo sources to three monitor pairs. On the other hand, it can be used as an audio interface with first-class Onyx™ PreAmps and 192-kHz/24-bit converters. Thanks to its extensive routing options and sophisticated features such as the built-in talkback microphone and the extra input for smartphones, the Big Knob Studio is a compact solution for any studio.
Properties as monitor controller
Flexible source and monitor selection between 4 stereo sources and 3 monitor pairs
Classic Big Knob volume control
Independent trim for all sources and monitor outputs
Switch for mono, mute and dim
Input for external talkback microphone
Studio Out for dedicated headphone amplifiers
LED metering with 16 segments
Built-in talkback microphone with footswitch input
4 balanced line inputs
Stereo mini jack input on the front panel
6 balanced monitor outputs
Two headphone outputs with independent source selection and volume control
Properties as audio interface
2x4 USB recording interface
LED metering with 16 segments
Two high-quality Onyx microphone preamplifiers with phantom power
High-resolution 192 kHz/24-bit AD/DA converters
Cue Mix allows smooth fading between input and return signal for latency-free recording
The built is solid : the sockets, pots and buttons are sturdy. The pots' stiffness is very consistent: the gains are all a bit stiff just as they should and the big volume knob is super smooth. The buttons add no click.
The sound quality is good. It adds a tiny bit of background white noise, but since the amplification can get quite high (and I needed that), I'm happy with the tradeoff. I hear no hum whatsoever.
It sends a pop to the speakers when the power is cut. Nothing damaging, but that could be cleaner.
The only aspect I'm not happy with is the USB interface. But let's be honest, I'm never happy with any sound interface with integrated converters. That is because the digital ground is bridged with the analog ground, resulting in high-pitched modulated interferences (and so-called filters don't help that much). The problem here is that you even get that noise, though to a lesser amount, when not listening to the USB source, as long as the USB cable is plugged in. So if, like me, you're not especially interested in that feature, better leave the USB unplugged altogether. Otherwise, I find the (necessary!) drivers stable enough, for as little as I use them.
I would have prefered no USB interface, no mic in, hence only one single pot for line inputs 1-2, and possibly a 4th analog source input instead of the USB source.
This is a really decent bit of kit. Well built and the two pre amps sound clean with low noise floor. I use it in a home studio application with two sets of speakers for monitoring. It allows me to record vocals and guitars in the room without having to keep turning off the speakers. Happy days!
