MusioTech Fader Premium: One MIDI Controller to Rule Them ALL!

[@ReinhardtBuhr]

I did exactly what you did with your korg in the video 😅

[@JimDaneker]

@@ReinhardtBuhr I was tempted to break it in half in the video but I thought that might be a bit much 😂😂😂

[@ReinhardtBuhr]

@ haha I get it, I wish the maker of this all the best!

[@JimDaneker]

@ he tells me that as of this video, he's had over 115 requests to be notified when it's available again, and multiple orders! ;-)

[@ReinhardtBuhr]

@@JimDaneker amazing! Hopefully I can add mine soon as well

[@bramvanrens91]

This honestly ticks all my boxes and beyond. The review has also made my shopping list bigger. So I may need to plan wisely as far as my purchasing priorities go, although tossing out the garbage is pretty high up on the list! (replacing the Nanokontrol). I will definitely be ordering one sooner or later

[@JimDaneker]

@@bramvanrens91 yep, same here. It's the game changer I was looking for for almost 3 decades!

[@Jesus_the_Savior-u4o]

I recently bought Sparrow 5x5 MIDI controller and I am very happy with it.

[@StatelineMusic]

I had the same journey. Also trying to get my hands on the old Peavey controller. But with that in mind I ended up with Icon Pro Audio. What most people don’t realize is that their Platform X+ extender is not just an extender. If you are looking for a perfect MIDI fader controller, with 8 motorized faders, this one should be considered. So, to be clear, it is usually discarded as the extender unit, but for me it is the perfect 8 fader MIDI controller that I use to control my VSTi’s and sample libraries. It does not need the base Platform M+ unit to function, so you can work with just the extender. (I have a separate large DAW controller for that purpose). Hope this helps anyone looking for the perfect MIDI fader. Also, I think the new Icon Pro Audio P1X also can be used like this.

[@JimDaneker]

@@StatelineMusic yes, those are definitely an option if someone just needs a simple device for pre-configured CCs that never change. They do have all the downsides I mentioned in the video though: no profiles for different sets of controls, and the (optional) display doesn't show the kind of info that makes these units really worthwhile, IMO.

[@StatelineMusic]

@@JimDanekerHi Jim, the Icon Pro Audio Platform X+ is not completely according to your requirements. I.e. it misses a display (not sure how the optional display works), but for me, the companion app shows me the assigned CC’s. But it also allows for switching profiles (presets). So that part is all covered using the companion app. And for me, especially because of the 8 faders, it is most worthwhile. Not trying to win you over, but as you mentioned the Peavey controller which is a device people still like to acquire for this reason, the Icon Pro Audio is the one IMHO. (Including motorized faders and easy on the wallet).

[@joneseymusic]

You hit the nail on the head with not wanting motorized for what I’m going to use this for. The way my brain works it just makes sense to have that over to the left and my automation faders to the right. 😂 This honestly looks like the perfect size for my fat fingers.

[@JimDaneker]

@@joneseymusic yep. It's all about the right tool for the job!

[@MikePhillips2000]

Well done! I'm biased but all I can say is INCREDIBLE JOB and THANK YOU for sharing and spending all those hours to do this!!!!

[@JimDaneker]

@@MikePhillips2000 you got it my friend. This thing was worth the wait! I mean, you could've done it 20 years earlier, but who's counting? 😂😂😂

[@musiotech]

@@JimDaneker LOL!

[@Seraph137]

I'm glad it isn't motorized or a DAW controller. It would just make it even more expensive. There are also lots of DAW controllers with faders out there. I see this being a different animal, to control various aspect of virtual instrument playing, vibrato, expression, or other aspects of virtual instruments.

[@JimDaneker]

@@Seraph137 EXACTLY!!! Good to see someone else gets it! 👊🏻👏🏼👏🏼👏🏼

[@Seraph137]

@@JimDaneker It is on my wish list. Question, on his website, some pictures show no buttons right below the LCD, and others do. Am I missing something?

[@JimDaneker]

@ correct - he updated it; the version with buttons (as seen in this video) is the newest version :-)

[@dudfaz]

Looks like a winner! Good to see.

