ICON ProAudio V1-M Review of Issues I Experienced

[@DS-wn4dx]

Thanks for this video, I was going to buy one, you've saved me some money

[@TonyPelosi-music]

For sure… they’re beautiful but a trouble box.

[@DJSkillspinz]

I was just about to pull the trigger on one. Thank you.

[@Ruckspin]

Thanks Paul. I tried a Platform M+ and ended up returning it after endless conversations with icon. Was considering trying again with the V1M but wondering why I couldn't find any in-depth reviews and then came across your video. Thanks so much you have saved me a big waste of time and money!

[@thegreatbrankoni]

I bought the SSL kit in the end. More expensive but excellent quality.

[@Ruckspin]

@@thegreatbrankoni same! Loving the workflow of the SSL and integrates perfectly 👌✨

[@NorthernProductions886]

@@thegreatbrankoni Its a pity SSL don't have a meter bridge.

[@daviddepalma8436]

Thanks for this video Paul. I just got the P1-M for 3 days and is really frustrating, lot of issues, buttons not working, other ones from the panel that fire another command... I thought I was not understanding the unit but watching this video I realized that this units are still not prepared to be in the market. Im gonna return it. Thanks!

[@thegreatbrankoni]

I can strongly recommend SSL. Even more money but rock solid.

[@GearZenChannel]

Going to stick with my X-Touch a while longer. I love the look of these, but I need them to work. Maybe after some firmware updates they will be ready.

[@sanctuarybirds]

thanks so much for this honest review. As others have said, I was also about to pull the trigger, but aside from all the other problems, the fact that I can’t automate plug-ins, is showstopper. Thanks again for making this video.

[@thegreatbrankoni]

You’re very welcome.

[@NikolausBrocke]

I will follow your advice at the end of your video. Thanks for the information.

[@tonytramonti5828]

This thing has got more bugs than a Volkswagen Beetle convention ,so glad I bought the SSL UF8/UF1

[@thegreatbrankoni]

Yes, I’ve just bought the UC1, UF1 and UF8. They are all excellent in comparison. Very happy with mine.

[@PianoandKeysStudio]

@@thegreatbrankoni Pleased to hear that as those are the units I'm getting as well.

[@Harrysound]

⁠@@thegreatbrankoniI have all 3 too and they keep getting better over time, there are limits to what they can do I guess. I might be long gone by the time MIDI 2.0 is actually something you can put your hands on.

[@HuChing-ob4kk]

@@thegreatbrankoni Stop the bull5hit....the SSL UF8 just recently had to update the UF8 because of user issues with the Mackie MCU protocol (which they made videos about also)

[@thegreatbrankoni]

@@HuChing-ob4kk no idea why you are so angry. I’m just describing my own experience.

[@QFXmusic]

Update on my V1m :) Most of the issues i had were resolved by tech hep but not had to use it much since this :( So may be other issues to report

[@Hamachingo]

Didn't Apple somewhat recently update Logic with track color? The Behringer X-Touch will do track color on Mackie Control now.

[@RashadCoesBMFR]

To be honest, my desk had some really buggy behavior too until I installed the firmware on the primary and subsequent devices. Since then, I’ve not any issues with the faders not giving proper feedback. The master LED doesn’t work which is annoying. The Jog wheel is the only way to adjust parameters on plugins. Outside of a few annoying things I’m really digging this controller

[@em0jr]

Thanks for sharing. It's unfortunate. Honestly, it looks like issues that ICON can fix with a firmware update.

[@thegreatbrankoni]

Yes I agree

[@TonyPelosi-music]

@@thegreatbrankoni 3 years changing firmwares and so… they’re a bug machine

[@massivebeatzz]

they won't

[@thegreatbrankoni]

Hi, yes the mackie control options (ports, fader offset etc) are set up correctly.

[@caiustice6637]

did you use the correct software as they don’t use Mackie protocol anymore they use a software called iMap that has different settings for different DAWS?

[@BA-Rebel]

I was considering these controllers, but after your video I now have second thoughts. I also heard their support is not that good.

[@danielelliott8689]

I sold my pro x it had sam problems exactly and that just shows they dint care what thier customers say

[@tobiass638]

Thanks for the video and preventing me from buying this. Funny how building a rock solid quality DAW controller still seems impossible in 2024.

[@levondarratt787]

agreed - all of them are a joke in the end....

[@sexyianpig23]

I just don't get it. I honestly think the stupid X-Touch might be the best bang for the buck. Sheesh.

