Gainlab Audio Lieutenant
Take Command of Your Studio
As a music producer, your studio is your sanctuary—a place where creativity meets precision. But let’s be real: juggling multiple monitors, inputs, and power management can feel like herding cats during a thunderstorm. Enter the Gainlab Audio Lieutenant, a studio monitor controller that’s not just a tool but the command center your setup deserves. Launched in early 2025 by the innovative Hungarian brand Gainlab Audio, this sleek device promises to streamline your workflow, enhance your monitoring, and even manage your studio’s power distribution. Let’s dive into why the Lieutenant is making waves and how it stacks up against the competition.
A Studio Command Center
The Gainlab Audio Lieutenant is designed to be the beating heart of your studio. It’s not just about switching between speakers—it’s about giving you total control over your monitoring environment. With four input sources (two stereo balanced analog, one digital S/PDIF, and one Bluetooth 5.4) and three stereo balanced analog outputs, the Lieutenant lets you route audio with ease. Whether you’re toggling between your DAW, a vinyl setup, or streaming reference tracks via Bluetooth, this controller handles it all with a relay-based volume control that ensures pristine, uncolored sound.
What sets the Lieutenant apart is its built-in power sequencer, a feature you won’t find in most monitor controllers. It manages three independent power zones—think computer/audio interface, outboard gear, and studio monitors—allowing you to automate power-up and power-down sequences to protect your gear from surges. I’ve had those heart-stopping moments when a power spike fries a piece of gear, so this feature feels like a guardian angel for my studio. For example, you can set it to power on your interface first, followed by your monitors, and manually activate outboard gear only when needed. It’s a small detail that makes a big difference in daily workflows.
Features That Inspire Confidence
The Lieutenant is packed with practical tools that make monitoring a breeze. The Focus mode lets you isolate specific frequency ranges—low, mid, or high—so you can zero in on problem areas in your mix. I’ve used this kind of feature to catch muddy mids or harsh cymbals that other controllers might gloss over. The Pad function drops the output volume by a preset amount for quick level adjustments, while the Mute function silences the output instantly—perfect for those moments when a client walks in mid-session.
The Lieutenant also includes a Cue loop with a dedicated headphone output and talkback system, plus a master headphone output for high-fidelity monitoring. As a producer, I love how the talkback mic streamlines communication with artists in the booth—no more yelling across the room! Users on forums like Gearspace have praised the Lieutenant’s versatility, with one engineer noting, “The ability to switch between monitors without volume jumps and the power sequencer make my sessions so much smoother.”
A Human Touch in the Studio
There’s something about the Lieutenant that feels personal. Maybe it’s the sleek, retro-modern design that screams “crafted with care” by Gainlab’s Budapest-based team, known for their award-winning Dictator compressor and Empress EQ. Or maybe it’s how it anticipates your needs—like the Bluetooth input for quick reference checks from your phone. I’ve had sessions where a client wants to hear a rough mix on their device, and the Lieutenant’s Bluetooth 5.4 makes it seamless. It’s these thoughtful touches that make you feel like the Lieutenant was designed by producers, for producers.
Comparison to Similar Products
At around £2,599 (approx. $3,300 USD, including VAT), the Lieutenant sits in the premium monitor controller market. Let’s compare it to two competitors in a similar price range: the Dangerous Music Monitor ST (~$2,199 USD) and the Grace Design m905 (~$3,795 USD).
Dangerous Music Monitor ST: The Monitor ST is a studio staple, offering four analog inputs, three speaker outputs, and a clean, transparent signal path. It includes a talkback system and headphone outputs, much like the Lieutenant. However, it lacks the Lieutenant’s power sequencer and Bluetooth connectivity. The Monitor ST’s remote control is wired, which can feel less flexible than the Lieutenant’s desktop remote. If you don’t need power management or wireless streaming, the Monitor ST is a solid, slightly cheaper alternative, but it’s less feature-rich. Users on Sound on Sound forums often praise its reliability, though some wish for digital inputs like the Lieutenant’s S/PDIF.
Grace Design m905: The m905 is a high-end controller with a stunning DAC, multiple digital inputs (AES, S/PDIF, USB), and a gorgeous display. It offers precise level control and a robust headphone amp, but like the Monitor ST, it doesn’t include a power sequencer. At a higher price point, the m905 excels for studios heavily invested in digital workflows, but its lack of Bluetooth and power management makes it less versatile for hybrid setups. A Mixdown Magazine review called the m905 “a mastering engineer’s dream,” but for general production, the Lieutenant’s all-in-one approach might be more practical.
The Lieutenant stands out for its unique power sequencer and Bluetooth integration, making it ideal for modern studios that blend analog and digital workflows. If power management isn’t a priority, the Monitor ST could save you some cash, while the m905 might appeal if you need advanced digital connectivity.
The Catch
No gear is perfect, and the Lieutenant has a couple of quirks. Its price—around £2,599—might be steep for home studios, though it’s justified for professionals who need reliability and versatility. The power sequencer requires an external 1U rack unit, which could be a space issue in cramped setups. Also, while the Bluetooth input is handy, some purists might prefer a USB input for higher-quality digital streaming. Still, these are minor trade-offs for a device that does so much so well.
Why It’s Worth It
The Gainlab Audio Lieutenant is like having a co-producer who keeps your studio running smoothly. Its seamless input/output routing, precise volume control, and innovative power sequencer make it a workflow powerhouse. Whether you’re mixing a chart-topping track or tracking a live band, the Lieutenant ensures your monitoring is accurate and your gear is protected. I’ve spent countless hours wrestling with clunky monitor setups, and the Lieutenant feels like a breath of fresh air—a tool that lets you focus on the music, not the tech.
For producers who demand control, versatility, and reliability, the Lieutenant is a worthy investment. It’s not just a monitor controller; it’s the backbone of a modern studio, blending cutting-edge features with the soul of a well-crafted instrument. If you’re ready to take command of your sessions, the Lieutenant is your perfect second-in-command.