Mackie MK-BIG-KNOB-S User Manual

OWNER’S MANUAL

1 (L) 2 (R)

1 (L) 2 (R)

MAX

MIN

MIC/LINE/INST GAIN

STEREO

+48V

PAN

INPUTS

DIRECT

MONITORING

TRIM

-12dB

B

TO

CUE

0dB

3/4

-12dBU+12dB -12dB

MAX

MIN

MIC

A

0dB

TRIM

2-TRACK SOURCE SELECTINPUTS

MAX

2TR
CUE

CUE

∞

PHONES

1

MAX

∞

PHONES

2

MAX

VOLUME

MONITOR SELECT

PWR

USB

+48V

MAX

∞

TALKBACK

LEVEL

MAX

MIN

MIC/LINE/INST GAIN

SOURCE(S)
AUX
MIX

CUE

SOURCE

INPUTS

DIRECT

MONITORING

MAX

MIN

USB

3/4

CUE

Important Safety Instructions

accompagnant l'appareil.

1. Read these instructions.

2. Keep these instructions.

3. Heed all warnings.

4. Follow all instructions.

5. Do not use this apparatus near water.

6. Clean only with a dry cloth.

7. Do not block any ventilation openings. Install in accordance with the manufacturer’s

instructions.

8. Do not install near any heat sources such as radiators, heat registers, stoves, or other

apparatus (including amplifiers) that produce heat.

9. Do not defeat the safety purpose of the polarized or grounding-type plug. A polarized

plug has two blades with one wider than the other. A grounding-type plug has two
blades and a third grounding prong. The wide blade or the third prong are provided
for your safety. If the provided plug does not fit into your outlet, consult an electrician
for replacement of the obsolete outlet.

10.

Protect the power cord from being walked on or pinched particularly at plugs,

convenience receptacles, and the point where they exit from the apparatus.

11.

Only use attachments/accessories specified by the manufacturer.

12.

Use only with a cart, stand, tripod, bracket, or table specified

PORTABLE CART

by the manufacturer, or sold with the apparatus. When a
cart is used, use caution when moving the cart/apparatus
combination to avoid injury from tip-over.

13.

Unplug this apparatus during lightning storms or when unused

for long periods of time.

14.

Refer all servicing to qualified service personnel. Servicing is

Monitor Controller | Interface

+

required when the apparatus has been damaged in any way, such as power-supply
cord or plug is damaged, liquid has been spilled or objects have fallen into the
apparatus, the apparatus has been exposed to rain or moisture, does not operate
normally, or has been dropped.

15.

This apparatus shall not be exposed to dripping or splashing, and no object filled

with liquids, such as vases or beer glasses, shall be placed on the apparatus.

16.

Do not overload wall outlets and extension cords as this can result in a risk of fire

or electric shock.

17.

The MAINS plug or an appliance coupler is used as the disconnect device,
so the disconnect device shall remain readily operable.

CAUTION AVIS

RISK OF ELECTRIC SHOCK. DO NOT OPEN

RISQUE DE CHOC ELECTRIQUE. NE PAS OUVRIR

CAUTION: TO REDUCE THE RISK OF ELECTRIC SHOCK DO NOT REMOVE COVER (OR BACK)

NO USER-SERVICEABLE PARTS INSIDE. REFER SERVICING TO QUALIFIED PERSONNEL

ATTENTION: POUR EVITER LES RISQUES DE CHOC ELECTRIQUE, NE PAS ENLEVER LE COUVERCLE.

AVIS: POUR EVITER LES RISQUES D'INCENDIE OU D'ELECTROCUTION, N'EXPOSEZ PAS CET ARTICLE

Big Knob Studio & Studio

AUCUN ENTRETIEN DE PIECES INTERIEURES PAR L'USAGER.

CONFIER L'ENTRETIEN AU PERSONNEL QUALIFIE.

A LA PLUIE OU A L'HUMIDITE

The lightning flash with arrowhead symbol within an equilateral triangle is
intended to alert the user to the presence of uninsulated "dangerous
voltage" within the product's enclosure, that may be of sufficient magnitude
to constitute a risk of electric shock to persons.

