Volume controllers

Review: With a Fostex PC-1e(B), you can remotely control the volume of both left and right speakers which makes it a great addition for music and video playback on a PC. It is compact for desktop use.

The passive type Fostex PC-1e(B) volume controller features a robust metal chassis and machined aluminum knob. It does not need a battery to power. It also comes with a stereo mini cable (80cm) and 2 RCA pin cable (100cm).

Review: The IMG Stage Line ILA100RCA passive stereo level control (RCA version) is designed for a precise volume control of line signals. It is used for inserting between analog signal sources and amplifiers or active speakers, e.g. between a PC sound card and active speaker systems.

The IMG Stage Line ILA100RCA features:

1 x stereo RCA input, 1 x 3.5mm stereo input
1 x stereo RCA output, 1 x 3.5mm stereo output
Large, easy-turning level control
Mute button
Frequency range: 20-20000Hz
Passive, no power supply required
High-quality metal console housing with brushed aluminium front panel
Dimensions: 142mm x60mm x 86mm
Weight: 300g

Review: The IMG Stage Line ILA-100XLR passive stereo level control (XLR version) is designed for a precise volume control of line signals. It is used for inserting between analog signal sources and amplifiers or active speakers, e.g. between a PC sound card and active speaker systems.

16bit/48 kHz USB D-A interface with volume controller for speakers and headphones

Review: The Fostex PC-100USB converts USB digital audio signal to analog signal to feed to powered monitor speakers for high quality reproduction of computer audio.

The volume for the left and right monitors can be controlled simultaneously at your handy position. The Fostex PC-100USB also offers a headphone output (stereo mini) for headphone monitoring.

Ultra compact stereo monitor matrix mixer with talkback microphone

Review: Get this ultra compact monitor matrix mixer and you'll be glad you did.

The Minimon MON800 features a dedicated input section with 4 selectable and mixable stereo inputs plus accurate 6 digit LED main stereo output meters for precise level indication. You'll get ahigh-power phones output with dedicated level control plus 3 selectable stereo speaker outputs with separate level controls for ultimate monitoring. Professional mute, dim and mono functions are included for ultimate flexibility and phase check. Behringer have even given the MON800 a talkback section with internal microphone and comprehensive routing options.

By listening to your mix through multiple sound systems, you can craft a mix that sounds great on every system it's played through. The incredible Minimon MON800 is the ideal tool for comparing your mix through different sets of loudspeakers. Just flick a switch to listen to your productions over different loudspeaker systems and mix your tracks for maximum impact.

The MON800 features a clearly structured input section with four selectable and mixable stereo inputs, as well as a precision 6 LED output level meter. You also get a powerful headphones jack with its own volume control, plus three selectable stereo loudspeaker outputs with separate volume controls for optimal adjustment.

The sublimely useful MON800 features mute and dim functions, as well as a mono switch, which is ideal for checking phase compatibility. The integrated talkback section with built in microphone provides multiple routing options.

Recording on your home computer? Just connect a line level signal out to the mix input A connectors on the MON800. Connect your main monitor speakers to the speaker output A section, and another pair to the B outputs. The A and B switches allow you to choose which pair of speakers you want to hear.

Monitor switching and volume & headphone control box

Review: Since the dawn of computer-based music making, folks have longed for a simple monitor switching and level control box with built-in talkback functions. You know, something that sits right on your desktop, letting you easily switch between sets of studio monitors and different stereo sources. And send musicians custom headphone mixes while you communicate with them via a built-in talkback microphone. Your wish is Mackie's command.

The Big Knob is a simple yet powerful desktop audio control center that lets musicians and engineers get right to the business of making music in four major ways: Level control, studio monitor selection, input source selection and talkback & headphone control.

Using a big, convenient volume knob, the Big Knob lets you adjust volume levels the way our ancient audio ancestors (Analogus Engineerus) did, with a simple, intuitive knob, not with a mouse and screen. The end result is a higher degree of precision and much quicker level adjustments.

When it comes to mixing, pros know it's best to get a second, and third, opinion. So the Big Knob lets you quickly switch between 3 pairs of studio monitors, or 2 studio monitors and a subwoofer, or studio monitors and a home stereo, or any other combination of powered speakers.

On the input side, the Big Knob lets you connect up to 4 stereo input sources at once. This means you can simultaneously connect to your computer/DAW outputs, CD player, cassette deck and even a turntable using the premium onboard RIAA preamp. You can even connect keyboards, guitars, drum machines, samplers, anything you'd like to hear, through your monitors. This makes the Big Knob great for comparing your mixes-in-progress to your favorite CDs, for archiving your old LPs, jamming along to your favorite tune, and lots more.

With its built-in talkback mic and spring-loaded activation switches, the Big Knob lets you quickly communicate with musicians in both the studio and tracking room, no more hand signals through the glass. The Big Knob also sports 2 high-powered headphone outputs with a discrete headphone mix bus, solving the communications needs of most computer-based studios.

Although its shiny silver knob is a head-turning feature, the Big Knob's rear panel is equally impressive. There you'll find three distinct Monitor outputs with individual level control; 2-track A and 2-track B stereo outputs with level selection switches; a DAW stereo output for your computer; a studio output with level control; a phones mix input with level selection switch; 2-track A and 2-track B stereo source inputs with level control; a DAW mix input from your computer with level control; and even a phono input with level control for direct connection to your turntable.

Because the Big Knob plays a crucial link between recording output(s) and studio monitors, Mackie placed the utmost importance on pristine, no-compromise sound quality. For this reason, the Big Knob features ultra low-noise op amps, extremely low-tolerance components and state-of-the-art surface mount technology. All of this ensures superb sound in critical listening environments and long-term reliability, even under daily, and nightly, studio use.

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