[@massivebeatzz]

just tested the CS12 on my channel...it' s great - but you;re right generally - why is this taking so long?

[@lucbelanger4951]

Been using Mackie MCU Pro for about 15 years and found that it was getting erratic to realise that 15 years of many production is quite asking for any audio machine! The problem was mainly with the motorised faders and mine were of an lod type that are very hard to find... So i bought a new Behringer X-Touch with no issues. The Mackie was also with no issues, just tired and needed to be retired. I suspect the faderport from Presonus should work very well also. Anything that uses the Mackie MCU protocol will work just fine.

[@lousyracuse]

I would be VERY interested in hearing from someone who still has this unit if any of the issues you raised have been resolved. Seems like software issues that could be corrected, and I say that being a programmer myself. I don't use Logic, and wonder if the metering issues are specific to that DAW. I have been using a Faderport 8 for years, it is a bit older but it works for what it does. Using a DAW controller fits my workflow I was seeing the V1-M as a replacement for both it and my Stream Deck, everything in one unit and expandable to 16 channels. But now I am wondering if I am better off staying with what I have, or maybe upgrading to a Faderport 16 even though it is older. Not as advanced, but it has been rock solid for me. I welcome any comments from those who are currently using the V1-M. I currently use Studio One, but am starting to migrate to Ableton. No DAW-wars please, but if you are using the V1-M with either of these DAWs I welcome your thoughts. I have seen the video on Home Recording Made Easy, and hope Dave will post additional videos soon.

[@aceedmond8053]

I just purchased a V1 and no main meter lights in the bridge.... Studio One/mac m1 Big Sur

[@DVTOM]

New firmware and iMap is out since this video was made. Master faders and Master Meter won't work at all with HUI. It's an HUI thing not Icon. They addressed a lot of items now. I use my 24 channel set up on a Windows machine with Pro Tools have never had any issues with them. I know Logic/Mac seems to have more issues and the new M Macs have also been adressed now.

[@williambyrne6855]

Great review -- really helpful. I nonetheless plan to pickup a V1-M given the basic automation. I have a hybrid environment with no dependencies on digital plugins. Basically digital tape :) Also Cubase if that matters. No doubt ICON would appreciate your evaluation.

[@heymichaelc]

I see that Nektar Panorama CS12 is a new Daw controller made specifically for Logic, might want to check it out.

[@williamshaneblyth]

not using the mackie old and outdated cause people dont update there daw software system is the answer. daw manufacterers are slack at mackie style updates. Thats said proper scripting i believe is what helps alot on the Nektar unit. i dont believe it uses the mackie control protocol. Driven by Moss is awesome at scripting and fixing some issues with the mackie protocols he does quite a bit of stuff for bitwig and Reaper. i dont use reaper but he shows how reaper displays alot of info and allows you to script reright directly in the daw it self and hes modded the reaper scripting and come up with some amazing color related things .Driven by moss did a video with these icon units explain and demonstrationg things and what hes re written. go hunt it out on your tube i learnt a lot. I use bitwig logic and ableton and alwys use his scripts for bitwig hardware as it truly opens alot of stuff up hes a nice guy and the scripts are always free and a single file you pop in a folder on your system.

[@ronmayo4041]

I appreciate your video and views. The meter issue as others pointed out looks like need for firmware fix. I've been using a Tascam US2400 since 2005 (got it 2nd hand for $700), sadly it may be giving out on me. Switching between Cubas and Luna I'm noticing when going back to Cubase it is difficult to connect with my DAW. I hope it's user error, if not I will need a new controller. The icon v1-m was looking very appealing.

[@TheMixClub]

Im glad i found this. The main reason im looking at the new icon stuff is the big scribe strips / LCD screen! Im half blind. All the other controllers the LCD is flat and that does not help me at all. I have the old Icon Platform M and it works for the most part. when i did have problem's help took forever. Its to bad this is just what i need or ICON PRO P1-M with the add on screen would be just fine. But by the time you add the screen your got almost $650 bucks in a plastic toy. ATM i just using label tape on the Platform M like the good old days marking a console. I think ssl and softube have the best option for build and stuff just working. Thanks for posting...

[@troybrookes1220]

I bought mine and the set up is almost impossible. The most difficult one I have done. It's a pity. I think I'll go back to my Pre-Sonus.

