Behringer X Touch - Do You Really NEED A Control Surface??

[@corydhmiller]

I've got this exact model and I really like using it during mixing. There's truly something about using your fingers and having the movement and what you're hearing interact, so much more so than just moving a mouse. I typically have both hands moving at once during a mix even if just a raw mix, and it not only speeds things up, but I think makes a better mix overall because your body is moving in unison to the sound.

[@spinlightstudios]

That’s awesome man! It’s definitely enjoyable getting the fader moving and just feeling it out!

[@ricardojmestre]

I have been following your videos, and you have a such a chilled vibe. Great to diffuse the nerves that being in a studio brings. 🙌

[@spinlightstudios]

Thanks Ricardo!

[@prodzsxlthangstudio]

one setting i'd recommend you change in Logic: loudness return time! set it to the fastest so your unit will represent all transiets! i have an iCon Qcon Pro X, but was using a Behringer unit before that! edit: use Flip mode when dialing EQs, Sends, Plugins, enabling flip mode will utilize the faders for the plugins' parameters!

[@DrProgNerd]

Great job on the video, Rhys. I don't don't see any reason for me to get a control surface. I'm just commenting for the algorithm. When you mentioned that clients like to see the faders move, I could picture musicians being mesmerized like cats watching a laser pointer - heads darting back and forth and thinking - "This guy Rhys is so good at mixing .....that he can move the faders with his mind, man." Lol !!! (yeah, I know. I'm an idiot).

[@spinlightstudios]

Thanks for pushing that algorithm 😝 yeah they go - “did you see that!?” And I’m like “see what?” … “the faders were moving on their own!” Haha

[@jeremiahaugust5886]

Quick tip if you wanna solo back and forth between sounds, you can hold option and then click solo and it ONLY solos that track. So it's a little bit easier to go back and forth between tracks instead of having to unsolo one and then solo the other. Cheers!

[@spinlightstudios]

Ahh true! I vaguely remember that one but must have stop using it because I do it on the control surface. Thanks!

[@HeDrewNoyes]

Another concise and informative vid! Keeping with the theme of this video, have you ever considered doing a video on keyboard shortcuts? I know it's largely just about learning and building muscle memory, but I find that has been a tedious part of learning Logic. Thanks!

[@spinlightstudios]

Thanks mate! I actually did a shortcuts video about a year ago if you want to Go scrolling back!

[@j_wah3084]

I have the X-touch One, which has less buttons, faders, and options than the model you have, Rhys. I really like it the X-Touch One in Logic for transport, zooming, panning, and manual fader adjustments. The track wheel on mine works perfectly. I really wish the unit would allow me to manipulate plugins, but it sounds like the model you have is a bit fiddly for that! Apparently the Presonus Faderport works with plugins, but I don't really want to switch over to that. For me the Behringer unit has been surprisingly sturdy and reliable. I will also say that I keep a Decksaver on mine to help keep out the dust. Nice video, as always 👍

[@spinlightstudios]

Awesome mate! The Xtouch is a decent device, I don’t like to say that about Behringer often haha but I think they did okay with this one.

[@ELDRIMmusic]

Is it possible you have some snap-thing activated? Maybe that affects the scroll wheel?

[@Hamachingo]

You can do most things with Logic Remote or TouchOSC on the iPad. When not using it on WiFi it’s really solid. Touch screen works well enough for fader rides and you get them for 50 bucks a pop used (iPad Air 2). Still riding motorized faders feels great (even the noise can be annoying), add a Nektar CS12 for all the plug-in work.

[@komobabo]

I have always wanted to get into a surface but always talk myself out of it LOL. Maybe if they ever do a new one would be the game changer. Great video!

[@spinlightstudios]

Haha yeah it’s more of a luxury than an essential!

[@gavmurray7398]

hold down option when clicking a solo button with mouse for exclusive solo mode. good way to compare tracks similar to controller

[@spinlightstudios]

Haha yeah I forgot about that one, seems I’ll be getting a few comments on this shortcut 😝

[@gravelfreeman]

Very good video, straight to the point, thank you!