Le symbole éclair avec point de flèche à l'intérieur d'un triangle équilatéral
est utilisé pour alerter l'utilisateur de la présence à l'intérieur du coffret de
"voltage dangereux" non isolé d'ampleur suffisante pour constituer un risque
d'éléctrocution.

The exclamation point within an equilateral triangle is intended to alert the
user of the presence of important operating and maintenance (servicing)
instructions in the literature accompanying the appliance.

Le point d'exclamation à l'intérieur d'un triangle équilatéral est employé
pour alerter les utilisateurs de la présence d'instructions importantes pour le
fonctionnement et l'entretien (service) dans le livret d'instruction

WARNING — To reduce the risk of fire or electric

shock, do not expose this apparatus to rain or moisture.

Laite on liitettävä suojakoskettimilla varustettuun pistorasiaan.

Apparatet må tilkoples jordet stikkontakt.

Apparaten skall anslutas till jordat uttag.

Correct disposal of this product: This symbol indicates that this product should not be disposed of with your household
waste, according to the WEEE directive (2012/19/EU) and your national law. This product should be handed over to
an authorized collection site for recycling waste electrical and electronic equipment (EEE). Improper handling of this type
of waste could have a possible negative impact on the environment and human health due to potentially hazardous substances
that are generally associated with EEE. At the same time, your cooperation in the correct disposal of this product will
contribute to the effective usage of natural resources. For more information about where you can drop off your waste
equipment for recycling, please contact your local city office, waste authority, or your household waste disposal service.

WARNING

18.

This device complies with Part 15 of the FCC Rules. Operation is subject to the

following two conditions: (1) this device may not cause harmful interference,
and (2) this device must accept any interference received, including interference
that may cause undesired operation.

NOTE:

This equipment has been tested and found to comply with the limits for
a Class B digital device, pursuant to part 15 of the FCC Rules. These limits are
designed to provide reasonable protection against harmful interference in a residential
installation. This equipment generates, uses, and can radiate radio frequency energy
and, if not installed and used in accordance with the instructions, may cause
harmful interference to radio communications. However, there is no guarantee that
interference will not occur in a particular installation. If this equipment does cause
harmful interference to radio or television reception, which can be determined
by turning the equipment off and on, the user is encouraged to try to correct
the interference by one or more of the following measures:

• Reorient or relocate the receiving antenna.

• Increase the separation between the equipment and the receiver.

• Connect the equipment into an outlet on a circuit different from
that to which the receiver is connected.

• Consult the dealer or an experienced radio/TV technician for help.

CAUTION:

Changes or modifications to this device not expressly approved by LOUD
Technologies Inc. could void the user's authority to operate the equipment under FCC
rules.

19.

This device complies with FCC radiation exposure limits set forth for an uncontrolled

environment. This device should be installed and operated with minimum distance
20cm between the radiator & your body.

20. This apparatus does not exceed the Class A/Class B (whichever is applicable)

for radio noise emissions from digital apparatus as
regulations of the Canadian Department

of Communications.

set out in the radio interference

limits

ATTENTION — Le présent appareil numérique n’émet pas de bruits radioélectriques

dépassant las limites applicables aux appareils numériques de class A/de class B
(selon le cas) prescrites dans le réglement sur le brouillage radioélectrique édicté par
les ministere des communications du Canada.

21.

This device complies with Industry Canada licence-exempt RSS standard(s).

Operation is subject to the following two conditions:

(1) this device may not cause interference, and

(2) this device must accept any interference, including interference
that may cause undesired operation of the device.

Le présent appareil est conforme aux CNR d’Industrie Canada applicables

aux appareils radio exempts de licence. L’exploitation est autorisée aux
deux conditions suivantes :

(1) l’appareil ne doit pas produire de brouillage, et

(2) l’utilisateur de l’appareil doit accepter tout brouillage radioélectrique subi,
même si le brouillage est susceptible d’en compromettre le fonctionnement.

22.

Exposure to extremely high noise levels may cause permanent hearing loss. Individuals

vary considerably in susceptibility to noise-induced hearing loss, but nearly everyone
will lose some hearing if exposed to sufficiently intense noise for a period of time.
The U.S. Government’s Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) has
specified the permissible noise level exposures shown in the following chart.

