DAW Control Surface Guide | The Best DAW Controller For You?

[@LonelyRocker]

✅✅✅If you want to support this channel try my affiliate links. No extra cost to you but it helps me make more content like this! Thanks! ✅✅✅ Shop at Sweetwater: sweetwater.sjv.io/NkYJMb Shop at Thomann: www.thomann.de/de/index.html?offid=1&affid=2481

[@Spurcell]

Lonely Rocker - Excellent objective comparison. You made the case for all compared products very logically, which didn't diminish the value of any of them. If anything, you sold them all. -- "What's the best controller?" -- "Well, that depends..." Well said.

[@jonkthompson]

I have an X-Touch One and love it. I work track to track and it's great for automation. I may upgrade in the future to something with 8 but for now this definitely works!

[@LonelyRocker]

It does the job!

[@millerjimd]

I'm surprised you covered the Behringer X-Touch One but not the main X-Touch product. It has 9 faders, jog wheel, colored scribble strips, and more. It's super-extendable with other control surfaces as well as Behringer add-on strips. Also, maybe the X-Touch compact would be a better comparison against the Presonus which seems rather scaled down for its price point.

[@LonelyRocker]

I tried to get one but my supplier doesn’t carry Behringer anymore. They flew the One Touch in for me from Vancouver so I could at least include the brand in the video because I felt it needed to be there. Did my best!

[@GauravTanwar]

@@CraigScottFrost please let me know how is your review once you buy it 😊

[@user-pv4oz5vg9e]

I had one and one day just completely stopped working for no reason at all and just threw it away

[@ziggyteesha8800]

Da X touch Is Kick Asss controller lover all of these products

[@GothiicAngels]

I use the presonus faderport 8, I find it very easy to use. Especially for adjusting the settings in effects

[@LonelyRocker]

Sweet! Good controller....

[@skeennah1927]

I use the Behringer X Touch with 3 extenders, making a total of 32 faders, and love it.

[@LonelyRocker]

Great setup!

[@Noone-of-your-Business]

I use the Behringer X-Touch 8 with an additional 8 channel expander. To integrate this into my Reaper, I need to use completely fan made Mackie drivers (Klinke 0.6.4.1) for most things to work properly. It was an absolute bitch to set up (the main unit is inactive over its own USB connection, but works fine via an additional MIDI interface), but now I have almost everything working perfectly, and I spent a fraction of what a "real" Mackie would have cost me. For Behringer, that is not surprising. What is also not surprising is the fact that it works great - the faders feel good and are perfectly responsive. Unfortunately, the channel strip lighting is black and white although the controllers are capable of displaying colors, but that is the fault of the Mackie protocol, not the device. So all in all, I am really happy with my X-Touch system.

[@LonelyRocker]

It’s amazing the lengths some will go to make their desired workflow work….

[@sonnyleesmith]

This channel is criminally underrated. Nice work as always

[@LonelyRocker]

Thank you so much for your support! Admittedly it has been a tough grind for this channel but I keep grinding. The growth I have is dependant on those who like what I’m doing sharing my content and I just keep making videos for those who appreciate what I do. Thank you.

[@GraffHabit]

Looks to me like he shops a lot on Amazon for audio gear…I’ve heard those QCons are garbage. The SSL and Presonous are nice.

[@sonnyleesmith]

@@GraffHabit He does not. He has a bit of a partnership with a local Canadian shop, but thanks for your input. I own the Icon and I absolutely love it.

[@Mixxwizard]

Thanks for this video. I was about to purchase the X one touch. Until I saw the icon Nano. I just pre-ordered the new icon P1 nano controller that's coming out soon. Thanks again for your review.

[@LonelyRocker]

My pleasure! Hope you enjoy your new controller!

[@justaskin8523]

Another vote here for including Mackie (even though they're as old as the Sphinx). And more archeological relics include the Avid Artist series, which was discontinued back in ... what, 1500 BC? But yeah I said it: Avid needs to be included in any roundup/shootout. But even the newer pottery from Avid is being left behind, what with the S3 being canceled. And to Bronwyn's post below, you could not only kill a man in a bar fight with that S3, you could also use it in your bulletproof plate vest, or so I've heard. LOL! But there is the Dock and the S1, which are much more affordable than the S4 and S6. That S6 is pretty sweet, but I don't want to have to sell my soul for anything; my GAS just isn't THAT far out of control!

[@LonelyRocker]

I just couldn’t get a Mackie. Perhaps they will be available soon. Avid? You should watch some of my other videos where I talk about them for other reasons. Not likely to see an Avid controller here anytime soon…🤣

[@papa_da_engineer]

Not only was I looking for a controller but this popped up in my suggested I'm really glad it did wonderful Channel

[@LonelyRocker]

Thank you so much! I’m glad you found me 😎

[@djsilent01]

@@LonelyRocker thank you for your information. I have a question. I have the old Light Grey QCon Pro. I have yet to use it on my new M1 MBP. But I’m like you, I use the faders, pans, transport, jog wheel, mute, solo, etc. do I truly need to upgrade if I can get it to work? I just don’t know if any protocols have been updated. And Icon isn’t talking. Lol

[@renderizer01]

I've just got me an Icon Platform M+, which works flawlessly with Cakewalk. I'm planning on expanding over time with two or three Platform X+ fader extensions (including the D2 display) and maybe a Platform B+ function key extender (in which case I'd go with only two X+ extensions).

