Just discovered your channel in the last week or two and have been going through watching all your videos... Thank you so much the content is incredibly good especially all your drum stuff.
Wait, you're gonna use this thing to replace your real mixing board? Ok, I think you are insane...... I'm a bit confused about HOW this will work, specifically the control over different ins and outs.
Yeah, that board is just a live sound board with studio functionality built in. It's a nice board, but way too much for what I'm using it for. If I had to set up a quick studio with nothing, then maybe that would be a good choice of preamps and such. It has preamp line outs for recording which is nice.
Well, I still think you're crazy for that, though I do appreciate you showing us all you Big Knob, most people would be too self-conscious. . . . . . I remember the demo you did with the Mackie board and two other methods to compare, and you tracked some drums right in through it. I think the Mackie board had the nicest sound, though it is definitely a *specific* sound that gives a certain feel, almost a vintage tape type of gloss over everything, but that's a great sound, and it can be used for a lot of applications. The other thing it could probably do very well is record a live band, not like tracking "live" in the studio, but an actual show. Just remember, it's not the size of your knob, it's the motion ....... uh, wherever the motion is supposed to be, I forget.
Are the 1/2 mic outputs of Big Knob Studio suitable for recording electric guitar with DAW VST amplifiers? I did not find a Hi-Z mode, and I do not like the tone, too much background noise and distortion
RE: the second "source" button. Mine is only a personal studio (no income) but for my "real job" I work from home and work is done on a company-issued laptop - so I'm regularly moving between personal and work computers. In my scenario - it's a GREAT feature to have. No matter which computer I'm running, the room volume is controlled by the same big knob and coming out of the same nice monitors. BTW - I'm running the Behringer "Monitor2USB". Feature-wise it's kinda between the Big Knob Passive and the Big Knob Studio. I love this thing.
The two inputs are what is golden about this - otherwise, you just have little more than an A/B switch. In my studio, I use the two INs for 1) Focusrite/audio interface audio out from my DAW and 2) my Mac native audio out (no need to run my Mac through the Focusrite just to listen to iTunes or Spotify) and I use the two OUTs to go to my KRK near field monitors and 2) to my mixer for my QSC loudspeakers. This is an ideal setup.
Hi Ryan, I use alternative sources to have my reference mix on tap. That way I can quickly see how I am doing. It is very useful. You will need an extra pair of outs though in your interface and I then have that set up on my mix template and I always send the reference track to that output. Try it! :-)
I use this same trick with my command 8. I'm thinking of upgrading to an avid artist mix or a presonus fader port 8. I will definitely need a big knob passive just for the sake of comparing mixes on the fly.
Hi Ryan, I have the NOS McOne and its amazing. Its pretty much the same idea except it has 3 input and out puts instead of 2 like this one. Its extremely transparent with no colouration and its built like a tank. Not as cheap as this one, but still quite affordable and worth every penny. Glad you found something that works for you though. Keep up the good work.
I've been waiting for this too - I'll use the A and B input this way : A will be my DAW, and B will be my tascam DP32 I do my demos on. And yes the passive thing is even better because it has no colouration.
I'm curious if it colors the sound. I had a Presonus Monitor Station and I found it took a lot of the high end out of my monitors. Also, you could run your main mix as one input and create a cue mix with the other.
I got one cos I needed to attach my mix cube additionally to the stereo monitors, the mono function is brilliant for that and makes it all so much faster.
What's the issue with noise after a year?A dirty potentiometer? A shot of Deoxit will fix that. There shouldn't be much in the way of electronics in this to go bad.
Hey Ryan! Great review and i love the channel. Did you ever pick a new interface? I would love to see what you choose, also lots of other similar channels are doing lots of live streams lately. I would love to see you do one for people to ask questions in real time, its a great fun why to communicate with your followers. Hope to see that livd stream soon...thanks!
I ended up buying the JBL ACTIVE-1 Monitor Controller...same price but features like the Mackie 4x3...and I needed a pair of headphone jacks so I could run one out to the Headphone amp in the tracking room...and also listen at the board on headphones while tracking... How did they think we could work with only one headphone out?
Because they don't expect people to run a 50 or 100 foot headphone extension to the live room. Those headphone jacks are great for when you are recording something by your desk, like vocal, and you gotta turn off your monitors. Most folks will run a line level signal out to the live room, and then use a cheap headphone amp next to the musician.
The Source A/B is for referencing, an aux for plugging in a clients phone or audio device, etc... In my case, it could be used for using my monitors with my video game console when I'm not working.
Hi Ryan, I want to setup a small simple - effective system for karaoke at home. I use my old stereo system to play instrumental, and now i need a solution to play the vocal. Could you give me some advide? A compact amplifier like boss, fender... or JBL KX200 + Power + 1 center Speaker... I do not require many professional features, just natural - smooth voice. And, better if i can plug both 2 microphones at the same time :) Thanks
hello sir,, when i connect my interface(focusrite solo 3rd gen) to the big knob, the volume reduced a lot. I always set my interface volume knob to 12o clock(without the big knob). after i connected it i have to turn the big knob all the way up to sound like my usuall setting. i'm wondering why this happen..
