I'm a home studio producer enthusiast, and primarily work in-the-box. I bought an iCon QCon Pro X last year and I love it. When I use it during my mixing process, I turn off my monitor and balancing by ear. So helpful to get the desired sound you're looking for, it's a great controller.
I've been a media composer for 6 years now and finally I can say that I need one. When I first started out, I had no clue if I need a DAW controller so I decided to dump the idea. Now, after 6 years of constant mouse works, I can say yes I need a DAW controller, especially for mixing more than anything else. Moving those virtual faders and knobs in the mixing console using the mouse became a chore now. I'm not so interested in its transport controls as I already use my Komplete Kontrol MK2 s61 for this job perfectly. And last but not lease, Faderport looks gorgeous and will make your studio look gorgeous with it ;)
I recently bought the Nektar CS 12 for my small home studio and it's very intuitive and has changed my workflow so much. The keyboard shortcuts have never worked for me for logic or any other software program and with most midi controllers you're limited to transport controls. But to have the physical controls pre-mapped for the daw, the plugins, and a screen to see what I'm controlling is wonderful.
One thing I'd recommend before getting a controller is to go through your DAW's keyboard shortcut list and (re)map all the ones you think might be useful for your workflow to comfortable keys and combinations. Even just looking through the list of possible shortcuts was an eye opener, there's so many hidden possibilities there than can greatly speed up your workflow.
Excellent! Thank you for sharing. Bought my Faderport 16 a few weeks ago. Getting it up and running in my newly remodeled recording space. Loving it so far!
An honest conversation. What a rare thing. Well done,. I'm being serious with this next point. With your communication skills, friendly , open and honest, you could become 'The Rick Beato' of gear introductions and explanations. This is meant to be a compliment in its entirety. Hoping for a great success for your channel!
The main advantage of a control surface is that you can adjust more than one parameter at a time. For example the Q and frequency in a channel strip or adjusting multiple faders at once. So, if that’s something you want to do, then a control surface is for you.
Great honest video. I few other things to think about. If you are doing a lot of work then you want something ergonomic. After some time you will probably be looking for more knobs (especially) to take strain away from constantly using a mouse. You can do a lot with a single fader with transport and jog controls. Plugins are tricky. Ideally you want knobs so you can be using your hands/ears to listen to a change vs staring at the screen., Trying to get something that supports multiple vendors takes research. Some great options out there you may now be aware of include the MP Midi controller (it's an external screen that breaks out your plugins with 24 pots) or the Rocksolid Audio range.) More generic/mappable vs dedicated channel strip style. Once you have figured out your approach then you can get the option to suit. At present no one manufacturer gets it all right.
I had the single faderport V1 for a while and was very happy with it ! I sold it as I wasn't using my daw anymore. But considering buying a new Logic Pro licence, I will probably go to a single faderport V2. It's small, cheap for what it does, I can easily take it with me when I'm traveling and I can go to previous and next tracks just by pressing a button. Just what I need for this cost.
I’ve used the single FaderPort with Studio One for about 6 years and it’s become an integral part of my workflow in recording and mixing. With that, I was constantly moving back and forth between the screen and the FaderPort. So I recently bought the 16 track version, and I’m very happy I did. I need more info about plug-in control if you have any videos focusing on that let me know. Thanks
my presonus faderport daw controller works so well for me, being able to move faders makes mixing faster and so much more enjoyable i despise using a mouse to move faders
I have this Presonus 16 I bought used and I’m completely in love with it. Yes, it has some quirks as far as functionality with logic…. but it’s amazing!!!
Strongly recommend Nectar. I have old Panorama P4 (I bought P1, it didnt work and Nektar sent me P4 for my trouble!). I must admit I never had such deep integration into cubase/nuendo with any controller, and the fact i could compose orchestral stuff without the mouse and fully mapped plugins is a huge deal.
I use my LaunchKey 61 for plugin control, and it works ok. I’m looking forward to midi 2.0 where plugins communicate knob, button and fader mapping automagically.
