MACKIE'S BIG KNOB STUDIO COMMAND SYSTEM BRINGS ESSENTIAL CONTROL ROOM FUNCTIONS TO THE DAW-BASED STUDIO

January 15, 2004 - Anaheim, NAMM Convention - Mackie introduced today a compact monitor switching, source selection and communications box for DAW-based studios known as the Big Knob Studio Command System. The first Mackie product of its kind, Big Knob is designed for professional and project studio owners who record with computer-based systems and need the essential control room functions absent from many of today's software-based systems.

Big Knob's name is inspired by its most prominent feature - a large, convenient volume knob that provides easy access for precise level adjustments. Also handy are three buttons for quick switching between three sets of studio monitors, a built-in Talkback microphone, Input Source Select for up to four different stereo sources, dual headphone outputs with an independent headphone mix bus, as well as Mono, Mute and Dim switches.

A host of rear-panel connections include a dedicated DAW mix input as well as three independent 2-track stereo inputs, each with variable gain control as well as +4dB and -10dB selection buttons. Three 2-track stereo outputs also provide +4dB and -10dB selection buttons. Other connections include a DAW Phones Mix Input, a Phono preamp input, outputs for up to three sets of control-room monitors as well as one set of in-studio monitors and a Talkback Foot Switch input.

"We employed all aspects of Mackie's trademark sound quality and robust construction to make Big Knob a perfect tool in DAW-based professional or project studios," commented Dan Steinberg, Mackie Big Knob Product Manager.

The Mackie Big Knob Studio Command System will begin shipping in Q2, 2004 and has a suggested retail price of $384.99 USD. Big Knob is currently on display at the NAMM show in Anaheim, booth number 6690.

Key Features of Mackie Big Knob Studio Command System:

• Tabletop level control / monitor switcher / source selector & talkback box
• Big, convenient volume knob for precise level adjustments
• Switch between 3 sets of studio monitors
• Built-in Talkback microphone for easy communication with musicians
• Monitor 3 independent Stereo inputs plus Mix input
• Dual Headphone outputs with independent headphone mix bus
• Phono preamp for turntable connection
• High-end esoteric studio sound quality and robust construction
• Perfect for computer-based studios

About Mackie
Mackie, a LOUD Technologies Inc. brand, is known worldwide as a leading developer and marketer of high-quality, affordable professional audio systems. Mackie products can be found in professional and project recording studios, video and broadcast suites, post production facilities, sound reinforcement applications including churches and nightclubs, retail locations and on major musical tours. For more information visit: www.mackie.com.

Mackie is a registered trademark of LOUD Technologies Inc. in the United States and other countries. All other trademarks are the property of their respective owners.

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