Hi Ryan, my interface only has 2 main outputs, I want to be able to use an outboard compressor when mixing. I was thinking of getting the big knob so I could send one output of it to my monitors and the other to a compressor and be able to switch between both on the big knob and then back into the interface to record. Do you think this would work? Would I lose and quality in the audio? Or do you have any other solutions to allow me to use outboard equipment with only 2 main ohyouts on my interface? Thanks Alex
The Source Input B 1/4" and 1/8" linelevel connections may be connected simultaneously. If both inputs are connected simultaneously, the 1/8" stereo line input will take priority over the 1/4" connection.
Thomas Bengtsson yes, the 3.5mm is essentially an AUX In and plugging in a 3.5mm cable will shut off your 6.35mm B inputs. Simply unplugging the 3.5mm cable will automatically "turn on" the 6.35mm B input
Not sold. I think you are gonna miss the ability to add some gain - and do mono summing via your old mixer. The big knob needs a big preamp and an active signal path. Don't tell me you wouldn't have sprung for say... $125 to have that.
Can you crank the headphone out up higher than a normal audio interface? I use a Roland Quad capture and M-Audio Fastrack and both of the headphone levels are too low on max and want something to improve this. I could use a headphone amp I guess but does this do the same?
Just discovered your channel in the last week or two and have been going through watching all your videos... Thank you so much the content is incredibly good especially all your drum stuff.
Hey thanks so much!
Thanks for not doing the fake-excited- unboxing reaction!
I am so excited to see your Big Knob!
Wait, you're gonna use this thing to replace your real mixing board? Ok, I think you are insane...... I'm a bit confused about HOW this will work, specifically the control over different ins and outs.
So is the board gonna be up for sale?
Yeah, that board is just a live sound board with studio functionality built in. It's a nice board, but way too much for what I'm using it for. If I had to set up a quick studio with nothing, then maybe that would be a good choice of preamps and such. It has preamp line outs for recording which is nice.
Well, I still think you're crazy for that, though I do appreciate you showing us all you Big Knob, most people would be too self-conscious. . . . . . I remember the demo you did with the Mackie board and two other methods to compare, and you tracked some drums right in through it. I think the Mackie board had the nicest sound, though it is definitely a *specific* sound that gives a certain feel, almost a vintage tape type of gloss over everything, but that's a great sound, and it can be used for a lot of applications. The other thing it could probably do very well is record a live band, not like tracking "live" in the studio, but an actual show. Just remember, it's not the size of your knob, it's the motion ....... uh, wherever the motion is supposed to be, I forget.
I really enjoy listening to you, and I appreciate the reviews and tips you've got! Thanks a lot, man! Regards from Norway.
Are the 1/2 mic outputs of Big Knob Studio suitable for recording electric guitar with DAW VST amplifiers? I did not find a Hi-Z mode, and I do not like the tone, too much background noise and distortion
RE: the second "source" button. Mine is only a personal studio (no income) but for my "real job" I work from home and work is done on a company-issued laptop - so I'm regularly moving between personal and work computers. In my scenario - it's a GREAT feature to have. No matter which computer I'm running, the room volume is controlled by the same big knob and coming out of the same nice monitors. BTW - I'm running the Behringer "Monitor2USB". Feature-wise it's kinda between the Big Knob Passive and the Big Knob Studio. I love this thing.
Just got mine. Cant wait to open it and use it. Thanks for the tips!
The two inputs are what is golden about this - otherwise, you just have little more than an A/B switch. In my studio, I use the two INs for 1) Focusrite/audio interface audio out from my DAW and 2) my Mac native audio out (no need to run my Mac through the Focusrite just to listen to iTunes or Spotify) and I use the two OUTs to go to my KRK near field monitors and 2) to my mixer for my QSC loudspeakers. This is an ideal setup.
Hi Ryan, I use alternative sources to have my reference mix on tap. That way I can quickly see how I am doing. It is very useful. You will need an extra pair of outs though in your interface and I then have that set up on my mix template and I always send the reference track to that output. Try it! :-)
Oh nice, that's a great trick instead of having to solo it in the DAW you have it on the monitor controller.
I use this same trick with my command 8. I'm thinking of upgrading to an avid artist mix or a presonus fader port 8. I will definitely need a big knob passive just for the sake of comparing mixes on the fly.
Hi Ryan, I have the NOS McOne and its amazing. Its pretty much the same idea except it has 3 input and out puts instead of 2 like this one. Its extremely transparent with no colouration and its built like a tank. Not as cheap as this one, but still quite affordable and worth every penny. Glad you found something that works for you though. Keep up the good work.