[@LonelyRocker]

It’s a great modular system. Enjoy it!

[@ishizukahikaru643]

Cakewalk xD. Now thats something I don't hear often. I thought they be ZERO users by now.

[@renderizer01]

@@ishizukahikaru643 What makes you think that?

[@Skibosski]

This video couldn't have come at a better time!!! Im about to purchase one and this video helped alot!! Thanks!!!

[@LonelyRocker]

Awesome! Glad I could be there for you. Good luck with your purchase. Let me know what you get!

[@djrandalldean]

this was so effin great and all my follow-ups are covered in your other vids.

[@LonelyRocker]

Really glad you are enjoying these. Cheers!

[@jigsound]

Wow! That's some substantial controllers over there. 😎 As a legacy MCU Pro + Extender user, I'm especially interested to learn about the Icon lineup. 👍 PreSonus controllers, as universal as they are advertized, have unfortunately been hardly usable from the perspective of a Cubase user. Hope that will change in the future, as they have a really compact form factor. 👌 - Eero

[@LonelyRocker]

Yes! Was fun playing with them all. I know Cuba’s users using Icon. Works well…

[@bbmusic4983]

Great to see some CanCon!! Long & McQuade are awesome 😎

[@LonelyRocker]

Absolutely!

[@tonyreaux.logcabinstudio7745]

As a nice bonus for the Harrison Mixbus DAW, ICON is working with Harrison now to fully support the Mixbus/Mixbus32C DAWs……👍

[@LonelyRocker]

I might have something to say about that soon. Shhh...don't tell anyone ;)

[@scrwwea_nhl_hut5288]

I think this was a great, fairly comprehensive video. What is is clear is that you favor Icon products, which is fine, but I would be transparent about their sponsorship of this video if there was any. In addition, as others have commented along with a ton of people online, Icon has been plagued with firmware and software issues that they just cannot fix. This leads many people to buy and have to sell at a substantial loss because their reputation is that they cant build a product that works and they cant service it when an issue arises. In fairness, while you may not have had any of these issues (have you?), I would like you to comment on the existence of firmware and other issues that exist with Icon products. I have never heard of an issue with Behringer and certainly not with the bulletproof SSL piece. Thank you

[@LonelyRocker]

This video was NOT sponsored by Icon. They didn't even know I was doing it. They have the largest line of controllers that span different categories and I own many of them so I included them in the video. I have never had the issues some have had. And I have a number of friends with Icon gear that have had positive experiences as well. I have covered Icon extensively on this channel with mostly positive feedback. So I included the devices many said they wanted to hear about. And I got as many other brands as I could for one video. Nit an easy thing to coordinate...I would like to follow this up with other brands I missed if I can get them....

[@KyleBevis-u7j]

What a great, comprehensive walk through! Thanks for making this. Super helpful!

[@LonelyRocker]

Thanks so much! Glad you find content like this useful!

[@moe47988]

@@LonelyRockerno mention of the avid stuff eh?

[@LonelyRocker]

@@moe47988 I used to be an Avid guy...for a long time...but they let me down. So no ;)

[@moe47988]

@@LonelyRockerThey have let me down too. But every single one of these devices are just mackie control universal emulations, right? the integration isn't as good as Eucon. It would be fair to include them, seeing how you claimed this to be the "DEFINITIVE" daw control surface guide!

[@EndlessMeece]

Excellent video! I appreciate this more than I can say, as I am currently in the market for a DAW controller... I've been looking at a Faderport as I use Studio One primarily, but I also use Ableton 11, so it was nice to look at some other options... Thank you, sincerely ❤️❤️❤️❤️

[@LonelyRocker]

My pleasure!!! Glad I could be there for you. Good luck with your purchase!!!

[@TheRealTeebz]

hey great video. I live in Nova Scotia near Halifax and L&M is my ONLY go to for brick n mortar stores. I miss big cities, real cities LOL. Like Toronto, Montreal and Vancouver. Even Calgary has a better music retail scene then Halifax. At the moment I have been using Akai MPD32 and I like the faders but never use the pads. I also have a Behringer BFC2000 that I have not yet figured out and there is little to no decent videos on KZbin. I got them all used with no manuals. Anyway man, thanks you have given be a lot to think about.

[@LonelyRocker]

Glad you enjoyed this! Halifax is a nice town. I was there a few years ago. But I get it that you do t have many options for gear unless you buy online. Cheers from Toronto!

[@HOLLASOUNDS]

Probably best people buy a 49 midi keyboard which usually come will DAW control function with the buttons 8 to 12 pads and 8 to 10 faders and 8 to 10 knobs which can have multiple banks accessible by 1 button push. Arturia keylab MK2 49, Akai MPK249 being two examples. They dont have motorised faders though.

[@LonelyRocker]

While that’s definitely an option they are very different things. I have both in my studio and they each serve a specific function.