[@spinlightstudios]

Cheers!

[@tommorton7211]

Thanks for the honest deep dive; super interesting topic! I have an Arturia Keylab Essential MIDI controller and had high expectations of using the faders on it for mixing but almost never do. Adjusting volume by 1db at a time using the arrow keys is my method of choice at present. I will occasionally record automation but then just one-off-map a knob or fader of my choosing for that job. The Keylab also has similar DAW and transport controls of which the record button is by far the most useful. If you write with your DAW as well, for 1/2 the price and with 49 keys, I think it is a better option. That said, watching those faders move back into place as you switch tracks is very cool and I can understand why it impresses clients.

[@spinlightstudios]

I have an Arturia keylab 88 and the transport controls on that are really good, the scroll wheel is super smooth too. I think we all think that we’re going to use the faders more but don’t actually end up doing it 😂

[@ottovonnekpunch1268]

Thank you for sharing information regarding this product! Personally, I own a PreSonus FaderPort (silver 1st Gen fader model). One thing I notice: In comparison to the unit I own, its buttons aren't nearly as stiff as your Behringer X Touch! I never need to literally mash each button to engage its function!

[@spinlightstudios]

No problem! The buttons aren’t that stiff, I might just be heavy handed haha They press in easy :)

[@RolandDeschain1]

I'd love to rent one of these from my local music store but you have to agree to a six month contract. Outrageous.

[@G_handle]

In Logic, does the Flip button work for Any Parameter you have on the V-Pots or only Pan? In many DAWs it will put Anything on the 100mm Faders giving you tons of control & resolution over Automating Anything. To your point about the Plug-ins not being fast enough for you. Cool, use the mouse. But it's not either/or. When you want fine control between your fingers and ears, say to just set a threshold, or when you want to push 2 or more parameters at the same time, it becomes worth those extra clicks on the surface to set yourself up. Remember the mouse is 1 click at a time. A Control Surface is 2 Hands, 10 Fingers, and 2 Foot Pedals!

[@BernardMcLaughlin-ty1cc]

Hi, can the x-touch faders be used for cc1/cc1 input while playing say a string library. I cant find any info on this? many thanks

[@gitarman666]

I have had one for years and its great for the 3 daws i run, yes even protools hui,lol But could i use this for Kontakt instruments like spitfire Albion one as a midi controller for string and horn swells, that kind of thing?

[@Jesus_the_Savior-u4o]

Please help. Hi, what brand of cables do you recommend for connecting the X-touch and MIDI keyboard? Thank you

[@brownsnakestudios277]

I tell ya I use my iPad for gigs all the time, be lost without… but I just got rid of the air x behringer, didn’t like the iPad wifi link. Staying with my Mackie Pro and Allen Heath for my big gigs, more reliable. I use the Allen Heath in the studio at times for great capture of guitars amps, something different bout…

[@brownsnakestudios277]

Sorry off track! got the behringer rack, mainly use my mouse, but the control surface looks good too. Not sure if I could adapt… but have thought bout a control surface… still got my old R24 eight track by Zoom 😂 mini control panel on it

[@baldureinarsson9753]

Love it! I’ve been planning on buying a daw controller- but have heard really bad things about behringer. Would you say you use the transport or the faders more- and what is “mire crutial” Thanks Rhys!

[@spinlightstudios]

Mostly while tracking I like to use transport! When I’m mixing, I mostly just do it via mouse and keyboard if my hands are already there! Behringer is not usually known for quality - thankfully no audio actually passes through this so it’s all good 😆 overall it seems solid. I’ve had it 8+ years and still kicking along!

[@MarkusDiersbock]

Great review!

[@spinlightstudios]

Thanks 🙏🏼

[@SteveGietz]

There are quite a few risers available to prop up devices. Typically for keyboards, but they should work for this thing.