I have this lil' fella. Gotta say, works flawlessly. Greetings from Florida, hope the studio survives Irma.
Nice, yes, please stay safe! I have a lot of family down there on both coasts.
I still want to come by next time I'm in Asheville. Maybe next spring.
I've been waiting for this too - I'll use the A and B input this way : A will be my DAW, and B will be my tascam DP32 I do my demos on. And yes the passive thing is even better because it has no colouration.
Yes! I'm right there with ya.
Creative Sound Lab Yeah I have a Presonus Monitor station V2 and while it's cool and has heaps of good features it definitely colours the sound.
I'm curious if it colors the sound. I had a Presonus Monitor Station and I found it took a lot of the high end out of my monitors.
Also, you could run your main mix as one input and create a cue mix with the other.
I got one cos I needed to attach my mix cube additionally to the stereo monitors, the mono function is brilliant for that and makes it all so much faster.
What's the issue with noise after a year?A dirty potentiometer? A shot of Deoxit will fix that. There shouldn't be much in the way of electronics in this to go bad.
Hey Ryan! Great review and i love the channel. Did you ever pick a new interface? I would love to see what you choose, also lots of other similar channels are doing lots of live streams lately. I would love to see you do one for people to ask questions in real time, its a great fun why to communicate with your followers. Hope to see that livd stream soon...thanks!
I havn't bought a new one yet, but for the money, I'm impressed with the MOTU 16A. 16 channels for $1500.
I ended up buying the JBL ACTIVE-1 Monitor Controller...same price but features like the Mackie 4x3...and I needed a pair of headphone jacks so I could run one out to the Headphone amp in the tracking room...and also listen at the board on headphones while tracking...
How did they think we could work with only one headphone out?
Because they don't expect people to run a 50 or 100 foot headphone extension to the live room. Those headphone jacks are great for when you are recording something by your desk, like vocal, and you gotta turn off your monitors. Most folks will run a line level signal out to the live room, and then use a cheap headphone amp next to the musician.
The Source A/B is for referencing, an aux for plugging in a clients phone or audio device, etc...
In my case, it could be used for using my monitors with my video game console when I'm not working.
Hi Ryan, I want to setup a small simple - effective system for karaoke at home. I use my old stereo system to play instrumental, and now i need a solution to play the vocal. Could you give me some advide? A compact amplifier like boss, fender... or JBL KX200 + Power + 1 center Speaker... I do not require many professional features, just natural - smooth voice. And, better if i can plug both 2 microphones at the same time :) Thanks
hello sir,, when i connect my interface(focusrite solo 3rd gen) to the big knob, the volume reduced a lot. I always set my interface volume knob to 12o clock(without the big knob). after i connected it i have to turn the big knob all the way up to sound like my usuall setting. i'm wondering why this happen..
I think maybe It’s because your focusrite interface also rely to the power of your computer, makie is passive monitor controller
Hi Ryan, my interface only has 2 main outputs, I want to be able to use an outboard compressor when mixing. I was thinking of getting the big knob so I could send one output of it to my monitors and the other to a compressor and be able to switch between both on the big knob and then back into the interface to record.
Do you think this would work?
Would I lose and quality in the audio?
Or do you have any other solutions to allow me to use outboard equipment with only 2 main ohyouts on my interface?
Thanks
Alex
"Here's a cord".... lol that was great TV right there! Seen a used one for cheap. might grab! Thanks!
Is there a way to hook up two sets of monitors and a sub as well? And have the sub drive both monitors ?
Great vid!
The Line In B input (3,5 mm), when connecting to this, does it 'shut down' the regular (6,3 mm) L/R input B?
Soundwise, how good is it?
The Source Input B 1/4" and 1/8" linelevel
connections may be connected
simultaneously. If both inputs are
connected simultaneously, the 1/8" stereo
line input will take priority over the 1/4" connection.
Thomas Bengtsson yes, the 3.5mm is essentially an AUX In and plugging in a 3.5mm cable will shut off your 6.35mm B inputs. Simply unplugging the 3.5mm cable will automatically "turn on" the 6.35mm B input
I think this is a great tool.
The only thing I would say I'd miss is being able to mute each speaker separately.
can both outputs play at the same time ?
I’m have the same question.
no
Very helpful, thanks
Not sold. I think you are gonna miss the ability to add some gain - and do mono summing via your old mixer. The big knob needs a big preamp and an active signal path. Don't tell me you wouldn't have sprung for say... $125 to have that.
How would i run this with a focusrite 2i4?
Do you still have it?
Yes, but I can't say that I would continue to recommend it unfortunately. I need to make an update video.
@@creativesoundlab I've bought one now!
Can you crank the headphone out up higher than a normal audio interface? I use a Roland Quad capture and M-Audio Fastrack and both of the headphone levels are too low on max and want something to improve this. I could use a headphone amp I guess but does this do the same?
This doesn't have a headphone out.
😂 im just kidding i already open thi up . #keepinitreal