[@TSTBand]

Great vídeo Lonely Rocker!, now i have a question, what difference do you find between the Icon Qcon EX G2 vs Mackie MCU Pro? i'm deciding to buy one of them but don't know wich one yet due to not knowing if there's an important difference between them.

[@LonelyRocker]

Thnx! I assume you mean QCon Pro G2. Icon offers similar functionality at a lower price and they have a more extensive line of products. Mackie is the original. Functionality is likely very similar as they connect to the DAW the same way. So really it comes down to your budget.

[@Half_Plus_Seven]

As always, thank you for your work! I still can't afford to get the controller I need, but I hope to get it this year. The Q Con G2 is the one I need to get!

[@LonelyRocker]

Thanks!! Save those pennies! Hope to see you with one soon....

[@teashea1]

You did a lot of work ----- nicely done

[@LonelyRocker]

Thanks for noticing! 😎🎸👍🏻

[@RobertDorschel]

Most do NOT work with Ableton Live out of the box. They all tend to involve a good deal of workarounds for Ableton Live. That why I returned one of the Icon keyboard controllers with supposed DAW functionality sliders and knobs. Missing from this review: Novation LaunchControl XL. Although it does not meet the motorized fader category.

[@LonelyRocker]

It’s tough when the DAWs don’t architect the controller protocols properly. There is not much the controller companies can do. Motorized faders. Without them that controller didn’t qualify for this video 🤘🏽😎

[@Audio_Fetus]

Thanks for your help. Keep on rockin. *waves from the Dartmouth east coast

[@LonelyRocker]

Thanks so much! Cheers from T Dot!

[@jan_07]

You forgot the Behringer x touch series, midrange but with the meters already built-in the device 😆

[@LonelyRocker]

I didn’t forget. I couldn’t get one. None available. 😎

[@dstarling61]

Icon seems pretty rare in the US. Sam Ash looks to be the only music store that carries them. I wish Sweetwater had them, they always give me great deals.

[@LonelyRocker]

I wish Sweetwater carried them too so I could get some affiliate revenue 😂😂😂

[@eddysel10]

Great video. Have you tried the Slate Raven? I do have it. I don’t think it is PC friendly.

[@LonelyRocker]

Thank you! I actually haven’t. It’s on my list to try. There are a number of controllers I’d like to showcase. It took me a while to assemble this list but I’d love to do a part 2 to this video when I can.

[@douggroulx1525]

That’s also my Long& McQuade man lol. And I have 2 DAW controllers from that store the Slat raven and console one.

[@LonelyRocker]

Sweet! Maybe we’ve crossed paths! 😝😝😝

[@alekp6822]

God bless you, i was so lost in a controller world!

[@LonelyRocker]

Thank you! Glad you enjoyed this!

[@seven_chords]

very nice overview, now i just gotta compare them to the avid dock and avid s1, both more expensive than pretty much anything you've shown, but they use a different protocol and i've heard quite a few complaints about the mackie and hui protocols (avid uses eucon)

[@LonelyRocker]

Thnx! Unfortunately Mackie is the most universal standard. Getting the industry to agree on a new standard may be next to impossible. So we are stuck with Mackie or per DAW proprietary solutions.

[@seven_chords]

@@LonelyRocker might be easier than it seems. avid controls a very large slice of the professional market with protools (i haven't met a single audio engineer or studio in germany who doesn't use protools) and other daws can offer native support for the eucon protocol (not sure if it's more than logic, but logic does have native eucon support). yes, eucon is a proprietary protocol made by avid for their control surfaces and remote app, but it's not proprietary on the daw side, since it does offer free mappings and any daw can choose to offer native eucon support, like logic did. another advantage is that eucon is a network based protocol, meaning you don't need to wire up control surfaces to your pc directly, making cable management a lot easier and a lot more flexible. the one big downside of avid control surfaces (which are the only controllers supporting eucon) is the big price tag. in the end, i still went for an avid s1 for myself, really nice controller, and even without the dock i rarely ever have to touch my mouse or keyboard

[@Broken-Silencer]

I think the actual Behringer X Touch should have got a look in. I use one as a Mackie controller, and it works just fine. It doesn't have the looks that many more £/$ would pay for, but the same functionality.

[@LonelyRocker]

I tried to get it but my supplier doesn’t carry Behringer anymore.

[@ThomasL]

Cool video, unfortunately no Softube Console 1 Fader, as it caught my eye more than the others. May be you could get one via your friend at the shop in the future, who knows ?

[@LonelyRocker]

Thanks! And I’m working on it 😎👍🏼

[@jdarg4163]

I use my 27in touchscreen monitor as a touchscreen controller and I use the softube console one for my channel strip on my channels

[@LonelyRocker]

Nice! I've seen those touch screen kits. I'm intrigued! :)

[@TheMixClub]

So my Behringer Xtouch bit the dust. I'm looking at the Icon Platform M Plus Compact. So can you dim the soft keys and or change the colors. I have glaucoma and supper bright lights look like blobs of light. Also you can hook up more than one unit to get me tracks / faders... Thanks For all you hard work!