[@JimDaneker]

@@dudfaz yes indeed - still can't believe it took so long for someone to get this right!

[@thestever]

Your mockup looks remarkably similar to the mockups I've made while trying to find a similar solution! This does come pretty close to what I'm looking for, but IMO there are still a lot of improvements that could be made in this space. For example, I'm still holding out for something that has the features of the MusioTech, but also -some high quality endless touch-sensitive encoders (bonus if they're push encoders), also with the ability to display their paramater names on the screen. -Larger screen with ability to display more text -A level of DAW integration where it could automatically pull the device and parameter names when I midi map them to the controller Nice to haves: -Some additional fun control surface, like a touch pad or joystick -Basic DAW transport controls & Solo/mute/select buttons below the faders so they could be used as a channel strip (though this would make it a different product at that point Basically something like an Ableton push, but with a nice mixer section instead of the 8x8 pad grid, which would also help make it smaller.

[@JimDaneker]

@@thestever yeah, as you rightly noted though, what you're describing is essentially an all-in-one DAW controller plus the existing functionality. That would change things significantly. This really is a super-focused device meant for one thing, and it does a fantastic job at that. It's under my hand all day every day ;-)

[@whittymusic]

awesome! I can believe ive never seen these!

[@jumpstar9000]

Looks really nice. Nice job. I can see the quality, but still I think I will wait until they are 400 or less. I'm sure they will sell to quite a few orchestral suite users for cinematic and TV work, I just think it is a tad high for general public. Christian Henson will love them I'm sure.

[@JimDaneker]

@@jumpstar9000 unfortunately the profit margin just isn't high enough for them to sell for less - he really did go for an uncompromising build, which means expensive parts. It's worth it though for the quality ;-)

[@giannisozo7928]

The screen saver put me over the edge.

[@JimDaneker]

@@giannisozo7928 😂

[@tonyr.4778]

But why did he not allow user input. Most people spending this money on a CC fader box would like to have their studio logo or business logo on it. And why is the screen so small? With a wider screen comes more characters.

[@JimDaneker]

@ he actually listens quite a bit to user input, as I mentioned in the video. In fact, he made me two custom firmwares just based on suggestions, and he is already working on the full fledged 8 fader version with individual channel screens. Problem is, people are going to complain that it's too expensive just like they are with this one. Guys like this can't win.

[@johnmartin1312]

I need this! Thanks for the detailed review!

[@JimDaneker]

Sure thing!

[@RayyMusik]

I also need this! Therefore it‘s currently sold out. 😬

[@johnmartin1312]

@@RayyMusik 😩

[@JimDaneker]

@ not necessarily… don't go by what his website says. Shoot him an email and ask! He just told me today he's got a new batch of parts on the way ;-)

[@mattwallis1893]

Looks good. I like the long throw on the faders and the display… here’s an idea: Have a small little window on the computer that you can float and stay on top, which displays the same fader info. That way no need to even look down at the box.

[@JimDaneker]

@@mattwallis1893 most DAWs have a MIDI monitor window plus your CC automation lanes - so you see what the faders are doing that way. 😁

[@tonyr.4778]

Mackie did this in the 90s with their Ultramix. 16 faders 100 mm long throw. Full screen or mini floating screen. Originally paired with a 64 point patchbay with controllable VCAs. This was great for people wanting automated mixing. I wonder if that old hardware could be adapted for CC control.

[@danielcatron1979]

Thank you for taking sharing your experience, asking the developer for excellent improvements, and taking the time and effort to put together your review. I've been looking for such a controller for ages but never quite ready to commit. Your rationale kicked me out of the motorized fader need (I liked them with ProTools but this is a different tool/context). Slightly related but interested in what you think of the Loupedeck CT.

[@JimDaneker]

@@danielcatron1979 thanks for the kind words. I love the Loupedeck CT! I’m a bit concerned about future support for it since they were just bought by Logitech - but we'll see!

