The Best DAW Control Surface

[@johnlance3860]

I've been watching the development of CS 2 for a while and your review was just what I needed. Ordering tomorrow. Thanks Matty!

[@demodeiowa]

This is awesome, I wish they would also make a full control surface with this built in.

[@MultiKulti]

there is a new update ,that lets you create your own plugin preset . Amazing !

[@TheEggdogg]

Big fan of this controller. Picked up one over the holiday.

[@Barncore]

Their new ones look even better

[@terrygray7465]

Looks interesting. I have a SSL UF8/UC1 and like many, my UC1 sits mostly unused. Love the UF8 though. This proves how hard it is to make a controller. Everyone wants one that will map to every plugin in their collection, but if that was truly possible in an elegant way, it would have been done already. Instead, we have controllers that only work exclusively with a manufacturers own plugins, or that use oddball mouse mapping schemes. It works, but it's far from elegant.

[@MixedByDotRob]

Wow! Thanks for making this video! First time that I've seen the Rocksolid controller!

[@RPMusicStudios]

Thanks for the vid! So being it takes over your mouse can you control more than one knob at a time? I love the size of this. I use avid s3 which I can map plugs now but having this seems like it might be more intuitive because of the color knobs.

[@therockhour1386]

Im considering this. Thank you!

[@AtTheSourceStudios]

Will the new software for the micro work with this do you know? So it doesn't take your most over like with the micro?

[@alfieholloway]

I have this and it’s great for eqing with my ears

[@flipnap2112]

everyone has to look at where the knobs are parked. the only time you EQ with your eyes is while looking at a spectrum and making EQ choices based on what you see.

[@ronmayo4041]

I was on the fence leaning towards the UC1 since I mainly use SSL native Channel Strip 2, but because I also use several UAD the Console 1 seemed to be the better option and pointed out in the Facebook groups. I've been looking for a review of people that had experience with Rocksolid and the other two units. You are the only one with video content showing your opinion on all three after trying them out. I'm a Cubase user and need to add something to my desk for controlling the plug-ins. I want to pair it with my very old (but still quite useful) Tascam US2400. I mapped out my control surface and this unit seems to provide flexibility over the other options as long as I put in some work. I'm no stranger to diving in deep to get the most out of a product. In Cubase, the functionality is limited according to Rocksolid and I may find I'll have to use mouse mode on some of the plug-ins. I was under the impression that for those plug-ins that worked in Midi Mode, you can use more than one knob. I'm sure as you said I can get used to mouse mode if need be. Anyways thank you for this awesome review. I appreciate the detail and your honest thoughts. Just what I was looking for.

[@MultiKulti]

Just bought the Rocksolid and im selling the Console 1 . Softube has a nice ecosystem but it is limited in some plugins. With this you can map and control everything! very intuitive ! I recommend it

[@ronmayo4041]

@@MultiKulti thanks I hope it makes mixing more enjoyable. I seriously considered Rocksolid. In the end I went my first mind. I have a single $40 metal midi knob that works the same as Rocksolid's midi mode. I use it on everything except the SSL channel strip and mix bus. For those I now use the UC1. Since I already had an old 24 channel controller w/moving faders, everything feels truly tactile. I can turn off my monitor and mix by ear. I've been enjoying the process.

[@bluematrix5001]

I do that without that controlller.... now the question is, how it works when you change the size of the GUI???

[@NoQualmsTheArtist]

Looks awesome! Wish it was mapped instead of the mouse thing, but understand the need. Just put this on the same side as the mouse so it's more intuitive. But I'll definitely buy one in the future, looks like exactly what I need, it will complement my Console 1 perfectly.

[@Truth565]

Looks like a great option for reducing mouse work, definitely if you’re into using channel strips across your mix. Seems like you’ve tried them all now. I think I see a Crane Song Solaris there? I tried to get hold of one a couple weeks ago to use as my monitor DAC, but they don’t seem to be available right now. Are you using it as a transfer or monitor DAC? As I believe you already use Avocet?

[@mixedbymatty]

Hey mike. Using as a transfer. :). They are hard to get.

[@SoulgateStudios]

Amazing! What about Fab Filter proQ3? Is anything manually programmable for every Plugin? Thank you

[@JorgeGutierrez-kd4hb]

Great videos! did you try to use it with the plugin learn option on pro tools? it will be great if it works like that too (able to use knobs at the same time)

[@flipnap2112]

the unit does have a midi learn function.

[@uptownphotography]

Well done video and great info. Question please: How does the unit work if using the MIDI setting? Also: Can any of the controls (including the push pots) control DAW functions? Like switching channels, Play, Fast Forward, etc. Thanks very much . The info would be very helpful if I buy one. Phil NYC Area

[@flipnap2112]

yes the CS2 has a midi function and buttons can also be mapped (if you know how to do that stuff)

[@uptownphotography]

@@flipnap2112 Thanks for the info....