[@highland1997]

Hay, thank you for the review, I had an Icon QCon G2 Pro, and what you covered on your new controller regarding the issues I had exactly the same plus’s a couple of others. Was thinking about maybe giving them a second chance with this controller, absolutely no chance now, it looks the business but performance is very poor. Going to look at the SSL controllers. Keep up the good work

[@markszili2577]

did you contact ICON support and get these things fixed? I understand there have been software and firmware updates since your video.

[@Staykool777]

I have both units. Another huge problem is the jog wheel design. Its very loose and way to big.

[@TwstedTV]

Well this saved me a couple of thousands 😉👍 Thank you. 🥰

[@thegreatbrankoni]

Glad it helped!

[@TonyPelosi-music]

ICON “PRO” is NOT a ‘pro’ gear at all. Years ago I had 24 ch Icon Qcon controller for almost 3 years. All this time using it I spent in touch with tech support, launching firmware upgradings and other procedures. To make it short I NEVER had my units working completely. When they fixed a problem, a new one occurred. So I sold them for half of the price. Don’t waste your time making tickets or so. Get rid of it, that’s my advice. Good luck

[@thegreatbrankoni]

Indeed I did get rid of it (well, returned it). Have gone with SSL and am very happy with them.

[@TonyPelosi-music]

@@thegreatbrankoni you’re lucky you could do it… I just lost my money and my patience dealing with their ‘engineers’ giving bad firmware to solve simple problems. I just wanted to use the basics: transport, lights, changing banks, things like that. A beautiful but unreliable gear for professional use.

[@thegreatbrankoni]

Sorry to hear that Tony. A lesson for everybody.

[@djhenryjay]

Obrigado eu realmente estava pensando em adquirir uma dessa, mais pelo visto ela não está pronta.

[@kyriakosasteriou116]

I bought one and returned it... Then I bought 2 SSL uf8 that works flawlessly.

[@thegreatbrankoni]

Me too.

[@HuChing-ob4kk]

Stop the bull5hit....the SSL UF8 just recently had to update the UF8 because of user issues with the Mackie MCU protocol (which they made videos about also)

[@jarexxsuvexx8212]

😳.....😅Glad i saw this video and comments about it's performance. Was really loving the looks of this controller and the bigger versions but it goes to show that looks are not everything. Icon apparently didn't want to invest anymore money in R&D i guess and decided to use consumers as bug hunters instead of taking the time to properly test and fix software/hardware issues. I must admit though that i was already skeptical about their controllers and software stability when during their demos it was shown that you have to hold down a specific button when starting up your daw. I was like "oh, looks like their programmers cant figure out how to get the Daw and controllers to immediatly communicate with each other during DAW startup without resorting to an end users physical intervention." They need to fire their programmers.🤨

[@ThisHandle744]

Thanks for the video. Just saved me a ton of time, I’ll look elsewhere for a controller.

[@jobypremose5215]

Yes The system I bought also has this problem

[@thomasbroker69]

What a shame, I wonder if that’s the problem of using the old Makie controller protocol, weird that manufacturers don’t work with Apple to make dedicated controllers for Logic.

[@judethree6888]

I dont have that problem with the meters not fully going down. It may be an midi issue. I installed a midi 3.2 card. So i have faster midi data transfer than standard 3.0

[@antiHUMANDesigns]

Mmm, they're quite expensive, so I'm hesitant. However, as I udnerstand it, Logic doesn't play very nice, but I use Reaper, so maybe it works better, there.

[@originaltruth2244]

Yea that is true logic wont release all the info to tech companies like apple

[@massivebeatzz]

this company - somewhere in Tennessee - unreachable - and they acted weird at NAMM.

[@QFXmusic]

I have the V1m that i use with cubase and Nuendo and have lots of issues with mine :( Master outs not showing no colours lots of buttons not doing what they should :( Vert dissapointing :( I have the old model which works much better but the intimation they promised is just not there :( Maybe its just that i am not using it correctly or setup correctly :(

[@thegreatbrankoni]

Sorry to hear that. I realise how frustrating it is.

[@thelostchameleon]

Hmm, has this been resolved on a firmware update? I’ve had my eye on it. Thank you for the video.

[@thegreatbrankoni]

I returned the units as I found the support very slow and frustrating. I went with SSL in the end and I’m very happy with them. Could have been fixed by now, but I really have no idea.

[@NorthernProductions886]

Great video and such a shame, in all fairness I have heard quite a few people mention that Logic isn't the best software when linking external devices and always very temperamental. Having said this im not blaming Logic at all, its just what ive heard. I hope you get this sorted.

[@djbenouf]

is not good v1 m????