[@carsoncarr-busyframes619]

so freakin cool. it's a bummer people don't understand the work behind the scenes that goes into such innovation and quality but even more importantly, the difference between publicly traded companies with thousands of employees vs 1 person - or even if it was 10 working at this company. this mf isn't meant for hobbyists. I'm sure years of RnD went into getting to this point. the fabrication is totally something you'd use in a rolls to control the driver window so imagine the time and money going into the build but also all the work that went into programming the logic. on top of that, the response to custom firmware requests is not something anyone should expect but bam, here ya go! excited to see the 8 fader version too

[@JimDaneker]

@@carsoncarr-busyframes619 EXACTLY!!!

[@cc11studio]

Excellent. I've been on the fence with the Sparrow for awhile but this one is certainly an upgrade in comparison. Still loving by DX Dreams for Kontact :)

[@nigeldarrah4573]

I got this. Not the premium. So, no app. Which is better in my opinion. It works great. Highly customizable. Small learning curve but really easy manual. The guy who makes these stands behind his product. As do I. 👍

[@JimDaneker]

@@nigeldarrah4573 yes indeed! Mike is such a great guy!

[@Realitone]

Wow, this really does look cool.

[@JimDaneker]

@@Realitone yep, he did a fantastic job with this for what we do. I've wanted this for almost 3 decades! Hopefully the 8 fader version isn't too far behind ;-)

[@NicolasMelis]

looks great

[@JimDaneker]

It really is. I'm using it all day every day and can't believe no one else has done this yet - it mops the floor with every other fader controller I've ever tried!

[@PeacefulThinker1010]

Thanks for the review. Have you tried the Choisauce faders? I currently own one and the it feels fantastic. Hans Zimmer uses one.

[@JimDaneker]

@@PeacefulThinker1010 I haven't, for the reasons mentioned in the video (I referred to it specifically in a few places, but not by name) - it gets rave reviews for the feel of the faders, but it misses several crucial features for me: mainly the excellent visual feedback & custom parameter/scene names that the MusioTech offers.

[@PeacefulThinker1010]

Very valid points. For me what I really like about the Choisauce is its simplicity. No software required. Just dial the CC you want to control, and go. BTW, fantastic collection of synths!

[@JimDaneker]

@@PeacefulThinker1010 thank you so much!

[@JonMurray]

Great video dude, new subscriber ✌🏻

[@JimDaneker]

@@JonMurray thank ya brother - welcome! Pull up a chair! 😁👊🏻

[@trstack]

Thank you!

[@NathanDavidCarltonSoundbed]

Great video!

[@JimDaneker]

@@NathanDavidCarltonSoundbed thanks much!

[@VJFranzK]

will return and re watch! but why not More Faders?

[@JimDaneker]

@@VJFranzK he only has a 4 fader version right now but he's working on an 8 fader version - that's what I will ultimately end up with ;-)

[@earganic]

Hey Jim, have you ever tried the Fvde controller? Seems very similar to this, wondering how it compares.

[@earganic]

Ha, just got to the end when you mentioned it 🙃

[@JóhannGunnarsson-z4x]

One thing I would have like to see on this unit for more performance options is to send Cv messages to control Modular hardware as well would love to see that integrated in this unit ,.

[@JimDaneker]

@@JóhannGunnarsson-z4x nice idea, but *extremely* niche on an already niche product. That would involve an entirely different hardware design.

[@markhahn54]

Enjoyed the video but did my leave a link to find this manufacture I tried to locate them without sucess,

[@JimDaneker]

@@markhahn54 I put the link in the video and the description; you can find him at www.musiotech.com/

[@barryreynolds1949]

You say it is not a DAW controller. I understand it can’t control DAW faders, etc. But I want to be sure that MIDI CC changes are transmitted /recorded into the DAW so that there are continuous curves (like expression or modulation) that I can subsequently fine edit in the DAW. CORRECT?

[@JimDaneker]

@@barryreynolds1949 of course! That's the whole point: to allow you to "perform" all those relevant CCs into your DAW while playing/recording virtual instruments, samples, MIDI gear, etc. Then, yes, being able to edit that data after the fact. So in that sense, it's the same thing as a DAW controller; but since most DAWs don't send that CC data back out, you don't need motorized faders for this. 😁

[@threnkeldwingnut]

Have you found any MPE controllers you like? (E.g., the Expressive E Osmose) With per-note (per-finger) expression, maybe you could dispense with faders altogether...

