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Behringer MONITOR1 Passive Stereo Monitor Volume Controller — main product image
Behringer MONITOR1 Passive Stereo Monitor Volume Controller
Behringer MONITOR1 Passive Stereo Monitor Volume Controller
Behringer MONITOR1 Passive Stereo Monitor Volume Controller
Behringer MONITOR1 Passive Stereo Monitor Volume Controller
Behringer MONITOR1 Passive Stereo Monitor Volume Controller
Behringer

Behringer MONITOR1 Passive Stereo Monitor Volume Controller

★★★★★4.6 (92 reviews)
XLR

Passive stereo monitor controller with clean, active-free circuitry and versatile XLR combo plus 3.5mm connectivity.

$35.90*
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*Price sourced from Amazon.com. Last updated:Jun 28, 2026.Price and availability are subject to change.

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Overview

The Behringer MONITOR1 is a passive stereo monitor volume controller designed to sit between your audio source and studio monitors, giving you a convenient, hands-on level knob right at your desk. Because it uses entirely passive circuitry — no active amplification, no power supply — the signal path remains as clean and transparent as possible. The large volume knob provides smooth, precise attenuation, which is particularly valuable during mixing and mastering sessions where small level changes matter. Dedicated MONO and MUTE buttons round out the control surface: MONO sums stereo to a single channel for mix translation checks, while MUTE cuts the output instantly without losing your volume position.

Connectivity is well thought out for a unit at this price point. The input side offers two combination 1/4" TRS/XLR jacks alongside a 3.5mm stereo input, making it easy to connect a professional audio interface, a laptop headphone output, or a phone for quick reference playback. On the output side, two XLR connectors feed your studio monitors while an additional 3.5mm output provides a secondary connection option. The tabletop form factor is compact and stable, keeping your desk uncluttered. While it won't replace a full monitor management system with multiple output switching or talkback, the MONITOR1 delivers the essential function — precise, noise-free volume control — in a simple and affordable package.

Key Features

Premium passive stereo volume controller and attenuator

Active-free circuitry guarantees purest signal path

Large Volume knob for extremely precise level adjustments

2 high-quality XLR combo inputs and 3.5 mm (1/8”) stereo input perfectly connect to your DAW

2 high-quality XLR outputs and 3.5 mm (1/8”) stereo output to connect to your studio monitors

Specifications

Brand
Behringer
Model
MONITOR1
Type
Passive Stereo Monitor Volume Controller
Circuitry
Passive (no active electronics)
Inputs
2x Combination 1/4" TRS/XLR, 1x 3.5mm Stereo
Outputs
2x XLR, 1x 3.5mm Stereo
Controls
Volume Knob, MONO Button, MUTE Button
Maximum Output Power
10 Watts
Audio Output Mode
Stereo
Mounting Type
Tabletop

Pros & Cons

👍 Pros

  • Passive circuitry introduces no noise or coloration to the audio signal
  • Passive circuitry introduces no electronic noise, hiss, or coloration to the signal path
  • Large volume knob allows smooth, precise level adjustments for critical listening
  • Large volume knob allows smooth, precise level adjustments for critical listening
  • Versatile connectivity with both XLR combo and 3.5mm inputs and outputs
  • Combination XLR/TRS and 3.5mm inputs accommodate a wide range of audio sources
  • Dedicated MONO and MUTE buttons provide quick mix-checking controls at your fingertips
  • MONO and MUTE buttons provide useful mixing reference tools at your fingertips
  • No power supply needed, reducing cable clutter and potential ground loop issues
  • Compact tabletop design fits easily into desktop studio setups

👎 Cons

  • Limited to a single stereo monitor pair with no option to switch between multiple speaker sets
  • Only one stereo output pair, so it cannot switch between multiple monitor sets
  • Passive design means it cannot boost signal — sources with low output levels may not drive monitors adequately
  • Maximum output power rated at 10 watts, which may not suit high-powered passive monitoring setups
  • No headphone output for private monitoring
  • No headphone output, so a separate headphone amp is still needed
  • Lacks a balance or pan control for adjusting left/right channel levels independently
  • Tabletop-only design with no rackmount option for integrated studio setups

Frequently Asked Questions

No, the MONITOR1 uses a completely passive circuit design, so it requires no power source to operate.
No, the MONITOR1 is a fully passive device. It uses no active electronics or power supply, which means zero added noise or coloration to the audio signal.
It offers two combination 1/4" TRS/XLR inputs and one 3.5mm stereo input, along with two XLR outputs and one 3.5mm stereo output.
It offers two combination XLR/1/4-inch TRS inputs and a 3.5mm stereo input, along with two XLR outputs and a 3.5mm stereo output.
The passive design actually benefits audio quality by eliminating active electronic components from the signal path, which means no added noise, distortion, or coloration to your audio.
The MONO button sums the left and right channels to mono, which is useful for checking mix translation. The MUTE button silences the output to your monitors without adjusting the volume knob position.
No, the MONITOR1 has a single stereo output pair. It is designed as a volume controller and attenuator, not a monitor switcher.
The MONO button sums the stereo signal to mono for checking mix compatibility, and the MUTE button silences the output entirely without changing your volume knob position.
Yes, the 3.5mm stereo input allows direct connection from laptops, phones, or any device with a standard headphone or aux output.
As a passive attenuator, the MONITOR1 can only reduce the signal level — it cannot boost it. Your source must provide a sufficiently strong line-level signal.

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