Advice re MIDI controller
Moderator: James Steele
Forum rules
Discussion related to installation, configuration and use of MOTU hardware such as MIDI interfaces, audio interfaces, etc. for Mac OSX
Discussion related to installation, configuration and use of MOTU hardware such as MIDI interfaces, audio interfaces, etc. for Mac OSX
Advice re MIDI controller
I am looking for a MIDI controller (no keyboard) with sliders or faders and knobs to facilitate entering CC data. Anything anyone has found works well. Needs to be compatible with Mac OS Sierra and USB connection.
Having said this, am I better to learn how to use Custom Consoles? I find setting up a console confusing for some reason.
Thanks
Having said this, am I better to learn how to use Custom Consoles? I find setting up a console confusing for some reason.
Thanks
Digital Performer 10, iMac using OSX 10.14.5
Re: Advice re MIDI controller
If you have an iPad, I really, really like MIDI Designer Pro:
https://itunes.apple.com/us/app/MIDI-de ... 91712?mt=8
https://itunes.apple.com/us/app/MIDI-de ... 91712?mt=8
828x MacOS 13.6.6 M1 Studio Max 1TB 64G DP11.31
- stubbsonic
- Posts: 4650
- Joined: Fri Dec 22, 2006 12:56 pm
- Primary DAW OS: MacOS
- Contact:
Re: Advice re MIDI controller
I think you'll find agreement that the console setup is not very elegant. I haven't touched it in years.
I totally agree with cuttime on MIDI Designer Pro. The developer is incredibly active and they are frequently adding features and making it more and more powerful. Even if you end up getting a hardware box, MIDI Designer Pro could be a useful way to display your controls in a meaningful way and reroute the hardware controls to different CC#'s as needed.
There's the Behringer BCR2000 (with rotary controls), this one is kind of impressive for the price. It has both USB and MIDI i/o. Also, the BCF2000 (with motorized faders) similarly impressive, but with faders. Both are capable of transmitting 14-bit NRPN's-- which you will appreciate if you want to send high resolution data. Those are not very expensive, but folks have occasionally complained of quality control issues-- (you might want to get the extended warranty). There are newer Behringer control surfaces like the X-Touch or X-Touch compact-- which have some more up-to-date features. I've not used any of those, so you'd need to search these forums and reviews to get to know what kinds of snags people run into.
PreSonus FaderPort, Novation Launch Control, and FaderFox are some other things you could look into.
I totally agree with cuttime on MIDI Designer Pro. The developer is incredibly active and they are frequently adding features and making it more and more powerful. Even if you end up getting a hardware box, MIDI Designer Pro could be a useful way to display your controls in a meaningful way and reroute the hardware controls to different CC#'s as needed.
There's the Behringer BCR2000 (with rotary controls), this one is kind of impressive for the price. It has both USB and MIDI i/o. Also, the BCF2000 (with motorized faders) similarly impressive, but with faders. Both are capable of transmitting 14-bit NRPN's-- which you will appreciate if you want to send high resolution data. Those are not very expensive, but folks have occasionally complained of quality control issues-- (you might want to get the extended warranty). There are newer Behringer control surfaces like the X-Touch or X-Touch compact-- which have some more up-to-date features. I've not used any of those, so you'd need to search these forums and reviews to get to know what kinds of snags people run into.
PreSonus FaderPort, Novation Launch Control, and FaderFox are some other things you could look into.
Last edited by stubbsonic on Sun Feb 19, 2017 4:17 pm, edited 1 time in total.
M1 MBP; OS 12, FF800, DP 11.3, Kontakt 7, Reaktor 6, PC3K7, K2661S, iPad6, Godin XTSA, Two Ibanez 5 string basses (1 fretted, 1 fretless), FM3, SY-1000, etc.
http://www.jonstubbsmusic.com
http://www.jonstubbsmusic.com
- terrybritton
- Posts: 1117
- Joined: Thu Jun 04, 2015 8:45 am
- Primary DAW OS: Windows
- Location: Elizabeth City, NC
- Contact:
Re: Advice re MIDI controller
The two Behringer controllers mentioned by stubbsonic are incredibly amazing, especially for the price!
