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Crane Song Avocet Stereo Monitor Controller

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$1,925.00

5.0 (10)

1 Critic Review

2 Reviews

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Crane Song Avocet II Stereo Monitor Controller

$4,749.00

5.0 (2)

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Page last updated Jun 28, 2026

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5.0 (2)

$1,925.00 5 available Used

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Description

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In the world of studio excellence, the Crane Song Avocet Stereo Monitor Controller stands as a beacon of precision and control. This Class-A discrete monitor controller offers seamless switching for three stereo analog inputs, three digital inputs, and three stereo speaker sets, all from a sleek and intuitive remote control. Whether you're adjusting levels or toggling between sources, the Avocet empowers you with unparalleled audio clarity and flexibility.

Beyond its switching prowess, the Avocet is packed with features that cater to professional studio environments. Its built-in headphone amplifier and cue path ensure that every detail is captured, while the talkback function keeps communication clear and concise. The mono fold-down and monitor DIM capabilities allow for nuanced listening and mixing adjustments, ensuring your projects sound impeccable in any setting. Programmable level offsets for both inputs and outputs provide a tailored listening experience, adapting to your specific needs.

For those pushing the boundaries of sound, the Avocet's main unit is expandable, allowing integration with an additional rack unit for 5.1 Surround control, making it not only a powerhouse for stereo monitoring but also a versatile tool for immersive audio productions.

Key Features:

Class-A discrete monitor controller
Switching for 3 stereo analog and 3 digital input sources
Control for 3 stereo speaker sets via remote
Built-in headphone amplifier and cue path
Talkback function and mono fold-down
Monitor DIM and programmable level offsets
Expandable for 5.1 Surround control with additional rack unit

Product specs

Brand	Crane Song
Model	Avocet Monitor Controller
Finish	Silver
Year	2010s
Made In	United States
Categories	AD/DA Converters, Utility
Bit Depth	24-bit
Digital Input Format	ADAT/Optical, AES/EBU, S/PIDF
Electronics	Analog, Solid State
Format	19-inch Rackmount
Number of Analog Inputs	6
Number of Analog Outputs	6
Number of Channels	2
Number of Digital Inputs	6
Number of Digital Outputs	6
Number of Headphone Outputs	1
Number of MIDI Inputs	0
Number of MIDI Outputs	0
Sample Rate	192 khz

FAQs

What is the primary function of the Crane Song Avocet Stereo Monitor Controller?: The Crane Song Avocet is designed for precise control and management of your studio monitor setup, allowing for accurate monitoring of audio signals with high-quality AD/DA conversion.
How many audio inputs and outputs does the Crane Song Avocet have?: The Avocet features six analog inputs and outputs, as well as six digital inputs and outputs, providing extensive connectivity options for professional studio environments.
What digital input formats does the Crane Song Avocet support?: The Avocet supports ADAT/Optical, AES/EBU, and S/PIDF digital input formats, making it versatile for integrating with various digital audio sources.
Can the Crane Song Avocet handle high-resolution audio?: Yes, the Avocet supports up to a 24-bit depth and a 192 kHz sample rate, ensuring it can handle high-resolution audio with great fidelity.
Is the Crane Song Avocet suitable for rackmount installation?: Yes, the Avocet is designed in a 19-inch rackmount format, making it easy to integrate into a professional studio rack setup.

Videos

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Ronan Chris Murphy

What is that big green knob? How I use the Crane Song Avocet II in my studio.

Ronan Chris Murphy

AES Vienna Video: Crane Song Avocet

gearwire

AES 2014 Crane Song Avocet II Preview by Rock oN

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Reviews

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Owner Insights

We analyzed real musician discussions from forums and Reddit to find what players love, question, and tweak about Crane Song Avocet Stereo Monitor Controller.

User experience

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The Dangerous D-box significantly enhances listening experience over the Presonus Central Station, challenging the assumption that passive attenuation is inherently clean.
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The Focal CMS65 is praised for its high-fidelity detail, offering exceptional spatial positioning and reverb tail clarity, making it suitable for assessing room sound in recordings.
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Owners of the Kali IN8 v2 speakers report impressive stereo field and high frequencies, but note a perceived lack of clarity in the lower mids compared to Yamaha HS5s.
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Professional users emphasize the Avocet's clean sound and reliability, making it a popular choice in Nashville studios despite its high price.
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Passive monitor controllers can exhibit uneven response at low volumes due to potentiometer issues, making active systems with digital control more reliable.
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Comparisons

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The Kali IN8 v2 is noted for bringing vocal elements to the forefront in a mix, though it may lack the midrange detail present in Yamaha HS5s.
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The Heritage Audio Baby RAM is considered a mid-tier option, offering more transparency than the Mackie Big Knob but not reaching the level of the Crane Song Avocet.
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The Crane Song Avocet is frequently compared to the Grace M905, with users expressing high satisfaction in both for professional-level audio fidelity.
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Users note a significant improvement in transparency and sound clarity when switching from a Mackie Big Knob to a Dangerous Monitor ST.
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Dangerous Music's monitor controllers are noted to significantly outperform Presonus, while the leap to Grace Designs is also substantial but less pronounced.
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Use cases and applications

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Some users prefer to use a monitor controller like the Mackie Big Knob Passive purely as a switcher to avoid potential stereo issues from using its potentiometers for attenuation.
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Features and functionality

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The Audient Nero is identified as a superior affordable option due to its use of relays and matched resistors over dual potentiometers common in cheaper passive controllers.
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The Dangerous Monitor ST's mono switch, sub on/off capability, and built-in low pass filter are highlighted as valuable features for professional mixing environments.
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The Dangerous Monitor ST includes a physical stepped attenuator, favored for its transparency and accuracy over VCA and DCA methods.
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The Crane Song DAC is praised for its direct connection to speakers, suggesting a cleaner signal path when bypassing intermediary components.
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The Dangerous Music Source offers a 3.5mm mini input, praised for its utility in connecting portable devices like iPods or phones.
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Audient Nero's level matching technology claims to ensure identical volume to left and right outputs, potentially aiding in maintaining accurate stereo imaging.
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High-end monitor controllers use highly matched resistor networks controlled by relay arrays for precise volume control, essential for maintaining stereo imaging accuracy.
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Build quality

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High-quality monitor controllers often utilize highly matched resistors for volume control, avoiding the variability of cheaper stereo pots.
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Critic Reviews

Crane Song Avocet

soundonsound.com

The Crane Song Avocet Stereo Monitor Controller is highly praised for its outstanding audio fidelity and ergonomic design, marking it as a top-tier choice for audiophiles and professionals. Its Class-A electronics and passive attenuators ensure transparent sound, while the impressive D-A conversion rivals leading competitors. The unit's flexibility in console integration and sophisticated input-level adjustments are notable strengths. However, it falls short in remote mono control and lacks individual speaker muting, which are minor inconveniences in an otherwise stellar package. The Avocet is a premium investment, delivering exceptional performance for serious audio monitoring.

positive

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