According to OSHA, any exposure in excess of these permissible limits could result in

some hearing loss. To ensure against potentially dangerous exposure to high sound
pressure levels, it is recommended that all persons exposed to equipment capable of
producing high sound pressure levels use hearing protectors while the equipment is
in operation. Ear plugs or protectors in the ear canals or over the ears must be worn
when operating the equipment in order to prevent permanent hearing loss if exposure
is in excess of the limits set forth here:

Duration, per
day in hours

Sound Level dBA,
Slow Response

Typical Example

8 90 Duo in small club
6 92
4 95 Subway T

rain
3 97
2 100 Very loud classical music

1.5 102
1 105 Jon screaming at Troy about deadlines

0.5 110

0.25 or less 115 Loudest parts at a rock concert

2

Big Knob Studio & Studio

+

Monitor Controller | Interface

Introduction

Owner’s Manual

The Big Knob Studio and Big Knob Studio+ combine
premium recording with the proven performance of the
world’s bestselling monitor controller.

Capture world-class recordings via dual Onyx™
preamps and professional studio features like zero­latency overdubbing and built-in talkback for artist
communication.

Easily select from sources – including USB playback
from your DAW – and switch between studio monitors.

Only Big Knob Studio and Big Knob Studio+ ensure
balanced listening levels, offering independent gain trim
on all inputs and outputs.

Two separate headphone outs are available, each
with separate level control. Plus, there’s even a handy
front-panel input for your smartphone.

Big Knob Studio and Big Knob Studio+ are the
ultimate compact studio solutions – just add monitors.

Contents

Important Safety Instructions ...........................................................2

Introduction .....................................................................................3

Table Of Contents .............................................................................3

Big Knob Features ............................................................................4

Quick Start.......................................................................................4

Hookup Diagrams ............................................................................5

A Quick Looksie at the Big Knob Studio Series ..................................7

Rear Panel Description ....................................................................9

1. Power Connector ..............................................................9

2. Power Switch ...................................................................9

3. USB Input / Output Jack ..................................................9

4. USB Rec Src Select Switch ...............................................10

5. XLR and 1/4” Combo Inputs ..........................................10

Phantom Power .................................................................10

6. 1/4” Source Inputs ........................................................11

7. +4 dB / –10 dB Level Switch .........................................11

8. Aux Mix | Cue In 1/4” Inputs [Big Knob Studio+] ..........11

Internal Talkback Mic (on Top Panel) ...................................11

9. Talkback Mic XLR Input [Big Knob Studio+] .....................11

10. Talkback Int / Ext Switch [Big Knob Studio+] ...............12

11. 1/4” Footswitch Jack [Big Knob Studio+] ....................12

Outputs Overview ..............................................................12

12. 1/4” 2-Track Outputs ..................................................12

13. +4 dB / –10 dB Level Switch .......................................13

14. 1/4” Studio/Phones Amp Outputs [Big Knob Studio+] 13

15. 1/4” Monitor Outputs .................................................13

Front Panel Description ..................................................................13

16. 1/8” Stereo Line Input ...............................................13

17. 1/4” Phones Jacks ......................................................13

Top Panel Description .....................................................................14

18. Mic/Line/Inst Gain Knobs ...........................................14

19. Trim Knobs ..................................................................14

20. +48V Phantom Power Switch [Ch.1 and 2 Only] .........14

21. Stereo Pan Switch [Ch.1–2] ........................................14

22. Input / 2-Track Source Select Buttons ...........................14

23. Cue Source Knob [Big Knob Studio+] .............................15

24. Direct Monitoring Knob ................................................15

25. Phones Knobs and 2-Track / Cue Switches ..................15

26. Studio Outs On / Off Button ........................................15

27. Studio Outs Level Knob ................................................15

28. Input Meters ................................................................16

29. Volume Knob [aka Big Knob] ........................................16

30. Mono Button ................................................................16

31. Mute Button .................................................................16

32. Dim Button ...................................................................16

33. PWR / USB / +48V LEDs ............................................16

34. Monitor Select Buttons .................................................17

35. Trim Knobs ...................................................................17

36. Talkback Level Knob .....................................................17

37. To 2-Track Button [Big Knob Studio+] ...........................17

38. To Cue Button ...............................................................17

Appendix A: Service Info ................................................................18

Troubleshooting / Repair ....................................................18

Appendix B: Technical Information ..................................................19

Big Knob Specifications ..........................................................19

Big Knob Dimensions ..............................................................20

Big Knob Block Diagrams .......................................................22

Big Knob Limited Warranty ............................................................24

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Part No. SW1192 Rev. A 12/16
©2016 LOUD Technologies Inc. All Rights Reserved.