The BCR-2000 has 32 knobs (with lights showing your encoder position) and 16 switches.
https://www.sweetwater.com/store/detail/BCR2000
The BCF-2000 has eight knobs, 16 switches and eight motorized faders.
https://www.sweetwater.com/store/detail/BCF2000
Both units permit the saving of entire groups which can be recalled on-the-fly.
Thanks for reminding me about these, Jon!
Terry
The BCR-2000 has 32 knobs (with lights showing your encoder position) and 16 switches.
https://www.sweetwater.com/store/detail/BCR2000
The BCF-2000 has eight knobs, 16 switches and eight motorized faders.
https://www.sweetwater.com/store/detail/BCF2000
Both units permit the saving of entire groups which can be recalled on-the-fly.
Thanks for reminding me about these, Jon!
Terry
Computer: Sweetwater CS400v7 Intel Core i7-10700K CPU @ 3.80GHz | 64Gigs RAM | Windows 11 Pro x64 |
MOTU 828 mk3 hybrid
DAWs & Live: MOTU Digital Performer 11.31 | Cantabile Performer 4
Keyboard Synths: Kawai K5000s, Korg Wavestation
Controllers: NI Komplete Kontrol S-88 Mk3 & S-49 Mk2; Maschine Mk3 & JAM;
Akai MPK249 & 225, Alesis QX49, Behringer BCF2000 & FCB1010
Rack Modules: Ensoniq ESQm, Yamaha TX81Z, Wavestation SR
Tutorials: https://youtube.com/@CreatorsMediaTools
MOTU 828 mk3 hybrid
DAWs & Live: MOTU Digital Performer 11.31 | Cantabile Performer 4
Keyboard Synths: Kawai K5000s, Korg Wavestation
Controllers: NI Komplete Kontrol S-88 Mk3 & S-49 Mk2; Maschine Mk3 & JAM;
Akai MPK249 & 225, Alesis QX49, Behringer BCF2000 & FCB1010
Rack Modules: Ensoniq ESQm, Yamaha TX81Z, Wavestation SR
Tutorials: https://youtube.com/@CreatorsMediaTools
Re: Advice re MIDI controller
Thanks for the emails in this thread. I'm really looking seriously at MIDI Designer Pro 2. I've tried a few other iPad MIDI controller apps and am having a bit of trouble getting them working fully with DP9. Is there a good set of instructions with MDP2 for getting the iPad app to work properly in DP9?
I can set things up to get the iPad communicating with DP9, but can't get Performer to record the CC data I am sending.
Thanks
I can set things up to get the iPad communicating with DP9, but can't get Performer to record the CC data I am sending.
Thanks
Digital Performer 10, iMac using OSX 10.14.5
- mikehalloran
- Posts: 15235
- Joined: Sun Jan 25, 2009 5:08 pm
- Primary DAW OS: MacOS
- Location: Sillie Con Valley
Re: Advice re MIDI controller
Hmmm... I like the price. Is there a decent tutorial somewhere? Looks like it would be very useful on my 12.9 iPad Pro.cuttime wrote:If you have an iPad, I really, really like MIDI Designer Pro:
https://itunes.apple.com/us/app/MIDI-de ... 91712?mt=8
DP 11.31; 828mkII FW, micro lite, M4, MTP/AV USB Firmware 2.0.1
2023 Mac Studio M2 8TB, 192GB RAM, OS Sonoma 14.4.1, USB4 8TB external, M-Audio AIR 192|14, Mackie ProFxv3 6/10/12; 2012 MBPs Catalina, Mojave
IK-NI-Izotope-PSP-Garritan-Antares, LogicPro X, Finale 27.4, Dorico 5.2, Notion 6, Overture 5, TwistedWave, DSP-Q 5, SmartScore64 Pro, Toast 20 Pro
2023 Mac Studio M2 8TB, 192GB RAM, OS Sonoma 14.4.1, USB4 8TB external, M-Audio AIR 192|14, Mackie ProFxv3 6/10/12; 2012 MBPs Catalina, Mojave
IK-NI-Izotope-PSP-Garritan-Antares, LogicPro X, Finale 27.4, Dorico 5.2, Notion 6, Overture 5, TwistedWave, DSP-Q 5, SmartScore64 Pro, Toast 20 Pro
Re: Advice re MIDI controller
I'm not at my Mac right now, and will double check this later, but if you select the MIDI track input as "Network", you should be able to record the data. The MIDI routing needs to reflect the correct devices in the Audio MIDI Setup Network Sessions.daerp1 wrote: I can set things up to get the iPad communicating with DP9, but can't get Performer to record the CC data I am sending.