[@LonelyRocker]

My pleasure and Thank you! Button colours are fixed. I'm actually not sure if you can change the brightness of the buttons. They are not very bright as it is so perhaps it won't be an issue. And absolutely it is expandable. I showed the expansion units in this video. There are fader and button expansion units. Check out my Icon Controllers guide for more details: kzbin.info/www/bejne/l5eXYZeBe6yjrKc

[@TheMixClub]

@@LonelyRocker Will do.. Your new room also looks killer.. As a retired FOH. I must have faders. I think i got 4 or five years out of the xtouch. more than i expected. Thanks Again..

[@TheMixClub]

Thanks Again for all the info. I Just ordered the Icon Platform M Plus Compact. Rhett

[@LonelyRocker]

Sweet!! Enjoy it! And thanks for your thoughts!

[@Icee617]

Sad. that you didn’t include the legendary Mackie MCU Pro, which by all of these controllers' protocol was written after and rely on (Mackie HUI Protocol)

[@LonelyRocker]

As I stated in the video I tried to get one for this video but there were none to be had. Supply issues at the moment....

[@Dimitris81]

cool video but you could clean or dust them a little before the close ups ...

[@LonelyRocker]

Haha. You’re right! Biggest frustration for a self shooting KZbinr is noticing things like that after the fact. It drives me crazy 😂

[@balsakrkeljic6334]

Im planning on buying Behringer X-touch One for Cubase. Can it control faders, nobs and wheels on external plugins (Waves, Fabfilter, Slate, Soundtoys etc)? Can I sweep, cut, boost frequencies with Fabfilter eq, control attack, release, trashold on Waves compressors?

[@LonelyRocker]

Pretty much. Yes. Controllers generally can access most functions.

[@Justforyoutube66]

Hi there! Which DAW Controller is perfect for Logic Pro X ? What do you think ?

[@LonelyRocker]

I have the Icon controllers in my studio. Both the Pro C and the G2. Both great for Logic!

[@curtismech]

This was a great overview, Dan! A couple of these I wasn't familiar with!

[@LonelyRocker]

Thanks so much Curtis!

[@Rickytee2]

Very cool controller guide Dan think I might go for the Icon single fader jobs for my B setup . Really informative great info as always.

[@LonelyRocker]

Thnx Ricky! This one was due!

[@reavismitchell6031]

Very Nice! Love the new space man.

[@LonelyRocker]

Reavis!! How are you my friend!! Thanks! We need to catch up!

[@reavismitchell6031]

@@LonelyRocker Doing great brotha! Yes, indeed. Got some exciting new tech to share with you too.

[@LonelyRocker]

@@reavismitchell6031 I'll PM you!

[@madmixy3870]

No lie bro that table full of daw controllers is sexy 😂

[@LonelyRocker]

Ha!! I saw a video talking about controllers but he didn't have any. He just used existing footage and stills. So I planned this shot as part of the video to show I actually had ALL of the controllers here! ;)))))))

[@jdssurf]

I have Ableton, then I'm getting a Push, and I want a 49 or so midi keyboard but, should i buy a nice midi keyboard with faders, in which i hear always suck, or get a better midi keyboard without faders, and get a separate unit with faders only, if so which one

[@LonelyRocker]

I find separate units make more sense because you can place them better for a more comfortable workflow. It really comes down to your budget and how you want to work. I haven't seen motorized faders on a keyboard controller so if you want that feature you likely need a separate unit anyways...

[@jdssurf]

@@LonelyRocker thinking since i'm using ableton maybe i should get the novation 49sl mkiii first instead of the Push so i can start having more control in ableton for now, i get what your saying, so shoot idk

[@amillio1612]

Ok so I’ve done enough research to weigh in on this. If you use pro tools or Logic Pro get something EUCON. It has the most functionality and the cost is low if you go for one of the older avid artists series (Artists Control, Artist Mix, Artist Transport) it offers touchscreen displays and plugin control which, for a hands off mouse/eyes off computer approach is great. If you are a studio one user like I am the best controller is the Behringer X-Touch with the software from modern idiots. This guy created a full remap of Studio Ones controls specifically for the xtouch, the mackie mcu pro and the qcon pro x and g2. I mean you can almost turn your computer screen off and and use it. It even comes with an overlay that shows your remapped buttons. According to Matt from modern idiots the Behringer was the best. Hands down best solution in my opinion. The only thing to add to that possibly is a softube console 1 either in midi mode for even more plugin control or with the actual console one software. The ssl is like the console 1 especially if you get the plugin controller part and use the ssl software which are basically channel strip plugins. Definitely good options but when it comes to functionality those are my opinions. I love the look of the qcon pro x and almost bought one with the extender because it’s the only one with that pro studio look with the meter bridge. The only reason I didn’t may be stupid but all the buttons are plastic and make that hard click sound. I’m use to the rubber buttons on the xtouch. Even the transport buttons are plastic but they have that soft press action instead of that hard click. To summarize, if you use studio one look up modern idiots and pay that man. Best decision you’ll make trust me.

[@LonelyRocker]

Interesting options. But many just want to plug it in and go. And everyone uses the controllers differently. But thanks for the interesting tips!