Owner’s Manual

3

Big Knob Features

Quick Start

• Professional source and monitor selection

o Choose between multiple sources
and monitor pairs

o Classic Big Knob volume control

o Independent trim on all sources
and monitor outs

o Mono, mute and dim functions

• Flexible USB recording interface
Big Knob Studio: 2x2
Big Knob Studio+: 2x4

o Two boutique-quality Onyx mic preamps
including phantom power for condenser
microphones

o High-resolution recording and playback
192 kHz / 24-bit

o Cue mix allows controlled blending of direct
inputs with other signals for zero-latency

Monitor Controller | Interface

recording

+

o Choice of recording paths provide flexibility
for applications like podcasting

• Comprehensive feature set for professional studios

o Flexible source connections including
convenient front panel 1/8" input for
your smartphone

o Dual headphone outs with independent level
control (and USB and Aux source options
on the Big Knob Studio

o Built-in talkback mic for easy communication
with artists

o Flexible talkback options including
external mic input and footswitch control
[Big Knob Studio

+)

+]

We realize that you can’t wait to hook up your Big
Knob Studio / Studio+ and try it out. Nevertheless,
please take the time to read this page NOW, and the rest
can wait until you’re good and ready.

1. PC users: install the latest driver. Mac users: no driver

required.

2. Turn down all knobs.

3. Disengage all switches.

4. Plug signal sources into the Big Knob, such as:

• Microphones plugged into the mic inputs.
(Engage phantom power if needed.)

• Line-level sources such as keyboards, drum
machines, or MP3 players plugged into the
line-level inputs.

• Other stereo playback devices.

5. Connect cords from the monitor outs to powered

speakers (or to an amplifier connected to passive
speakers).

6. Push the USB cable securely into the Big Knob’s USB

connector and plug the other end into any open USB
slot of the computer.

7. Push the threaded end of the power supply connector

securely into the Big Knob’s connector and rotate
clockwise to lock. Plug the other end into a live AC
outlet.

8. Turn the Big Knob on. Turn the powered studio

monitors (or amplifiers) on. Turn the computer on.

9. Be sure that the volume of the input is the same as it

would be during normal use.

10. Engage the desired input source select and monitor

select switches.

11. Slowly bring up the volume knob to a comfortable

listening level.

o Dedicated amp-driven studio output
perfect for headphone distribution system
[Big Knob Studio

Big Knob Studio & Studio

o 16-segment high-resolution input source
metering

• Sturdy “Built-Like-A-Tank” design

• Compatible with all major DAWs on both Mac
and Windows

• Includes Tracktion

4

Big Knob Studio & Studio

+]

®

recording software

+

Monitor Controller | Interface

Please write your serial number here for future
reference (i.e., insurance claims, tech support,
return authorization, make dad proud, etc.)

Purchased at:

Date of purchase:

Big Knob Studio Hookup Diagram

DAW

Owner’s Manual

3/4

+4dB

+4dB

-10dB

-10dB

L

L

(MONO)

R

R

BAL / UNBAL

1(L)

2(R)

INPUTSSOURCEOUTPUTS

POWER

USB

STEREO IN

3/4

REC SRC
SELECT

2-TRACK
INPUTS 1/2

+18VDC

2-TRACKMONITORBMONITOR

A

L

1.5A

BAL / UNBAL

1

2

L

R

R

BAL / UNBAL

BAL / UNBAL

Don’t be fooled...while the Big Knob Studio+ may have a few more bells and whistles, the Big
Knob Studio is no slouch! It, too, is packed with a ton of great features as outlined on the previous page.
After you’ve found a good home for the Big Knob Studio, it’s time to make all the connections.

In this example, a microphone is connected to XLR input 1 (L) and a guitar to 1/4" input 2 (R).
The Source Input 3/4 jacks may accept 1/4" inputs (on the rear panel) and an 1/8" stereo input
(on the front panel). They may be connected simultaneously, but not used simultaneously. If both
inputs have connections, the 1/8” stereo line input will take priority over the 1/4” inputs. Here
we hooked up a 2-track player to the 1/4" inputs and a smartphone to the 1/8" stereo line input jack.

