JBL MSC1 vs Mackie Big Knob: opinions wanted

[Paul Johnson]

I use the PreSonus Central Station and highly recommend it. It is a rack mounted unit that has a remote unit that you can keep on your desktop to control monitors, volume and source. One cable connects the remote unit to the rack unit so your desktop stays clean. I have several sources, protools, digital out from my Mac and analog out from my Kona 3 card then two sets of monitors I toggle between. The remote is awesome and super responsive.

I did have a Big Knob and I hated the clutter it created on the desk. All your monitors and sources need to route into the unit so you’ll have a ton of cables running up to your desk. Now if you don’t want to mount the unit on your desk, not a problem. However I’m constantly changing volume and sources so if I have to reach off my desk to do something it bothers me.

Never used the JBL unit so I can’t speak of it but they do make great monitors!

Hope this helps

Billy Johnson
Glass Sidewalk

[Arnie Schlissel]

Get a mixer. Both Behringer & Mackie mixers are very good values.

Arnie
Post production is not an afterthought!
https://www.arniepix.com/

[Adam Taylor]

mixers are overkill these days, unless you have to ingest large amounts of analogue source.
Faders may look cool, but the amount of times they are used over the amount of times the monitor volume knob is used makes them a poor choice for 95% of editors (made up the percentage – not legally binding!)

I have used a Big Knob for the past 4 years and its worked flawlessly. True it does have all its cable connections on the back of the unit, but then what kit doesn’t? Ease of use, and features are what make it worth having.

I particularly like the Mono switch, as i can quickly check that any audio effects applied to the stereo audio signal are not causing phasing problems that could make the mix sound dreadful through a mono tv. That and the big knob itself!

Adam Taylor
Video Editor/Audio Mixer/ Compositor/Motion GFX/Barista
Character Options Ltd
Oldham, UK

http://www.sculptedbliss.co.uk

[Lars Fuchs]

Thanks for all the feedback so far. Keep it comin’, folks!

I have no need to capture analogue audio, and for those rare cases my M-Audio Transit works just fine. I never have to capture from analogue decks like beta SP’s or the like. I also don’t master to tape – I send harddrives to a mastering faciity for that.

That’s why I too feel that a mixer is overkill – unless of course its a Euphonix or other control surface that interfaces with FCP. But a ‘dumb’ mixer whose faders don’t talk to FCP is a waste IMHO. All those high quality eq pots and effects sends just go a-wastin’.

On the other hand a control surface that can double as monitor mixer/source selector? Does the Euphonix or Tascams do that? Or are they just for mixing within apps like FCP or Logic? My budget doesn’t really stretch so far. But if they can handle the monitoring requirements then I might consider holding out. If I don’t spend 300 bucks now on a monitoring solution I’ll be able to afford the Euphonix that much sooner.

Again, thanks for all the helpful feedback! Keep it up!

[Adam Taylor]

as well as the Big Knob i also use a Mackie Universal Control Surface. Initially i intended to use it to control the audio within FCP but found it to be really clunky for that.

I do all my audio work using Protools, and the Mackie Universal is fantastic with that software. It is really just a midi interface – it does not do anything to actual audio tracks or volumes. Same goes for pretty much all the midi controller units.

There are various options for monitor controls that cover a wide range of prices…names to look for include Samson, Presonus, Mackie, Apogee, and probably many more….

Personally, i’m really happy with the BK.

Adam Taylor
Video Editor/Audio Mixer/ Compositor/Motion GFX/Barista
Character Options Ltd
Oldham, UK

http://www.sculptedbliss.co.uk