How to Use the Mackie Big Knob in a Home Recording Studio

The Mackie Big Knob is an audio command center for computer-based recording studios made by Loud Technologies Inc. The Mackie Big Knob is good for home studios because it provides monitor switching, talk back functions, easy switches for sets of studio monitors and the ability to send musicians mixes through their headphones.

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

Instructions

1. Adjust the volume with the large volume knob. The volume knob allows you to adjust volume levels by hand. This gives you the highest degree of precision and allows you to quickly change level adjustments.

2. Use the monitor select buttons to choose one or more monitors. The Big Knob has three separate options to use. Switch between studio monitors, home stereo and studio monitors or any combination of speakers plugged into the home recording studio.

3. Connect up to four pieces of external stereo equipment at one time. Select the "Source" buttons to switch between different stereo equipment without unplugging and plugging in new equipment.

4. Talk to the performers with the "Talk back" feature. Use the high-powered headphone mix bus to communicate with performers in the studio and tracking room.

5. Utilize the input and output connections on the home recording studio. The Big Knob has three monitor outputs, two Track A and two Track B stereo inputs and outputs, digital audio workstation input and output, studio output, headphones mix input and phono input for a turntable.