Control surface recommendations

Discussion of Digital Performer use, optimization, tips and techniques on MacOS.

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This forum is for most discussion related to the use and optimization of Digital Performer [MacOS] and plug-ins as well as tips and techniques. It is NOT for troubleshooting technical issues, complaints, feature requests, or "Comparative DAW 101."
ToolFool

Re: Control surface recommendations

Post by ToolFool »

Tim,
are you using a laptop at all? I found that if, for instance, my battery gets low or my battery runs out and i have to re-charge it that some devices (eg m-audio midisport, korg nano kontrol) will not power either through a hub or direct. As you probably know, certain newer macbooks have issues with usb power. Is that the problem possibly?
It's strange because I successfully manage to run a Didigdesign Mbox2 Micro through a usb hub (not officially recommended) but have problems with other devices that would seemingly require less power resources. Probably not something the OP needs to consider but worth knowing I think.
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dewdman42
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Re: Control surface recommendations

Post by dewdman42 »

I'm pretty darn happy with my Tranzport, but no faders. Maybe you can combine tranzport with Beringher?

The Euphonix stuff looks nice for the wealthy among us.
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Siryne
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Re: Control surface recommendations

Post by Siryne »

You might look on ebay for a used Tascam US-2400. I have one that I have been using for a number of years and I like it allot.
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iGirl
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Re: Control surface recommendations

Post by iGirl »

Just wanted to check back in and say thanks to everyone - I've been following the thread and weighing options as I'm in no hurry. There are some good suggestions!

Used US-2400s are quite rare but that would certainly be the largest one to go for. They do seem to have held on to popularity for being discontinued due to lead poisoning. LOL

Interesting to hear about the AlphaTrack vs Faderport - on the surface they seem similar, but clearly the AT is the way to go and possibly worth a look - and just keep everything as virtual as possible.

The UC33e seems a very cheap option to get going possibly but aimed more towards virtual instruments and performance...recently spotted selling for $110 on eBay.

An iPad control surface seems quite interesting - and almost certain for the future.

MC Mix again, looks nice but too expensive and lacks sensible transport controls.

The little Behringers almost look perfect for my needs, and maybe even worth a try - but I have read a lot of problems with them getting setup to work right/not working right etc.

The ones that no one has commented on that looks even more suitable for my needs are the Mackie Control Universal (and Pro). Other than the occasional comments I've already found about the build quality being mediocre, anyone have thoughts on these for use specifically with DP? Ease of setup, use, etc?

Interesting seeing how things have evolved since HUI first came out.
Started using Performer when it was version 1.0 !
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bjmorgan
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Re: Control surface recommendations

Post by bjmorgan »

I highly recommend putting in an eBay search notification for the US-2400. I was hunting for one for 6 months or so and finally snagged one for $700 (well below the $1500 this guy is asking for on Amazon:http://www.amazon.com/Tascam-US2400-Con ... B0002V8RXO)

With the search notifications, anytime someone puts one up on eBay, you'll get an eMail and be able to track it to see if it's a good steal. It's takes some patience, but well worth it in the end.
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