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Recording, Mixing, Performance and Production
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Joined: Sep 2016
Posts: 52
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Hello everyone! I'm not specifically asking this for myself (Though it would be interesting for future reference!) But I thought it would make for an interesting topic.
On my free time I work a lot with Cakewalk Sonar and MIDI in general. One of my friends swears by using a Nintendo Wii Remote plus a Bluetooth USB dongle to do all of his continuous controllers. He says it feels natural for him to wave his remote around since it's got a gyroscope and accelerometer. (Who wouldn't want to wave a Wii remote like a conductor's baton?) Apparently that's only available for Mac, so that's unfortunately not an option.
What are some of your favourite MIDI controllers that you've used?
Thanks,
Mathew
PG Music Inc.
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Recording, Mixing, Performance and Production
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Joined: Jul 2000
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Hello. I've used quite a few devices that could be classified as MIDI controllers. The first was the Frontier Design Tranzport. I even did some early work on key combinations with BIAB. Next was a Tascam FW-1884, which is both a controller and soundcard. When Windows 8 droppped FireWire support, I moved to the Behringer X-Touch that I now have.
The X-Touch uses the Mackie Control Unit protocol. I've used that unit on other systems. I have posted a Wishlist request hoping BIAB would support this standard Mackie protocol. If it did, using the mixer in BIAB would be a far better experience, including automation.
MIDI can also be controlled by software running on a tablet. I suspect this is why the old Tranzport, despite being popular, was never replaced. I use V-Control Pro running on my iPad to remote control SONAR. My iPhone even works, though with simpler controls. Once again, this system supports the Mackie CU protocol, so it could work nicely with BIAB if you could add this support.
And then, there are simple devices including keyboards and foot switches that can be set up to issue MIDI commands such as transport control or patch changes.
BIAB 2025 Win Audiophile. Software: Studio One 7 Pro, Swam horns, Acoustica-7, Notion 6, Song Master Pro, Win 11 Home. Hardware: Intel i9, 32 Gb; Presonus 192 & Faderport 8, Royer 121, Slate VSX, Adam Sub8 & Neumann 120 monitors.
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Recording, Mixing, Performance and Production
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Joined: Jan 2002
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It was a sad day for me when my Ensoniq VFX-SD finally bit the dust. I used that for midi input from 1989-2010; a 20+ year run with one axe.
What I liked about it as a controller/input device:
Keybed feel - live with an axe for 20 years and it's like hand-in-glove.
Key-aftertouch (I didn't realize how much I used it until getting a replacement controller that didn't have key-aftertouch)
Pitch Bend and Mod wheels of the proper size and resistance (again probably something that is 20 year familiar just hard to not like)
I never mapped the sequencer transport controls on it to my DAW transport controls - not even sure if that would have worked.
I currently use a little Akai Keystation 25 for some basic transport controls. One of these days I'll go wireless in some fashion so I don't have to use 4-bar count-ins and hop from the DAW to my 'booth'.
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Recording, Mixing, Performance and Production
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Joined: Sep 2016
Posts: 52
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OP
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Joined: Sep 2016
Posts: 52 |
Hello. I've used quite a few devices that could be classified as MIDI controllers. The first was the Frontier Design Tranzport. I even did some early work on key combinations with BIAB. Next was a Tascam FW-1884, which is both a controller and soundcard. When Windows 8 droppped FireWire support, I moved to the Behringer X-Touch that I now have. Remind me not to upgrade to Windows 8. I have a ProjectMix I/O at home that will probably stop working if I do. I had a hard enough time getting it to work in Windows 7  It was a sad day for me when my Ensoniq VFX-SD finally bit the dust. I used that for midi input from 1989-2010; a 20+ year run with one axe. Aw man that's sad. Have you thought about repairing it or selling it for parts? Old synths go all the time on auction websites. I've got some old ROMplers at home that I bought off eBay that work great. Well most. I have a couple out at an electronic shop to get repaired since the capacitors in them went, causing 60Hz hum and what not. Once they're repaired they sound great! The only thing to do is fix their LCD screen now. (The back-lights go on them, and unfortunately they can be pretty costly to fix. My knowledge in electronics is bare minimum, so I wouldn't trust my soldering skills. I'll stick to hacking and wiring 1/4" ports on the back of my Nintendo Entertainment System )
Thanks,
Mathew
PG Music Inc.
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Joined: Aug 2011
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I had a Casio DG-20 I used as a midi guitar controller from the 1980's through about 2010. Casio DG guitars briefly became very popular as they were used as props in a HBO cable television show. I was offered more than $400 for it so I marked it GONE! Presently I use a Korg nanoKrontroller II surface controller for transport and fader control in Music Creator 6. I have a wishlist request in both ++ the Band-in-a-Box wishlist section ++ and in ++ the RealBand wishlist section ++ that anyone can endorse by clicking on the link and replying with a +1.
Last edited by Jim Fogle; 10/07/16 10:30 AM. Reason: Added wishlist links
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Joined: May 2000
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RB can sync to most external MIDI controls messages including SPP etc. (and SMPTE variations).
Wish they'd make this a user friendly feature across the board for all the PGMusic products to support all MIDI transport controllers..
I do not work here, but the benefits are still awesome
Make your sound your own!
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Recording, Mixing, Performance and Production
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Joined: Sep 2016
Posts: 52
Enthusiast
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OP
Enthusiast
Joined: Sep 2016
Posts: 52 |
I had a Casio DG-20 I used as a midi guitar controller from the 1980's through about 2010.
Casio DG guitars briefly became very popular as they were used as props in a HBO cable television show. I was offered more than $400 for it so I marked it GONE!
Presently I use a Korg nanoKrontroller II surface controller for transport and fader control in Music Creator 6. That Casio looks rad. I don't even play guitar and I want one!
Thanks,
Mathew
PG Music Inc.
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