Faderfox EC4 Review // Compact MIDI control with digital labels

[@mikebruns8839]

Why do so many people diss stuff for what it isn't? This box is is the smallest controller I know of with visual labels that can control an absurd number of parameters across an entire multisynth rig with a minimum of button pushing. I just got one. I have tons of other controllers, but nothing that's this small and this powerful. No it doesn't do everything or solve every problem, but it's tiny, well-built and well thought out. The whole thing is the size of my hand, so it fits almost anywhere. Yes, it's expensive, but it's clearly a boutique thing. People will spend $400 on a guitar pedal these days without hesitation. This thing opens up control possibilities in a pragmatic way that I'm totally excited about. Size matters and small is great when you want to take it everywhere. I can't wait to control a software looping rig with this thing (among many other things).

[@avetisk]

1010music’s Black our Blue Box?

[@mikebruns8839]

Sure, it’ll control those boxes.

[@EspenFrafalne]

I previously used "BOME MIDI Translator Pro" to enable a "small" controller to control up to at least 10.000 parameters. It was for the most part somewhat intuitive to use, and i had it programmed so that when i pushed the button to select a certain plugin that i wanted to control, it would also do a mouse click on the plugin in my DAW, and bring it up on the display. So pretty awesome if you ask me - but the "Faderfox EC4" have very similar functionality, in addition to that freakishly awesome display..! God how i have waited for something like this. I had started looking into hardware options, but now i can finally take advantage of owning Komplete 11 Ultimate. Was thinking of getting Maschine MK3, but i think maybe ill just get this one and a good sequencer. Already got a nice keyboard and drum pads.

[@simonoxblod1223]

New firmware with note names and non-global buttons released finally!

[@StanleyKubick1]

it's still 300 euros

[@2112jonr]

Love this. It's a MIDI Fighter Twister with lots more functionality, at only a slightly higher price.

[@DubElementMusic]

yea, its just the better device :)

[@StudioMagnetique]

I’ve been waiting for exactly this for a while... Perfect for controlling the mixer on the MPC 2500 with JJOS. The knobs are even laid out to match the pads / tracks and can be made to mimic the 4 x banks of pads on the MPC. First saw it and thought ‘aw, this will be USB only’ but no, actual DIN outputs too. The final sell for me was the encoders over pots. Perfect.

[@evblom7305]

As an MPC1000 JJOS user, this comment sold me on this product!

[@jmcoffin1]

thanks loopop for another great video. As soon as I saw it, I ordered one of these and this thing is amazing! The ability to label controls along with having 16 X 16 unique controller groups of 16 controls makes it sooo much more useful than standard MIDI control surfaces. I am using it to control multiple hardware and software synths, each with their own unique set of control groups. So, for example, in Diva, I use one of the 16 Diva-specific sets of 16 controls to control Diva’s 3VCO (mini Moog -style) module, another set for Diva’s Ladder Filter module, etc. and because I have 16 sets of 16 controls dedicated to Diva, I can dedicate a unique set to each of Diva’s unique oscillator, filter and envelope modules. In total, I think Diva has > 16 unique modules, but I don’t use them all, so it’s not an issue for me. Because I have a unique EC4 control set for each module, I can orient the mapping of controls so that the layout of each module’s controls on my computer screen is close to the physical orientation of the controls on the EC4. This allows me to find the right control by muscle memory, as well as looking at the labels… A huge advantage. In addition to having a control set for each module, I have one “Live Set” control set for Diva that covers controls that I most often use in a live setting (Bank/Patch selection, Cutoff, resonance, ADSR, etc.). I have one of these “Live Sets” for each of my synths, each with some synth-specific control labels and CC/NRPN assignments, but mostly the number and position of controls are the same, so I can use my muscle memory to locate the right control within these “Live Sets” across all my synths. Another thing that I appreciate about EC4 is that it’s small enough to fit in a space on my Novation SL mark II MIDI controller, and with a little bit of Velcro, the EC4 stays there and has extended immensely the MIDI controls of my SL Mark II, which, thanks to the great DriveByMoss script, are all mapped to control my DAW, Bitwig. I’m in MIDI control heaven! :-). The only thing that I think it would make it more heavenly is if the EC4 controls could function in a “pick up“ mode and display values fed back from the device...both of which I think would require two way communication between EC4 and the MIDI device. I’m guessing this would add greatly to the cost of such a device… If it is even possible to do. I’m guessing such features are probably only possible in a controller such as those made by SoundForce, which are probably a better choice if you only need to control a specific synth... but that’s not my case.

