Pro Tools HD without a mixer or control surface. Ways to connect to your monitors

[Intini]

I got a PT HD 2 with a 192 i/o. I have no mixer as I only really record 1-4 inputs at a time. I need to buy something to be able to control the volume of the speakers and headphones.
I have checked Mackie's Big Knob. But is this relly good?
Another possibility is to wait for the replacement of the Command|8 (when?) and use it as a controller and monitor control.
What does people without a mixer/controller use?

[Stig Eliassen]

I used a Yamaha 01V with a AES/EBU card as my monitor controller and DA for a few years. Then I bought a Benchmark DAC1 with DA-conversion + stepped level control in the front. A big step up soundwise. Now I have a D-Command, but still use the Benchmark as my DAC.

[maufau]

Originally Posted by Intini

I got a PT HD 2 with a 192 i/o. I have no mixer as I only really record 1-4 inputs at a time. I need to buy something to be able to control the volume of the speakers and headphones.
I have checked Mackie's Big Knob. But is this relly good?
Another possibility is to wait for the replacement of the Command|8 (when?) and use it as a controller and monitor control.
What does people without a mixer/controller use?

We use the Big Knob for monitor control. But we also create headphone mixes ITB sending out to a Headphone amp (mono btw).

[Delta Music Belgium]

I use the m906 from Grace Design, it is 5.1 with a remote controller and it sounds fantastic! They also have a cheaper stereo version m904 without a remote controller. I also have a ProControl but I do not use the analog monitoring section, the m906 is much much better

[PhilBuckle]

Check out:

http://cranesong.com/AVOCET.html

Another solution to consider.
I've been extremely happy with this unit.

[BDWillis]

I've been extremely pleased with the Crane Song Avocet, which I've had for a couple of years. It has great routing for inputs (3 digital pairs plus 3 analog pairs) & outputs (3 pairs), plus integrated talkback & phones control. Also, their tech support has been excellent for the few questions I've had. Highly recommended!!

http://cranesong.com/AVOCET.html

Warmest Regards,
Brian

[A1]

Another Big Yes For Avocet
First and most important of all very transparent
Every component under the hood is top quality
Lots of in, out, talkback and phones options
Excellent tech support
Last but not least (unlike most others) its an aesthetically pleasing piece of audio gear

[Intini]

Thank you all! That is great!
People who uses/tried the AVOCET and Grace Design controllers, what do you have to say about the Big Knob from Mackie?

[dr sound]

Try This:
http://www.neyrinck.com/Pages/vmon.html

There is a 14 day demo. See what you think.

[BDWillis]

Before I went with the Avocet, I had been listening through a Mackie HUI, and becoming increasingly frustrated with what I WASN'T hearing. I asked around a LOT about different controllers, and I was trying to spend as little money as possible. Everyone who'd heard it said the Big Knob was "okay", but essentially the same as listening through a small Mackie mixer. That's not a bad solution for occasional use, but not great if you work long days, and definitely nowhere near as good as a professional unit like the Avocet.

You get what you pay for, and I've never regretted putting out the extra money to get a MUCH better piece of gear. It was like I'd bought new monitors, with a huge improvement in sonic detail, depth & soundscape. Panning, reverb tails, low-end clarity... all became much more defined. HTH.

Warmest Regards,
Brian