Best (reasonably priced) control surface for Logic X?

[Watchmaker]

I've used both the Mackie MCU and the original Presonus fader port. The Presonus fader was ok, but I convinced myself I needed 8, then I lost my desk space and after a move last year, sadly put the MCU away. But I haven't brought the fader port back. I too have a console 1 (my favorite bit of hardware, pretty much ever) I'll probably put the fader port back into use now that I've learned it follows the Console 1 selection! Thanks Humble Bee!

fwiw, the whole transport, fader thing keeps coming back to me. I love the SSL Nucleus2 but don't need the signal processing side...and it seems there's a gap in product offerings as far as controllers go. It seems to be pads with lots of blinky colors, keyboards, or some almost cool yet somehow lacking attempt to imitate a real board. I'd like to see Mackie release an updated MCU that doesn't weigh 650lbs, take up the whole desk and rely on MIDI to convey data.

[Guido3]

I'm still very happy with the Euphonix / Avid Artist units I have. Just saying...

Dave, If I end up getting one on your recommendation you do realise you will end up being my helpdesk.

[Guido3]

This brand rarely get mention but is used by at least one famous SOS contributor;

https://www.asparion.de/en/electronics/d400.htmp

That looks lovely. Thanks for the headsup.

[Watchmaker]

This brand rarely get mention but is used by at least one famous SOS contributor;

https://www.asparion.de/en/electronics/d400.htmp

That looks lovely. Thanks for the headsup.

I rarely choke on cost, but that one cost me a hairball!

[ConcertinaChap]

I'm just getting a 404 on that link. Maybe it was too expensive.

Operationally the Console 1 works nicely alongside my MCU and I daresay the same for other control surfaces.

CC

[muzines]

I'm just getting a 404 on that link. Maybe it was too expensive.

Typo:
https://www.asparion.de/en/electronics/d400.html



Looks nice, I like the form factor, but quite pricey...

[ConcertinaChap]

Lots of blinkenlights, though. Definitely a point in its favour.

CC

[Humble Bee]

I first saw this controller setup on Mike Seniors new location recording rig. I also thought it was a tad expensive but it’s a very sturdy build it seams...

[OneWorld]

Desmond,

I need a control surface with transport controls and the ability to write automation. I have a Softube Console One (which is superb) so tweely EQ, Compression etc.... is covered.

There is the Icon Platform M+ which on paper is exactly what I need but there are horror stories aplenty regarding it. I was hoping someone here might have one of the Icon control surfaces and could confirm how good they are as for me they look just what I need and at a great price. I could get a 16 fader system for less than £500. However if it doesn’t work, that’s a £500 doorstop!!

I have used an ICON QCON for a few years now. I had previously used the Mackie MCU Pro, but I got the ICON off a pal for only £200, he'd only bought it on a whim and moved from music to going back to playing games, so I got an almost brand new ICON, and it has worked flawlessly. My MCU Pro had in the past needed a new USB board (£180) and a new LCD display (£30) I prefer the ICON over the Mackie

[OneWorld]

I've used both the Mackie MCU and the original Presonus fader port. The Presonus fader was ok, but I convinced myself I needed 8, then I lost my desk space and after a move last year, sadly put the MCU away. But I haven't brought the fader port back. I too have a console 1 (my favorite bit of hardware, pretty much ever) I'll probably put the fader port back into use now that I've learned it follows the Console 1 selection! Thanks Humble Bee!

fwiw, the whole transport, fader thing keeps coming back to me. I love the SSL Nucleus2 but don't need the signal processing side...and it seems there's a gap in product offerings as far as controllers go. It seems to be pads with lots of blinky colors, keyboards, or some almost cool yet somehow lacking attempt to imitate a real board. I'd like to see Mackie release an updated MCU that doesn't weigh 650lbs, take up the whole desk and rely on MIDI to convey data.

When you say the Faderport follows the Console 1, does that mean if for example you selected track 19 from the Console 1 would the Faderport also become active on track 19? and thus you don't need to use the Bank controls? and do you mean the Faderport or the Faderport 8?

