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Post by donr on Feb 21, 2021 13:25:08 GMT -6
I risk being drummed out of RGO for my monitor controller. I've used a TC pilot passive for years, but they wear out get scratchy, and don't track stereo well at low volume. I bought a Behringer USB2 for $160 US and it's super practical, got loads of features and sounds fine to my ravaged ears. I've got my DAW interfaces (MHalo, Apollo and SVART) coming analog into input 1 through a Coleman audio passive switcher, Input 2 is USB dac in the controller from computer's audio for internet sound, iTunes, etc. One monitor out goes into another Coleman for distribution to my Focal and JBL powered monitors and Monoprice sub. The controller has dim and mono buttons, two separate headphone circuits with volume pots and a crossfeed feature. Super easy to mute speakers for recording in my one room studio now, and headphones for guest artists and me built in. VCA volume tracks stereo nicely. No complaints. Also, the controls are on the front panel, not the top, which is much more practical for me. Small footprint on the desk.
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Post by guitfiddler on Feb 21, 2021 19:53:25 GMT -6
There are three on my radar. Dangerous Music Monitor ST Cranesong Avocet Grace M905
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Post by OtisGreying on Feb 21, 2021 22:58:55 GMT -6
Is there any point to a dangerous music monitor if you already have a great DA in your converter? That's what most are looking for out of the Dangerous stuff right? Good DA? Surely the monitor controller functions aren't much different from a passive controller?
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Post by Bat Lanyard on Feb 21, 2021 23:57:53 GMT -6
Burl B26.
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Post by guitfiddler on Feb 22, 2021 1:51:02 GMT -6
Is there any point to a dangerous music monitor if you already have a great DA in your converter? That's what most are looking for out of the Dangerous stuff right? Good DA? Surely the monitor controller functions aren't much different from a passive controller? That’s exactly why I have to research more. It seems you can use the control to swap through all kinds of different units by using the cat5 connectors for the Convert converter units with the DM - ST. That is why I am leaning towards this unit. I have two systems that I am using for conversion and the Monitor ST seems to have enough I/O to use my setup. I am still researching.
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ericn
Temp
Balance Engineer
Posts: 14,957
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Post by ericn on Feb 22, 2021 14:09:04 GMT -6
Passive monitor controllers are great but you have to remember 2 things going in 1. It’s not going to give you any additional gain. So if your DA isn’t giving you enough level, you won’t get it from the monitor controller. 2. If you don’t like the sound of your DA your really going to be unhappy. Because once again all your gain is coming from the DA.
I have a Martinsound surround controller that I seldom use, love the features and the remote. The fact that it can be intergrated into the consoles solo system makes life so easy. I just hear it and don’t like it anytime I insert it in the chain, really need to send the thing to Jim Williams. For the most part I run the Mytek Brooklyn DAC+ into my little Coleman 3 way switcher followed by a bunch of DIY pads to trim the levels.
Really really wish somebody would make a decent modular controller with decent bass management. I dream of a box that will let me run stereo subs, drop the subs and high pass of the mains or run mains full range with subs as well as switch between the near fields and do the same, with level matching and separate crossover points for each set of monitors and the subs. Maybe even a second mono smaller sub and would love have a line level headphone out for the STAX. Oh a man can dream. On the consumer side of things My Conrad Johnson’s ability to flip L/R and be able to listen to either left or Right as well as summed mono is just balls.
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Post by gwlee7 on Mar 14, 2021 18:49:55 GMT -6
I have three sets of speakers that I want to be able to alternate between. My main monitors are the Pelonis 4288s. I do want to use my Presonus Eris e5s as well as some old radio shack minimus 7s from years ago. There are so many options.
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Post by gwlee7 on Mar 14, 2021 19:02:18 GMT -6
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Post by srb on Mar 14, 2021 19:22:23 GMT -6
Longtime Avocet user here. Does most of what I need. Doesn't quite cover my digital routing needs but an RME AES setup takes care of the rest.
A less expensive alternative to the Crane Song is a unit from Coleman Audio. Well built with solid sonics. They make two or three different models...or used to.