[@spinlightstudios]

Sure, but it should just be built into the unit is my point, chocking it up has worked fine though and cost me nothing ;)

[@SteveGietz]

@@spinlightstudios Agreed, just wanted to throw that out there. Thanks for your content. It's very helpful 🙂

[@G_handle]

​@@spinlightstudios Except people like me wish it was even thinner or flatter, like some of the others. I can Always prop it up, buy a laptop stand as OP suggested, or Build a stand to my exact needs as I've done many times. The odds that they'd build in a stand that works for everyone is highly unlikely, as we've seen from everyone else who tried.

[@ZaVic12]

Am I able to adjust multiple IEM mixes with this?

[@spinlightstudios]

I’m sure it would be possible / might just depend on the routing

[@jorgvanbleiswijk1721]

What kind off software did you use?

[@Good015]

How do you achieve color on the scribble strips. I’m using Ableton record software.

[@spinlightstudios]

Ooo I’m not sure, make you have the latest firmware on your xtouch and latest version of Ableton - if no colours it’s probably Ableton doesn’t support the feature. It took logic forever to support the colours.

[@Allthewrongkeys821]

The xtouch is an amazing value. But there’s a learning curve. You can find third party stands for the xtouch. The jog wheel doesn’t really bother me. Cool tip with using replace mode with autopunch. Does any one know of a straight forward way to dial gain automation rather than volume automation?

[@spinlightstudios]

Gain automation with the xtouch?

[@Allthewrongkeys821]

@@spinlightstudios Oh wait I feel dumb for forgetting about the gain plug in. but that's the answer. I was hoping to flip into gain on faders. But from what I gather, you cannot change the faders into any other function. the rotary encoders however can do many different things such as controlling plug in parameters. So just inserting a gain plugin and going into latch or touch automation while moving the first encoder does it. I don't know that this method is practical for vocal takes compared to the keyboard and mouse method of doing gain automation more controlled and surgically but just thought I'd comeback and report my findings.

[@G_handle]

In Logic, does the Flip button work for Any Parameter you have on the V-Pots or only Pan? In many DAWs it will put Anything on the 100mm Faders giving you tons of control & resolution over Automating Anything.

[@broadyardrecordstv584]

I love this controller ! I’m concerned about the way you’re hitting the button so hard. Please take better care brother. 1 love

[@spinlightstudios]

Going on 8-9yrs with this controller and my button bashing has yet to break it 😂 the buttons are pretty clunky and need a decent push to be honest

[@rustyksradrodzgarage7087]

Did you have to use something like CSI to get the colors on the scribble script? You mentioned an update and it worked. Thanks

[@spinlightstudios]

I downloaded the latest x touch driver and just the latest version of logic and the colors worked!

[@rustyksradrodzgarage7087]

Thanks, I'm using Reaper and it looks like a chore ​@@spinlightstudios

[@G_handle]

Reaper CSI is a bit of a learning curve, yes. But! Every control surface takes time to learn as he briefly demonstrated here. CSI doesn't just let you learn it, but learn how to teach it. On the other side of that teaching & learning though, Reaper competes and in many ways Beats the $100,000 systems we use in major studios / broadcast. And it's Much easier than it was a couple of years ago. ​@rustyksradrodzgarage7087

[@gregcoomer1775]

I've got this and the extender and my take is that as much as I thought it would make me more productive, it's done the opposite! Maybe I got a bad pair but the time I've spent problem solving, scratching my head and searching for fixes (that I and many other alike have had) that I just want to smash them both with a massive hammer! Plugins opening when you touch a fader, master fader deciding that it wants to add automation, faders randomly sticking! On paper they're great for the money but in my experience I need something more reliable. In fact the reason I'm here is to see if there's a magic fix before I go to Amazon for a massive hammer.

[@spinlightstudios]

Ah damn dude! That sounds frustrating. I haven’t really had any big issues besides my scroll wheel not being smooth. But I agree. The productivity is not faster with a control surface 😆

[@gregcoomer1775]

​@@spinlightstudios You ever make a comment to then wake up the next day to find a fix that makes you go DUH! Apparently if you delete a "com.apple.logic.pro.cs" file it can sort out many an issue! Just got the Console 1 and after hours of mapping out control assignments, they all disappear also! So not really the fault of the Behringer or Softube, more so Apple and not sorting its shit out...I'm guessing!