[@dakoiaa]

Thank you for adding your comment, I think you succeeded doing exactly what I'd like to, a synth per control group, being able to keep multiple synths on board. That's heavens! I just couldn't see the possibility for programming sysex msgs, as some midi implementation requires it. Kindly confirm this is actually possible. Thanks a lot in adv. !!!

[@DankePlace]

I just bought one of these because it does a few special things. PC, labels, CC, NRPN and it's small and manageable with encoders. I got it cheap so am happy, I wanted the other one but it''s almost 2x the price, the one you have helped work on. I am just happy now i can get to my AS1 hidden features without a PC, and that's priceless.

[@BillyFixIT]

This would be great for VCV Rack

[@IgnisCygnus147]

I’m looking at it for mi rack

[@menacerisamir198]

yes it is great for that , for the moment i use a pyle PMIDIPD30 with the vcv rack , it is not so sophisticated but it make the job and it is cheap

[@Woji52]

@@IgnisCygnus147 hey kind internet stranger Did you end up grabbing this ? I hope you’re making music either way !

[@truecuckoo]

This is the one!

[@SynthDad]

I’ve been using the EC4’s predecessor the PC4 to control my Zoia for a few months now. It really opens up the possibilities of complex patches that you can “play” in the Zoia. The Faderfox stuff is pricey, but quality doesn’t come cheap!

[@SynthDad]

@@existence.eternal I use the Faderfox TRS-B to DIN adapter with a DIN MIDI cable and back to the TRS-A adapter needed by the Zoia. I'd like to get a TRS B to A adapter cable to simplify things, but this works fine for now

[@SynthDad]

Word Yes it would! And now I’ve ordered some. Thanks for the tip

[@JakobHaq]

I’d love to do tests with this on on iOS. Would be perfect for something like miRack. Being able to label stuff like that is invaluable.

[@JakobHaq]

Btw, forgot to say, great review! 👊🏼

[@MrGeoffashley]

I’d watch that!! Btw.....you both do fantastic reviews

[@MSS-g7f]

A very thorough review, thank you. As attractive as this is you've just reminded me of the functionality already available in some of the controllers at my disposal, if only I could hire a knowledgeable youngster to program the darn things :)

[@GertBoers]

I love it that the editor is browser based. That way you are not limited to Mac or Windows only. For me as Linux user a BIG plus! And I love the fact they put midi in/out for 5-pin DIN instead of only USB midi on this device. But the price... I know, you get a lot of functionality, but a controller for € 299,-?

[@cellrok]

check out "Midi Fighter Twister". I bought it for the LED rings and versatile configuration options. The endless encoders are also clickable with various modes. Each knob can be mapped twice, toggle or hold to send another cc, individually colored and you have 4 banks of 16 knobs (and that times 2 if you shift-map). The best aspect of it is that it will reflect the current value visually, hence there are no value jumps, and you have some performance features like "click to reset". You can also add a "detent" if needed. It doesn't have a screen but you can color code it in a logical way. I think it is the perfect companion for a DAW and very affordable.

[@AdamJayTechnoElectro]

yep, this is what I use and the deep level of customization is appreciated. Love the click to reset, and the center detent is perfect for EQs.

[@faderfox1452]

the EC4 shows the feedback data too, also as bar graph with a resolution of 20 segments. further you have a selectable MinMax function on the push buttons to reset or set to max or set to center

[@AdamJayTechnoElectro]

@@faderfox1452 thanks for chiming in. Can bar mode display bipolar values? Where as 0 would be a single line in the middle, -63 would be half the line, going toward the left, and +63 would be half the line going toward the right. Would be great for EQs if it can do this.

[@jc3drums916]

Unfortunately, it doesn't have a MIDI port, so there's no way to use it exclusively with hardware. It also doesn't have a display to indicate what each knob controls.