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Post by srb on Mar 14, 2021 19:23:34 GMT -6
Had my reply above typed before I saw your post. Used to own one of these. Recommended.
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Post by gwlee7 on Mar 14, 2021 19:26:15 GMT -6
Had my reply typed before I saw your post. Used to own one of these. Recommended. It looks like it would tick my boxes and I know the Coleman gear has a very good reputation.
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Post by srb on Mar 14, 2021 19:29:28 GMT -6
Had my reply typed before I saw your post. Used to own one of these. Recommended. It looks like it would tick my boxes and I know the Coleman gear has a very good reputation. Yeah, good stuff, for sure. Visit their website to see if there's anything else there that might serve you better.
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Post by gwlee7 on Mar 14, 2021 20:49:11 GMT -6
It looks like it would tick my boxes and I know the Coleman gear has a very good reputation. Yeah, good stuff, for sure. Visit their website to see if there's anything else there that might serve you better. It has been ordered.
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Post by srb on Mar 14, 2021 20:55:57 GMT -6
Yeah, good stuff, for sure. Visit their website to see if there's anything else there that might serve you better. It has been ordered. Nice! The box man cometh! I always did like the headphone facility in this unit. I think you'll be pleased.
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Post by OtisGreying on Mar 14, 2021 22:02:38 GMT -6
Longtime Avocet user here. Does most of what I need. Doesn't quite cover my digital routing needs but an RME AES setup takes care of the rest. A less expensive alternative to the Crane Song is a unit from Coleman Audio. Well built with solid sonics. They make two or three different models...or used to. srb, are you using the DA of the Lynx or the Avocet?
I figured using a top notch converter like the Lynx would relinquish the need for an additional DA unit.
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Post by srb on Mar 14, 2021 22:20:34 GMT -6
Longtime Avocet user here. Does most of what I need. Doesn't quite cover my digital routing needs but an RME AES setup takes care of the rest. A less expensive alternative to the Crane Song is a unit from Coleman Audio. Well built with solid sonics. They make two or three different models...or used to. srb, are you using the DA of the Lynx or the Avocet?
I figured using a top notch converter like the Lynx would relinquish the need for an additional DA unit.
I'm using the Lynx Aurora (n) DA into a RND 5088 console 99% of the time (then routed/monitored through the Avocet). I do have a Hilo running to the Avocet, and that's via AES to the DAW function. The Hilo is also on a patchbay and I can and do monitor the DA out there via a switched Avocet analog out. I use other stereo conversion for monitoring as well (Antelope, HEDD, Burl). I manage all that with a combination of analog patchbay and digital via a 16 channel RME AES setup. I use different AD/DA's on capture and monitoring to see when it can make an important difference to program material.
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Post by indiehouse on May 28, 2021 8:30:47 GMT -6
Looking into possibly adding a monitor controller. I don’t need DA. And would like to keep it cheap, but uncolored, and accurate stereo tracking at low levels. Ideally would like to run 3 outputs, but I guess I can ditch the Mix Cube if I must.
Heritage Ram or Coleman?
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Post by Guitar on May 28, 2021 8:50:35 GMT -6
I think a Coleman is going to be more satisfying long term, if I'm guessing right, but I haven't tried a Baby RAM either. I just really respect the Coleman brand and I've seen them in high end setups.
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Post by forgotteng on Jun 3, 2021 6:30:13 GMT -6
I'm still rocking the Presonus Central Station that I've had for over 15 years. I've wondered at times if it were a weak link but it keeps working and the convenience of having I/O racked with a remote is my preference.
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Post by Tbone81 on Jun 3, 2021 10:17:02 GMT -6
Looking into possibly adding a monitor controller. I don’t need DA. And would like to keep it cheap, but uncolored, and accurate stereo tracking at low levels. Ideally would like to run 3 outputs, but I guess I can ditch the Mix Cube if I must. Heritage Ram or Coleman? I love my Coleman. It’s built like a tank and just works, plane and simple.
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