@@LonelyRocker Yeah. Sometimes I think that No-one had told all the youtube-youngsters that making music is about having fun...and not a sportlike event "How to produce 20 Beatz in 4 minutes. They are all so serious. But, to be honest, when I hear actual Popmusic..I would be depressed and humourless too. Can you actually Name 2 current Songs that are fun? Oh..I just miss Stock/Aitken/Waterman...(and back in the day I wouldn't believe that I will say this anytime in my life, lol)
I had an interest for a DAW Controller, but I wanted to be able to control plugins in addition to the faders. I quickly realized what you pointed out, that this is the one area that is really tricky. What I have chosen to do is go down the path of Logic and Studio One iPad Remote Control apps. These help two-fold: 1-I get to reach more controls quickly without a mouse, albeit no actual physical fader, 2-I can move around different sections of my studio and bring the iPad with me to keep the session going. Of course an iPad could cost the same as a controller, but I had it before I started using DAWs, so I was able to “expand” without having to make an additional investment. Great summary and tips for those in the hunt for a DAW Controller.
I’ve often said a touch screen is the best option for plugins. You could easily combine that with some faders for the ultimate control. No one controller is going to do everything. That’s just a fact. But good you found a solution that works for you.
I’ve been using the Icon Platform and have been loving it. It takes a little getting used to in terms of workflow, but once you get it down, it is an absolute game changer. Dan, if you wanna get rid of any of your icon gear, lemme know. Lol.
Great tips! My main reason for getting a DAW controller was having physical faders. I like being able to mix more than one channel at a time (like with a mouse) and to mix more by 'ear' because I don't have to look at the screen while mixing. I did find controlling effects parameters to be more trouble than using a mouse though.
Which small daw controller would u recommend? Im just starting out with them and i travel or want to travel alot, i wanna control my mixer in my daw but I cant invest in the more expensive brands just yet. Please help
I own quite a few mixers that have DAW control features but I tend to find the limited DAW control on smart keyboards for example Native Instruments to be enough especially when playing and recording not so much mixing etc. For mixing I prefer motorised faders they are just neat but I still tend to go back to the NI keyboards for tweaking effects now and again nks is awesome and I look forward to NI releasing their own daw controller some day in the future.
That was GREAT ADVICE!! Is there a Controller that controls EQ and Volume.? im looking to purchase The Presonus studio 16track board,but want a controller that controls both. I'm using the Harrison mixbus32c DAW. Thanks!
Thanks! Most fader controllers will control Volume and EQ. those are generally the basic functions of any controller. the EQ experience will vary depending if you are using stock or 3rd party EQs. But the basics of mixing, panning, transport controls and automation will be solid.
Icon has been working with Harrison Mixbus32C to be able to use more items of the DAW. That’s what I’m waiting for! The Qcon Pro X with 3 extenders 32 channels.
To be clear they are working on better integration. They are still stuck using the Mackie protocol that all DAWs use but direct cooperation with Harrison will greatly improve performance. Now that SSL owns Harrison I wonder if anything will change.
Does someone knows if Behringer X touch (the big, fat one) can have the faders assigned to MIDI CC? Like the BCF2000 was able to do it on its user mode? I'm about to buy it, but I'm not sure if that is possible from the Hardware.
I don’t know this unit as well as my Icon gear but in theory these are all midi devices. As long as the configuration software lets you assign midi values then it is very possible. You’d need to explore that to know for sure.
The big problem with cheap MIDI DAW interfaces (ant there is a LOT of it out there) is that they don't have built-in motors to reset the faders and knobs to where the controls are in your project. That is, every time you open a new project you have to manually adjust all the controls before starting to work. Who can stand doing that to 18 controls (the 9 faders and the top 9 knobs) all the time? This is really a huge turn off for me. If only the knobs had infinite rotation, it would be something, but mostly of then not even has that... that's why I decided NOT to use a physical controller for my DAW although I love the touch and feel of actual buttons and such. Bummer.
I think the truth is most of us aren’t professionals and haven’t had our trusty desk/console taken away from us for one reason or another. I’ve bought many over the years, more than I’d like to admit 😂 and for this reason I would recommend a controller that has quite a few buttons and knobs/encoders over ones that are basically transport controls, play, stop, volume, solo, mute and pan. Because if you’ve grown up on that you’ll be very fast with the mouse and keyboard. Keyboard shortcuts are very efficient if we’re being honest with ourselves. I finally decided to ditch all these kinds of things and get something with just lots of knobs and buttons (to a lesser extent)supported by a touch surface like an iPad etc. Because I don’t have a huge problem with adjusting volume with an electronic fader, it’s not as nice sure but I’m so used to it and I am like most of us from that generation so I’m really fast and I pick it up easily without reading any manuals etc. what does suck on a touch screen are two things, turning encoders and pushing buttons especially things of a performance nature like drum pads or recording automation etc: for this, a good quality control surface that still looks and feels as sexy as the day you got it will go a long way.
