MONITOR1 Premium Passive Stereo Monitor and Volume Controller

So, like an idiot, I racked up all my gear next to my desk. Doesn't seem like a bad idea, right? Well... not until I mention that I mounted the rack on the wall to the right of the desk, and my interface (Focusrite Scarlett 18i20) has the monitor volume control knob on the right side of the front panel. So now that knob is a solid 5 FEET away from where I'm sitting. I'm WAY too lazy to roll my chair over that far every time I want to adjust the volume. So first I checked to see if that knob (or any of the assignable outputs) could be mapped to either my MIDI keyboard or something USB. Focusrite says no... so here we are. Now I have a big-ass knob right there on my desk next to my headphone amp, easily within reach whenever I want it. Combo TRS/XLR INs, a 1/8" stereo IN, and XLR OUTs. Mono summing, Mute, and the main feature. It's exactly what it needs to be. Clean, quiet, passive, simple. For the price (~$50 at the time of this review) it's hard to argue with. The best part is that it does its job well enough that it escapes my notice most of the time... I just reach for the knob and it does the thing. Problem solved.

Not a lot to say about this knob. Well, maybe a few things! The knob is great and feels smooth when making adjustments, the mono and mute buttons work as expected. The only thing I didn't like is that the unit sits flat on my desk so it's hard to see where the dial is at. I bought the PONICOR Zinc Alloy Computer Keyboard Stand and they look like they came with the unit. Really happy with the way its setup and working.

I had been looking for a passive volume control for my studio monitors (JBL LSR305's). I had been considering about purchasing the Mackie Big Knob (heh) but didn't really like the look of it and I have a thing for buttery smooth knobs, which I read this one was from another user review. I can now say after owning this for a few weeks that it is definitely buttery smooth and works great. I have the audio running in from my pc, out to a MiniDSP 2x4, and then into my monitors. This works great and is just so silky smooth to boot. It feels solidly constructed and hasn't given me any issues up to this point. I can't really find any reason to take any stars off of this review but will update if anything changes. I haven't seen many reviews out there for this on other websites so I felt like it was important that I leave some feedback which I normally don't do. If you're looking for an affordable, well built, decent looking, smooth passive potentiometer, this may be the one for you.

I bought this device a few weeks ago and I couldn't have been any happier since I hooked it up! It does exactly what it says! The simple, yet effective big knob is exactly what was needed. No need to reinvent the wheel here. Bigger is better sometimes and there's nothing more convenient and practical as to reaching over and tuning your volume to just where you need it to be in an instant where something is actually designed to contour to the physical size of a human hand. Also is the fact that tuning the volume isn't too finicky, meaning that the bigger knob allows for more volume range and fine tuning, whereas a tiny knob couldn't be as accurate to dial in a closer volume that you're comfy with as easily or as quickly. I haven't used the "mono" button at all (and probably never will), but it's nice to know it's there, just in case. The "mute" button is definitely handy to silence the music in a heartbeat. Hookup couldn't be easier. It's completely passive. Left and right XLR inputs from your source, left and right outputs to your monitors. Simple! There is also a stereo 3.5 mm in and out, too....just in case you want to use that option, instead. Overall, I'm very happy with this addition and it really makes my setup much nicer to regulate my volume. Recommend this!

Does exactly what I needed it to do. Just a clean, passive volume controller between my interface and monitors. No noise, no weird behavior, no power required. The knob feels good, and the mute and mono buttons are actually useful. Only downside is the flat design. It sits low on the desk and can be hard to see from a normal sitting position. Would’ve been better with a built-in tilt or some kind of riser option. That said, it’s solid. No frills, no problems, and the price is right. I’d buy it again.

I'm a performing solo guitarist and this is an essential part of my sound system setup. I play backing tracks from an iPad to an guitar amplifier or PA speaker. This volume controller lets me quickly adjust the volume of my backing tracks. I mount it on my music stand, patched with a short .35mm cable from my iPad to the volume controller input, and a 15 foot balanced .35mm cable from the volume controller output to the PA. It's important to use high-end quality cables (Mogami or SKW) for the best sound. Be careful not to depress the Mute button on the volume controller or there will be no sound.

Seems goofily expensive for a volume control, but it is super-solidly built and oh-so-easy to make very fine adjustments with that big knob! The arrow buttons on my laptop are SO crude by comparison. I have them set to full loudness now, and can dial-in exactly the level I want on the Monitor 1 box. I didn't know I'd been wanting exactly this until I stumbled upon it.

Excellent piece of perfection Giving great work

I needed a passive volume attenuator for my turntable system which is running through active speakers. While it is grossly overpriced at $88cad, this is the one. The popularity of this item has caused a shortage which has driven the price up. My local music shop has this for $30cad, for example, but it’s on back order for months. I needed it now so I paid the premium. The gear gets 5 stars as it’s seamlessly integrated into my system and was exactly what I needed, but I’ll deduct a star for the price.

Very simple and slick. Been using for about 3 months and it's exactly what I needed.