Multiple Monitor Setups: How do you do it?

[Creamyapples1]

I know alot of you guys and gals like to use several different sets of monitors (1pr at a time) to mix on and check from different sources. From nice studio monitors to crappy yardsale deals, what-have-you Just curious if you leave the stuff hooked up and use a speakers selection switch thingy or if you hook up whatever you're using and leave everything else unplugged until it's time to use them? <3 being nosey.

 

[punkin]

I found the MACKIE Big Knob to be just the ticket for me. Has a built in talkback mic and handles three sets of speakers and has outs for headphone amp.

I know some of the guys here use the presonus central station unit but at the time it was just a bit of a stretch for me.

 

[CoolCat]

I had a nice passive setup and had several hooked up to a Adcom Speaker selector.

The coolest thing was the Sub could be added and taken out with the press of a button...and the passives have some really good deals these days on cost for used.

But the fact, I didn't really have the "golden ear" and imo, low level mixing skills, it seemed like having several sets confused me and I never really got to know any of them. So I went back to one set and try to listen to them on everything, all the time.

I said it before, but I like Sonic Albert's setup and the fact he's had his a long time.
8" and the 4" ... seems that would be a solid "check" from the mix seat. Two different brands too.

not sure how you'd hook up 2 or 3 sets of actives?

 

[Webb]

I use the Mackie Big Knob to switch between monitors. Some people knock it because they say it degrades the sound, but I've been happy with it so far.

http://www.musiciansfriend.com/product/Mackie-Big-Knob-Studio-Command-System?sku=700343

The Presonus Central Station also gets high marks, but it's a bit pricier than the Big Knob. I don't recommend it, but if you're looking for something on the cheap, the Behringer MiniMon is only about 50 bucks.