DAW volume controller better then Mackie?

[keano]

Regarding quality I have read that you should skip your cheap Mackie mixers and use one of these so you get the actual true quality from computer to monitors. Is this true?

Description: Sound Performance Lab

In Short: Sound Performance Lab

[Big Jinx]

Well, it's all a matter of bits...lol. You shouldn't really have too many problems if you're patching your sound from your DAW-Mixer-Monitors. The problem comes in when you go from DAW-Monitors. You (basically) shrink bitrate by using your daw's mixer to lower sound volume when mixing. But, if your Mackie mixer is emitting sounds without music going thru it, then yes, your solution is one of those boxes. Note that Mackie also makes the Big Knob, which I myself owned a while back. Excellent unit for the money and probably a lot more features in it than you will ever use. Find them on Ebay sub $300 if you look around.

[cooker]

I have to say I found the mackie big knobs "big knob" very bad. They had one of that when I was demoing some monitors in a store and I told the guy to turn the knob all the way up couse it was so obvious it was taking something away from the sound. I agree though for the price its good (lots of options on it).

I didn't try SPL but would like to couse all comments around here are positive. I'm using my tc electronics passive volume controller and its good (silent and not coloring)-specially for the price.

I'm not sure if this is the same thing thats used in my soundcard but you can also check this out TC Electronic | Level Pilot

[Big Jinx]

LOL, I never really had that problem with my Mackie, but individual tastes vary. There are lots of options Keano, from the Level Pilot, to even the SM Pro Nano Patch. ( i have one for sale if you're interested). So it all depends on whether you need all the specific features that one of them offers, or just simple and plain monitor volume controls.

[mattafact]

I picked up my Coleman Audio controller for pretty cheap. It's about as simple as it gets and doesn't do anything to the sound.

[crypticglobe]

I use the presonus central station with very satisfactory results. I can't hear it at all.

[charles maynes]

Digidesign

an all in one Venue that runs TDM plugins.....

[DIGI ENT]

+1 for the Coleman Audio

[tomdarude]

a REAL step-up ??

Dangerous Monitor ST + D/A option

Cranesong Avocet

[keano]

You shouldn't really have too many problems if you're patching your sound from your DAW-Mixer-Monitors. The problem comes in when you go from DAW-Monitors. You (basically) shrink bitrate by using your daw's mixer to lower sound volume when mixing. But, if your Mackie mixer is emitting sounds without music going thru it, then yes, your solution is one of those boxes.

Interesting. Right now I record into preamp which goes right into DAW/soundcard. Audio out through soundcard into Mackie. I mix in the box. Only reason for the Mackie 1202 is purely volume control. I thought by buying the 2Control which looks cool saves space
In Short: Sound Performance Lab

I would be getting better quality while monitoring. but according to what you said above. This isn't really true. I am better off saving the dough for plugins LOL!

[limey222]

Originally Posted by keano

Interesting. Right now I record into preamp which goes right into DAW/soundcard. Audio out through soundcard into Mackie. I mix in the box. Only reason for the Mackie 1202 is purely volume control. I thought by buying the 2Control which looks cool saves space
In Short: Sound Performance Lab

I would be getting better quality while monitoring. but according to what you said above. This isn't really true. I am better off saving the dough for plugins LOL!

If it's just a volume control you're after try the TC Electronics Level Pilot.....perfect for this application and totally transparent...unique design too.

[chironomidae]

I use a Mackie VLZ 402 for my monitor control. I briefly considered upgrading to a SM Audio M-Patch 2 instead, but I decided that the difference was so small there was really no reason to upgrade. Maybe if I get a second set of monitors I might get the M-Patch for A/B purposes, but for now I see no reason.

I only use the VLZ to attenuate the signal, never boost. I think as long as you don't turn the volume up past 12 o'clock, it's excellent.