[@G_handle]

A) 😂 I'm imagining you going ApeShit in the middle of a session! B) I've had many Control Surfaces and have multiple X-Touches & Extenders & Ones right now. I've also had tons of issues over the decades. It's almost always a configuration issue, not the Hardware itself. But the first thing to try is the USB cables! Try different ones. Try moving them away from everything else. And try disconnecting Everything except the Computer and Controller running the 1 application. I had a friend whose system was perfect everytime I came to check it out, then they said went haywire when I wasn't there. Turned that at night they turned on a desk lamp with a fluorescent bulb that made Control Surface go nuts. Much the way you described.

[@THE_YVRISTIS]

hi nice video, I'm looking for midi controller, since I upgraded to MacBook m3 pro now, but my old BCF2000 don't work perfectly with Logic, and I'm thinking if x touch work ok..Do you have some suggestions ?

[@spinlightstudios]

The x touch has worked well for me in logic, I’m now using a Steven Slate audio Raven Mti Max and it’s been pretty good!

[@THE_YVRISTIS]

@spinlightstudios do you use mac or pc? And what operation system?

[@spinlightstudios]

@ I’m using Mac and the latest version of Sonoma

[@Jesus_the_Savior-u4o]

Please help. Do you know if X-Touch works with m2 okay? Thank you

[@spinlightstudios]

Mine worked fine in Logic on my m2 studio

[@Jesus_the_Savior-u4o]

Thank you so much.

[@Jesus_the_Savior-u4o]

I am buying an M2 Ultra with logic. So I am very relaxed. Thank you

[@SkullzCM]

How did you get the color strip on xtouch?

[@spinlightstudios]

I think it just happens after a certain update in logic, I didn’t have colours for years haha

[@ChubbyFrogGame]

The knob you got is janky. Mine doesn't do that at all :)

[@spinlightstudios]

Haha agreed

[@rockerfellahennessy9977]

Tap the control Surface X Touch in logic and it may reset all parameters including the transport wheel....

[@spinlightstudios]

I’ll take a look. I deleted the control surface when I made this video and set it up again and same issue

[@TheNeryo]

I have one and works perfectly, you should try treating your electronics more gently!!!!! 😉🙃

[@spinlightstudios]

Haha I’m not rough with it at all. It’s over 8 years old so might be part of the reason the wheels misbehaves.

[@Arden7one]

Considering you have the PreSonus Monitor control, I just got the PreSonus FaderPort 8. Do you then prefer the Behringer over the PreSonus FaderPort, and if you have experience with the latter, what do you think of them in comparison?

[@spinlightstudios]

I haven’t tried the faderport to comment sorry, I’m sure it’s good though.

[@Arden7one]

@@spinlightstudios thank you for a honest answer bud 🤘 I'll be sure to do it justice

[@InvaliDidea123]

I got x-touch late this spring, to my fl studio 24. basically 90% of the buttons dont work and the ones that do don't do what they're suppose to. for example master ch. on the controller affects the main volume of the daw and not the master, and I've more than plenty main REC buttons. Also funny enough, I realised the same about the LCD colors missing. For the price I really did expect a working product, not a product in the works. I've tried everything apart from scripting, but I think I rather blow my brains out than delay my projects any more to learn python. If anyone has a PROPER hack, lets say a working interface for tested scripts that might still save my sanity, please let me know, it would be most apriciated.

[@spinlightstudios]

That’s frustrating, perhaps just a FL studio issue as it works fine in logic?

[@braunhausmedia]

You don't need one, but you may want one. It depends on personal preference. I had a control surface for a while, but I almost never used it.

[@spinlightstudios]

That’s it’s 👌🏼

[@abj358]

I like the way you bang on it. Resilient (I guess).

[@spinlightstudios]

😂