Thanks
828x MacOS 13.6.6 M1 Studio Max 1TB 64G DP11.31
Re: Advice re MIDI controller
https://www.youtube.com/watch?annotatio ... wMjOTjzTS8, various and sundry YouTube tutorials out there, but a complete manual here:mikehalloran wrote:Hmmm... I like the price. Is there a decent tutorial somewhere? Looks like it would be very useful on my 12.9 iPad Pro.cuttime wrote:If you have an iPad, I really, really like MIDI Designer Pro:
https://itunes.apple.com/us/app/MIDI-de ... 91712?mt=8
http://mididesigner.com/wiki/doku.php/manual:10_intro
828x MacOS 13.6.6 M1 Studio Max 1TB 64G DP11.31
Re: Advice re MIDI controller
Just tried this, and I got it to work well. Under Audio MIDI Setup Network settings, make sure the "Live routings" settings shows the network session as "Network Session" (or whatever you've named it) routed to "DP Input". If you are using OS Sierra, MIDI networking has gotten pretty squirrelly, and connections can be iffy sometimes. See this thread:cuttime wrote: I'm not at my Mac right now, and will double check this later
viewtopic.php?f=4&t=62607
828x MacOS 13.6.6 M1 Studio Max 1TB 64G DP11.31
-
- Posts: 313
- Joined: Tue Jul 12, 2005 10:01 pm
- Primary DAW OS: MacOS
- Location: Maryland, USA
- Contact:
Re: Advice re MIDI controller
I'm also looking for a compact, no keys, MIDI controller w/sliders, knobs, and buttons.
I just ordered the Akai MidiMix.
http://www.akaipro.com/product/midimix
Have heard nice things about it, and it looks like it'll solve a lot of ergonomic problems.
Will let y'all know.
I just ordered the Akai MidiMix.
http://www.akaipro.com/product/midimix
Have heard nice things about it, and it looks like it'll solve a lot of ergonomic problems.
Will let y'all know.
DP 11, OS Ventura
MacMini 2023 M2Pro, 16 gig RAM, MOTU M6, SSD drives for everything, various sound/sampled libraries from all major vendors, Logic Pro X, DSP-Quattro
MacBook Pro 2015, OSX Monterey, 2.5ghz, 16 gig RAM (w/duplicate software as in MacMini setup)
Trombones: King 2B SilverSonic, King 2B Liberty, & Conn 88H w/Doug Elliott mouthpieces!
http://www.cammillarmusic.com
MacMini 2023 M2Pro, 16 gig RAM, MOTU M6, SSD drives for everything, various sound/sampled libraries from all major vendors, Logic Pro X, DSP-Quattro
MacBook Pro 2015, OSX Monterey, 2.5ghz, 16 gig RAM (w/duplicate software as in MacMini setup)
Trombones: King 2B SilverSonic, King 2B Liberty, & Conn 88H w/Doug Elliott mouthpieces!
http://www.cammillarmusic.com
-
- Posts: 313
- Joined: Tue Jul 12, 2005 10:01 pm
- Primary DAW OS: MacOS
- Location: Maryland, USA
- Contact:
Re: Advice re MIDI controller
I'm reporting back on the Akai MIDIMix controller after a week of useage.
http://www.akaipro.com/product/midimix
Excellent product! Don't hesitate to buy it! Works like a charm!
This thing is easy to use, easy to set up as any kind of MIDI contoller, and easy to save as many presets as you like with their free Akai software.
You can assign any fader, button, or knob to anything with a 'MidiLearn' capability. Nice size (9" x 8") yet the faders feel excellent to the touch and aren't too small at all. Much nicer than a Korg Nano or Samson fader controller, which I've also tried (and took back.)
Also, you can decide between having the buttons send out 'note on/off' info or have it send out 'CC#' info.
