SM Pro Audio M-Patch 2 Passive Volume Control/Switch Box

SM Pro Audio M-Patch 2 Passive Volume Control/Switch Box
Customer Ratings: 4.5 stars
List Price: $219.00
Sale Price: $149.00
Today's Bonus: 32% Off
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  • Passive volume attenuation control Independent Main & Aux controls A/B multiple outputs.

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This little passive monitor controller if perfect for my situation. I run an analog summing mixer with outboard gear, and I send my final summed signal to this controller and back into my DAW, and this allows me to switch between my two sets of studio monitors, and have an 1/8" input to switch to for reference checks, and final playback (avoiding the analog summing chain) and not have to mess with the volume on my monitors. Even if you keep everything in the box, this unit is helpful if you use a digital "virtual" mixer, and don't want to suffer from bit loss by having your digital faders below unity, but need control over monitor levels. I like that it is passive, has 2 switchable inputs and two switchable outputs, and much more affordable than other options (some of which are not passive). The headphone amplifier sucks, which means I don't have to plug it in at all. I have other options to drive headphones, and don't really mix with them anyway.

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This box does everything I need it to. It's passive, so it doesn't color the sound, it makes for easy switching between my two sets of monitors, and even has an auxiliary input (RCA connection) with separate volume control (which I use to patch in an xbox. Gotta take 5 from working every once in a while!). The main volume knob is really smooth and has some slight resistance, which makes it feel great when dialing in levels.

I chose to mount it under my desk with the included brackets (mounted upside-down so the box is hanging) so that it's right at arm height for extremely quick access. People have said the headphone amp isn't great, but I've never used it as I connect my headphones directly to my interface when needed, so I can't comment on that claim.

I don't tend to throw money around for the studio all "willy nilly", but I'm sure glad I purchased this unit.

For something that really doesn't do much, it's definitely a unit that make working a lot more enjoyable.

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I have used this controller everyday for about 6 weeks. The overall function of the unit is strait forward simple. I was very concerned about adding this controller to my signal path, I typically monitor strait out of my converters to my power amp. With the M-Patch in the signal path, the sound seemed relatively un-effected, the stereo image and depth of field all seemed right, plus I could switch sources and monitors on the fly. The ability to switch input sources and monitors on the fly has me listening to more records, and my work flow has improved. My only big gripe is that the headphone output level is also tied in to the aux and stereo level volume. I wish that the headphone amp had it's own gain stage (i had assumed this because this part of the controller is active). To be clear, the headphone volume control adds/subtracts but the relative signal is subject to the level the aux or stereo volume is set to. The construction and appearance are very good. I am very happy with my purchase, and I would have given this 5 stars if the headphone amp did not seem quirky in the gain stage.

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I was very excited to get this unit. the functionality is great, theoretically. The problem is that it's VERY cheaply made. After 3 months of owning in a smoke-free studio, the connections are starting to crap out. Left channel is in and out and somehow the headphone volume has crossed with the main volume and they no longer function independently of each other. Such a bummer. Of course this all starts to happen AFTER the 30 day return period. Wish I could recommend this unit but I would say money is better spent elsewhere...

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This is a very versatile and cost effective piece of equipment. It does exactly what I need it to do.

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