The output section is as straightforward as the input section. Here we connected a pair of
XR Series studio monitors to the Mon Output A L/R jacks and a pair of MR Series studio monitors
to the Mon Output B L/R jacks. Additionally, two sets of headphones are connected to the two phones
outputs on the Big Knob Studio’s front panel and the 2-Track L/R output jacks are connected to the mixer’s
1/4” L/R line input jacks. Lastly, a computer installed with your favorite DAW is connected to the USB
port on the rear panel.

Now that connections have been made, the fun begins! The top panel has a variety of switches,
buttons and something else...what was it? Oh yeah, a BIG knob, dead center! These allow you to select
between the inputs, outputs, set levels and more. Descriptions of the Big Knob Studio features starts
on page 9.

Typical Big Knob Studio Setup

Owner’s Manual

5

Big Knob Studio+ Hookup Diagram

DAW

1(L)3/45/62-TRACKSTUDIO/

L

2(R)

(MONO)

R

FOOTSWITCH

AUX

MIX

+4dB

-10dB

INT
EXT

L

L

(MONO)

(MONO)

R

R

BAL / UNBAL

SOURCES INPUTS

CUE IN

USB

POWER

STEREO IN

MONITORC MONITORBMONITOR

REC SRC

SELECT

2-TRACK
INPUTS 1/2

5/6

L

+18VDC

1.5A

R

BAL / UNBAL

BAL / UNBAL BAL / UNBALBAL / UNBAL

1

PHONES

A

L

R

BAL / UNBAL

OUTPUTS

2

+4dB

AMP

-10dB

L

R

LRL

R

BAL / UNBALBAL / UNBAL

MIC

TALKBACK

Monitor Controller | Interface

+

The Big Knob Studio+ is similar to the Big Knob Studio, but with a few more bells and whistles.
No time to waste, let’s get started! In this example, a microphone is connected to XLR input 1 (L) and
a guitar to 1/4" input 2 (R). The Source Input 3/4 jacks are connected to an external mixer’s Control
Room (CR) output jacks, playing whatever sounds / sources are fed into the mixer. Likewise, the Cue
In (Aux Mix) jacks are connected to the same mixer’s Alt 3/4 output jacks.

Continuing on, the Source Input 5/6 jacks may accept 1/4" inputs (on the rear panel)
and an 1/8" stereo input (on the front panel). They may be connected simultaneously, but not
used simultaneously. If both inputs have connections, the 1/8” stereo line input will take priority
over the 1/4” inputs. Here we hooked up a 2-track player to the 1/4" inputs and a smartphone
to the 1/8" stereo line input jack.

Now onto the output section. Here we connected a pair of XR Series studio monitors to the Mon
Output A L/R jacks, a pair of MR Series studio monitors to the Mon Output B L/R jacks and an MRS10
subwoofer to Mon Output C L/R jacks. A headphone amp with multiple sets of headphones is connected
to the Studio / Phones Amp L/R output jacks. Additionally, two sets of headphones are connected to the
two phones outputs on the Big Knob Studio+’s front panel.

Big Knob Studio & Studio

The 2-Track L/R output jacks are connected to the mixer’s 1/4" L/R line input jacks so signal
may now be sent back and forth between the Big Knob Studio+ and mixer! Lastly, a computer installed
with your favorite DAW is connected to the USB port on the rear panel.

Now that connections have been made, the fun begins! The top panel has a variety of switches,
buttons and something else...what was it? Oh yeah, a BIG knob, dead center! These allow you to select
between the inputs, outputs, set levels and more. Descriptions of the Big Knob Studio+ features starts
on page 9.

