It's a typical problem found in most DAW or computer based studios; how do you switch and control volume without a mixer? Thankfully, outboard analog switchers and monitor control boxes have been able to keep up with the proliferation of DAWs and smaller studios. Better than having to grab a mouse to lower the volume on that piercing guitar solo, these units give you the tactile control needed to protect your speakers and your ears. All these units are work horses; they've been beaten down either in our studio, the Methods and Applications Labratory, or on the seriously abused test rig, or both. Whether you need a very simple line switcher such as the Coleman Audio LS3 or a sophisticated switcher and volume control device like the Crane Song Avocet or anything in between (Coleman Audio makes a wide variety of switchers with various channel configurations), we've gathered them here. There are a couple that have some additional features that may prove useful in smaller studios such as the Coleman Audio TB4 MKII Talkback Monitor which employs a talk back mic and switch (could be useful when you get tired to running back and forth between the control room and the studio or when you get tired of screaming through the wall). Some even have VU meters built in, like the Dangerous MQ, and a dedicated control room headphone output, like the Coleman Audio M3PH MK2. With all the different features and functionality available, you're sure to find a unit that will prove to be an integral part of your studio monitoring. Not entirely sure if you need a passive or an active switcher, or are not sure how many connections you need? Feel free to email us at questions@mercenary.com. |
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