Hi folks, We've been busy researching Studio Monitor Controllers to help you figure out
what you need to make your best audio and video content and stay on budget.
Links to all the products in the review are in the description box below, where you'll
find current pricing for your region wherever possible.
The video has timestamps so that you can jump straight to the controller that interests
you the most.
Now before I move on, we'd love to hear what Studio Monitor Controller you're using right
now and what you think of it.
Let us know in the comments!
Okay, let's get into it!
Here are the top five best Studio Monitor Controllers.
The fifth product on our list is the Mackie Big Knob Passive.
Mackie's Big Knob Passive is a compact studio monitor controller that's perfect for small
studios.
The design of this unit follows the Big Knob Studio's aesthetic on a smaller scale, which
keeps everything within reach.
It has passive circuitry that will keep your signal close if not identical to your original
input.
At the forefront of the device, you'll find a big knob that controls the volume levels.
There are mono, mute, and dim buttons under the knob, and source and monitor selectors
on the left and right corners, respectively.
You also get ample inputs with two quarter-inch stereo inputs, two quarter-inch monitor inputs,
and a stereo 1/8-inch line input.
It would be best to turn up the volume on your source input to the highest level to
get more control when in use.
Here’s something you should know before buying the Mackie Big Knob Passive:
The knob is silky smooth, some users love it and some users think it’s too liquidy.
If you're a beginner looking to gain more control in your setup, the Mackie Big Knob
Passive is an affordable way to get started.
The fourth product on our list is the ESI MoCo.
The ESI MoCo is a passive studio monitor controller with an eye-catching design.
The angled front panel is black with red accents.
The primary control is the giant knob in the middle that adjusts your volume levels.
Around the knob are the input and output switchers.
Output switches between source A and B while the input can switch between left and right,
and source A or B. Finally, there are the mute and mono buttons.
This makes the layout of the device look clean and easy to access.
The angled design also makes using it comfortable, especially for extended studio sessions.
You'll find an array of connectivity options arranged with outputs on the left and inputs
on the right of the back panel.
For outputs, there are two male XLRs, two mono jacks, and a 3.5-millimeter mini-jack.
Then, there are two jacks, two RCAs and another mini-jack for inputs.
Here’s something you should know before buying the ESI MoCo:
If you’re looking for a controller for complex projects, the ESI MoCo might not be a good
fit.
It’s a simple device that does a few things flawlessly.
The ESI MoCo controller is a fantastic device with an affordable price tag.
It's nicely built with all the basic controls you need.
The third product on our list is the Behringer Xenyx Control2USB.
The Behringer Xenyx Control2USB is a high-end studio monitor controller that'll give you
a wide range of controls.
For the affordable sub $200 price tag, you get four stereo inputs, three monitor outputs,
two headphone amps, onboard talkback and communication controls, and a 2-channel USB interface.
This means that with the Control2USB, you get the perfect blend of audio, monitor, and
communication controls.
You get all the basic stuff for the audio interface: mute, select, mono down-mix, talkback,
and dim.
On their own, these features are already easy to use and navigate, but with a large master
volume control, you get precision that isn't attainable with smaller knobs.
The distance between the degrees of the knob is significantly distanced, which makes accurate
minute adjustments considerably easier.
Adding to this, Behringer includes Voltage Controlled Amplifier technology.
This means that the master knob adjusts the voltage that drives the amplifier.
The Xenyx Control2USB helps you achieve the best sound possible.
Here’s something you should know before buying the Behringer Xenyx Control2USB:
Some users may find navigating the controls a bit difficult as there are plenty of buttons
and knobs.
The Behringer Xenyx Control2USB is ideal for collaborative work in larger studios.
If accuracy is what you're looking for, this is a fantastic buy.
The second product on our list is the PreSonus Monitor Station V2.
The PreSonus Monitor Station V2 is an extensive audio hub for the busiest musicians.
If you have multiple monitors and inputs but you're tired of using splitters, then stay
tuned.
The first thing you'll notice is the V2's angled construction and thoughtfully laid-out
buttons.
These buttons are backlit, so you won't have any problem navigating them or seeing what
sources are active at a glance.
At the very top of this panel, there are four audio inputs, each with a dedicated level
knob.
You can also switch between them using the assigned source buttons.
There's a section labelled MAIN in the middle of the device, which houses the main source
and speaker select buttons.
There are LED indicators that show you the frequency level of your audio.
If you want to adjust the Aux input, there's a dedicated knob for that on the left.
Finally, the volume knob is on the bottom for easy access.
On either side, you'll find the mono and mute buttons along with a dim button, which gives
you more options for careful listening.
This is an excellent feature if you're mixing audio.
Here’s something you should know before buying the Presonus Monitor Station V2:
Some users note that the meter resolution could be a little higher.
If you have multiple monitors and want a single controller to tame them all, the Presonus
Monitor Station V2 is a fantastic choice.
The first product on our list is the Mackie Big Knob Studio+.
The Mackie Big Knob Studio+ is a professional-quality controller with modern features that will
blow you away.
This amply-sized device will let you route three pairs of stereo analog inputs to three
different monitor pairs.
Not just that, all of these inputs and outputs have dedicated trims to match their levels,
ensuring that your sound stays clean.
The Studio+ boasts an integrated USB audio interface that can sample rates of up to 24-bit
or 192 kilohertz on its own.
If you're mixing audio from a smartphone, you'll love the 1/8-inch input jack.
You also get the option of recording with this Mackie unit, courtesy of a pair of the
brand's Onyx preamps.
You can route this back to your Digital Audio Workstation and start recording right away.
For an enhanced listening experience, the Studio+ has a dedicated audio path that routes
your mix to your headphones.
This gives you zero-latency input monitoring, allowing you to hear the pure and clean sound.
Here’s something you should know before buying the Mackie Big Knob Studio+:
This controller can get pretty hot in use, especially if left running for extended periods
of time.
If you're looking for a high-value studio monitor controller, the Mackie Big Knob Studio+
is the one.
You can't go wrong with this durably-built device with excellent functionality.
And there you have it folks, the five Studio Monitor Controllers that got us excited this
year.
If this video helped you in any way, let us know by giving it a Like and, if you’re
new here, hitting the Subscribe button.
If you would like to see some more reviews from our team here at Gear Music Tech, we
think you will enjoy this one on studio monitors on the left, or watch our most recently published
video here on the right.
We look forward to seeing you back here on Gear Music Tech soon.
Bye for now.