[@flipnap2112]

I gave up on the UC1 before I bought one. I dont understand why they had to make 1/3rd of the unit the master buss compressor. I usually need about 3 minutes to dial that in and im done. why hog up THAT much space for that? its crazy. Desk space is precious. anyway, I use logic. I bought this and also a midi fighter twister. I like the twister much better because the knobs are spaced close together and I can feel my way across the unit. its really insane how quickly and easily you can navigate by touch with knobs so close together, and its half the size of the CS2. Oddly I never look at the LED rings on the twister, no need. what I do is set up "modes" in logic and control them with my iPad. need modes so the midi controls only those mapped parameters at a time. otherwise you have lots of midi conflict So if im on a reverb plugin, I launch the plugin.. then I activate that reverb plugin "mode" on the iPad (using touch portal) and my twister is in control. I dont have to take my eyes off the plugin screen and away I go. unlike mouse mode I can control as many knobs at the same time as I can. its insane freedom. I do like the CS2 but hate mouse mode. if I cant control more than one knob at a time its rough, especially if I DO need the mouse, but Thank God they gave us midi mode. I just dont like the CS2 knobs being spaced apart like they are because I lose my place with my sense of touch, and I cant look at the knob parameters on the CS2 as im adjusting, because I dont have any LED readouts for where im at. im really torn about the CS2. always find myself reaching for the midi twister. CS2 is a solid piece of gear but it feels like its caught between 2 worlds.

[@fedism]

Do you know if it syncs to cubase plugs? I didnt see it in the list...

[@antb8812]

That's why u connect a control surface to control your faders and plugins......perfect hybrid.......I'm using uc1 with 2 behringer xtouch now I got the ssl2 channel strip plus 16 faders and plugin control.........

[@flipnap2112]

best thing I ever did was buy a few x touch extenders. I really didnt need that big master control section with the regular x touch. theyre compact and I removed the big silver end caps and butted them together.. its awesome and ill never go back to using faders with a mouse. relatively cheap for what they do

[@fyzooman]

@@flipnap2112 so what you are saying is that you don't have the master section but you just use the extenders without the control section?

[@flipnap2112]

@@fyzooman yep. at least on logic it works. two extenders and no master

[@fyzooman]

@@flipnap2112 ok cool,didn't know that was possible, thanks for the information, if that setup can work in studio one,that would be nice.

[@flipnap2112]

@@fyzooman correct. two extenders with no master one with the jog wheel. just need to pay mind to the boot up sequence (which fader bank to turn on first). not sure if it works in other DAWS but works fine in logic

[@Free2010Spirit]

electra one is great controller !!

[@SimonLarkin-CSRecording]

Can you adjust more than more parameter at a time? Seems as though its just an expensive mouse.

[@mixedbymatty]

Yah. Only one thing at a time.

[@dna598]

i have a microsoft dial and it works in kinda the same way. I don't really like the mouse take over thing. However I have UC1 and it works absolutely brilliantly with Reaper. Happy to use the SSL plugs.

[@MustacheVerra]

Nice! Seems like a simple concept and it makes you wonder why that didn't happen sooner? :-/ Anyway, thanks a lot Matty.

[@Shawneverette]

Not the best system but ..... People are trying and that is a good thing. What happens if it is a 3 ban parametric? Can you bank to use other parameters in a plugin?

[@pianolover5417]

Is it work with acustica sand3 too?

[@tomman7729]

Looks cool, but I still prefer my MP Midi controller.

[@Robert_Babicz]

really interresting concept, maybe this is the one ......... its sold out on the website :(

[@meshica7]

I have a question..since it takes over your mouse, can you adjust more than one parameter at a time?

[@mixedbymatty]

No. Unfortunately you can only use one knob at a time.

[@meshica7]

@@mixedbymatty Uggh..too bad. Deal breaker for me.

[@ronmayo4041]

@@mixedbymatty I thought if you were in MMC mode you could do more than one knobat a time.

[@Preachmusic4u]

so far it seems softube is still highly regard. This device looks elegant but is essentially another controller easily mappable

[@jkru8684]

🔥

[@dubflex100]

Does this work with presonus plugs

[@mixedbymatty]

yah! Works with any daw! One of the reasons I like it. Cause if I'm mixing Studio one I can still use. :)

[@njudndudi]

Alright this sounds really awesome! But theres one question i gotta ask since that would be one of the main reasons why I'd want a control surface: can you tweak 2 parameters at the same time? Input & Output for example.