[@rdean150]

Problem with MIDI Fighter Twister is that you have to memorize what knob is mapped to what parameter. The colors help but you still really have to use it regularly to be able to remember your mappings. Or resort to writing down a mapping, which is what I usually did, but having to constantly reference a chart kinda kills the efficiency boost of the device. The other caveat with Twister is that it blasts a flood of messages across at least 6 MIDI channels, which is problematic when using it to control hardware devices in a heavily populated MIDI network. I still like the Twister a lot, but I ordered one of these EC4s a couple weeks ago and looking forward to integrating it into my setup.

[@ExpectResistance]

I can see this partnering my Elektron Rytm Mk2 very nicely. So reasonably priced too. Awesome. 🖤

[@Judasz696]

Did you buy it? Good with ARMK2?

[@dingbatjack1234]

Finally indeed 🖥️! Very well thought out MIDI controller/ comprehensive review as per usual.

[@fakshen1973]

It's almost worth it. But considering what's available in CPUs and oLED screens, this could have been so much more with more information and higher resolution.

[@hINC]

Longer names could be displayed using scrolling, maybe with adjustable modes. Once, bouncing, scrolling, fast, slow and so on... I think that this can be implemented into future firmware updates.

[@davidknight754]

I use a UC4 to control an H9000. Very slick. I too would like to see the UC4 which has 8 faders and 8 knobs upgraded to the OLED screen.

[@eternalvoid2678]

I really like the idea of a browser editor, nicely solves any compatibility issues.

[@0e0]

this is awesome! i have the Faderfox UC3 for years now and I use it in every live performance I do...for those complaining about the price it's an incredible value considering how durable and compact and feature rich it is (and i have a BAZILLION midi controllers to compare it to)

[@theuntouchables808]

This has gone Under the radar and is probably one of the most important Addition to Midi Since it was invented . YES PLEASE .

[@firesailstudios1003]

Personally, I am excited for the future of midi and midi controllers. The prices will work themselves out once we get companies realizing the meta market for building flexible midi controllers, especially to accomodate the deluge of affordable synths and hardware coming out. Space is limited so a controller that can act as a flexible master controller that can easily be customized and controlled from the hardware to quickly switch from handling one piece of gear to the next - it will be a big value add to studios and bedrooms studios. Here's to hoping manufacturers and designers don't forget about sysex and NRPNs..... make me a Native Instruments Jam mixed with a novation Zero SL MK2 and configure it to work with all the future functions of MIDI 2.0 and that will make my nerdy midi controller dreams come true :)

[@Dogboy73]

Excellent. We need more of this sort of thing.

[@KorhanErel]

My sole disappointment is the global pushbutton function assignment. I'll buy this as soon as that's fixed.

[@christophertodman8254]

whoa that one angle is trippy...

[@jonathankessler9853]

I’m a few years late but if ya haven’t seen Faderfox made exactly what ya asked for. Their UC4 has 8 faders and 8 encoders on it and I’d love to see your thoughts on it!

[@loopop]

I think it was available back then too. It's cool and I'm sure it works well, but what I particularly liked about this one is the screen that shows multiple names and values at the same time. But faders are useful too!

[@DK-qe6uo]

I’d love to have this but more than any gear shown on this channel I would just love to have the free time to learn these things and be able to enjoy them more because of all the knowledge.

[@tomikokki7626]

Don't get me wrong, I hear you. We all struggle with the time issue, but I recommend just to take baby steps. It's super easy to get overwhelmed by all the information out there nowadays. I have a fulltime job and a child, wife and many other activities which I'm also super passionate about and which all require my time. I still have had the time to learn new stuff in music. And I just recently released my first album (you can find it on Soundcloud and Bandcamp with my name, if I peaked your interest) and have released many tracks before that. I've just taken one step at the time. I recommend writing it down which things you'd like to learn and in which order - think about it really, which order would make the most sense to YOU and benefit you the most in order to accomplish your OWN goals. For example: it usually makes sense to start learn about mixing (and mastering), when you actually have something to mix and so on. Hope this helps, motivates or gives you some ideas. This said, in all honesty, I've also made some sacrifices, mostly in my social life, in order to have that needed time. This is something many people are not willing to do, but life is unfortunately about choices. :( That said, I'd be down, if someone would sell extra freetime. ;)

[@Talia.777]

@@tomikokki7626 Very well said. 👍👍👍

[@telumatramenti7250]

There is another way besides sticking the tape on MIDI controller or holding it in memory. I use templates for each utility I happen to live tweak. They are basically custom made plastic overlays with labels that have holes in them for knobs and buttons, labels under each knob hole/button hole and a label indicating which utility they are for such as "NI Wave Weaver", "NI Analogic Filter", "Abelton Jarbled Ambience", etc. Very thin and lightweight, I can take 100 of them with me if I need to (though I never need that many) without considerably increasing the weight of my backpack.

