Emotiva Audio CF-Balanced Control Freak

I use this in the middle of an audio chain that bypasses my preamp. I use it to connect the stereo xlr outputs of my oppo 105 universal blu Ray player to the balanced input of my b&k 200 watt per channel dual mono ex442 amplifier. The amp takes about an hour to warm up and start sounding pretty good. The good thing about this product is it really gives you a true sense of the character of the amp it is attached to. I would recommend it to anyone with a source component that has a balanced output and an amp (not a receiver or integrated amp) that has a balanced input. It's also good with two channel Dolby digital that is sometimes encoded on to British dvd tv show source material. If you have a high quality stereo preamp with balanced inputs you may not need this product, but it's a nice backup in case your preamp is in for servicing or an upgrade.

I was worried this would be cheap-feeling, but I didn't need the features that come with the very expensive monitor controllers, so I took a chance on the Control Freak. I'm glad I did. This is solid, and the operation is buttery-smooth. One particular worry I had was that the cable would be so stiff that I'd have trouble keeping the knob from flopping over on my desk. That's certainly not a problem. The cable is plenty flexible, and the knob itself weighs enough that it isn't going to get knocked around by moving papers or whatever. If you need a volume control for your monitors, and don't need the features of the expensive control stations, the Control Freak might be for you.

The first one I received had one bad channel; I returned it for a replacement. The second one has one bad channel as well. (The bad channel was easily confirmed by switching inputs) Based on the slightly used appearance of the products I received I am wondering if defective units are being returned and mistakenly re-sold as new/working products.

Wow, this is/was better than I expected. It is built like a tank. Solid, heavy, fun to turn, very smooth workmanship. The cords are all nice and neat. I used some "jumper XLRs" to be able to get to between my interface and my monitors, but no biggie. I had it hooked up within 5 minutes and was back to editing and truly loving it as the latest addition to my workstation. It has a complete 360-degree turn range for great accuracy. I work on a daily radio program that's heard on hundreds of stations, so I am constantly adjusting my monitors and am so excited to use this from here on out. There are very few "big knobs" out there like this, but this one is tops. Highly recommend.

This works very well for its admittedly simple function. Well-damped control knob, nicely sleeved cables, great-looking construction.

Prior to purchasing the CF-Balanced Control Freak, I owned the TC Electronic Level Pilot - which after 5-6months of operation developed an unfix-able distortion in the left channel (Tried applying contact cleaner to the internals but this didn't help). The CF-Balanced Control Freak is generally similar in feel and operation. The Level Pilot has a smooth tapered outer shell, while the Control Freak has a chunky knurled type texture to it. The rotation of the volume pot is equally smooth on both. One nice addition to the Control Freak is that it has sleeving on the cables - a nice touch. This does make the cables a touch more rigid, but only very slightly so - They are still quite flexible and easy enough to work with overall. I use the Balanced Control Freak as volume attenuation between my DAC (Schiit Audio - Yggdrasil) and a pair of studio monitors (Focal - Solo6 Be). So far it has worked very well in its intended roll, with only a slight knock against it due to the L/R channels being a bit unbalanced at very low volume levels (left channel is louder than the right channel). An indicator or detente marking the zero volume position might have also been nice, but this isn't really a big deal. Overall I'm quite happy with my purchase of the Emotiva CF-Balanced Control Freak - I just hope it lasts a lot longer than its TC Electronic counterpart!

Best fifty dollars ever spent on audio. This makes a stellar one input passive preamp. Volume knob is a work of art. Compared it side by side with my $575 Goldpoint passive and could discern no difference. I have a high resolution system and love this unit in it. Easy to by xlr to female Rca adapters so you can use it for traditional rca based systems. Precise control of volume even as low level. A+ product

I love this thing!!! I Finally have a real vol control!!! Feels very sturdy, heavy so it doesn't move around too easy on desk, but also easy to move out of the way if need be. I would like to call it my Fred Flintstone knob cuz its kinda big like he would have and thats good. (for me) Turned full left and vol stays down. I have it connected between my RME Fireface 400 Balanced out and my Tanny powered monitors. I Love it!!!