[@KC-bi9jw]

Yes I need to know too. I have the Console 1 already and it just collects dust so if this can do 2 parameters at the same time I’m ready to throw cash at it.

[@mewfan84]

Don't know for sure, but since it's mouse -based, I doubt.

[@ronmayo4041]

In mouse mode NO, but I beliieve in midi control mode yes. We website says to email them to request plug-in mapping for specific plug-ins.

[@flipnap2112]

it gives you midi control mode as well so you can do more than 1 knob at a time, just need to manually map it out

[@djdavique]

One of the biggest advantages of having a hardware controller is being able to adjust 2 parameters at the same time. The way they implemented it doesn't let you do that...

[@SimonLarkin-CSRecording]

Exactly what I was thinking, might as well just use the mouse.

[@ronmayo4041]

@@SimonLarkin-CSRecording After a while your wrist may begin to ache. When I use a controler, I can mix comfortably for longer periods.

[@SimonLarkin-CSRecording]

@@ronmayo4041 funny that, I've been recording/mixing in the box for 20 years + and never had a sore wrist so that's not a thing for me but being able to adjust two parameters at a time is!

[@ronmayo4041]

@@SimonLarkin-CSRecording I did a lot of typing and other stuff maybe I have bad form. I do have a mouse pad with a wrist protector. I get it and believe me I do wan't to be able to use more than one knob. I also don't mind programing midi mode functions if that's what it takes to get it workig with multiple plug ins.

[@flipnap2112]

they do offer a midi control as well, you just have to manually map everything out

[@JoeyFTL]

0:00 - not even a little bit intrigued 1:02 ok maybe just a little bit intrigued

[@anthonyanzalone]

Have you tried Eucon controllers like Avid Control (free iPad / android app), Avid Dock, or the Avid S1? Avid Control does all that and much more for free and is a great extension to Pro Tools. There is really no reason not to use it. Check it out.

[@mixedbymatty]

Yah. I love my s1 for faders. But can’t connect with it as a EQ controller. Avid should come out with a little dedicated EQ and dynamic controller and would sell thousands.

[@anthonyanzalone]

@@mixedbymatty not sure what you mean. if you hit the EQ button on the top row of function buttons on the S1, the first EQ plugin you have on the selected track should open up in PT and you should see all the EQ params across the the knob encoders along with the values on the OLEDS. It's actually possible to control ANY plugin with the S1 knob encoders. I have pretty extensive experience with Eucon. if you need help let me know.

[@mixedbymatty]

@@anthonyanzalone no I know how it works. I just done like the workflow of it. You only got 8 knobs then you gotta bank over. I like the rocksolid audio cause you open the plugin and I know what each knob does. Don’t have to bank etc…..everyone work flow different though. What works for you might not work for me. :).

[@anthonyanzalone]

@@mixedbymatty exactly. to each his own. I was just replying to your comment about not getting the S1 to work as an EQ controller. I was just offering to help you get it to work but apparently you did get it working, you just didn't like the workflow. all good.. this controllers looks neat, that's why I watched your vid... great job on it.. cheers!

[@TigroGumi]

The use of the mouse control make do little sense… would be great if this company made a whole array of controllers like this you can fit together to control all the all the plugins you use frequently… your digital console right on your desk

[@rectape]

No visual feedback on the controller is a big letdown to me. Also that mouse style for turning the knobs... I pass

[@mixedbymatty]

Yah. I get that. The mouse style is a bit wonky but it seems to work pretty smoothly

[@richertz]

£280 for what is an advanced mouse….. it looks good but very pricy given the options on the market.

[@flipnap2112]

its a midi controller as well

[@maddogtungate6740]

Too bad it's sold out right now.

[@theblowupdollsmusic]

"As you guys saw, the pro tools one" Never showed pro tools one.

[@kmguang]

Not practical, this product does not use midi signals, but is actually similar to a keyboard and mouse shortcut controller. It cannot be controlled without the plug-in operation interface, which completely deviates from the original intention of the external controller. If you keep looking at the screen to operate the mouse and keyboard, the operation speed is faster This controller is much faster.

[@RocksolidAudioEngland]

Thats actually not true. The controller can be a midi controller or a Mouse controller and actually if using both can intelligently switch between midi operation and mouse operation.

[@flipnap2112]

yeah theres a lot of bad information on this unit. it is indeed a midi controller as well. this unit, like the UC1 REALLY benefits people who have muscle memory from using a console. however, hardware wont make you a better engineer, only a faster one.

[@sekritskworl-sekrit_studios]

Discontinued. :-(

[@mixedbymatty]

New one coming out. Looks even better :)

[@sekritskworl-sekrit_studios]

@@mixedbymatty I wasn't sure it was the same product line. Thank you so very much for taking the time to confirm. Best Wishes