[@codekiln]

@telum - nice comment - will you link to an example of what you're talking about?

[@telumatramenti7250]

@@codekiln You don't know what an overlay template is? How about a "skin"? kzbin.info/www/bejne/rKaXiJegmMd_jrM I don't order these online, by the way, I make them myself.

[@AntonKuznetsovMusic]

Any thoughts on a comparison to the midi fighter twister? I’m thinking that the light rings around the knobs on the twister are in general a better representation of values when working with Ableton. You can map less values on the twister than on the ec4 but different mapping get uploaded in a second which means you can change it on the fly during a performance. I think the ec4 has the general advantage of working with hardware. As for Ableton, the twister definitely wins. And if one needs some cues about the mapped parameters - one can easily programme an m4l device to show some names on the computer screen every time you change the layout (if such a device doesn’t already exist). Would be happy to hear what the community thinks.

[@joaehun]

i've been undecided about this lately! changing my view towards faderfox because the MFT doesnt have a firmware update in like what 8 years?

[@AntonKuznetsovMusic]

@@joaehun yeah that makes sense. They just keep coming up with new cases for the MFT but no firmware updates. What I really want to see is the ability to switch between an Ableton integrated script and the user mappings with the press of one of the side-buttons. On the arturia mini lab 3 you can switch between the Ableton script (which maps to the selected track) and the user mappings by pressing two pads.

[@IchihoBankai]

@@joaehun EC4 had 1 bugfix firmware update since it came out..

[@measures_of_distance]

MAAAAANNNNNNNNNNN! I love these detailed breakdowns!!!

[@winddealer1]

Great review of a very feature rich EC4 controller. The small size and label display make this a great and unique investment. Have one on order. Here is a wish list (one can dream right :) : 1. Master/slave mode to support ganging of multiple slave encoders per Group 2. MSB/LSB (Bank Select/static) & Program Change/dynamic via single encoder (with min/max support) 3. User Programmable custom midi string per encoder (Perhaps already supported in Learn mode?) 4. User Programmable custom midi string on depress per encoder (Perhaps already supported in Learn mode?) 5. Browser support to transmit midi string to EC4 when in learn mode (verses sysex dumps). The EC4 controller clearly supports and satisfies 1000s of general midi function use cases. The ones mentioned above are perhaps outliers that may already exist in the product or could exist in the future based on user demand. There is so much to explore with what the EC4 can already do! Looking forward to getting one in a few weeks. Gratefully.

[@loopop]

Thanks! PRGC+MSB/LSB indeed would be nice, as would immediate browser changes (there's something scary about replacing the contents of the entire device...). Let me know which MIDI strings you'd like me to send and I can try... or maybe Faderfox can comment? I've seen them respond to other comments.

[@winddealer1]

@@loopop While it is unreasonable to anticipate unlimited use cases for a controller, the venerable 20 year old plus Peavy PC-1600x has held it's own. Although it is an "obsolete" FADER controller (which lacks all the benefits of "modern standalone midi controllers ie: portability, USB support, great display technology, warranty, etc.), the 1600 still has quite a bit of "juice" even when compared to todays standalone controllers. To get an idea of the types of strings I'm referring to feel free to reference Appendix B of the either the PC-1600 or 1600x PDF here: assets.peavey.com/literature/manuals/80301652.pdf ; 1600 assets.peavey.com/literature/manuals/80304309.pdf ; 1600x Comparing apples to oranges I suppose. The EC4 and 1600 may complement each other well. Reflecting deeper into the 1600 User Manual makes one appreciate how clever the developers were over 20 years ago. I will take a look at the new FaderFox Faders next to see how they compare to the "obsolete" Peavy :)

[@loopop]

I had a look - probably not... definitely not for long sysex strings as that's not mentioned anywhere in the documentation. 1600x looks awesome. If it had a per encoder/fader LCD it would be quite compelling even without USB

[@Judasz696]

Did faderfox addressed any of those cons?