Typical Big Knob Studio+ Setup

6

Big Knob Studio & Studio

+

Monitor Controller | Interface

INPUTSSOURCEOUTPUTS

3/4

REC SRC

SELECT

INPUTS 1/2

2-TRACK

2-TRACKMONITORBMONITOR

A

1(L)

2(R)

L

(MONO)

L

R

BAL / UNBAL

R

BAL / UNBAL

USB

L

R

BAL / UNBAL

L

R

BAL / UNBAL

+18VDC

1.5A

POWER

-10dB

+4dB

-10dB

+4dB

VOLUME

2-TRACK SOURCE SELECTINPUTS

MAX

∞

MAX

∞

MAX

∞

MONITOR SELECT

TALKBACK

LEVEL

TO

CUE

TRIM

MIC

3/4

A

B

TRIM

-12dBU+12dB -12dB

0dB

-12dB

0dB

PHONES

2

PHONES

1

MAX

PWR

USB

+48V

CUE

2TR

STEREO

PAN

+48V

MIC/LINE/INST GAIN

DIRECT

MONITORING

INPUTS

CUE

1 (L) 2 (R)

MAX

MIN

MAX

MIN

INPUTSSOURCEOUTPUTS

3/4

REC SRC

SELECT

INPUTS 1/2

2-TRACK

2-TRACKMONITORBMONITOR

A

1(L)

2(R)

L

(MONO)

L

R

BAL / UNBAL

R

BAL / UNBAL

USB

L

R

BAL / UNBAL

L

R

BAL / UNBAL

+18VDC

1.5A

POWER

-10dB

+4dB

-10dB

+4dB

Big Knob Studio

Owner’s Manual

POWER

USB

STEREO IN

3/4

REC SRC

SELECT

2-TRACK
INPUTS 1/2

+18VDC

1.5A

3/4

+4dB

-10dB

(MONO)

BAL / UNBAL

1(L)

L

R

2(R)

BAL / UNBAL

L

R

BAL / UNBAL

2-TRACKMONITORBMONITOR

L

R

+4dB

-10dB

BAL / UNBAL

L

R

A

INPUTSSOURCEOUTPUTS

1

2

1 (L) 2 (R)

MIN

MIC/LINE/INST GAIN

+48V

INPUTS

DIRECT

MONITORING

3/4

MIC

MIN

MAX

MAX

-12dBU+12dB -12dB

TRIM

STEREO

PAN

2-TRACK SOURCE SELECTINPUTS

MAX

CUE

∞

PHONES

1

2TR
CUE

MAX

∞

PHONES

2

VOLUME

MAX

A

MONITOR SELECT

PWR

USB

+48V

∞

TALKBACK

LEVEL

-12dB

B

0dB

0dB

TRIM

MAX

TO

CUE

Owner’s Manual

7

CUE IN

AUX

MIX

SOURCES INPUTS

1(L)3/45/62-TRACKSTUDIO/

PHONES

AMP

USB

2(R)

FOOTSWITCH

MIC

L

(MONO)

R

L

(MONO)

R

L

R

L

R

BAL / UNBALBAL / UNBAL

L

R

BAL / UNBAL

L

R

BAL / UNBAL

L

R

BAL / UNBAL BAL / UNBALBAL / UNBAL

L

(MONO)

R

BAL / UNBAL

REC SRC

SELECT

TALKBACK

MONITORC MONITORBMONITOR

A

EXT

INT

INPUTS 1/2

2-TRACK

OUTPUTS

+18VDC

1.5A

POWER

-10dB

+4dB

-10dB

+4dB

Big Knob Studio

+

+

Monitor Controller | Interface

POWER

USB

STEREO IN

5/6

REC SRC

SELECT

2-TRACK
INPUTS 1/2

+18VDC

MONITORC MONITORBMONITOR

BAL / UNBAL

L

R

BAL / UNBAL

L

1.5A

R

BAL / UNBAL BAL / UNBALBAL / UNBAL

OUTPUTS

1

2

PHONES

A

AMP

L

R

+4dB

-10dB

L

R

L

R

BAL / UNBALBAL / UNBAL

MIC

FOOTSWITCH

INT
EXT

TALKBACK

AUX
MIX

L

(MONO)

R

BAL / UNBAL

CUE IN

+4dB

-10dB

L

(MONO)

R

L

(MONO)

R

SOURCES INPUTS

1(L)3/45/62-TRACKSTUDIO/

2(R)

1 (L) 2 (R)

MAX

MIN

MIC/LINE/INST GAIN

MAX

MIN

Big Knob Studio & Studio

SOURCE(S)

CUE

SOURCE

DIRECT

CUE

USB

3/4

AUX
MIX

INPUTS

MONITORING

8

Big Knob Studio & Studio

+

Monitor Controller | Interface