As I just said on another thread it's really a personal thing. I whip around with just my mouse a lot of the time but sometimes I'm in an old school frame of mind and I just like to lean back, grab the faders and listen without all of the visual feedback from the DAW. Best of both worlds as you need it....
Agreed. I also like the iPad mixer because I can pick it up and move around the room. Another thing us home users face is our room almost certainly hasn’t been setup acoustically and our sitting position probably isn’t great in the first place
Many DAWs "support" the Mackie protocol but the width and depth of that support varies tremendously from DAW to DAW. So I propose to check your DAW documentation what you actually can achieve with a Mackie compatible controller. Controller manufacturs tend to list as many DAWs as possible, even if they only can make use of the controller to a small extent.
Exactly. But the only way to really know is getting your hands on it. Basic functions like faders, pan and transport controls should be pretty consistent across most DAWs. It’s the deeper functions where support starts to vary.
@@LonelyRocker guitar riffs steer my drumming. I was already writing a drum riff in my head while listening. If I could find a guitar player and bassist who could riff like you, I would be set. I also pretend I am a guitar player. I can fake it pretty well. So my guitar player standard is pretty high.
Well thank you so much. Check my more guitar related videos for more riffage...My Tonex Pedal video or the recent videos I did on the Two Notes ENGL cabs. I play bass and guitar on everything :)
@@LonelyRocker I am looking for a simple cheap interface to record guitar tracks with amplitube 5. I have two Focusrite 18i20s wired up to my drum mics in the studio, but I need a work from home option. I write from home mostly. I record drums and vocals in the studio and use it as a live rehearsal room, because I have guitar amps and drums, PA, monitors set up. I was planning to use one 18i20 at home but after having it all wired up, I don't even want to disconnect the setup. It is worth the expense for a guitar specific interface to record from home. I have guitars in the studio and at home. I was looking at the Behringer but reviews showed noise. I see folks selling the AXE I/O, so I question that option. I have been wondering about using an HX stomp as a simple, or not so simple interface. Any thoughts? I love the amplitube plugin. I can get great guitar tones.
Interfaces are such a personal thing. I have the AXE IO and the AXE IO One here. Both are great and give you re-amping built in if you ever want to do that. Plus you have XLR connections if you need to hook up a mic. But for a budget interface that is made for guitars, AXE IO is a fun box. Plus you get Amplitube and TONEX thrown in. Can't beat that!
Not using a controller for FX is pure laziness. Just the honest facts. You said you like using hardware. It doesn't take much to set it up. Well, not much beyond a lot of thought and how your workflow goes based on what you do. That said; you have very valid points on the different types of controllers and how they operate being most important.
@@roman2374 or overdoing it 🤨 Then again depends what on track load. You might be recording full on symphonies for all we know 🤷🏿♂️ You also didn’t say “70 *DIFFERENT* plugins. We’d call you lazy only if they’re 70 of the same one 🙃😆
@@blkgostnone4092 I’m not using them all at the same time. I don’t think I’m overdoing it, the plugins each have very distinct functions and/or sounds. If I try a plug in I don’t like or don’t use more than once every other week I just delete it.
This must be the first Video about Audio Geer, that made me Laugh with its "its funny cause its true!" punshline at the End!
THANK YOU! Subscribed!
Ha! It’s got to be fun. That’s why I’m here! Thanks so much!!
@@LonelyRocker Yeah. Sometimes I think that No-one had told all the youtube-youngsters that making music is about having fun...and not a sportlike event "How to produce 20 Beatz in 4 minutes. They are all so serious. But, to be honest, when I hear actual Popmusic..I would be depressed and humourless too. Can you actually Name 2 current Songs that are fun? Oh..I just miss Stock/Aitken/Waterman...(and back in the day I wouldn't believe that I will say this anytime in my life, lol)
@@LonelyRocker Have you discovered BAND-MAID yet? (Speaking of high quality fun...)
It’s definitely a different time! Maybe it’s up to me to keep it real….and fun 🤪🤪
I haven’t. Should I search for it?
