Talkback isn't necessarily welcome in the typical workplace, but it is in the studio, especially when it's available onboard a unit like the SM Pro Audio M-Patch 4M monitor controller.

Now available, the M-Patch 4M is a monitor controller that combines precision attenuation and advanced audio source / destination switching with talkback capabilities -- a first for SM Pro Audio's MPatch line of products.

According to the manufacturer, the M-Patch 4M delivers an ideal all-in-one solution, providing a central hub for monitor control with mute, mixing, level-matching, headphone monitoring, stereo-to-mono summing, and talkback. Control room outputs are automatically ducked 20 dB when talkback is engaged. You can use the built-in microphone or plug in your own and control it from the front panel or via a remote switch.

Like SM Pro Audio's MPatch 2.1 and MPatch 5.1, the new M-Patch 4M has a master attenuator that features a custom-engineered discrete stepped film-resistor network for accuracy at all volume levels. In addition, the M-Patch 4M offers both balanced and unbalanced inputs and outputs, including XLR, 1/4-inch, and 1/8-inch TRS, and RCA. You can use the new monitor controller as either a desktop or rackmount (with the included hardware) unit.

At-a-glance features:

• Dual L/R Combination Balanced XLR – 1/4" TRS Inputs
• Dual L/R Unbalanced RCA Inputs
• Dual 1/8" (3.5 mm) TRS Inputs
• 3 x L/R Balanced XLR Outputs
• L/R 1/4" TRS Outputs
• L/R Unbalanced RCA Outputs
• Precision Stepped Film Resistor
• Master Rotary Volume Control
• 1/4" TRS Headphone Output with selectable source
• Built-in Talkback Mic
• External Microphone Input
• Talkback with Auto-Ducking
• Dual Output Selector Switches
• Stereo / Mono and All Mute Switches
• Rackmount Ears Included

The new M-Patch 4M is priced at $449.99 (MAP). For more details, visit smproaudio.com.