[@AdamsBrew78]

Nice bit of kit! It’s got me thinking of the untapped potential in a controller of this size and form factor. Would love to have one with a touchscreen taking up most of the upper portion (which would double as an X-Y controller) with built in smart features like sequencing, chord bank, arp, CC recording/playback, etc - maybe an open source platform, able to run custom third party extensions. Encoders that have at least one more axis of control (push/pressure control) .. MPE encoders ;)

[@JohnSmith-pn2vl]

iphone can do this with open stage control and bitwig with mossgraber script

[@virus-so4rx]

i agree a version with 8 knobs and 8 sliders would be dope

[@carloalbertonenni5225]

One of the best tutorial I've ever seen. Great! :-)

[@eanan348]

Great review 👍 But it's a bit unclear how the push encoder function works. More specifically can an encoder be reseted to zero with an encoder push? I am on the verge of replacing my BCR2000 with this only because of the screen. But for me the "reset to zero on encoder push" is a must.

[@ChrisBuonoGuitar]

EXCELLENT. This is the video that put the EC4 over the top for me. I now use it to control my various pedals with MIDI capabilities. Even better, Ziv and I discussed alternative ways to interface with various pedals such as ZOIA. Given the EC4's odd choice of Type-B TRS there's some difficulty in making the connection. In addition to the suggestions here you can also simply connect a 5-pin MIDI cable to 1/8" TRS Type-A and Type-B adapters!

[@kevink4003]

Cool! Can it receive MIDI program change messages to trigger Setup/Group changes from another piece of gear (ie a sequencer changing to a different pattern)?

[@YourStandardTV]

Can you explain 3:15 what you mean by "endless encoders, not pots?" sorry if that sounds dumb, that's how I heard it

[@loopop]

It's how I said it too! Endless encoders are knobs that just spin forever without a start or end. Pots refer to potentiometer based knobs with a start and end.

[@IamProfessorO]

@@loopop gotttttt you. Thanks for the clarification!

[@seanleeduncan]

Just what my Yamaha Reface DX needs!! Exciting.

[@iqi616]

I'm wondering about the DX7.

[@jarkokoo]

If it just wouldn't cost as much as a brand new Reface DX...

[@seanleeduncan]

Haha! True. Looks like a solid build though and could be seen as a long term investment as it can be used on all MIDI kit. ...until MIDI v2 comes out.

[@BobbyDoesMusic]

Okay, the fact that they made them push encoders was hella smart. I NEED IT!

[@Pastramowitz]

Very interesting!! Excited for this one ...

[@Lightpixxer]

build the device bigger and with display direct over the knobs!

[@Daphoid]

16 little screens would make it expensive I bet. From a small company too! I bet it'd pricey :)

[@darkuniversesound]

Feel free to make and market your own 🙄

[@TheScreamingFrog916]

Recently dusted off my original JL Cooper Fadermaster, from the 80s. Still works great. Could not find any vendors selling the Faderfox EC4, in the USA. Might be able to purchase directly from Faderfox website. For $400 I would get something else.

[@JustinUrban1]

Thinking about getting one for my Syntakt

[@jackduxburymusic]

Dooooope...you're my Hero Loopop!! Xx

[@bobafruti]

The good thing is they’re small and look inexpensive so my wife won’t know how much it cost 😅

[@sheepkillindog]

Spot on!

[@jetpacksnake9741]

Yes lol

[@NunyaB1s]

🤣😂😂

[@HoosierGuy]

Yep

[@ainnelrosirrosias3338]

@@lomozliveset3862 its called marriage tax. And it comes before wife tax.

[@thehandoflenin]

Been using this for CC messages with Meris Enzo synth pedal. Works great!

[@VincentTimisela]

Thanks for having me want to own this as well.

[@JonValtandtheEvilRobots]

When he's talking about how the pushbutton setting is global vs. per button, he then says it would be nice to do per-button if it's possible "with the hardware." The hardware in these, I believe, are pretty simple - it's just a bunch of encoders and a screen. If you were so inclined, you could build this entire thing yourself with some encoders, screen, and an arduino. All the functionality is in the SOFTware. So if it can "know" that you're twisting Knob 2, then it can obviously "know" that you're pushing Knob 2. It's just a programmatic change in the software to make each one separate.

