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Daw controller with faders for a composer

Tiko said:
Terve Mikko!

I recommend having the keyboard and sliders/knobs separate. I use the FaderCTRL others mentioned for expression and also for parameters of soft synths like Diva. Absolutely love it.
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That's my idea too. Thanks all for the recommendations
 
I have to give a shout out to the JL Cooper FaderMaster (https://www.jlcooper.com/_php/product.php?prod=fmp). Sturdy and highly customizable with 8 100mm faders. It is a bit pricy, but if you're lucky you can find a preowned one on ebay. I managed to get my hands on one for USD 250.

There's also the Kenton Control Freak and the Peavey PC-1600, but they might be more difficult to get your hands on. But I have seen them appear on ebay from time to time (especially the PC-1600). Not the flashiest or prettiest perhaps, but they get the job done well in my experience.
 
Don't overlook the possibility of using an ipad with lemur. In terms of customize ability unbeatable I would say. But no physical faders. Something I got used to pretty fast. Can be very precise, takes not much real estate on the desk and can be put anywhere.
 
Peavey PC-1600 is available on eBay quite often. There are a couple different versions but they're all built very well like a tank and can be updated to the last version Rom (also available on eBay at times). Just keep in mind that the 16 faders are not full 100 mm size.

Should also be noted in this thread that the JL Cooper and Kenton's are no longer being made.

Bear Market said:
I have to give a shout out to the JL Cooper FaderMaster (https://www.jlcooper.com/_php/product.php?prod=fmp). Sturdy and highly customizable with 8 100mm faders. It is a bit pricy, but if you're lucky you can find a preowned one on ebay. I managed to get my hands on one for USD 250.

There's also the Kenton Control Freak and the Peavey PC-1600, but they might be more difficult to get your hands on. But I have seen them appear on ebay from time to time (especially the PC-1600). Not the flashiest or prettiest perhaps, but they get the job done well in my experience.
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Mikko, the P1 is an excellent choice. I have the Nektar LX88+ which is basically a P1 integrated into an 88-key controller. I personally love the Nektar stuff, and it works well with Logic and Cubase. There are many other good recommendations in this thread as well.

I tried a Novation controller as well, but wasn't a fan of the Automap software that it uses.
 
Wolfie2112 said:
Mikko, the P1 is an excellent choice. I have the Nektar LX88+ which is basically a P1 integrated into an 88-key controller. I personally love the Nektar stuff, and it works well with Logic and Cubase. There are many other good recommendations in this thread as well.

I tried a Novation controller as well, but wasn't a fan of the Automap software that it uses.
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Exactly the same here, I used Novation and switched to the P1.Best choice so far!
 
Christof said:
Exactly the same here, I used Novation and switched to the P1.Best choice so far!
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Awesome. Although have been warming up to the JL Cooper or the faderCTRL though. How would you describe the P1 faders? Good enough for writing expression lines on strings etc?
 
Mikko Heininen said:
Awesome. Although have been warming up to the JL Cooper or the faderCTRL though. How would you describe the P1 faders? Good enough for writing expression lines on strings etc?
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Yes, they are smooth. You can assign any slider/knob you want within Logic's Smart Controls. I assign a knob for expression on the nektar.

(broken link removed)
 
Also worthy of mention are some of the older LIVID products like the OHM-RGB which can be picked up for a decent price on Reverb.com or eBay. It's got 8 sliders, a bunch of twisty knobs, and 64 binary pads. The pads make the unit take up quite a bit of space and are pretty much useless so far in my work. But, I'm still pondering the possibilities.

Also also, the Peavey PC1600 deserves honorable mention.

I want twisty knobs on the next FaderCTRL - assuming there is another version in the future.
 
Mikko Heininen said:
You don't think the range is too short?
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The range of midi CC is 128 steps and due to the midi protocol that gets thinned out (jumps values) during fast movement anyway ...
So, from my experience, a 60mm fader is more than enough (for my taste even better) than a 100mm fader. For automation, there are more steps, so a 100mm fader might make a difference if, it sends 14bit midi. The rest depends on technique: if you rest your arm on a surface, like most people use the modulation wheel of their keyboard, it is better to have a shorter fader to cover the whole rangewithout having to lift the hand. It also makes quick movements easier.
A 100mm fader forces you to move the arm which is in my opinion inferior for virtuoso midi CC performance. :)
 
I build my own - mainly because either other Faderboxes are too big for my taste, or (in case of the FaderCtrl, which I would buy in a heartbeat) just too expensive. The price is totally fair, but the shipping and taxes are unbearable ;) Else I would have one already.
 
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