I had an interest for a DAW Controller, but I wanted to be able to control plugins in addition to the faders. I quickly realized what you pointed out, that this is the one area that is really tricky. What I have chosen to do is go down the path of Logic and Studio One iPad Remote Control apps. These help two-fold: 1-I get to reach more controls quickly without a mouse, albeit no actual physical fader, 2-I can move around different sections of my studio and bring the iPad with me to keep the session going. Of course an iPad could cost the same as a controller, but I had it before I started using DAWs, so I was able to “expand” without having to make an additional investment. Great summary and tips for those in the hunt for a DAW Controller.
I’ve often said a touch screen is the best option for plugins. You could easily combine that with some faders for the ultimate control. No one controller is going to do everything. That’s just a fact. But good you found a solution that works for you.
Good stuff! Have you done a video on a controller vs a console? Or just the benefits of a console into the DAW? Digger your content!
Thanks so much I haven't. They are really very different tools. And I don't have a real console...but that would be some kind of shootout! ;-)
Good video 🔥🙌🏼
Thanks! 😃 Glad you enjoyed it!
Cool vid Dan some good salient points with regard to what types you can go for . Will be a useful guide to those entering the Daw controller market.
Love the classic FaderPort and after this video I think I’ll be purchasing the FaderPort 8
Enjoy it!!!
I got a faderport for 40
Yeah, I'm a boxy mixer, so the one fader option is a good one for me. Good tips! Rock on!
It does the job! Thnx Roque!!
I’ve been using the Icon Platform and have been loving it. It takes a little getting used to in terms of workflow, but once you get it down, it is an absolute game changer. Dan, if you wanna get rid of any of your icon gear, lemme know. Lol.
It's definitely a step up. Nice to get your hands on the mix. Who knows? I may be doing a purge soon...stay tuned!! ;-)
Great tips! My main reason for getting a DAW controller was having physical faders. I like being able to mix more than one channel at a time (like with a mouse) and to mix more by 'ear' because I don't have to look at the screen while mixing. I did find controlling effects parameters to be more trouble than using a mouse though.
Thnx!! We share the same vision for the controllers. Glad you enjoyed the video!
Which small daw controller would u recommend? Im just starting out with them and i travel or want to travel alot, i wanna control my mixer in my daw but I cant invest in the more expensive brands just yet. Please help
Icon has a new single fader controller coming out soon....the single faderport is a good one....not many choices in the one fader models....
I own quite a few mixers that have DAW control features but I tend to find the limited DAW control on smart keyboards for example Native Instruments to be enough especially when playing and recording not so much mixing etc. For mixing I prefer motorised faders they are just neat but I still tend to go back to the NI keyboards for tweaking effects now and again nks is awesome and I look forward to NI releasing their own daw controller some day in the future.
So many options. What's most important is what works for you...
That was GREAT ADVICE!!
Is there a Controller that controls EQ and Volume.? im looking to purchase The Presonus studio 16track board,but want a controller that controls both. I'm using the Harrison mixbus32c DAW. Thanks!
Thanks! Most fader controllers will control Volume and EQ. those are generally the basic functions of any controller. the EQ experience will vary depending if you are using stock or 3rd party EQs. But the basics of mixing, panning, transport controls and automation will be solid.
Icon has been working with Harrison Mixbus32C to be able to use more items of the DAW. That’s what I’m waiting for! The Qcon Pro X with 3 extenders 32 channels.
To be clear they are working on better integration. They are still stuck using the Mackie protocol that all DAWs use but direct cooperation with Harrison will greatly improve performance. Now that SSL owns Harrison I wonder if anything will change.
Does someone knows if Behringer X touch (the big, fat one) can have the faders assigned to MIDI CC? Like the BCF2000 was able to do it on its user mode? I'm about to buy it, but I'm not sure if that is possible from the Hardware.
I don’t know this unit as well as my Icon gear but in theory these are all midi devices. As long as the configuration software lets you assign midi values then it is very possible. You’d need to explore that to know for sure.
@@LonelyRocker I'll. In the meantime I'll keep my BCF2000 to use it exclusively as MIDI CC. Thanks.
The big problem with cheap MIDI DAW interfaces (ant there is a LOT of it out there) is that they don't have built-in motors to reset the faders and knobs to where the controls are in your project. That is, every time you open a new project you have to manually adjust all the controls before starting to work. Who can stand doing that to 18 controls (the 9 faders and the top 9 knobs) all the time? This is really a huge turn off for me. If only the knobs had infinite rotation, it would be something, but mostly of then not even has that... that's why I decided NOT to use a physical controller for my DAW although I love the touch and feel of actual buttons and such. Bummer.