[@JohnSmith-pn2vl]

the firmware with those features weas already released way before your comment

[@JonValtandtheEvilRobots]

@@JohnSmith-pn2vl looks like it! How are you enjoying yours? I use mine every single show.

[@hovermotion]

wow......mind blowing....another amazing vid...

[@TheJonHolstein]

In my opinion it would have been much better with a controller with a 2 line display running over each row of encoders, to show both parameter name and value + it would then offer more room for parameter name. And it would offer a bit more space between the lines of encoders for easier access, and the overall size would not have to be that much bigger. The midi over TRS, could be useful, if it could connect directly over a compact cable, that one might be able to pick up at an electronics store, rather than music store, but, as is it only work sometimes... if they can't switch between the two connection versions, in software, at this point a full DIN, would have been much better. Built by a small company like faderfox, such a solution would probably be more expensive, but offer better workflow, thus motivating a higher cost. When using a single display, there are also some rather cheap touch-enabled screens, that could offer advantages, in that they could offer additional parameter control, and qwerty text input, adaptable on screen buttons, and quick selection. If it has been a matter of build with what you got, in that they already had product(s) with the same display, and had an over-stock, or could re-use the same firmware, to reduce the cost, that display and that end price, would have made more sense to me. As it is now, I can't follow their logic. I still interested since there is little competition out there, I just feel it could have been better, even if that meant paying a bit extra.

[@macaronafterparty]

Does this support blue hand on Ableton?

[@loopop]

Please check with the company as to the script status (and if they say yes let me know!)

[@NoPhonesOnTheFloor]

Looks great. I am currently looking at portable Hardware setup for a long traveling trip, and i think the combination of this, the digitakt and ipad could work great

[@vitalicbaklanov744]

Thank you. But can this ec4 control parameters of such various synths like korg poly800/dw8000 or roland jx3p??

[@neanalog]

No, it can't.

[@summerWTFE]

No sysex? Would have been nice as an editor for older synth.

[@squishmusic]

if they add sysex support I am a buyer. Its worth then €€€€ to get access to lots of older synths then!

[@itchyjazz]

have u checked out the faderfox UC4?

[@WxkR]

Lovely gadget. The screen and the size make it super useful. The big problem with it for me is the price. I haven’t seen it for under $300, which to me, is high for a controller without keys (or more complex pitch control interfaces). I’ll have to stick with my cheap Arturia Beatstep and sticky labels.

[@ben1210]

Forgot you could use the beatstep like that, I've only ever used the sequencer! GAS temporarily averted

[@jc3drums916]

If you order direct, it's 251€, which is ~$277. Unfortunately, shipping is a whopping 50€ (~$56). The total is still high, but it beats the $399 it costs to buy it in the US.

[@JohnSmith-pn2vl]

this is DIRT CHEAP, people have no clue whatsoever about hardware and it's cost, this is why 99,99% of all controllers are toy quality crap that is completely useless.

[@DubElementMusic]

one thing i really like, is the screensaver and the possibility to set the time before the screensaver hits, so when the midi controller is not used, the lifespan of the ec4 oled screen is a lot higher. What i really dont like, are the buttons, they feel like shit and you have to push it hard, otherwise it will trigger it on/off fast. thats not ok for the price range of this device, the build quality isnt the best

[@MikeMorenoDSP]

So, changing groups will save the values for all encoders?

[@loopop]

Yes, as long as you don't power down

[@Trovarsi]

I was wondering if any of the cons you mentioned were addressed in any firmware updates? Thanks!

[@loopop]

I didn’t see any firmware updates so my guess is not. No one has come out with a better solution yet to my knowledge though!

[@Trovarsi]

@@loopop ok! Thanks for getting back to me! :)

[@1x4x9cube]

Think you could use it with fireball or lemon drop?