[@russellloving3242]

WOW just goes to show how experiences can differ. Maybe those issues are DAW specific? I have had none of these issues with Studio One. It has been working flawlessly. Also the one time i had to contact Icon with an issue on my old G2, they were wonderful and prompt in response. I am sorry to see your experience has not been good

[@thegreatbrankoni]

Thanks for your comment. Yes it could easily have been DAW specific. I had no way of easily testing that. Glad that it’s all working well for you. 👍

[@WDSCRNRAD]

This comment has gave me hope. I use Ableton as my DAW, so fingers crossed it ‘plays nice’ with it

[@wernerenzensberger5351]

I have bought this week and I can quit this frustration - I'll send it back - it's a shame to icon for this product.

[@ErixSamson]

Did you try to reach out to their support? I'm interested in the control surface, but I don't want those issues. Apparently, the color issue is well known on Mac.

[@thegreatbrankoni]

I reached out to support. Waited 5 days for an email reply which simply asked whether I was using the latest firmware. I replied and then waited another 3 days but got no further response. At that point I decided to return the units.

[@ErixSamson]

@@thegreatbrankoni that's bad indeed

[@TheMixClub]

@@thegreatbrankoni I think your blessed they even got back. I think i still have a open ticket from 2019. lol... They could have a nice product if they worked out the bugs.

[@massivebeatzz]

@@thegreatbrankoni good on you brother. I discuss that stuff on my channel - in general . Companies that do that are just heists...they grab money and then run and hide...Happens with plugins a lot.

[@farmerweitztransportllc.25]

don't own the system and am interested in investing into the eco...wonder what king of connection are you using are you connected usb-c....and are you connect directly in what it looks like your mbp and not splitting signal it could be latency from connection...just a question cause I don't know your complete setup

[@thegreatbrankoni]

Correct, I was using usb-c straight into the MBP. The signal was not split. The metering is a known issue I believe. The fader problem….i have no idea. I returned them and bought the SSL kit, which I’m very happy with.

[@thelostchameleon]

Would these issues be the same in Ableton?

[@thegreatbrankoni]

Maybe, maybe not. I only use Logic.

[@martinheinrichs4867]

status update?

[@thegreatbrankoni]

I returned the units and bought the SSL equivalents. I have been very pleased by those.

[@icollided]

Are ICON aware of these issues? Some of these things seems like a new firmware could fix.

[@thegreatbrankoni]

I made them aware at the time but their support response was ver slow and only via email. I ended up returning the units before my “cooling off” period expired. I bought the SSL controllers in the end and I’m very happy with them.

[@joelcardoso442]

Friend, I think that all the problems you have are because Logic Pro is from Apple and they encode certain data, perhaps the Nektar Cs12 would not have this problem since it was designed for Logic Pro. You should try it with another DAW; Ableton, Cubase and see if those errors are solved

[@manny_f]

I have always loved the idea of DAW controllers but the problem has always been that it becomes this big thing between me and getting work done. It's supposed to make functionality more accessible, which, on paper, it does, but integration is never perfect and then you start reporting bugs and quirks or just accepting the bugs if they never get fixed. My final conclusion, after trying many controllers, is that "no DAW controller = no dealing with problems = getting work done".

[@HuChing-ob4kk]

Im going to but one and make a REAL review

[@thegreatbrankoni]

@@HuChing-ob4kk still waiting…..

[@massivebeatzz]

I am discussing this on my channel in my latest video about CS12 vs SSL units - and if we even need those. Feel free to comment - I totally get where you are coming from, that is what I am thinking too sometimes.

[@heymichaelc]

Any users of Cubase have any issues? I see they have added DAW CONTROLLER IN DEPTH SETUP 2 months ago.

[@ronflorentine4904]

I am using Cubase 12 with the V1-m with a PC and it seems to work perfectly. I will watch this video more closely and report back if there is anything I missed.

[@atlannicolas2872]

no problem with my p1-m ...

[@MisterManiac777]

That's why I never get these. They look great though.

[@gdanila]

Paul, I don’t want to come across as condescending, but Icon got a really bad reputation with past generation controllers because a lot of people skipped manual reading and blamed the quality of Icon’s products when, in fact, it was their own fault. I’m not saying that is the case here, but MIDI communication is pretty straightforward if you select the appropriate protocol for your device. We, after all, are engineers and we know it takes a little bit of effort to connect two pieces of hardware😊.

