Following on from our article on the Monitor Controllers We Use and then our discussion in Podcast 252, we now learn that Mackie have announced the modernisation of its popular Big Knob monitor controller, expanding the lineup and including models with high-resolution USB recording and playback. The all-new Big Knob Series features three models –Big Knob Passive, Big Knob Studio and Big Knob Studio+.

USB Interface Included

Both the Big Knob Studio and Big Knob Studio+ offer USB interfacing, featuring dual Onyx mic preamps, with 60dB of gain range.

Mackie Big Knob Passive

As the most compact and affordable, Big Knob Passive offers choice between two sources, two monitors and control it all with its one Big Knob. Its no-power-required passive design is designed to ensure sonic integrity for any home studio application or for integration into a large studio or group of editing suites.

Mackie Big Knob Studio

Big Knob Studio adds USB recording/playback and expands on the I/O, offering a routing choice between three sources and two monitor pairs. It includes integrated talkback and dual headphone outs.

Mackie Big Knob Studio+

Big Knob Studio+ adds even more features, offering 4x3 routing, including a USB playback from a DAW with 192kHz / 24-bit audio conversion. Other tools include a dedicated, amp-driven studio out for a headphone distribution system.

Mackie Product Manager, Jon Rundle told us...

The Big Knob is undeniably the go-to monitor controller for project and professional studios, and has been for more than a decade. The new Big Knob Series builds on this proven workflow with a healthy infusion of modern tools for any home, project or professional studio.

With Big Knob Studio, you not only get a great-sounding USB interface, you get all the benefits of a premium monitor controller. At a price you’d pay for just an interface, you get so much more. It’s the ultimate home or project studio solution. Just add monitors and you are good to go.

With the expanded lineup and comprehensive feature set, Big Knob offers flexible solutions for any type of studio. Looking for a streamlined monitor switcher? Looking for a high-resolution interface? The Big Knob Series offers all this and more. Big Knob will truly be the nerve center of your studio.

Price And Availability

• The Mackie Big Knob Series is debuting at NAMM 2017 with worldwide availability beginning April 2017.
• Big Knob Passive has a U.S. MSRP of $89.99
• Big Knob Studio has a U.S. MSRP of $259.99
• Big Knob Studio+ has a U.S. MSRP of $389.99.