Mackie Big Knob Studio Issues

Feel free to talk about any non MT related equipment here.
User avatar
MJKlein
Site Admin
Posts: 1020
Joined: Wed Apr 14, 2021 12:08 pm
Location: Hukou, Taiwan
Contact:

Re: Mackie Big Knob Studio Issues (Solved with Studio XL)

Post by MJKlein »

@RexBeckett These mass produced molded cables can be a real issue. I should have known better but I let convenience rule over logic.

Later this evening I'm going to go back to the Monitor section and see how badly that sounds with my new cables. I may have been chasing my tail all this time.
湖口鄉新竹縣台灣 Hukou Township, Hsinchu County, Taiwan
Behringer X32/Dante + Soundcraft Ghost + X32ReaperAutoMate
English/中文
This site is hosted at Dathorn: https://dathorn.com/index.php?r=489
https://www.youtube.com/@phoenixmediaforge
RexBeckett
Posts: 122
Joined: Thu Apr 15, 2021 9:52 am
Location: Bedford, UK

Re: Mackie Big Knob Studio Issues

Post by RexBeckett »

MJKlein wrote: Wed Aug 25, 2021 12:46 pm @RexBeckett These mass produced molded cables can be a real issue. I should have known better but I let convenience rule over logic.
I know what you mean, MJ. If I don't have time to make cables, I only buy from suppliers who use Neutrik connectors and my preferred make/type of cable.
User avatar
MJKlein
Site Admin
Posts: 1020
Joined: Wed Apr 14, 2021 12:08 pm
Location: Hukou, Taiwan
Contact:

Re: Mackie Big Knob Studio Issues

Post by MJKlein »

I tried using the Monitor output section, XLR to TRS into the MBKS and TRS out to the Adam T8V monitors. Using my test project as previously described, I found that turning the volume knob on the X32 caused the null to shift throughout the range. But there was one spot on the range that was decidedly better, so I left it there. At that point, any shift was caused by the Big Knob volume control itself and the difference was negligible. Unquestionably, using the L/R output gave better results but I lost the advantage of being able to use the native Solo feature, and also selecting Monitor sources.

It crossed my mind that I should connect both the L/R main bus and the Monitor outputs to different inputs on the MBKS. I have no plans to use it for a line-level audio interface, so I could use the TRS combo inputs in stereo mode which would put them hard L/R, and also have the advantage of those input level controls which would presumably allow me to null the audio to absolute nothing. At this point, I wish I had bought the bigger model with the extra inputs 5/6 so I could at least use a mic in the XLR inputs for live streaming.

The USB input is slightly skewed to one side. The MBKS software allows one to unlink L/R channel playback so I was able to drop one side by -2dB (it works in 2dB increments only!). Fortunately that seemed to be the amount needed to tweak it for the stereo field to be centered. So, at the end of all this futzing around, I can select USB or the X32 sources, and have them very closely balanced, and also the Adam T8V and my Tascam monitors which are also balanced, both for the stereo field and for the loudness level.
湖口鄉新竹縣台灣 Hukou Township, Hsinchu County, Taiwan
Behringer X32/Dante + Soundcraft Ghost + X32ReaperAutoMate
English/中文
This site is hosted at Dathorn: https://dathorn.com/index.php?r=489
https://www.youtube.com/@phoenixmediaforge
User avatar
pmaillot
Posts: 624
Joined: Wed Apr 14, 2021 1:32 pm

Re: Mackie Big Knob Studio Issues

Post by pmaillot »

Good thinking!

Congrats
-P
User avatar
MJKlein
Site Admin
Posts: 1020
Joined: Wed Apr 14, 2021 12:08 pm
Location: Hukou, Taiwan
Contact:

Re: Mackie Big Knob Studio Issues

Post by MJKlein »

pvannatto wrote: Thu Aug 12, 2021 12:55 pm
MJKlein wrote: Thu Aug 12, 2021 4:32 am The new Behringer monitor controller/interface uses a VCA to control the volume.
That is one of the advantages of cloning something. You can always make it better. :)
The problem will be trying to get one - before you and I are in retirement homes...
I have a new Studio XL on it's way as of this writing. Looking forward to not having my stereo image shift around.
湖口鄉新竹縣台灣 Hukou Township, Hsinchu County, Taiwan
Behringer X32/Dante + Soundcraft Ghost + X32ReaperAutoMate
English/中文
This site is hosted at Dathorn: https://dathorn.com/index.php?r=489
https://www.youtube.com/@phoenixmediaforge
User avatar
pmaillot
Posts: 624
Joined: Wed Apr 14, 2021 1:32 pm

Re: Mackie Big Knob Studio Issues

Post by pmaillot »

Please tell us how it works. It's got a 5/5 at Thomann which is quite a high mark. At 230€ it seems a good purchase.
User avatar
MJKlein
Site Admin
Posts: 1020
Joined: Wed Apr 14, 2021 12:08 pm
Location: Hukou, Taiwan
Contact:

Re: Mackie Big Knob Studio Issues

Post by MJKlein »

I will do some tests as soon as I get it connected up. I will let you know what happens for sure!
湖口鄉新竹縣台灣 Hukou Township, Hsinchu County, Taiwan
Behringer X32/Dante + Soundcraft Ghost + X32ReaperAutoMate
English/中文
This site is hosted at Dathorn: https://dathorn.com/index.php?r=489
https://www.youtube.com/@phoenixmediaforge
User avatar
MJKlein
Site Admin
Posts: 1020
Joined: Wed Apr 14, 2021 12:08 pm
Location: Hukou, Taiwan
Contact:

Re: Mackie Big Knob Studio Issues

Post by MJKlein »

I cannot believe how good this new monitor controller from Behringer really is. What a difference! The stereo image does NOT move and, the null test I did is so good that I was questioning whether I was just hearing shot noise, or actual leakage. Either way, it's something like 90 dB down.

Now I have to do a review on this thing and show the null test.

Just WOW!
Image
湖口鄉新竹縣台灣 Hukou Township, Hsinchu County, Taiwan
Behringer X32/Dante + Soundcraft Ghost + X32ReaperAutoMate
English/中文
This site is hosted at Dathorn: https://dathorn.com/index.php?r=489
https://www.youtube.com/@phoenixmediaforge
User avatar
pmaillot
Posts: 624
Joined: Wed Apr 14, 2021 1:32 pm

Re: Mackie Big Knob Studio Issues

Post by pmaillot »

Good to know!

(Another great product from B.)
Post Reply

Return to “General Equipment Discussion Forum”