There are plenty of controllers with motorized faders. That’s all I showcase on my channel. None of what you said is an issue with these
I think the truth is most of us aren’t professionals and haven’t had our trusty desk/console taken away from us for one reason or another. I’ve bought many over the years, more than I’d like to admit 😂 and for this reason I would recommend a controller that has quite a few buttons and knobs/encoders over ones that are basically transport controls, play, stop, volume, solo, mute and pan. Because if you’ve grown up on that you’ll be very fast with the mouse and keyboard. Keyboard shortcuts are very efficient if we’re being honest with ourselves. I finally decided to ditch all these kinds of things and get something with just lots of knobs and buttons (to a lesser extent)supported by a touch surface like an iPad etc. Because I don’t have a huge problem with adjusting volume with an electronic fader, it’s not as nice sure but I’m so used to it and I am like most of us from that generation so I’m really fast and I pick it up easily without reading any manuals etc. what does suck on a touch screen are two things, turning encoders and pushing buttons especially things of a performance nature like drum pads or recording automation etc: for this, a good quality control surface that still looks and feels as sexy as the day you got it will go a long way.
As I just said on another thread it's really a personal thing. I whip around with just my mouse a lot of the time but sometimes I'm in an old school frame of mind and I just like to lean back, grab the faders and listen without all of the visual feedback from the DAW. Best of both worlds as you need it....
Agreed. I also like the iPad mixer because I can pick it up and move around the room. Another thing us home users face is our room almost certainly hasn’t been setup acoustically and our sitting position probably isn’t great in the first place
That’s very true. I’ve talked about that in some of my older videos.
Many DAWs "support" the Mackie protocol but the width and depth of that support varies tremendously from DAW to DAW. So I propose to check your DAW documentation what you actually can achieve with a Mackie compatible controller. Controller manufacturs tend to list as many DAWs as possible, even if they only can make use of the controller to a small extent.
Exactly. But the only way to really know is getting your hands on it. Basic functions like faders, pan and transport controls should be pretty consistent across most DAWs. It’s the deeper functions where support starts to vary.
what do you think abt nektar p1?
I’ve actually never tried it….
Lovely info 🤩🤩✌️
Thank you!
My favorite part of this video was the killer guitar playing.
That was a small part. Thanks for catching it! 😎🤘🏽🎸
@@LonelyRocker guitar riffs steer my drumming. I was already writing a drum riff in my head while listening. If I could find a guitar player and bassist who could riff like you, I would be set. I also pretend I am a guitar player. I can fake it pretty well. So my guitar player standard is pretty high.
Well thank you so much. Check my more guitar related videos for more riffage...My Tonex Pedal video or the recent videos I did on the Two Notes ENGL cabs. I play bass and guitar on everything :)
@@LonelyRocker I am looking for a simple cheap interface to record guitar tracks with amplitube 5. I have two Focusrite 18i20s wired up to my drum mics in the studio, but I need a work from home option. I write from home mostly. I record drums and vocals in the studio and use it as a live rehearsal room, because I have guitar amps and drums, PA, monitors set up. I was planning to use one 18i20 at home but after having it all wired up, I don't even want to disconnect the setup. It is worth the expense for a guitar specific interface to record from home. I have guitars in the studio and at home. I was looking at the Behringer but reviews showed noise. I see folks selling the AXE I/O, so I question that option. I have been wondering about using an HX stomp as a simple, or not so simple interface. Any thoughts? I love the amplitube plugin. I can get great guitar tones.
Interfaces are such a personal thing. I have the AXE IO and the AXE IO One here. Both are great and give you re-amping built in if you ever want to do that. Plus you have XLR connections if you need to hook up a mic. But for a budget interface that is made for guitars, AXE IO is a fun box. Plus you get Amplitube and TONEX thrown in. Can't beat that!
Novation remote zero for plugins
NO...Novation.
Not using a controller for FX is pure laziness. Just the honest facts. You said you like using hardware. It doesn't take much to set it up. Well, not much beyond a lot of thought and how your workflow goes based on what you do. That said; you have very valid points on the different types of controllers and how they operate being most important.
Guess he didn’t like the opening of your comment….he responded to everyone else’s 😅
You did state facts though 👌🏾
I use about 70 different plugins on the regular. Call me lazy all you want 🤣
@@roman2374 or overdoing it 🤨
Then again depends what on track load. You might be recording full on symphonies for all we know 🤷🏿♂️
You also didn’t say “70 *DIFFERENT* plugins. We’d call you lazy only if they’re 70 of the same one 🙃😆
@@blkgostnone4092 I’m not using them all at the same time. I don’t think I’m overdoing it, the plugins each have very distinct functions and/or sounds. If I try a plug in I don’t like or don’t use more than once every other week I just delete it.
@@roman2374 I was about to say 😒…. I was about to ask if you were related to helpmeDevon 😆😆😆
🤘🏽