[@kadiummusic]

Thanks for the heads up about Modern Idiots, is it a massibe omprovement on the original mapping?. I use Studio One and was thinking of the Faderport, the Behringer looks a bit like a toy to me with so many coloured buttons... abit of a mess. I have to say the Qcon Pro G2 looks amazing and has that real studio look plus the add-on looks great as well. 😎 N.B. Searched maodern Idiots but nothing showed up. Do you have a link?

[@djbenouf]

hello thx help for flstudio wich daw controler the best ?? presonus faderport 16 or icon pro v1m ?? hlp me thx mate

[@bcl1039]

Great video. Exactly what’s needed

[@LonelyRocker]

Glad you think so! Thanks!

[@todoesmentira5866]

hi, great video. can you expand the platform nano with a platform x? thanx!

[@LonelyRocker]

Thank you. And yes you can. There is a shot of them together in this video. You can also check my Icon controller buyers guide video to see them working together. kzbin.info/www/bejne/l5eXYZeBe6yjrKc

[@MrDebranjandutta]

At the lowest end of the spectrum, you should've featured Touchdaw, a $6-10 app + ipad or android tablet. It's surprisingly usable due to multi touch, not to mention wireless and lap friendly.

[@LonelyRocker]

Touchdaw is Android only. Budget option for sure but not really something I’d compare to a physical device. It’s a different thing.

[@MrDebranjandutta]

@@LonelyRocker but it gets the work done. I'm sure there would be alternatives for iOS. atleast for amateur producers just starting out, a touch controller is still better than no controller.

[@LonelyRocker]

I'm not knocking it...it's just a different thing and a different audience. I talk a lot about tactile feel and control with DAW controllers. That obviously doesn't apply to apps. But I'm not knocking it as a solution...it's a great one if it does the job for you...

[@oldrainbeats]

Do you know of a good motorized fader with 40 -64 channels?

[@LonelyRocker]

Any of the ones I showed you can be expanded. The limitations controllers had in the past is not as relevant with newer machines but I would contact the manufacturers to see how many extenders they would support with your system.

[@oldrainbeats]

@@LonelyRocker thank you 🤝

[@beejaybertelsen]

Please lower the background music, or get rid of it entirely!

[@artysanmobile]

This is a subject in great need of serious, detailed review, not the cursory sales pitch nonsense you’ve paid it. We can all read ads just fine.

[@LonelyRocker]

I was not paid for this.

[@Livingstone.productions]

AAAAAA my eyes my eyes! Does the Icon come with all the dust or is it an add on?

[@LonelyRocker]

That’s a custom colour 😂😂😂😂

[@marcoromani3407]

I, I'm searching for the best one fader daw controller between x touch one and Icon platform nano.... I use logic and oro tools... i've seen many views for the icon and are very bad!!!!! But what i see in video is BEAUTIFUL can you help me for choosing one of them??? BIG BIG THANKS IF YOU DI THAT AND VERY GREAT VIDEO!!!!

[@LonelyRocker]

Thanks so much! Icon is a great brand and I use their bigger controllers in the studio. The original Nano was not one of their better ones but the new P1-Nano look promising!

[@marcoromani3407]

@@LonelyRocker im from italy i dont know when the p1 nano come in commerce... for the behringher what do you think??

[@LonelyRocker]

@@marcoromani3407 It's OK..if that's all you can get it does the job. I'm not a huge fan of Behringer... but it's a capable device....

[@marcoromani3407]

​@@LonelyRocker im confindent whit the x touch(the one with 9 faders) because i have it in school and its great... for start in home i think its honest. Thank you for the suggestion!!!

[@jamesrooythungriallu5983]

Any suggestion for LUNA? Which one can work flawlessly?

[@LonelyRocker]

I have never used Luna. Does it have Mackie Control support?

[@jonvincentmusic]

Surprised you didn't mention the Faderport 16. Great video though.

[@LonelyRocker]

Thanks...I had that as an option but the 8 made more sense for direct comparison in this video. I needed to cap it at 6 devices or I'd still be working on it ;)

[@yevheniimelnyk8911]

Sir, what about Icon Qcon pro X compare to Ssl Uf8 in terms of build quality? Is pro X feels same premium like ssl uf8?

[@LonelyRocker]

The Icon gear is really well built. Tough metal cases. Very substantial. Where the SSL has the edge is in the refinements. A little more sleek. Faders a little but smoother but that also comes with a substantial price difference. So again it's need vs. budget and you find your best option.

[@marknarsh]

i want a daw controller but dont plan to make songs just instrumentals .would that be weird ?

[@LonelyRocker]

I only make instrumentals. Not weird!!!

[@ishaandobhal6397]

Just the video i wanted to see... Buddy you are the only one with this kind of informative video on this whole planet. More power to you. One question, what do you think about the price difference of qcon pro x and ssl. Really liked the qcon pro x. But do you think the price of ssl is fair in terms of every aspect?

[@LonelyRocker]

Thnx for your thoughts! Comparing the two is hard to say. The SSL has some truly awesome features but I couldn’t help feel that some of the price is attributed to the name. I’ve had the Pro X for some time and it’s a very substantial controller. I say let your budget decide. Good luck!