So, this thing is great for setting up keyswitching or whatever you'd like.
I've been setting it up the last few days to work with Cinesample instruments, which has given me a whole new appreciation for the Cinesample software design as well. I'm saving a 'Cinesample control' preseet which I can customize to my liking.
I also like the way that it retains the last presets in it's memory without having to boot up the software until you need to customize or save another setting.
Anyways, this is a great purchase for the price.
http://www.akaipro.com/product/midimix
Excellent product! Don't hesitate to buy it! Works like a charm!
This thing is easy to use, easy to set up as any kind of MIDI contoller, and easy to save as many presets as you like with their free Akai software.
You can assign any fader, button, or knob to anything with a 'MidiLearn' capability. Nice size (9" x 8") yet the faders feel excellent to the touch and aren't too small at all. Much nicer than a Korg Nano or Samson fader controller, which I've also tried (and took back.)
Also, you can decide between having the buttons send out 'note on/off' info or have it send out 'CC#' info.
So, this thing is great for setting up keyswitching or whatever you'd like.
I've been setting it up the last few days to work with Cinesample instruments, which has given me a whole new appreciation for the Cinesample software design as well. I'm saving a 'Cinesample control' preseet which I can customize to my liking.
I also like the way that it retains the last presets in it's memory without having to boot up the software until you need to customize or save another setting.
Anyways, this is a great purchase for the price.
DP 11, OS Ventura
MacMini 2023 M2Pro, 16 gig RAM, MOTU M6, SSD drives for everything, various sound/sampled libraries from all major vendors, Logic Pro X, DSP-Quattro
MacBook Pro 2015, OSX Monterey, 2.5ghz, 16 gig RAM (w/duplicate software as in MacMini setup)
Trombones: King 2B SilverSonic, King 2B Liberty, & Conn 88H w/Doug Elliott mouthpieces!
http://www.cammillarmusic.com
MacMini 2023 M2Pro, 16 gig RAM, MOTU M6, SSD drives for everything, various sound/sampled libraries from all major vendors, Logic Pro X, DSP-Quattro
MacBook Pro 2015, OSX Monterey, 2.5ghz, 16 gig RAM (w/duplicate software as in MacMini setup)
Trombones: King 2B SilverSonic, King 2B Liberty, & Conn 88H w/Doug Elliott mouthpieces!
http://www.cammillarmusic.com
Re: Advice re MIDI controller
This thread is from more than a year ago, but very helpful to see a positive opinion about the AKai MIDIMix controller. I just bought a used one for $60 and am hoping it will work well with DP 9.52. I’ll post again once I know how things go.
Digital Performer 10, iMac using OSX 10.14.5
- stubbsonic
- Posts: 4650
- Joined: Fri Dec 22, 2006 12:56 pm
- Primary DAW OS: MacOS
- Contact:
Re: Advice re MIDI controller
That's a nice deal. Yea, let us know how it goes with configuring.
I think there are quite a few nice options for USB. I won't buy anything without MIDI DIN at this point, because I still use a few Kurzweils and a couple other pieces that have great MIDI modulation capabilities.
BTW, Novation's Launch Control looks similarly featured (but I'm not familiar with it).
I think there are quite a few nice options for USB. I won't buy anything without MIDI DIN at this point, because I still use a few Kurzweils and a couple other pieces that have great MIDI modulation capabilities.
BTW, Novation's Launch Control looks similarly featured (but I'm not familiar with it).
M1 MBP; OS 12, FF800, DP 11.3, Kontakt 7, Reaktor 6, PC3K7, K2661S, iPad6, Godin XTSA, Two Ibanez 5 string basses (1 fretted, 1 fretless), FM3, SY-1000, etc.
http://www.jonstubbsmusic.com
http://www.jonstubbsmusic.com
Re: Advice re MIDI controller
If ArtFarm 1 sees this, or if anyone else can help, that would be great.
I'm having a little trouble setting up my Akai MIDI Mix to use in DP 9.52.
I started off ok, but then things got a bit confusing...
Thanks
I'm having a little trouble setting up my Akai MIDI Mix to use in DP 9.52.
I started off ok, but then things got a bit confusing...
Thanks
Digital Performer 10, iMac using OSX 10.14.5