multiple speaker options

[guitarsark]

I am currently running DP7 (about to upgrade to 9 tho as I love the demo) in my small home studio. I use an Apogee Duet Interface and KRK Monitors. I would like to add additional speakers/monitors to my set up. Can I run them from the Duet or do I need to buy a mixer ? additional speakers may or may not be powered. thank you !

[mikehalloran]

You will need a monitor controller/switcher.

http://www.sweetwater.com/c417--Monitor_Management/pn1

The Mackie Big Knob and Presonus are quite popular. I have a Radial MC-3 and my daughter uses one of the new Behringer units.

Yours needs to incorporate a switcher (some don't). The TC Level Pilot won't work for you.

One feature to look for is the ability to temporarily sum to mono. Most of us won't buy one that can't.

I like one that can take the subwoofer out of the mix for comparison.

Passive vs Active is tricky. There are advantages to both designs. I went with a passive unit—some systems don't have enough gain to handle the level drop and need an active system.

In the case of powered v unpowered, it doesn't matter. You are controlling the audio inputs either to the powered mains or amp in the case of unpowered speakers.

[guitarsark]

thanks Mike !

[Rick Cornish]

Mike is correct (as always!). Also, if you were to upgrade to an Apogee Quartet, you could run up to three sets of monitors from your interface (including summing to mono).
http://www.sweetwater.com/store/detail/Quartet