Trying to decide between Mackie Big Knob or something else for first passive monitor control

[OcelotDelta]

The whole debate about big knob is so confusing because on some places on reddit people will say its perfectly usable , does not color sound since passive, and they use it for year, and then here or other places, people will say the opposite, and it colors sound, lowers quality, starts making noise, breaks.

I am a professional, allbeit in an untreated room with monitors that are not great (very good headphones), i am more on the writing/production side than engineering/mix/master, but i still dont want a monitor control to alter my sound in any way versus direct to interface connection so i guess i will look elsewhere.

What about the Heritage Baby Ram? its $149 instead of $69 Big Knob, but it has a Stepped volume control that people say doesnt have the issues that the rotary knob has on the Big KNob?

[BertKoor]

Of what I heard, colouration by passive devices like the BigKnob (loss of highest frequencies) is to be expected only when you use it to lower the volume by a huge factor, like put the volume of the interface and monitors to their maximum level, and then dialling in whisper quiet volume level. When used in moderation, it does no harm at all.

[cryophonik]

If you’re a professional, spend the money and get a Drawmer. The CMC2 is an excellent passive controller. I’ve owned its older and bigger brother (MC2.1) for about 8 years and there is no noticeable coloration of the sound. It also has very powerful headphone amps that easily power all of my headphones, including my 600-ohm DT880Pros. The CMC2 lets you switch between two sets of monitors and separately engage/disengage your sub. Assuming the knob is the same/similar to the MC2.1, it’s got a very smooth and solid feel with a large range for precise settings.

[thecontrolcentre]

Heritage Audio BABY RAM is the one I finally went for last year. Had heard about noise problems with the Mackie so decided to spend the extra cash. You can switch between the 2 stereo inputs & the 2 stereo outputs. It has mono, dim and mute buttons. Looks cool too. No regrets.