[@loopop]

sure

[@RobFennFKAFractures]

Help me Loopop (or anyone else)...you're my only hope! (Mathias from Faderfox doesn't know the answer to this as he's not familiar with Logic)… Needing some help with this (potentially great) unit...I use this with Logic Pro X. When I create settings for Logic’s EQ, reverb etc, the EC4 display updates the values when I go between instances of those native plugins. However when I use plugin synths such as Omnisphere 2 and Repro1 etc and go between instances of them, the values are not updating on the EC4, therefore the data values jump each time as they’re not reflecting the newly selected instance of the plug-in. Should it be possible for it to work the same as the native Logic plug-ins? The manual states "Any incoming MIDI feedback data will reflect to the encoders and displays. So the encoders can work without value jumps if your software/hardware is able to send back remote data.” but I’m not sure if I’m missing something here with the EC4 set up or settings within software synths or Logic settings. I’m unsure if it’s even possible with plug-ins such as Omnisphere 2 etc. Basically I can get the plug-ins to learn the midi control, but values do not update going between instances. Any help would greatly be appreciated.

[@loopop]

sorry not familiar with logic either - perhaps someone will chime in

[@RobFennFKAFractures]

@@loopop Thanks. I'm hoping so...battling with technology is always an inspiration killer.

[@Nick-kb6jd]

Did they implement any of the firmware suggestions?

[@soren81]

I think zoia actually has a sort of midi through. In the latest firmware you can choose which cc's to consume, and the rest are forwarded. I haven't tested it though.

[@chicomalilla1342]

Hmmm, with Ableton, is it limited to only controlling the first 16 tracks? Or is there a way it can shift past the 16th track?

[@ericpeters0n]

A year and a half later and no significant firmware upgrades. :( Totally a missed opportunity in the limitations with the encoder push behavior being a global setting.

[@haitibenefits4786]

Man, that global setting seems to be the deal breaker. Still no update?🤔

[@soacker25]

So you only have number of 16 knobs for this whole thing??

[@Judasz696]

​@@soacker25they will sell more units this way 😂

[@valdiskrebs566]

Would be nice for my dozen+ iOS synths... 3 or 4 which are active in AUM at one time.

[@JIDEHHIGHELEMENTS]

greets , first thanks for all your deep reviews , very very instructive . I have a question , in sevral videos you use a osciloscope plugin , i'm looking for a similar or this same plugin i find the interface proper and seeing your videos inspired me to get a tool to see the wave forms in real time while learning and practicing synthesis . thx.

[@loopop]

Thanks! I use MOscilloscope and MAnalyzer by a company called Melda - they’re free with some limitations in the MFreeFXBundle. Occasionaly I’ll use scopes by VCV

[@JIDEHHIGHELEMENTS]

@@loopop thank you for the fast answer , i check it now.

[@sonalsystem]

Could you setup different hardware instruments to respond to different channels? In other words could this unit have different setups per channel so you could say switch channels and have a whole set of controllers assigned for different hardware instruments?

[@HypeLozerInc]

I appreciate your videos so much

[@ebcd1831]

its amazing when used with an octatrack ;)

[@yourfriendasmund1073]

What are the pressable knobs for? Besides choosing menu options, I so wish they could be used for sending MIDI CCs. Would that be possible to add with a firmware update?

[@SIXELAUDIO]

Any chance of a UC4 review?

[@loopop]

Not likely

[@Ritual_Gaze]

You can control anything on the Zoia?

[@pangea2003]

is it possible to change to the different groups by sending Program changes to the ec4? cheers

[@notechno225]

Thanks for the review. Been looking for a controller for the continuum mini so I can use it without a computer. This looks like a great match!

[@phranquepeasant5688]

Looks interesting. I guess it can also make my Alesis Micron be controlled as if it was an Ion. Some Argentinian manufacturer makes dedicated controllers/programmers to do this very thing. It's half the price of this one, but it can only mimic one synth: if you then want it to control let's say a Microkorg, you have to reset the controller first, so it's not plug and play. And that switching you can do many times, but not infinitely. I've got many rompler modules from E-mu, and also the Korg T-rack and Yamaha TG-77. Can it control all of that, even FM?

[@squishmusic]

yeah id like to know if it fits with a Micron, Old Yammy gear and JV-series...

[@e-audioproductions4884]

Hello! Seems nice! Does this have its own Control Surface Plugin to integrate with DAWs?

[@euyin01]

Another lack is the launch mode of session view in Live, pushing the encoders it might launch the clips in the grid of Live. Why not an all in one solution for Live in a small pack?