[@ishaandobhal6397]

@@LonelyRocker Bought Qcon pro with 2 expanders... More than happy...

[@LonelyRocker]

@@ishaandobhal6397 Sweet!! Enjoy!!

[@SausageFingers73]

Everytime he mentions Icon gear it "all metal construction" which makes it sound like the others are plastic, I can only talk about the Faderport, but that's solid metal construction too

[@LonelyRocker]

Try getting all these controllers in a room at the same time and then revisit your comment...Icon gear is VERY sturdy. Does that make them the best? That's not what this video was about....Best is subjective....

[@rjkuser]

That's a lot of DAWs! Great video!

[@LonelyRocker]

Never enough! 😂😂😂

[@julienverardo6432]

You forgot the Waves MIDI Plus ! Best Controller in my opinion by far !

[@LonelyRocker]

I've been avoiding Waves as of late ;-)

[@brianbatie6650]

Well presented, and informative, but I have a question. I believe that many people, like myself, like to watch at night, because others need access to computers during the day. That said, I find your theme music so loud that I must lower the volume so as not to disturb others, but when the discussion begins, I must turn the volume back up to hear it. Would it be possible to find a better balance between the theme music and the dialog, so as not to have to do the "mouse dance"? Thanks.

[@LonelyRocker]

Ha! It’s designed to wake people up! In truth. I sometimes have so little time to mix I miss a detail here and there. Considering I’m a music and sound production channel it should be better. But a Common challenge with KZbinrs is just letting go and getting the content out. I try to make it all balanced but sometimes things slip. I’ll keep an eye on that next time! Thanks!!

[@recordlabeldao7820]

Im buying the presonus since i use studio one

[@LonelyRocker]

A natural choice if you have Studio One....Enjoy it!

[@darrenquay332]

Just good honest advise Thank you 🙏

[@LonelyRocker]

My pleasure! And thank you so much!

[@beefjerkeyS80]

X touch has expansion too I donno why he didn't mention that they have the xtouch and extender. All the daws with motorized faders have expansion options

[@LonelyRocker]

I tried to get one but they were not available for this review. I may have mentioned that.

[@dougkidder9069]

Wow very cool 😀. Too bad it took so long - I really would've loved to have had this back when I used to run a studio. It will remain "point & click" here - not that big a deal. Downsize mode.

[@LonelyRocker]

Thanks Doug. These are definitely “nice to have” but you can make great music without them too…

[@erkydi]

Which controllers are best for Reason DAW users? I cant find much info on it

[@LonelyRocker]

Unfortunately I don't use Reason so I can't comment on that. It should be fine if the controller documentation says it is supported.

[@steffenhenriksen1412]

Will the single fader solutions follow the active track selected with the mouse on screen?

[@LonelyRocker]

Yes. If a single fader controller is motorized it is designed to follow the project and the reverse if it's touch sensitive...

[@steffenhenriksen1412]

@@LonelyRocker hmm, must have been something in my setup then. I had the icon one, but it did not follow my mouse selection of a track. I would have to scroll with the select track option on the controller it self.. how is your setup in the settings for this functionality? :)

[@TheSuperGuitarGuy]

Are there any control surfaces that can also control my interfaces gain controls?

[@LonelyRocker]

Likely not. The protocols connect the DAW and controller like a mouse but not the external Interface software. There are some controllers with a built in interface. In that case you have more integration. But that doesn’t apply to most of the products available.

[@nucentury08]

SSL UF1 💯👌🏽

[@peterelfman]

Great video!

[@LonelyRocker]

Thanks so much!!!

[@TonyPelosi-music]

As I saw in the video at 9:05, the Qcon Prox in 2022 still doesn't have master stereo bargraph working.... lol. I sold my 3 units years ago for half of the price, after spending a lot of time with nice people from service center sending me new firmwares that should fixed some issues but adding new ones. Maybe now the lights/ transport/no more buzzing fades/ Solo-mute-rec-etc are finally working at the same time ( everytime they fixed some issue, another working one failed, so one day I quit and got rid of that company)

[@LonelyRocker]

Unfortunately there are some limitations from DAW to DAW. Like the second screen on the Pro X not working with Logic. That's Apple not providing access. I wish I could document this but I'd need to sue EVERY DAW ;) Not sure about your specific issues...sorry it didn't work out.....

[@TonyPelosi-music]

@@LonelyRocker i guess these 'limitations' are from the gear itself. Never saw a video - with any DAW - with this double meter working ( even yours lol). I never had my units working the basic. They sent me custom firmwares ( more than 6!!! ). When solved an issue, another appears, so the 'engineers' sent me a new Beta, and and the former bug appears... a mess ( say, when 'REC' light fixed, the SOLO stopped working ). They kindly sent me a free 'special' hub in order to fix my issues with 2 extenders. But unfortunately It was noisy, that's incredible.... these are just a few bugs... They tried, I tried, but I lost confidence and sold all for 1/2 of the price. Anyway, I'm glad these gear is working for you.

[@ErixSamson]

Very useful, thanks.

[@LonelyRocker]

My pleasure!

[@atistomazo8434]

I need a good one for Fl studio

[@LonelyRocker]

There are a few to chose from ;)

[@ScrewballMcAdams]

Great presentation. Thank you.