[@JimDaneker]

@@threnkeldwingnut no, I specifically want/need faders for this kind of thing. This box (the Musio Fader Premium) is *exactly* what I've wanted (along with lots of other composers!) for decades.

[@bonaventura_AKA_ben]

Everything you said about class compliance and fader throw etc was preaching to the choir, and I heartily agree. I’ve been on a similar journey using devices from Faderfox, Intech, Naked boards, etc. in other words, cheap to premium. But you are a professional and making money in a real job, I’m just a tinkerer hobbyist having fun waiting for Jesus to take me home. Spending this amount of money on a midi controller is like me buying a Moog 1 rather than a Muse, which I did buy. I’m happy that people are making quality devices like this. Great video!

[@JimDaneker]

Thank you for the kind words, and for an honest, reasonable take on the premium pricing! Mike is definitely aiming for the serious pro composer market with this I think, and that seems to get lost a lot. But yeah, thankfully there are lots of options out there at different price points!

[@786itube]

This is an expensive paper weight. The Behringer X-touch for me anytime with motorised faders & rotary control as well.

[@JimDaneker]

@@786itube you clearly missed the whole point. Several dozen people have placed orders for it as a result of this video, and over 100 people got on the waiting list. There are people who care about quality and a unique feature set that nothing else has. For the 100th time: this is NOT a DAW controller, so it can't be compared to an X-Touch (which I also own).

[@dogunit3034]

will it work with cubase 2.1 ?

[@JimDaneker]

@@dogunit3034 it's a generic MIDI controller that doesn't require any drivers or software - it will work with literally anything!

[@dogunit3034]

@@JimDaneker will it work with my Atari st?

[@JimDaneker]

@@dogunit3034 😂😂😂

[@dogunit3034]

@@JimDaneker atari st and cubase 2.1

[@carlosp.1846]

iPad or iphone +OSC

[@JimDaneker]

@@carlosp.1846 I've used TouchOSC for 10 years and love it for custom button-based actions like key switches. However, I absolutely hate it for fader type controls; it's useless because you can't take your eyes off of it while performing, and of course there's no tactile response… give me real hardware controls any day. Glass screens aren't meant for this kind of thing.

[@micwarren21]

Price point way too high for a mini cc controller.

[@JimDaneker]

@@micwarren21 not at all. It's not a cheap plastic build; there are plenty of those out there. It's a high-end custom solution built with all premium components, and it's right in line with other high-end units, but goes way beyond them all in several ways. He got several dozen orders after this video dropped, and over 100 people on a waiting list. Clearly people have been waiting for a high-end option with this feature set; you get what you pay for.

[@jerrycharles66]

I agree it's at a high price point, but given what it can do for strings, etc., I see something like this as a key piece of gear, almost like buying a premium Meris or Strymon pedal. If you're playing it like an instrument (e.g., hand always on it), that's different than just using a slider to occasionally adjust midi settings.

[@bahadrguven3044]

Wow, the screensaver really got me. Only thing that explains why you are biased so much is obvious i guess. I have used tons of great stuff from UADs analogs to superb sounding handmaid Martin acoustics and not once I sided any of them like this. Even though some are accepted as best in their categories in a more reliable settings. I didn’t check their sales reports btw, mb. My point is, I don’t see any exceptional revolutions on faders. The screen and software side is a big scam. not for everybody. All of the faders animations are already visible on your screen.

[@bahadrguven3044]

And nobody needs all of the things you mention from a fader controller. Vast majority of us don’t need that screen, or screensaver or some other. those are not industry standarts. So that doesn’t rationalized the price point as well. Btw the website look terrible. Would be great if they invest a profit comes from one or two sales in a web developer.

[@JimDaneker]

@@bahadrguven3044 if my enthusiasm for this thing = "bias" then guilty as charged. For anyone who rationally watched the video and isn't on a mission to bellyache about the price, it's extremely simple: it has a feature set that nothing else has, I find it extremely useful, and I've wished for this for decades. And I’m not alone in this because a lot of fellow composers/programmers have ordered one. So either we're all crazy, or we value what this thing brings to the table. If it doesn't do it for you, there are plenty of cheaper options that are much more basic. But for you to assume "no one needs" all these features... well, who are you to say what others find useful or not? And I’m *not* talking about the silly screen savers - I said in the video that's not necessary. Honestly, these kinds of comments are just silly and tiresome. I tried to provide a detailed review of a cool product I believe in. I was honest about the fact that Mike sent it to me to review, and as I said in the video, I offered to pay for it. What else is there to say?