I have sort of customised a setup where I can select any of 64 tracks, MIDI, or Audio or whatever other kind of track but if above track 8, I have to use the bank controls, which move 8 at a time, so I set up yet another controller which I have set to operate as a channel strip for my UAD plug ins and does 'follow' the track selections, and it doesn't seem as responsive as my controller surface, an ICON QCON

Seems the Softube would perform that function - ad hoc track selection and controls the plugins too - just like a proper channel strip. I was offered one for £225, seems I missed a bargain there

[Humble Bee]

https://youtu.be/Rdajffl3-7M

[Drew Stephenson]

fwiw, the whole transport, fader thing keeps coming back to me. I love the SSL Nucleus2 but don't need the signal processing side...and it seems there's a gap in product offerings as far as controllers go. It seems to be pads with lots of blinky colors, keyboards, or some almost cool yet somehow lacking attempt to imitate a real board. I'd like to see Mackie release an updated MCU that doesn't weigh 650lbs, take up the whole desk and rely on MIDI to convey data.

Sounds like the Behringer x-touch range might to the job for you?

I've got a BCF2000, BCR2000 and Korg nanokontrol2 set up here but I've no idea how any of it would work with logic so have been keeping schtum.

[Guido3]

Well, I plumped for an Avid Artist Mix. I took some good advice and read up on the pitfalls and it has worked flawlessly so far. I am even using Mojave so was expecting to have to jump through lots of hoops but it just worked.

I have also picked up an Artist Transport of fleabay for £100 and this too is working well. I will need to spend some time programming the soft-keys to do what I want but I don’t mind spending the time doing that as it will ultimately speed up my workflow

[Drew Stephenson]

I know they're not for everyone, but having my devices set up has definitely speeded up my work flow.

[Dave B]

Well, I plumped for an Avid Artist Mix. I took some good advice and read up on the pitfalls and it has worked flawlessly so far.

Yay!!

I am even using Mojave so was expecting to have to jump through lots of hoops but it just worked.

TBH, the Artist series should be _fairly_ bulletproof to OS updates as they are network devices and the networking stack is quite stable these days! It's arguably a pain as it means you have to have extra networking bits (hub/switch etc) but that's all standard and cheap these days.

Is your Mix silver or the new groovy black? If it's silver, then welcome to the brave new world of worrying about grubby marks and dirt and how best to clean it. Or maybe that's just my ocd ..

[spanishjack]

I never see them mentioned anywhere but I've had one of these for a few problem-free years now - not sure if the functionality entirely fits your brief, but it's really nice quality, (portable) mixer/controller and is plug and play with Logic, Ableton etc.

https://lividinstruments.com/products/ds1/

[Guido3]

Is your Mix silver or the new groovy black? If it's silver, then welcome to the brave new world of worrying about grubby marks and dirt and how best to clean it. Or maybe that's just my ocd ..

Dave, My Mix is the sexy black (Avid) one. It is lovely!! It's not too big either. I can sit my Console One just in front (or behind) it and they are approx the same length. I've still not decided whether to attach the MC Transport to it or to keep them separate. I'll wait and see how the workflow pans out.

[Guido3]

Still loving the Artist Mix but not so the Transport controller. I find myself using the keyboard shortcuts I am used to. The wheel is lovely to use as it’s weighted but at the end of the day it is just being used as an expensive PLAY/REC/STOP button!!! All of which can be found on the Artist Mix.

[muzines]

When adding a control surface, one of the key things to it being successful is breaking old habits like those...

Many people bought controllers that sat unused because the user was so computer/mouse/screen centric, they just carried on doing that, as the controller sat a few feet over to one side and it was breaking away from the focus to reach it...

[Guido3]

When adding a control surface, one of the key things to it being successful is breaking old habits like those.

I agree.

Having faders is a massive plus for me. Gives me everything I needed - A good buy.

The transport, not so. This is why I tend to buy all my kit 2nd hand. This way, I can try it out and if I don’t like it I can move it on without losing much (I sometimes even make a few quid on it). Open to offers on the transport

[Dave B]

I tend to use the wheel and transport buttons more than anything else and that's why I'd be more temped to get the transport over the bigger touch screen thingy that I already have. That is a great 'all in one' box but I barely use 10% of what it does and that winds me up a bit.