This is a fantastic video, very informative and does a great job of explaining what a DAW Controller is and why you might want one. Highly recommended!!! I have been using a FaderPort 8 for years. I LOVE it, as it fits into my workflow perfectly. I've tried using transport controls on my physical keyboards, and with a Stream Deck, but this works much better for me. My biggest issue is that it has only 8 channels. Yes there is a 16 channel version, but I got this one on eBay for a seriously low price so it is what I've been using. LOL I am looking at the Icon v1-m. Still looking into it. I like it's expandability, the bigger displays, the programmability.... I could replace both the FaderPort and the Stream Deck, but it isn't cheap. The FaderPort 8/16 IS a bit dated, but it works great. I can't help but wonder if a V2 is in the future, but now that Presonus is owned by Fender I fear it may not be. :(
I think a faderport makes most sense for StudioOne users due to the tight integration with the software. I had tried a Mackie controller but was disappointed that it didn't integrate as well> I'm sure the mackie is great, but for me the Faderport 16 and StudioOne made the most sense.
Before you potentially waste more money on needless gear, be sure to explore the capabilities of your current keyboard-especially if all you really want is transport control to get away from mousing. A lot of keyboards from Yamaha and others have transport control-Record, Stop, FF, etc. built in.
Having transport control for starting/stopping recording would be a massive help to me. One of my least favourite things is fumbling for my keyboard when I'm trying to get a track down.
Thank you so much for the video. And especially your honesty. I record without a dog right now on a zoom R20. Can you recommend a decent headset microphone, transmitter and receiver that is Affordable that won't break the bank for home recording or a lapel mic that I can clip onto a headset mic holder? I need to move around and use my hands for the synthesizer and guitar.
PLeASe do a Faderport 16 review - specifically for LOGIc!!! There are no other videos on YT addressing specifically that!! I have one (fp16) and it’s awesome!!!! There are however some settings that don’t necessarily work with logic (I’m guessing?). Any way to permanently show the recording levels in the leds (what do they call them, labels?) I have to manually turn them on each time. Also: the initial setup within logic (not sure I’ve done it correctly, but it for the most part works. These boards are amazing. Even with the flaws - I am obsessed with it.
This looks very attractive and I wonder if it works well with Ableton Live. I intend to use it in combination with an iPad Pro manipulating plugins and clip launch and something like this controller to actually mix live all my channels/clips.
...i have an A&H QU16 sitting around in a flight case....i was wondering if i could incorporate it...sorry...i'm just an old guitar player....thanks for what you do, bro....!!
Hey Colin. BIG FAN! I just purchased the Faderport 1 by Presonus. Ive spent painstaking hours searching online for anyone to mention record punch in and out with Logic. Thats one of the main reasons I got it. Any suggestions how I can find out the answer to this seemingly simple function. Anything helps Thank you!!
I am more concerned with sound quality than overall workflow, so my focus is on an actual mixer with DAW control. I have DAW controllers that crash or hang up (and have to be constantly reset) and I'm tired of that. I need better compatibility with the DAWs that I use (Reason, Ableton, Studio One). What new mixers would compare to the old SSL Nucleus at that price point?
Thanks for a very good useful video! I have bought and sold and now I am without. I will not buy another controller intill I see something that will complete the idea of leaving the mouse and screen editing. Please make a video how you use this Presonus unit, that might inspire me to get one. I just sold my Softube Console One units and untill they make something that edits more brands then softube and UAD plugins I will not buy their new Console one (with the mixer unit, that still has not reached the marcket). Also, they have a very high price.
Great video! A quick question, if you were to master a song with vocals, with a TH-cam beat that is already compressed and finalized, how would you approach gluing it together and pushing loudness without overcompressing a compressed and finalized, instrumental. Would love to hear yours or any ones advice
I would focus mostly on setting the right volume for the vocal relative to the track and EQ, compression, and effects on the vocal. I might do VERY gentle buss compression on the master track (stereo out). Then I would master it like any other track but really only focused on subtle limiting- just catching the biggest peaks.
@@TheBandGuide thank you very much for the reply and the helpful videos man 💯 Ima apply this advice and many more that I been learning with your videos, don’t stop!!
Almost always such Instrumentals are mastered loud- close to or over 0 dB. If you only have the 2track wav file and not individual stems, then use gain plugin or manually turn down the beat 5-10 dB. By doing this you leave headroom for the vocals and the vocals won't be fighting with an already mastered beat. You can also look into plugins like trakspacer, izotope nectar Or the free "the masker" by cinemystics to help carve out space for the vocal. Do these 2 things with care, and you'll be the great majority of the way there. There are more complicated methods that can lead to more tailored results but start with the above.
The Nektar cs12 just landed at a L&M near me. Do you have any opinions about this controller specifically because it’s been built for logic and it’s brand new
My mouth waters at these DAW controllers, but I absolutely do not need them. I do all my automation with envelopes that I place by hand in my DAW, which is more precise than even god riding a fader would be. At best, I could see my automation during playback more clearly with motorized faders than with the screen, but that's about it.
