Passive volume controls

Mad Maxx

Supreme [H]ardness
Joined
Apr 12, 2016
Messages
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I've received quite a few messages/comments about my Emotiva Control Freak volume knob. It's one of the best audio purchases I've ever made, but Emotiva discontinued it several years ago. I've noticed some hissing and skipping with my CF, as of late. From what I've read, this usually means the device is failing. :( Since I can't find another, I went on a quest for something, anything to replace it.

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After several weeks, I found 2 devices that will do the job: Mackie Big Knob and Behringer Monitor 1. Both are very well-built and compact. They require separate audio cables to connect to your powered monitors or amplifier; CF had cables built-in. The MBK can control 2 sets of monitors/amps and uses 1/4" to XLR or RCA. The BM1 is XLR only. Both work very well and are not too expensive. MBK is $70 and BM1 is $60. You can get them at Amazon and Sweetwater.

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Hissing comes usually from a failing capacitor so it may be a 2 dollar fix.
 
Those are awesome, but I have my receiver just to the right of my elbo - can just reach over and crank it up or down.
 
A couple things you could look at would be the Schiit Sys or a Nano Patch +.
 
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