[@bahadrguven3044]

@@JimDaneker Facts talk for themselves Jim. I don’t think no one miss that point in your video. No need to emphasize as if nobody watching your video before commenting. The feature you mentioned is easily doable by using ipad or your phone. It is not a game changer. And even some cheap ali express ones doing it these days. If you can easily say that I cannot be the voice of vast majority, what makes you be it. I don’t hear that feature is long waited from composers/producers. I believe people can criticize any product’s price as they wish. But you seem to defend every aspect of this product even towards to people just leaving their humble comments(not talking to myself). Some say it’s ok some say it’s expensive. no need to be that aggressive. it’s above the market and I just pointed out none of the features can justify that.

[@JimDaneker]

@@bahadrguven3044 thank you for your comments. I’m not sure where I've been "aggressive" but I have certainly pushed back against a handful of comments, some of which were *definitely* aggressive, insinuating that (1) it's too expensive, which is of course a matter of opinion, but almost all of which are based on faulty assumptions; (2) that it doesn't offer any advantages over cheaper options, which is simply not true, or (3) that I’m somehow "biased" because of my positive review, or the assumption that I was paid/given the unit. It does get extremely tiresome seeing these kinds of negative comments and assumptions that are all easily debunked by simply watching the video and being mildly aware of the facts. But then this is KZbin, where cynicism and negativity abound. It's also frustrating because guys like me who are busy working professionals don't have the time to do KZbin videos often. When I do them, it's because I've stumbled on a piece of gear I truly believe in, that I think would benefit others, so I put a lot of time and effort into presenting factual info in a fun, entertaining way I hope people will enjoy. Thankfully, most do - but inevitably, people come along and assume the worst; it tarnishes the whole thing. Oh well, it is what it is! Thanks for watching anyway!

[@roba165]

This is good, but too expensive for a controller. There are better alternatives doing the same job like the Conductor Mark II.

[@JimDaneker]

@@roba165 it's not too expensive at all when you factor the competition, and that there isn't anything - at any price - that checks all the boxes this one does. And since this video dropped, Mike has had a large influx of orders, which would suggest price isn't an issue for people who really value this feature set.

[@roba165]

​@@JimDaneker That is your opinion. Better options are available that sell just as well as this. I'm not sure exactly how many orders there are, but that doesn't imply it's good. It indicates effective marketing. You only discuss how well it sells in the comment section, which is interesting. Why is that, I wonder? You're trying too hard to convince people to buy. Just because something has the word Premium in it dose not mean its worth 697 bucks.

[@JimDaneker]

@ of course it's my opinion; likewise your entire comment is *your* opinion. I'm not trying to convince anyone of anything other than the experience I've had with this piece of gear compared to decades of other options that all fall short. Frankly, this thing sells itself; it objectively has features that nothing else has, at any price. It's not mine to sell; I don't make the product. I have, however, been waiting for a product like this for decades, and nothing else checks all these boxes. Nothing. As I mentioned, I was informed that several dozen people placed orders after seeing this video, and the waiting list shot up to significant numbers - so it's hard to buy the argument that it's "too expensive." What's far easier to believe is that people are just entitled to think that everything should be cheap today; no one seems to grasp the concept that quality always comes at a cost, let alone for boutique handmade gear made by a one-man operation. It's always been that way especially with music and pro audio equipment. Having said that, if you believe it's too expensive, you are welcome to vote with your wallet and buy one of the many "cheap" options out there. There are plenty, but none of them come close to this quality or feature set. So, we all get to be happy. 😁

[@Warh0l]

​@@JimDaneker It's obvious that you're trying too hard, dude. "Everything falls short to that MIDI controller" is a HUGE overstatement. Not everything that costs a lot is always excellent. LOL

[@roba165]

@@JimDaneker Why should your viewpoint be taken seriously? Because you claim that it sells itself? Or because you claim that expensive things are inherently superior? There is a sponsored product placement in your video. You get rewarded for praising the product. Do I need to elaborate further? Purchasing this won't make your strings sound any better than the cheaper ones.