Yes this is true, what is lacked is to use vibe of the song with automation which is what all professional mixers do with automation .it’s much more difficult to have a vibe with mouse , it translates much better with a fader
People are forgetting the mental aspect of it though. Having something that makes you feel good in your studio will keep you in it longer and eventually yield better results. Whether you need it or not, if you think having it will put you in the right mindset to be creative... get it. I can tell you nothing feels better than rocking to the music while you physically slide a fader and turn knobs. Clicking a mouse and staring at a screen all day would seriously deter me from wanting to work as often as I do
Do your self a favor and avoid DAW controllers, it'll make more sense to get an analogue/digital mixer, or just hybrid setup from an interface with lots of ins/outs and just getting some nice faders to link to your DAW. Avoid DAW controllers.
Please do splitt your future videos. This whole disclaimer Thing for Gen Z snowflakes and total Beginners is sooo annoying. Sorry. you may say "ok, boomer" now, folks.
🎶 Use my Sweetwater Link: sweetwater.sjv.io/R5d6Ya
‼ Download the free 6-Step PRO MIX Checklist here: www.thebandguide.com/logicpromix ‼
I'm a home studio producer enthusiast, and primarily work in-the-box. I bought an iCon QCon Pro X last year and I love it. When I use it during my mixing process, I turn off my monitor and balancing by ear. So helpful to get the desired sound you're looking for, it's a great controller.
Yes! I love being able to focus JUST on level and not being distracted by the DAW.
I've been a media composer for 6 years now and finally I can say that I need one. When I first started out, I had no clue if I need a DAW controller so I decided to dump the idea. Now, after 6 years of constant mouse works, I can say yes I need a DAW controller, especially for mixing more than anything else. Moving those virtual faders and knobs in the mixing console using the mouse became a chore now. I'm not so interested in its transport controls as I already use my Komplete Kontrol MK2 s61 for this job perfectly.
And last but not lease, Faderport looks gorgeous and will make your studio look gorgeous with it ;)
I recently bought the Nektar CS 12 for my small home studio and it's very intuitive and has changed my workflow so much. The keyboard shortcuts have never worked for me for logic or any other software program and with most midi controllers you're limited to transport controls. But to have the physical controls pre-mapped for the daw, the plugins, and a screen to see what I'm controlling is wonderful.
One thing I'd recommend before getting a controller is to go through your DAW's keyboard shortcut list and (re)map all the ones you think might be useful for your workflow to comfortable keys and combinations. Even just looking through the list of possible shortcuts was an eye opener, there's so many hidden possibilities there than can greatly speed up your workflow.
That's a great tip! I'm a big fan of keyboard shortcuts for sure. And Logic can do WAY more than people realize
Excellent! Thank you for sharing.
Bought my Faderport 16 a few weeks ago. Getting it up and running in my newly remodeled recording space. Loving it so far!
An honest conversation. What a rare thing. Well done,. I'm being serious with this next point. With your communication skills, friendly , open and honest, you could become 'The Rick Beato' of gear introductions and explanations. This is meant to be a compliment in its entirety. Hoping for a great success for your channel!
That's high praise! Thank you, Brian!
@@TheBandGuideand you’ve got better hair! 😊
The main advantage of a control surface is that you can adjust more than one parameter at a time. For example the Q and frequency in a channel strip or adjusting multiple faders at once. So, if that’s something you want to do, then a control surface is for you.
Finally someone who actually knows what he's talking about. Most helpful.
Great honest video. I few other things to think about. If you are doing a lot of work then you want something ergonomic. After some time you will probably be looking for more knobs (especially) to take strain away from constantly using a mouse. You can do a lot with a single fader with transport and jog controls.
Plugins are tricky. Ideally you want knobs so you can be using your hands/ears to listen to a change vs staring at the screen., Trying to get something that supports multiple vendors takes research. Some great options out there you may now be aware of include the MP Midi controller (it's an external screen that breaks out your plugins with 24 pots) or the Rocksolid Audio range.)
More generic/mappable vs dedicated channel strip style. Once you have figured out your approach then you can get the option to suit. At present no one manufacturer gets it all right.
