MACKIE BIG KNOB PASSIVE CONTROLLER - 2x2 passive monitor switch

MACKIE BIG KNOB PASSIVE – 2×2 passive monitor switch

The Mackie Big Knob Passive is a simple, rugged monitor controller that lets you switch two stereo sources to two pairs of speakers with superior sound quality and “Built-Like-A-Tank™” construction. Featuring a high-resolution, 64-step passive attenuator in 0.5 dB increments, it offers precise level control without the need for external power. It includes source select, monitor pair, mono, mute, and dim buttons, all housed in a compact steel chassis that ensures signal integrity and durability in the studio environment.

Main features

• Input Channels: 2 selectable stereo sources.
• Output channels: 2 pairs of monitors.
• Passive Attenuator: 64 steps with 0.5 dB increments for ultra-precise volume control.
• Mono/Mute/Dim Functions: Dedicated buttons to check mono, mute or reduce level by –20 dB.
• Connectivity: 4 balanced 1/4″ TRS inputs (2× sources) and 4 balanced 1/4″ TRS outputs (2× monitors).
• Construction: Compact steel chassis and aluminum front panel for maximum durability.
• Dimensions: 137 × 142 × 79 mm (w×d×h).
• Weight: 1.6 kg.

User benefits

• Agile workflow: Quickly and quietly switch between two sources and two pairs of monitors.
• Millimeter Control: The 64-step attenuator prevents sudden volume jumps, maintaining mix balance.
• Passive operation: No power required, eliminating noise and power failures.
• Quick Check: Mono, mute, and dim functions for A/B checking and instant adjustments.
• Touring robustness: Metal construction that withstands intensive use in the studio and live.

Use cases

• Monitor control in home studios and project rooms.
• A/B comparison between mixes or speaker systems.
• Post-production environments where rapid source and monitor changes are required.
• Educational and broadcast configurations for switching between two monitoring systems.

Frequently Asked Questions

• Does it need power? No; it's completely passive and free of source noise.
• Can I use it with both line and instrument-level signals? It's optimized for balanced line-level signals (1/4″ TRS).
• How do I activate dim? Press the “Dim” button to reduce the level by approximately –20 dB.
• Is the attenuator continuous? It's a 64-step stepped attenuator with 0.5 dB increments for maximum precision.

Description for projects

Mackie Big Knob Passive Monitor Selector: 2 sources × 2 pairs, 64-step passive attenuator (0.5 dB), mono/mute/dim functions, 4 balanced TRS in/out, metal chassis, 137×142×79 mm, 1.6 kg.