Mackie
Mackie MACBIGKNOBPASSK1 Big Knob Passive Studio Controller
★★★★★
No-power-needed Mackie Big Knob Passive monitor controller with source switching, dim, mute, and a complete cable bundle.
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Overview
Key Features
This Mackie Big Knob Passive 2x2 Studio Monitor Controller comes with all the manufacturer accessories and a 1-year Mackie USA warranty along with a 9-piece bundle which includes 4x Mophead 10' TRS balanced male to male 1/4" cable, 4x cable management ties and Circuit City microfiber cloth.
Ultra-simple 2x2 monitor controller
Choose between 2 sources and 2 monitor pairs
Mono, mute and dim functions
1/4" inputs and outputs support balanced or unbalanced connections
Flexible source connections including convenient 3.5mm input for your smartphone
Classic Big Knob volume control
Passive design requires no power source
Sturdy “Built-Like-A-Tank” metal chassis
Waveform OEM DAW and DAW Essentials Collection plug-in package including 16 high-quality FX plugins including Equaliser, Compressor, Reverber8, Delay Studio, Stereo Delay, Tape Delay, Crossover, Limiter, Gate / Expander, Ducker, Flanger, Crusher, Chorus, Bus Compressor, Phaser, and Auto Filter.
Specifications
Brand
Mackie
Model
MACBIGKNOBPASSK1
Type
Passive 2x2 Studio Monitor Controller
Inputs/Outputs
2x2
Connections
1/4" inputs and outputs (balanced or unbalanced), 3.5mm input
Functions
Mono, Mute, Dim
Bundle Includes
Waveform OEM DAW, 4x Mophead 10-Foot TRS Cable, 4x Cable Ties, Microfiber Cloth
Pros & Cons
👍 Pros
- Fully passive design means zero self-noise, no power supply clutter, and one less potential failure point in the signal chain
- Large, smooth volume knob provides precise, comfortable level adjustments during long studio sessions
- Mono, mute, and dim functions offer essential monitoring controls without needing to reach for software or an interface
- Bundle includes four 10-foot TRS cables and Waveform DAW, reducing additional purchases needed to get started
- 3.5mm aux input makes it easy to quickly reference mixes from a phone or laptop alongside the main source
👎 Cons
- Limited to a 2x2 configuration, which is insufficient for studios needing to switch between more than two monitor pairs
- No headphone output, so a separate headphone amp is still required for private monitoring
- Passive volume control can reduce signal level at lower settings on long cable runs
- No metering or visual feedback for output levels on the unit itself
- The large knob and desktop footprint may take up more desk space than a compact inline volume controller
Frequently Asked Questions
Does the Big Knob Passive require a power supply or batteries?
No, it is entirely passive and draws no power. The large knob is a high-quality analog potentiometer that controls volume without any active electronics.
What is the difference between this passive version and the active Big Knob models?
The passive version handles volume control and source/monitor switching only. Active models add features like headphone amplification, talkback, and additional input/output routing that require power.
Can I use this with unbalanced connections?
Yes, the 1/4-inch inputs and outputs accept both balanced (TRS) and unbalanced (TS) cables, and it also has a 3.5mm input for phones or laptops.
What DAW software is included in this bundle?
The bundle includes Waveform OEM, a full-featured digital audio workstation that provides recording, editing, and mixing capabilities.
Does the Big Knob Passive degrade audio quality since it has no active amplification?
Passive designs avoid introducing electronic noise or coloration. However, very long cable runs at low volume settings can result in some signal loss compared to an active controller.
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