How can I put two sound sources through monitors?

  • Thread starter Thread starter Spaceboy108
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Spaceboy108

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I would like to keep my monitors plugged into my 003 interface, but I also have an Axe FX. Sometimes I would like to come in, flip the Axe FX's switch and play guitar without going through the interface and all that. How can I plug two sources of sound into my monitors and be able to press a button to toggle them back and forth?
 
There are monitor controllers that allow that type of switching (there are a few brands)...
Mackie Big Knob
...or...you can go with a patchbay....or...you can just reach around and switch the cables. :)
 
miroslav said:
There are monitor controllers that allow that type of switching (there are a few brands)...
Mackie Big Knob
...or...you can go with a patchbay....or...you can just reach around and switch the cables. :)
Click to expand...
I've seen this before, but thought it was only for switching between different sets of monitors, not sources. Is there any budget alternate to the Big Knob, maybe rackmount?
 
Spaceboy108 said:
I've seen this before, but thought it was only for switching between different sets of monitors, not sources. Is there any budget alternate to the Big Knob, maybe rackmount?
Click to expand...

A patchbay is rackmount and not that expensive....plus it migh have other patching uses for you at some point, but it still needs you to patch/unpatch. If you want something with a button...you'll need some kind of switching box.

Studio Monitor Volume Controllers & Most Music Gear Ships Free | Musician's Friend
 
miroslav said:
A patchbay is rackmount and not that expensive....plus it migh have other patching uses for you at some point, but it still needs you to patch/unpatch. If you want something with a button...you'll need some kind of switching box.

Studio Monitor Volume Controllers & Most Music Gear Ships Free | Musician's Friend
Click to expand...
I'm not fond of the patchbay method. I've read reviews on the Big Knob and alternatives, and I'm not sold on it yet. I'm looking at the PreSonus Central Station though, and although it's double the Big Knobs price, it seems like a better investment with more capabilities down the road.
 
Sometimes the easiest way to do this is to watch eBay and purchase a cheapie small mixer--a little Behringer or something similar. Normally I'd worry about the quality of mic pre amps etc. but you only need a couple of line level sources--and it's only in the monitoring path, the the recording signal path.
 
the little behri mixers are remarkably clean imo...I bought a third as a sub-mixer just a few weeks ago
 
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