5 essential monitor controller features

As we know, a monitor controller performs the functions of a master module in a recording console for DAW users who don't have, or need, a mixer through which their signals are routed.

DAW, monitor controller and control surfaces

Positioning is important. We need to be able to grab the volume control easily, so many studio owners position them close to hand at the monitoring position.

A well used (and worn!) Mackie Big Knob

Monitor controllers come in all shapes and sizes from the simple volume pot of the TC Electronic Level Pilot to the comprehensive Grace Designs m905.

TC Electronic Level Pilot

Grace Designs m905

Many audio interfaces have built in monitor controller features too, but whatever we choose we can all agree that some form of physical control (knobs!) over our monitor signals is preferable to grabbing a mouse and moving a virtual on-screen master fader (not least because many of us fear the potential damage to our monitors caused by a software glitch or crash).

Before listing what we think are the essential features to look out for, here's a list of typical features found on a monitor controller ..

1. Volume - this should be a reasonably large and robust pot.
2. Metering - preferable to having to look at on-screen meters when adjusting volume
3. Mute switch - mutes the volume
4. Dim switch - lowers the volume
5. Sum to mono switch - its arguable how important this is when virtually all audio is played in stereo, but perhaps you mix in mono for clubs?
6. Speaker select - many of us have multiple sets of monitors and checking mixes on low budget computer speakers or grot boxes in addition to our primary monitors is very useful.
7. Source select - for DAW stereo outs, CD player, laptop outputs etc.
8. Record player phono input is useful
9. Analogue and digital paths
10. Headphone output and level control
11. Talkback mic with latching button

Choosing the 5 essential features is harder when you consider that we all have very different needs. If you are relatively new to studio ownership multiple inputs may be of little use to you, whilst others will find it hard to do without inputs for their record, CD and DAT players. If you record in a single/control room, talkback may not be high on your list either. So with that in mind, here's are recommendations ..

1. Volume (doh!)
2. Mute switch - it's essential when you need to leave your monitoring level undisturbed
3. Speaker select - switching between main monitors and a typical consumer end-user system is invaluable
4. Headphone output and level control - the alternative is having to by a dedicated headphone amp and then figuring out how to integrate it
5. Talkback mic - even if you only record in your control room you'll find this essential when producing a performer, and we all run leads out to other rooms sometimes

Thanks for reading and watching.
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