[@kadmon78]

lol, 600 dollars for a few cheap faders, a micro display and probably an ESP32 chip inside? Not more than 20 dollars in total at aliexpress. Ok, the wooden case probably costs that much again. And yes ... some development time. But still...$600? I hope that not many people fall for this. (even if there are not many alternatives)

[@JimDaneker]

@@kadmon78 lots of assumptions and zero knowledge of what actually went into this. It's astonishing how many people seem to have "Behringer pricing entitlement." Do it yourself at bargain basement pricing at this quality level, then show us the results. We'll wait.

[@maailmanalku]

You really don't know what it costs to make a product. When you build a product you don't just put some components together and call it a day. You might have to spend first 2-3 years finding suppliers, making prototypes - all the while you haven't been paid a SINGLE penny for your time and effort. Judging from the look of the device I would guess it costs at least 200 dollars to build - which means there is some margin on top of it but if you knew anything about running a business you actually need to sell a product for at least 3X the cost of production to have some kind of business. Basically 1 part goes to paying the original product, 1 part goes to re-ordering it, and 1 part goes to labor, rent, shipping, insurances, software, returns, marketing, faulty items, etc. I would LOVE to have you demostrate how you will make this product with 20 dollars at this quality AND make it widely available to the public. Yeah - no you wont. Because you won't be willing to make any of the sacrifices it takes to build a product. No one is going to get rich selling this midi controller.

[@JimDaneker]

@@maailmanalku BINGO 👏🏼👏🏼👏🏼

[@AmdisenAnders]

That pricetag is just stupid. But it does look nice

[@JimDaneker]

@@AmdisenAnders ever been involved in manufacturing a high-end tech device with all-premium parts, a custom built-in OS, a separate app, and thousands of hours of development? It's not trivial. Also, when you compare to everything else on the market, the price makes complete sense. There are one or two other similar boxes in the same relative ballpark, but none of the others come close to this in features. Nothing good is cheap.

[@SpikesStudio3]

If you need it, you will afford it. It looks a beautiful unit. 🎚🎚🎚🎚👍

[@JimDaneker]

@JustDoIt-xq9pi I don't think Brexit is much a factor... it simply comes down to a high-end zero-compromise build, custom parts, a ton of R&D, being a one-man show, etc.

[@NathanDavidCarltonSoundbed]

Actually the price is about right. I talked to a friend of mine who designs and manufactures guitar pedals about this same project and he quoted me an estimate that was in the same ballpark. Gotta consider the quality of the build.

[@JimDaneker]

@ yep. People make all kinds of assumptions based purely on what they think a price should be, without any consideration of what goes into it.

[@aceyage]

Makes all other MOTORIZED fader banks look like absolute bargains. Next!

[@JimDaneker]

@@aceyage it's a high end piece of custom gear with top shelf parts, elaborate OS, and has features no other competitor does. The next step down is in the same relative ballpark, so the upgrade is more than fair, IMO. It's not a trivial undertaking to design and build something like this, let alone as a one man operation. There's lots of cheap options on the market, but you get what you pay for. I've spent way more than this when you add up all the "cheap" stuff over the years. I wish I had this 25 years ago. Oh, and the only pro quality motorized fader controllers start at least twice the price, so...

[@JonMurray]

@@JimDanekerwell said!

[@VDJ4500]

I’ll use an Ipad and pretend it has real faders 😅

[@JimDaneker]

@@VDJ4500 ha - good luck with that! 😂 (I do use TouchOSC constantly for certain things - especially articulation switches and other custom controls - love that app!)

[@thomasbroker69]

lol I get it’s a CC controller but seriously why does it need to be so expensive?? It’s a MIDI controller!! it should be a tenth of its price.

[@JimDaneker]

@@thomasbroker69 ever been involved in manufacturing a high-end tech device with all-premium parts, a custom built-in OS, a separate app, and thousands of hours of development? It's not trivial. Also, when you compare to everything else on the market, the price makes complete sense. There are one or two other similar boxes in the same relative ballpark, but none of the others come close to this in features. Nothing good is cheap, and this is worth every penny. He's not making a huge markup on these, BTW.