[@thegreatbrankoni]

Thanks for your comment. I read the manual fully and am confident the issue was not with the configuration. I returned these units and purchased the SSL ones instead. The SSL are rock solid.

[@Alex-q5h2s]

Did you try it with Cakewalk?

[@thegreatbrankoni]

No, just logic.

[@nicomegias]

Thanks Paul

[@nicomegias]

Any update BTW? Also work with Logic and was considering one, but seeing top features wont make it with LP seems a no-go

[@thegreatbrankoni]

I returned these and bought the SSL kit. More expensive with less channels but it’s working great.

[@nicomegias]

Cool! Following you hoping for a workflow analysis. Cheers from an Argentinian living in Spain.

[@mixc8]

Hi Paul did you return the unit?

[@thegreatbrankoni]

Yes I did. I swapped it for the SSL UF1, UF8 and UC1. Very happy with that decision.

[@mixc8]

@@thegreatbrankoni I am going to do the same thing. I really did want the ICON just to many reviews regarding issues.

[@HuChing-ob4kk]

@@mixc8 use your own brain...stop being a follower

[@georgegolden3820]

Have any of these issues been resolved or did you return it?

[@thegreatbrankoni]

Hi, I returned them and bought SSL. Very happy with SSL

[@bmwnewbie]

@@thegreatbrankoni do you have the link ?

[@briankilpatrick4081]

Thats disappointing, thanks for the info

[@ruadeil_zabelin]

There's quite a few bad reviews on these units. They looked so interresting but I won't be getting these. I think even the behringers would be better than this.

[@RodneyD]

Their products always look good… this is precisely why people are drawn to them. However… their products seems to be very buggy.

[@stephencampbell7427]

I'm sorry.You're having trouble with, uh, your system. I use SSL it's great, no issues works as advertise.I would highly recommend it

[@aljames7345]

These units seems to be so buggy

[@judethree6888]

you might want to try a facrory reset

[@thegreatbrankoni]

I did do a factory reset. Made no difference. The units have now been returned.

[@judethree6888]

@@thegreatbrankoni i don't blame you

[@SrOrtegon]

@@thegreatbrankoni I got mine today and I'm having the same issues on cubase, I reset, powered on etc.

[@rockfamily6947]

Witch version of Logic Pro you are using ? They say logic 10.8 have new mackie protocol updates

[@rockfamily6947]

I was going to get one but now I’m confused 😐

[@SrOrtegon]

@@rockfamily6947 I got mine today and I'm having the same issues (I'm on cubase)

[@nihalwarawdekar5025]

All of this seems to be related to software. Should be able to be fixed with updates. Don't mean to invalidate your video - theres no excuse to release a product without robust software.

[@thegreatbrankoni]

I totally agree with you. It’s definitely “just” software but it’s inexcusable to have such obvious bugs on a product costing over $1000. Combined with the lack of support and documentation, my confidence in the kit was eroded and I decided to return the units.

[@massivebeatzz]

it's the chips too... not everything is fixable...And when the people are the problem, it doesnt matter whether software or hardware. He got no response after 5 days. They wont, and cant, or dont want to update that firmware. Tale your money to where they care about ya,.

[@coolceeofficialmusic7608]

Behringer Wing is better.

[@amgoyal]

I wish I’d seen this video earlier…

[@thegreatbrankoni]

Sorry to hear this. Hopefully you can return it?

[@JimDaneker]

This company has always been like this, and it's a shame… The hardware quality is decent, but everything else feels very, shall we say, "far East."

[@massivebeatzz]

small company in the US....weird dudes...

[@JimDaneker]

@@massivebeatzz you mean Icon? They're based in Hong Kong...

[@kennethhwilliams6054]

If they would just do the work the product would be amazing, I have these units and I’m able to record and mix on them but there is so much wasted potential. They could be THE DAW controller of choice.

[@MichaelLauerDr]

Just the "classical" product launch. Great hardware, bad software with rushed releases. Annoying, since it has so much potential. Please keep us posted in case you don't return it.

[@thegreatbrankoni]

I did return them and bought the SSL equivalent. I am very pleased I did.

[@simeonmatthews4584]

I had Icon ages ago. Cheap crap. No support. Switch to the SSL units. Worth every penny

[@thegreatbrankoni]

That’s exactly what I did. Very happy with SSL

[@biomechanism1]

"Review of Issues" doesnt sound to good

[@morbidmanmusic]

logic problems. and the laggy channel is a bad fader.

[@thegreatbrankoni]

I returned them and bough SSL. Very happy with that decision.