Great Video, Great Convo Thnx for talking me off of the ledge, I appreciate your honesty not to many channels do this...🙏🏿👊🏾🙏🏿👍🏾
I had the single faderport V1 for a while and was very happy with it ! I sold it as I wasn't using my daw anymore. But considering buying a new Logic Pro licence, I will probably go to a single faderport V2. It's small, cheap for what it does, I can easily take it with me when I'm traveling and I can go to previous and next tracks just by pressing a button. Just what I need for this cost.
I’ve used the single FaderPort with Studio One for about 6 years and it’s become an integral part of my workflow in recording and mixing. With that, I was constantly moving back and forth between the screen and the FaderPort. So I recently bought the 16 track version, and I’m very happy I did. I need more info about plug-in control if you have any videos focusing on that let me know. Thanks
my presonus faderport daw controller works so well for me, being able to move faders makes mixing faster and so much more enjoyable i despise using a mouse to move faders
Agreed!
Single fader works best for me, on the opposite side of the keyboard from the mouse.
I have this Presonus 16 I bought used and I’m completely in love with it. Yes, it has some quirks as far as functionality with logic…. but it’s amazing!!!
Strongly recommend Nectar. I have old Panorama P4 (I bought P1, it didnt work and Nektar sent me P4 for my trouble!). I must admit I never had such deep integration into cubase/nuendo with any controller, and the fact i could compose orchestral stuff without the mouse and fully mapped plugins is a huge deal.
Loved this thank you for sharing 🤘
I use my LaunchKey 61 for plugin control, and it works ok. I’m looking forward to midi 2.0 where plugins communicate knob, button and fader mapping automagically.
This is a fantastic video, very informative and does a great job of explaining what a DAW Controller is and why you might want one. Highly recommended!!!
I have been using a FaderPort 8 for years. I LOVE it, as it fits into my workflow perfectly. I've tried using transport controls on my physical keyboards, and with a Stream Deck, but this works much better for me. My biggest issue is that it has only 8 channels. Yes there is a 16 channel version, but I got this one on eBay for a seriously low price so it is what I've been using. LOL
I am looking at the Icon v1-m. Still looking into it. I like it's expandability, the bigger displays, the programmability.... I could replace both the FaderPort and the Stream Deck, but it isn't cheap.
The FaderPort 8/16 IS a bit dated, but it works great. I can't help but wonder if a V2 is in the future, but now that Presonus is owned by Fender I fear it may not be. :(
Sweetwater is the best! Great video!
I think a faderport makes most sense for StudioOne users due to the tight integration with the software. I had tried a Mackie controller but was disappointed that it didn't integrate as well> I'm sure the mackie is great, but for me the Faderport 16 and StudioOne made the most sense.
I always get my gear from Sweetwater. They are really good and the 2yr included warranty is awesome.
Plus the candy is pretty neat too.
RIGHT?!
Before you potentially waste more money on needless gear, be sure to explore the capabilities of your current keyboard-especially if all you really want is transport control to get away from mousing. A lot of keyboards from Yamaha and others have transport control-Record, Stop, FF, etc. built in.
Great point!
Having transport control for starting/stopping recording would be a massive help to me. One of my least favourite things is fumbling for my keyboard when I'm trying to get a track down.
Definitely! It can be really handy
That was very helpful. Thanks a lot.
Glad it was helpful!
Thank you so much for the video. And especially your honesty. I record without a dog right now on a zoom R20. Can you recommend a decent headset microphone, transmitter and receiver that is Affordable that won't break the bank for home recording or a lapel mic that I can clip onto a headset mic holder? I need to move around and use my hands for the synthesizer and guitar.
PLeASe do a Faderport 16 review - specifically for LOGIc!!! There are no other videos on YT addressing specifically that!! I have one (fp16) and it’s awesome!!!! There are however some settings that don’t necessarily work with logic (I’m guessing?). Any way to permanently show the recording levels in the leds (what do they call them, labels?) I have to manually turn them on each time. Also: the initial setup within logic (not sure I’ve done it correctly, but it for the most part works. These boards are amazing. Even with the flaws - I am obsessed with it.
This is cool. Not sure if it's needed yet..
Going for the x-touch, also to control the X18. Looking at console 1mk3 too
This looks very attractive and I wonder if it works well with Ableton Live. I intend to use it in combination with an iPad Pro manipulating plugins and clip launch and something like this controller to actually mix live all my channels/clips.
I map my Letter "R" for record, up/down and left/right arrows for transport controls all on my existing computer keyboard and that's enough.