[@thomasbroker69]

@ well I have been involved lots in Product design for audio companies, I get he’s made a custom controller and put in a lot of work to make bespoke controller, I presume he’s using some kind of Arduino chipset and coding. But MiDI controllers have been around for many years, you can replicate this with an iPad quite easily (how I currently control key switches) , someone should be able to design an inexpensive hardware controller that can be mass produced via existing mini chipsets. You could get a cheap Behringer that can do achieve the same thing & more with a bit of custom mapping. I suppose this suits the top end guys earning tons of $ for their string work.

[@JimDaneker]

@ yes, there are a lot of basic fader boxes in the "cheap" category, but again, you get what you pay for. His m.o. with this wasn't a budget piece; it was a no-compromise hardware solution that many composers have been looking for for ages. There is *nothing* else on the market with all of these features (especially the extensive custom labeling options, high quality color screen, etc.) and the two closest options are similarly priced but don't come close in feature set. He didn't use any cheap budget hardware; it's all high-end or custom parts, which aren't cheap; again, his margins aren't what some are assuming. If someone just needs a couple faders that always do the same thing with no frills, there are certainly many "cheap" options on the market. This is a whole other category.

[@makipri]

@@thomasbroker69I’d guess it’s ARM based from the complexity and good response of the display. But still the price is a little overkill. I’d expect half the price. But I guess they’re produced in really small numbers.

[@MarcoPolux]

Motorized faders! why aren't motorized? that would've really make this the most cool 4 fader.controller. I've got one with a 9 motorized faders (which I use for everything in Cubase MidiRemote), and another one I just added that looks pretty much like this one, but the display only shows the fader's position (1 to 126)... and this I will use almost exclusively for automation for music libraries.....

[@JimDaneker]

@@MarcoPolux I answered this in detail in the video.

[@MarcoPolux]

@@JimDaneker yes you did. Sorry, just wanted to share my opinion because I still am on the search for THE CONTROLLER, almost there.... I just need one exactly like this one, but, motorized..... then I'll be in Midi heaven. Cool video 👍

[@JimDaneker]

@@MarcoPolux gotcha. Yeah, it's a tough one to get exactly right for everybody's particular needs! There's another builder working on an 8 fader unit that does it all, including motorized faders. Hopefully that one sees the light of day soon ;-)

[@notingz]

$2000+ 😮😢

[@JimDaneker]

@@notingz only for the super-high end "Presidential" version. The Fader Premium (the one in the video) is functionally identical and $549... more than reasonable considering it blows all the competition away.

[@mehranmosaddeq6030]

Wished you would mention the price at first to not waste my time for watching this nonsense. Is the company joking with us? $650 for this? really? Ridiculous

[@JimDaneker]

@@mehranmosaddeq6030 have you even bothered to look at the competition? The closest thing to this is near the same ballpark but doesn't come close in features or quality. Another competitor is designing something similar, but with eight faders - and it's going to cost $1200, so right in line with this. Do people really have no concept that high-end components, custom build, and niche product always comes at a significant cost? There's nothing ridiculous about this whatsoever - proven by the point that he got several dozen orders within days of this video dropping, and over 100 people on a waiting list. Maybe you just don't get it? If you want cheap plastic MIDI faders, there are plenty of options out there. This is for people who have been begging for this feature set for years and care about quality. There's clearly a market for it.

[@RIP_Milhouse]

It’s implied in the word “Premium” at the very start.

[@theinvisibleman-e8v]

Would be better with motorized faders

[@JimDaneker]

@@theinvisibleman-e8v nope, it wouldn't. We covered this in the video. It's not a DAW controller.

[@JPDC624]

Why would you want motorized faders for playing in CC control lanes?

[@JimDaneker]

@@JPDC624 agreed. Very few DAWs even support that anyway - that's not what this box is meant for.

[@gregrodriguezIII]

​@@JimDanekerI have to disagree with no motorized fader.thats a preference. A lot of my colleagues in film scoring actually wanted a motorized 4 fader controller. It's easier to automate parameters. There's a reason ​people used JL Cooper motorized faders for film scoring. So it's a bit of a misnomer to say it has no use. It has always been a preference.

