Monitor Controller Question

[Briz]

In my basic setup, I have the Clarett+ 8pre as my audio interface. I use Pro Tools Studio as my DAW. With the recent incorporation of 3 outboard gear units, I'm running out of of inputs and outputs.

In the past, I've mixed with one set of monitors and ITB. So here's my situation: I want to add Avantone Pro Active MixCubes to my setup. Eventually, I'll add more ins and outs via ADAT, but until then I need to keep 4 inputs open.

I've never used a monitor controller before, outside of a Mackie Big Knob years ago. I'd like to A/B between the Focals and MixCubes.
I've been researching active controllers and two keep popping up: Audient Nero and Drawmer MC2.1. My budget is around $700 USD or less. What do you recommend in this price range? Thanks in advance for your advice and recommendations.

[Aaron Straley]

Here is what I use to switch between monitors. Works perfectly for that

https://www.sweetwater.com/store/detail ... e-selector

[sonics]

I've used the PreSonus Central Station Plus in a couple of studios. It seemed to work well enough. I've heard rumours of quality or longevity issues, though I've not seen that personally.

[Luke W]

I don't think you can go far wrong with any of the Drawmer units. No experience of using them myself, but if I remember correctly there are certainly a few people on here that are very happy with them. I understand that they perform very well given their price point as well.

In case you'd not spotted it, here's a review of the MC2.1

[Hugh Robjohns]

My budget is around $700 USD or less. What do you recommend in this price range?

Other than switching between two sets of stereo monitors (which could be achieved with a much less expensive switch box), what monitor controller facilities do you require?

There are a couple of Drawmer and SPL options within budget, as well as the Presonus and some Coleman switchers.

But they have quite significantly different feature sets, so you need to think about what you need/want to avoid paying for things you'll never use.

[Briz]

My budget is around $700 USD or less. What do you recommend in this price range?

Other than switching between two sets of stereo monitors (which could be achieved with a much less expensive switch box), what monitor controller facilities do you require?

There are a couple of Drawmer and SPL options within budget, as well as the Presonus and some Coleman switchers.

But they have quite significantly different feature sets, so you need to think about what you need/want to avoid paying for things you'll never use.

Mainly, I'd like to A/B, listen in mono, and preserve the sound of the monitors without altering or coloring the output. Nice-to-haves would be talk back and dimming. If there's a controller out there for less, believe me, I'd gladly prefer to spend less. I will not be using a sub, and I won't need immersive audio capabilities. Thanks.

[Bob Bickerton]

As has been said, it’s really down to the facilities you require. Having said that, I’ve been well pleased with the Drawmer CMC2 which is around 50% of your budget. https://www.sweetwater.com/store/detail ... controller

Bob

[Briz]

As has been said, it’s really down to the facilities you require. Having said that, I’ve been well pleased with the Drawmer CMC2 which is around 50% of your budget. https://www.sweetwater.com/store/detail ... controller

Bob

Thank you. I appreciate the recommendation. I'll definitely check it out. Alternatively, have you (or anyone else here) used outputs 3 & 4 (or any combination) on your audio interface and simply changed the output routing on the master in your DAW? I'm just thinking here, but maybe it might be easier to add 8 more inputs via ADAT and use the 8 ins and outs on my audio interface for outboard gear and monitors and the 8 additional inputs for tracking. I don't know if that might be an option, or how I'd sum to mono.

[sonics]

Alternatively, have you (or anyone else here) used outputs 3 & 4 (or any combination) on your audio interface and simply changed the output routing on the master in your DAW?

I use an RME interface, which has very configurable software, so yes. I don't have any need for talkback ATM, but could incorporate it if I did, I'm sure. It works very well, is easy to control and means no additional audio processing, which I'm very happy about. The software takes care of the Chinese food (dim, sum etc. - sorry!)

[Moroccomoose]

This is exactly what I do. I have mains on 1&2, a quirk in my interface makes having headphones on 3&4 convenient (it has 2 headphone outs, but the first headphone is on channels 1&2 so the volume is tied to monitor volume, putting them on 3&4 means I have independent physical volume controls) and I have an out to my hifi on 5&6. I use Cubase control room to switch between the three. In reaper, I set up a similar function using sends that can be turned on and off. And I have ADAT expansion but for other stuff, not my monitoring.
I also use the interface control panel to select the outputs if not using a DAW.

Stu.

[ef37a]

Hi Briz, I strongly suggest you avoid passive controllers. I cannot speak for any others but I have checked the circuits in the Mackie BK Passive and it is a strange design that could cause distortion and definitely unbalances sources.

Dave.

[MarkOne]

I've used the PreSonus Central Station Plus in a couple of studios. It seemed to work well enough. I've heard rumours of quality or longevity issues, though I've not seen that personally.

I have had it's baby brother the Monitor Station V2 for several years now and it seems to work very well, no quality issues, very well built and loads of switching flexibility (2 stereo sources, an Aux switchable from Line to SPDIF, three speaker outputs, four headphone outs...) Sound quality is pretty good, it seems low noise and transparent.