[@thedrumunkey]

As these are encoders, does it internally remember the cc value of each one on power cycle? I have an older model and it always starts at zero when powered up.

[@loopop]

Starts at zero on power up...

[@thedrumunkey]

@@loopop ugh...

[@soacker25]

@@thedrumunkey what a total joke! Even the 15 year old behringer BCR has it for half of the price!

[@mabata2000]

Yes, to save cc values hold green NAME key + push any of the encoders 1...15 to store current values of all encoders. hold green NUM key + push any of the encoders 1...15 to load the values back of the encoders.

[@LostStylus]

how big is it compared to midi figter twister?

[@crazyFrankyy]

Need to show how it work with VST synth like arutria dx7 ! The market really dont have norm controller with more knob's for control vst synth with so many many parametrs!

[@marcus268]

If i would connect this thing to a usb hub, and this hub is connected to the mpc one, could it control a sound module connected to the same hub? + the mpc one ?

[@NoTechHacker]

Hey, was that patch on the Sub 25 a factory preset or was it custom?

[@loopop]

Custom

[@backgroundmusic250]

what is the name of the machine on the right side?

[@troyouttram]

Year later anything else like this you recommend? Be you seen the midifighter twister?

[@loopop]

I liked this because of the display, which the twister doesn't have. I'm currently trying the Electra One which is bigger and more powerful

[@troyouttram]

@@loopop ooh that looks really nice can’t wait for your review 🙌🙏🔥

[@johnrichardson3297]

Loopop does this turn some home synths into your own EMS VCS Synth?

[@emiyashirou5059]

which firmware version was this video made on?

[@joshk2181]

Doez the uc4 behave similarly to this with the param visible

[@CD-pk9yd]

love my Faderfox controllers and have used them for hundreds of shows but another thing I found this to be lacking is an indication when a mapped push button of an encoder is on or off. mapping the push button of encoders is great for their associated effects, clips, etc, but there's no way to visually see if that effect/toggle is on or off, which is a shame since it's so easy to see the bar graph or number value of the encoders.

[@loopop]

You can change the display number to on-off for the "num" screen

[@CD-pk9yd]

loopop hm, can it hold the "on" or "off" push button indication on screen until the same encoder is turned? So that at a glance it is easy to see if various buttons are activated or not?

[@loopop]

When you press num it will show you the on off status for all 16 encoders should you chose that to be their display format

[@daveother]

So very close for me! Sadly, my synths are mostly Rolands, so no sysex, is a no go for me. Felt the same way about the Novation SL MkIII, they've all moved on from us Roland folks it appears. Still, wonderful review as always!

[@wornturtle]

Hah... I'm hunting in this world (fruitlessly)... Best knob midi controller that does sysex? Anything even exist?

[@vincent-in-berlin]

Great video. Thank you. Is it possible to send a custom Sysex message ?

[@TOMLEW1S]

This would be amazing for my Elektron boxes...

[@thegroove2000]

The screen reminded me of the Elektron boxes. This would be a perfect match.

[@matt42hughes]

their mx12 and pc12 controllers are actually the same size and shape as the Elektron boxes.

[@marlow.w]

big lads, here for support

[@youcaillou]

@loopop: Do you know if EC4 offers a snapshot functionality as found on the PC12?

[@loopop]

No it doesn’t

[@Christosmaybeyes]

Can I use it to adjust the parameters of multiple vst instruments by controlling one at a time? (similar to changing to a different template in LaunchControl XL but with endless encoders)?

[@margateswede]

Thanks. Clear, concise, sold.

[@SampathHebbar]

Does this support RPN and NRPN ? If yes, is there a provision to set ranges for any given RPN/NRPN?

[@loopop]

It supports NRPN and you can set an MSB range for it

[@SampathHebbar]

loopop Thanks 👍🏻

[@Messy_Jesse]

Greetings, I'm trying to decide between purchasing this or the electra one. I think I remember watching a video from you messing with the electra one?? I'm looking for a good solution to control my deluge, tracker or blackbox. Will the electra one show me the full name of parameter I'm controlling instead of only the 4 letters the deluge shows?

[@loopop]

Hey, yes, Electra One is awesome