Knif Audio Mastering Controller

The Knif Mastering Controller is a fully featured analogue mastering console that delivers absolute transparency, detailed signal control and extensive routing options for professional mastering environments.

Overview

Knif Audio designs the Mastering Controller as a precision command centre for an entire analogue mastering chain. The console integrates high headroom input stages with four selectable analogue inputs and optional AES/EBU digital routing. The input section provides separate left and right gain trims and independent phase inversion for accurate stereo alignment. High cut and low cut filters operate with selectable 12 or 24 dB per octave slopes, and the filters maintain a fully transparent frequency path. The transfer section defines the heart of the unit and supports six fully bypassable insert points that accept MS processing on inserts one and two. The user can swap inserts two and three or four and five to optimise workflow, while insert three includes a parallel path with a range from minus twenty six to zero decibels for precise blend control. Insert six can move to a post fader position when required by the chain structure.

The image processor widens or narrows the stereo field with a dedicated width control and an elliptic filter that ranges from fifty to two hundred and seventy hertz at six dB per octave to stabilise low-frequency content. The output section includes a gain control and a bypassable master fader that maintains the console’s exceptionally wide bandwidth and consistent impedance characteristics. The entire input and transfer path reaches beyond one hundred kilohertz and maintains extremely low noise and crosstalk levels, which confirms the unit’s suitability for critical mastering work.

Monitor Section

The monitoring architecture provides four external monitor sources with twelve selectable monitor paths and two monitor outputs. The user can switch between stereo, mono, left right swap and side modes for in-depth evaluation. A configurable monitor offset supports calibrated listening across different sources. A digitally controlled 47-position rotary attenuator governs monitor level and maintains channel accuracy at all positions. The DIM function applies a fifteen decibel drop for instant level reduction. A high quality Class A headphone amplifier drives loads down to twenty ohms and maintains low distortion even at high levels. The metering output includes a six decibel pad for compatibility with sensitive meters, and the operator can activate each channel output separately.

Power and Build

The Mastering Controller operates from an external power supply or an optional 2U metering bridge that houses the supply internally. Elma rotary switches and high grade Japanese illuminated push buttons give the console a confident tactile response. The system runs at 115 or 230 volts AC and consumes fifty nine watts. Chassis construction and internal layout prioritise low noise, mechanical stability and long-term reliability.

Technical Performance

The console achieves a maximum input level of plus twenty nine point seven dBu and provides a gain range of minus five point five to plus eleven point five decibels. The dynamic range reaches around one hundred and twenty five decibels, and noise performance reaches minus one hundred dBu A-weighted on the input and transfer path. The monitor section supports up to plus twenty eight dBu input levels and maintains a bandwidth that extends far beyond the audible range.

Why Choose the Knif Mastering Controller

• Achieves absolute precision when controlling complex analogue mastering chains

• Maintains a transparent signal path that preserves tone and depth

• Provides flexible routing that adapts easily to bespoke mastering setups

• Enhances monitoring accuracy with detailed switching and calibrated volume control

• Offers long-term reliability with high quality mechanical components

• Integrates both analogue and optional digital source management for streamlined workflow

• Fully featured analogue mastering console with transparent signal path
• Four analogue inputs with independent left right gain and phase controls
• High cut and low cut filters with 12 or 24 dB per octave slopes
• Six bypassable insert points with MS, swap and parallel functions
• Insert six repositionable to post output
• Image processor with width control and elliptic filtering from 50 to 270 Hz
• Master fader with bypass and output gain adjustment
• Four external monitor sources with twelve selectable monitor paths
• Monitoring modes for stereo, mono, left right swap and side
• Configurable monitor offset and digitally stepped 47-position volume control
• Class A headphone amplifier with separate volume
• Metering output with selectable pad
• Optional AES/EBU router and optional 2U metering bridge
• Exceptionally wide bandwidth and low noise across all sections
• High quality Elma switches and Japanese illuminated buttons

This item, like everything we supply, comes with the complete support of our expert team. Our excellent technicians have been specifying, building and supporting studios for over twenty years. If you have any problems with installation, setup or everyday use, they’re never more than a click away, and always happy to help.

You can contact them here.