[@LonelyRocker]

My pleasure. And thank you!

[@EqDior]

very well made video!

[@LonelyRocker]

Thank you!

[@JulianFernandez]

really good. thanks!

[@LonelyRocker]

Thank you!

[@everennui1]

Maybe someday when I make money in my studio I can consider these. I never use more than 8 tracks, and when I do, I don't mind manually moving the faders back. The motorized faders are nice, but they add a bunch to the cost and only being able to use one at a time bums me out. Novation makes a really nice 8 fader unit for about $140. I think that would be the best budget friendly yet capable option.

[@LonelyRocker]

For your projects that could work. Do note those faders are not motorized so it’s a different thing….but these are upgrades and not prerequisites for making good music.

[@everennui1]

@@LonelyRocker yep. The novation is NOT motorized. They do have 8 faders though! Which is really nice because I do find myself moving multiple faders at once on occasion. Plus the novation one is $30 cheaper than the least expensive option on this list. For me, it's too easy to get carried away on studio gear, so I figured I'd put another more budget friendly option here for posterity. And I use it and really like it! I looked at that QCon for too long before I had to take a cold shower. 🥶 It's so darn cool though!

[@LonelyRocker]

I agree with not overspending. When something works for you it’s the right thing for you…

[@Bronwyn031]

You want motorized faders especially if you're mixing more than 8 tracks. As you move through the project tracks in your DAW, the faders snap to their appropriate levels. Non-motorized faders could seriously mess something up.

[@everennui1]

@@Bronwyn031 I disagree the only thing you could mess up is the individual levels of a particular track. Just lock the track. Worst case scenario you move the fader back. Use bussing, and give your track a final mix before you export.if It's a non issue for 95% of people who are having homes studios. Save the 5 to $600 put it in to something else, like gas.

[@KKMcK1]

What about the Presonus StudioLive 64s for $4K? That's the same price as 4 FaderPort 16s. Or 1 QCon G2 and 3 extenders. The same goes for Mackie MCU Pro and extenders, Or Avid Dock and S1 extenders. I want to create a home Atmos mixing and mastering system. Nuendo appears to be the DAW leader here, with ProTools coming in second. No one makes what I really want: A home version of the API Vision desk that doesn't cost as much as a small house. It seems to me that API could create their version of a 64S that would work seamlessly in an Atmos environment. Better yet. Any one of these companies could create a stand-alone 96 channel in-the-box Atmos DAW controller. I have written to them all (including Softube) asking for such a unit in preparation for the upcoming Immersive Music Videos market. UAD has the Vision plugin, but no ATMOS support. It also exists in a walled-garden of sorts. It seems to me that this entire corner of the home production market needs a bit of mind expansion for the future.

[@LonelyRocker]

So many choices. I’m considering doing a follow up to include more devices. Atmos is a more specialized thing and not really geared to the home studio market.

[@KKMcK1]

@@LonelyRocker I see Atmos as the future of home producing. Immersive music videos for the future. Atmos home theaters may not be ubiquitous yet, but they will be in 5 years. My goal is to produce an album of Atmos immersive music videos at home. I'm still waiting for the M2 Mac Pro to be released at the end of the year. I have written to every DAW Control Surface manufacturer and 'begged' for something that will make this possible. The strongest response was from SofTube. Now that Fender owns Presonus, they could be a major player in this emerging market as well. If Fender now buys UAD, that would be a huge leap forward. We are almost there. It just requires a bit of vision and imagination. Otherwise, we are left at the mercy of Avid, which is a nightmarish scenario. What I have asked for is a 96 channel version of the 64s that has Atmos capabilities and could fully interface with UAD's API Vision Console Emulation for less than $10K. It is not beyond the realm of technological possibility. Again, it just requires vision and imagination. I am trying to prepare for five years from now when the marketplace becomes something entirely new because of these new SOC home super-computers.

[@LonelyRocker]

@@KKMcK1 There's "at home" and enthusiasts setting up a home studio. 2 completely different crowds. ATMOS is certainly very cool and something I'd like to give into...

[@beats-by-skrill8925]

I had a few of those. The Solid State UF8 beats them all!!!

[@LonelyRocker]

I’d like to give that one a go….

[@DoYouDJ]

Anyone using alcohol 40, been sitting on the shelf for a few years gwith a Barringer

[@LonelyRocker]

I want what this guy is drinking 🤣

[@beatsbywoods8388]

Why didn’t you put the Console 1 in the lineup

[@LonelyRocker]

That’s been asked. I put in my request and featured the products I was able to get.

[@joetowers4804]

I thought you´d mention the venerable Faderport with the single fader. A few months back I got myself the iostation 24c, which is the Faderport plus audio interface. It's an interesting option as well.

[@LonelyRocker]

Yes. It was on my list but had to limit this to 6. Who knows? Maybe a part 2 is coming 😎

[@joetowers4804]

@@LonelyRocker that'd be good to see. Glad you mentioned the X Touch One since so many people seem to have the idea Behringer always meansow quality. I have an interface by them and returned the X Touch One because the iostation makes a better choice for me with the integrated interface.

