Behringer takes a swing at Mackie’s Big Knob with the Studio M controller

Behringer Studio M
(Image credit: Behringer)

Looking like an obvious rival for Mackie’s Big Knob Passive, Behringer’s new Studio M is a ‘premium passive studio controller’ that enables you to quickly switch between multiple audio sources and two sets of monitors, and to control their levels with a chunky volume dial.

There are two sets of balanced/unbalanced 1/4-inch input/output connectors, along with an additional 3.5mm stereo input for hooking up a smartphone or other music player. You can switch between the sources and monitors using the top-mounted buttons.

Behringer Studio M

(Image credit: Behringer)

Other controls include mono and mute buttons, plus a Dim switch that instantly reduces the signal going to the monitor speakers by 20dB - useful for those times when you want to quickly lower the volume to talk to someone without reaching for the main dial.

Said to be built from the “highest-grade components” - and promising to improve your workflow by cutting down the number of times you need to reach for your mixer or mouse - the Studio M has a list price of $49.

Find out more on the Behringer website.

Ben Rogerson

I’m the Deputy Editor of MusicRadar, having worked on the site since its launch in 2007. I previously spent eight years working on our sister magazine, Computer Music. I’ve been playing the piano, gigging in bands and failing to finish tracks at home for more than 30 years, 24 of which I’ve also spent writing about music and the ever-changing technology used to make it. 

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