Heritage Audio RAM 1000

Had a few monitor controllers over the years but switched my SPL to this due to the smaller form factor.

An important feature for me is to have all inputs and outputs active at the same time, having a subwoofer connected on the second monitor out.

Power over USB-C is really amazing, no more wall warts!

The main dial is huge and very tactile, but the 24-steps sometimes are not enough. Would love to have 64 steps instead, like heritage audio has in their more expensive options. Still a lot better than all the other potentiometer-controllers though! No more crackling at low volumes and shifting stereo field.

Some nitpicking: would love to have som LEDs on the buttons, making it easier to use in the dark.

Bluetooth is really cool and useful, but the antenna is very ugly. Would love to se it in the back instead.

Not to fond of the blueish color, a black or dark gray option would be better and still have the old hardware feel.

A solid choice that i highly recommend! -1 star for the color (personal preference)

Es mi primer controlador de monitores, antes utilizaba una Allen & Heath ZED-6 para el mismo propósito (no me gusta conectar la interfaz directamente a monitores) y la diferencia ha sido abismal, en mi home-studio mantengo el RAM1000 a ~ -42db/-36db y la calidad de la imagen estéreo es excepcional. Debería haber empezado por aquí.

La salida de auriculares ofrece buena calidad, su dial de volumen también va por pasos como el principal y no es giro suave. Bluetooth se sincroniza de forma rápida y estable ofreciendo una calidad de sonido más que aceptable.

Con las entradas combo XLR/TRS y salidas XLR he podido utilizar los mismos cables que con ZED-6 (perfecto!!) pero, en mi opinión, algunos detalles menores que limitan su funcionalidad:

1 - El módulo Bluetooth no se puede apagar. Mientras no se sincroniza, el led SYNC parpadea sin parar durante unos minutos y después pasa a modo "reposo" parpadeando levemente cada ~5 segundos. Además RAM1000 carece de led encendido/apagado, al menos el led BT hace esa función.

2 - La alimentación USB-C me parece genial pero no puedo conectar el RAM1000 a PC o Pantallas porque emiten energía 24/7 incluso estando apagados por lo que hay que usar una regleta de alimentación externa. Hecho de menos un interruptor clásico para encender o apagar la unidad, en su defecto he comprado un cable USB-C de calidad con interruptor incorporado.

3 - El interruptor de la función REC/MON está mal situado, no se accede de forma cómoda y además, en mi opinión, debería ser MON/REC de forma predeterminada, por lo que hay que accionarlo para escuchar la señal a monitores cuando lo pruebas y utilizas para lo que ha sido diseñado principalmente.

Aun así, con estos inconvenientes menores, me siento muy satisfecho por la compra. Bravo Heritage Audio!!

I've never had a monitor controller before so I have nothing to compare to but not having to mess with software solutions or the master on the SQ-5 mixer I use as a soundcard is very convenient + the stepped volume control makes sure you always can get back to a specific output level.
The headphone volume is also stepped - nice IMO.

The RAM 1000 weighs 1,6kg which means it won't slide around on the table and the box is made of steel meaning it's a sturdy piece.

Knobs and buttons feel robust.

Out of curiosity, after a buddy told/warned me that his cheaper MC's outputs were slightly unmatched, I measured the output levels of the RAM and found them to be equal.

Cons?
Not really, but since I don't use the Bluetooth function (yet at least) some kind of lid to put over the antenna connection could be useful so it doesn't get dirty or damaged and maybe as mentioned in Emil C's review it would be better placed on the back.
The BT sync diode can potentially be a bit annoying - especially if you don't use BT.
Maybe a mute button for the headphone output could be useful?
These are very minor things to be bothered about IMO.

Highly recommended if it fits your in/output demands.