[@JimDaneker]

@ yes, fair enough, but the vast majority of DAWs don't even support motorized faders for CC automation. I certainly get it for mixing, but for the intended use (real time performance controls), it's much less of an issue; all the other similar fader units I can think of are the same way… no motors.

[@SomebodyPickaName]

I don't want to hit dislike but man, that thing is the furthest thing in my mind from the perfect fader product. No motorized faders? 4 total characters for the parameter names? Too hard to program without the app, defeating the entire purpose of not using software? This is not a personal attack by any means. I just can't believe how disappointed I am in that product.

[@koralfx]

This is not a product for you. It is to be used to support virtual instruments in which parameters must be adjusted at one time. These are midi parameters so they usually do not have feedback. 4 sliders are already difficult to use so more are not needed anyway. Although I must say that it is too expensive.

[@JimDaneker]

@@SomebodyPickaName I have to ask if you watched the whole video, because I addressed all these things. It's not intended to be a DAW controller - it's meant to be a realtime *performance* controller for controlling virtual instruments, sample libraries, and MIDI hardware, so it doesn't need motorized faders. It's a niche product for a niche market, and it's absolutely perfect for that; nothing else has ever come close with any of its features or advantages. It's not hard to program at all in standalone mode; it takes all of five minutes with the manual to figure out how to get around, and once you do, it couldn't be easier. And as I mentioned in the video, Mike is already working on ways to circumvent the four character limit, and he's already hard at work on a "mkII" version with a bigger screen, etc. If you are disappointed in this, I'm not sure what to tell you, other than that you probably haven't understood the intended use. Again, there's nothing else on the market that checks all these boxes.

[@JPDC624]

THIS FADER IS FOR CC WORK. You do NOT want motorized faders. Look elsewhere for your needs.

[@teabreakbeats]

What happens if the fader physical position doesn’t match the CC value in the daw? Does it jump or interpolate?

[@JimDaneker]

@ again, it's not intended to be a DAW automation controller; it's meant for realtime expression control of sample libraries, virtual instruments, MIDI hardware, etc. - so it's not motorized, and won't do anything in that case. Same as any other MIDI controller aimed at this use case; none of them are motorized.

[@Hello-pl2qe]

Over $500? Lmao nope

[@JimDaneker]

@@Hello-pl2qe it's a high end piece of custom gear with top shelf parts, elaborate OS, and has features no other competitor does. The next step down is in the same relative ballpark, so the upgrade is more than fair. It's not a trivial undertaking to design and build something like this, let alone as a one man operation. There's lots of cheap options on the market, so if one of those works for you, great, but you get what you pay for. I've spent way more than this when you add up all the "cheap" stuff over the years. I wish I had this 25 years ago; nothing else has ever come close to this. Oh, and the next step up in a competitive unit from another manufacturer is more than twice the price, and still doesn't do everything this does. You can't expect a Rolls Royce for the price of a Honda. Then again, it's 2024 when everybody is entitled and expects everything for free or cheap...

[@Hello-pl2qe]

@JimDaneker I could buy an entire akai midi controller with keys for that. Not the same thing, but there's nothing high end about midi control hardware.

[@JimDaneker]

You could say the same thing about cars: they all get you from point A to point B, but if you care at all about the journey... This piece is aimed at professional composers who spend all day every day with this stuff. They have all searched for a device like this for decades - as you can see from other comments - and as I said, no one has gotten it completely right until now. Incidentally, the guy who makes these has seen a significant uptick in orders just since this video dropped, so clearly other people value quality (not to mention unique features that nothing else has) and are willing to pay for it.

[@Hello-pl2qe]

@JimDaneker oh wow, real professionals! Sorry this was my first day watching KZbin. Lol

[@Hello-pl2qe]

@JimDaneker The thing looks awesome not going to lie, but as a business it's only my opinion but not fact, that bringing the things down to an affordable price point would be better than selling 25 of them total for a boutique price. Easier said then done obviously but I'd only begin to think to buy one for $200 which still seems pricey personally.