[@musicnetwork8channel2u71]

lovely info💥💥💥🤩🤩

[@LonelyRocker]

Glad you liked it!

[@musicnetwork8channel2u71]

@@LonelyRocker nice info bos..✌️✌️👍👍

[@tri-unetrl3966]

Why not the single Presonus fader port v2???

[@LonelyRocker]

That's a great option too..I only had so much room ;)

[@elledechenestudio]

@@LonelyRocker I recently watched a video on the Universal Audio website where they were discussing the Luna features. They were using the Presonus Faderport v2 with the SSL UF8. I have the Faderport V2, now I want the SSL UF8. I know you couldn’t address every possible controller, and use of various products together, in this video. If you do have the opportunity to explore this combination, that would be great. This is the first video I’ve seen from your channel (thank you, KZbin algorithm - not something I say often), I will go look at your other videos. Very interesting!

[@jjones7837]

Great vid thx.

[@LonelyRocker]

Glad you enjoyed it!!

[@alexmccalla42]

Very very very helpful. 🇯🇲

[@LonelyRocker]

Glad you think so! Cheers!

[@TwstedTV]

You forgot WAVES LV1 and AVID S3 versions and a few others. 😋

[@LonelyRocker]

Oh there many more! Those are just the ones I could get my hands on 😎

[@mladenjovanovic2218]

in 21 century... does any of these have other material on faders than plastic?

[@LonelyRocker]

The Icon gear is built like a tank. all metal construction....

[@globaloverground8241]

Might be worth mentioning the stand out quality of the included, go-to plugin bundles that come included with the likes of the Softube and SSL products. If you're mixing/mastering then the ever increasing quality of SSL's plugins is a HOOJ issue. I expect viewers want their music to sound better as much if not hopefully more than their desk. Particular nagging issues with each of the products are also as important as the benefits. I guess you're posing questions that most would ask themselves and may have come here for more factual guidance from someone whose been able to explore the options over time and come up with answers. Maybe that kind of analysis would leave Icon lacking and Mr. Rocker lacking freebies.

[@ReneAlexisPenalozaMunoz]

Sorry to say. this but the background music kind of got in the way on some parts of the video. Otherwise great advice.

[@LonelyRocker]

I guess the music is not for everyone :)

[@ReneAlexisPenalozaMunoz]

@@LonelyRocker I have a slight mental problem where background music or any other sound over speech makes all the communication kind of blurry.

[@moreausylvain]

nice again.. but please next time you hopefuly do a video about controllers I would 10time rather hear you talk about your experience rather then specs list. for me: How well does the fader reponds to the touch ? sometimes you move a knob and after a while.. the controller acts like your finger is off although you'r still hloding it. How acurate is the curve on the DAW compared to the move you did (I see steps from Xtouch) How noisy faders are ?(!!) most important to me and if you have the chance to have those controllers side by side than please , put a mic at 50cm and compare them with real sound (not music above :S) How does the job feel ? (xtouch is plasticish and it's not easy to turn it fast. I rememver other high end surface where the jog/shuttle was as pleasant as a sex toy :p (and super efficient) thx again

[@LonelyRocker]

Thanks again for your constructive feedback. I do listen. If I get a chance to do something like this again I will keep that in mind for sure!

[@royaldubcollective]

You missed the best one ... Softube Console1 Fader!!!

[@LonelyRocker]

Maybe I'll do a part 2 ;)

[@royaldubcollective]

@@LonelyRocker That would be awesome plus the Console 1 (EQ). They are worth reviewing for sure

[@LonelyRocker]

@@royaldubcollective It all depends on what I can get. I have a great resource to get gear but there are limitations. This video doing well goes a long way to a part two for sure...thanks for your input!!

[@vewilli]

👍🏻

[@devon-graves-studio-D]

Great video! I had my eye on many of the new controllers out there before I posted my video on my favorite controller which is unfortunately discontinued. But it does control plug-ins flawlessly. Unfortunately again, it's only made for Pro Tools. However there is software that makes it work with most DAWs. I can't vouch for the functionality. Here is a link to that video: kzbin.info/www/bejne/b3ipq3uJq82YrKcsi=M8ePjVe-QmeZOWFg

[@maddogtungate6740]

No Softtube? Interesting.

[@LonelyRocker]

Maybe next time!!! I worked hard to get the ones I got!! :)

[@maddogtungate6740]

@@LonelyRocker great video bud.

[@LonelyRocker]

Thanks!!

[@dougwhite7584]

O.K. hooray for Qcon. And Brand names..I noticed there was an actual microphone in the corner? You also showed a picture of your studio with a lonely marshall amp there. When considering the best DAW controller as far as i can tell you only work in midi and virtual instruments. Your review lacked any discussion on the recording and mixing of actual nstruments and sound being recorded other than with virtual instruments. Tracking, syncing, latency, is really important when actually recording sound etc. No mention of it here. I was dissapointted.

[@LonelyRocker]

I have a ton of DAW Controller videos on my channel. I didn't need to repeat myself. And you clearly haven't watched my channel. I do very little midi. Maybe some drums but that's it. Maybe you should dive in a bit :)