...i have an A&H QU16 sitting around in a flight case....i was wondering if i could incorporate it...sorry...i'm just an old guitar player....thanks for what you do, bro....!!
i use my midi keyboard , and i got an extra ipad just for logic logic remote
Hey Colin. BIG FAN! I just purchased the Faderport 1 by Presonus. Ive spent painstaking hours searching online for anyone to mention record punch in and out with Logic. Thats one of the main reasons I got it. Any suggestions how I can find out the answer to this seemingly simple function. Anything helps Thank you!!
Not forgetting Behringer X-touch
this the right one
I am more concerned with sound quality than overall workflow, so my focus is on an actual mixer with DAW control. I have DAW controllers that crash or hang up (and have to be constantly reset) and I'm tired of that. I need better compatibility with the DAWs that I use (Reason, Ableton, Studio One). What new mixers would compare to the old SSL Nucleus at that price point?
Thanks for a very good useful video! I have bought and sold and now I am without. I will not buy another controller intill I see something that will complete the idea of leaving the mouse and screen editing. Please make a video how you use this Presonus unit, that might inspire me to get one. I just sold my Softube Console One units and untill they make something that edits more brands then softube and UAD plugins I will not buy their new Console one (with the mixer unit, that still has not reached the marcket). Also, they have a very high price.
looking for recommendations on best integration with reasons
Great video! A quick question, if you were to master a song with vocals, with a TH-cam beat that is already compressed and finalized, how would you approach gluing it together and pushing loudness without overcompressing a compressed and finalized, instrumental. Would love to hear yours or any ones advice
I would focus mostly on setting the right volume for the vocal relative to the track and EQ, compression, and effects on the vocal. I might do VERY gentle buss compression on the master track (stereo out).
Then I would master it like any other track but really only focused on subtle limiting- just catching the biggest peaks.
@@TheBandGuide thank you very much for the reply and the helpful videos man 💯 Ima apply this advice and many more that I been learning with your videos, don’t stop!!
Almost always such Instrumentals are mastered loud- close to or over 0 dB.
If you only have the 2track wav file and not individual stems, then use gain plugin or manually turn down the beat 5-10 dB.
By doing this you leave headroom for the vocals and the vocals won't be fighting with an already mastered beat.
You can also look into plugins like trakspacer, izotope nectar
Or the free "the masker" by cinemystics to help carve out space for the vocal.
Do these 2 things with care, and you'll be the great majority of the way there.
There are more complicated methods that can lead to more tailored results but start with the above.
@@typ0_music wow great advice man thank you…
dont need one......but i want one LOL
The Nektar cs12 just landed at a L&M near me. Do you have any opinions about this controller specifically because it’s been built for logic and it’s brand new
Do I simply want it or do really I need it ? That's the question... great video btw !
Spot on! Glad it was helpful :)
Can i use this with a CQ 20 allen heath?
please check and test the pm-1 from icon!
very good video
My mouth waters at these DAW controllers, but I absolutely do not need them. I do all my automation with envelopes that I place by hand in my DAW, which is more precise than even god riding a fader would be. At best, I could see my automation during playback more clearly with motorized faders than with the screen, but that's about it.
Yes this is true, what is lacked is to use vibe of the song with automation which is what all professional mixers do with automation .it’s much more difficult to have a vibe with mouse , it translates much better with a fader
People are forgetting the mental aspect of it though. Having something that makes you feel good in your studio will keep you in it longer and eventually yield better results. Whether you need it or not, if you think having it will put you in the right mindset to be creative... get it.
I can tell you nothing feels better than rocking to the music while you physically slide a fader and turn knobs. Clicking a mouse and staring at a screen all day would seriously deter me from wanting to work as often as I do
Colin, do you offer mixing services?
Occasionally! Shoot me an email with a demo - bandguy@thebandguide.com
Presonus 16 all the way every time.
Vielen Dank👍🏻🇩🇪
You're welcome! Gern geschehen! (is that right??)
I don't even use minds.
Do your self a favor and avoid DAW controllers, it'll make more sense to get an analogue/digital mixer, or just hybrid setup from an interface with lots of ins/outs and just getting some nice faders to link to your DAW. Avoid DAW controllers.
Do you know what a waterfall is? That's what this guy says in the video.
Please do splitt your future videos. This whole disclaimer Thing for Gen Z snowflakes and total Beginners is sooo annoying. Sorry. you may say "ok, boomer" now, folks.
the whole disclaimer intro for gen z snowflakes is soooo annoying