New Behringer Interface/Monitor Controller

[MJKlein]

I just saw this: https://www.behringer.com/product.html? ... Av4j8b44u4

Tomorrow, my Mackie Big Knob Studio will arrive. I did not buy the previous Behringer version because the USB interface was only 16 bit. I wish I had known about this one because it looks very useful.

[pvannatto]

They (Music-Tribe) just announced the release of the Studio XL. So it will be months (or longer) before it will be available for purchase at their "super-partners". And with the chip shortage, it may be even longer.

[MJKlein]

I noticed that when I tried to click on the linked suppliers. I also noticed that it's basically a clone of the Big Knob Studio+ even down to the placement of the buttons.

[MJKlein]

In the intervening time since the last post, I got rid of the Mackie and got the Studio XL. The Studio XL is working well, but the encoder is already showing signs of wear. I sprayed it today with some contact cleaner and that helped. The encoder is stepped of course and it activates a VCA so the stereo image remains solid throughout the range. What I was experiencing were subtle jumps in volume between steps. It wasn't going to full volume but just wiggling around some.

IMO opinion, an optical encoder would have been a better choice in that application. The mechanical one is wearing out too quickly.

[pmaillot]

Hummm.

;(

[kmitchell]

Thanks @MJKlein for the update. I've been contemplating purchasing one of these but I may have to keep looking.

[MJKlein]

@kmitchell I think you would have to pay many times the cost of the Studio XL to find a better one. Its the best functioning controller/interface there is (for the average user). Its just that mechanical stuff wears out. Naturally I'm adjusting that volume control all day and also naturally, the adjustment is within a small range. I'm not turning it up all the way and back down to the bottom. There is a Dim button on it and I do use that to avoid turning the knob sometimes. Perhaps that encoder could be replaced with an optical one?

I should contact Behringer engineering and see if they would be interested in examining mine since I was an early adopter. When my Scholz R&D Power Soak broke, they wanted it back right away for study. Gave me a replacement with a higher serial number, but the original one that Tom Scholz handed to me personally was never returned.

[kmitchell]

Thanks @MJKlein Sweetwater has it on sale so I'll probably give it a go.

[MJKlein]

Thanks @MJKlein Sweetwater has it on sale so I'll probably give it a go.

After using the JBL, then the Mackie, I can honestly say that the VCA design is very good and the stereo image doesn't wander around like it does with the units that have the audio on the pot. Its just that no matter what is used, it eventually wears out. It is a beautiful looking unit too.