Control Surface Suggestions (or maybe a mixer?)

[IronGuillotine]

I'm looking to improve my mixing environment by purchasing a control surface (or maybe a mixer) that will interface with my sequencing software (Cubase & Ableton Live) in such a way that I’d be able control track levels, panning, muting/soling, and so forth from the hardware instead of using only the keyboard and mouse. I know some mixers are able to do this, but I’ve also heard that control surfaces are specifically designed for this sort of thing, so that’s what I’m leaning toward. Honestly, I don’t know the pro/cons of either option, since I’m self taught with only about a year of experience. I’d really appreciate any insight you folks can give.

I don’t really think that I need all the extra inputs/outputs and things that a mixer would offer since I can do what I need through my audio interface (M-Audio FireWire Solo). That's simple enough and works great for my needs.

I’d like to have at least 8 faders to work with and to keep the price range under $350. Extra programmable buttons and things would be nice, but isn’t absolutely needed.

Any suggestions or advice you folks could give on what kind of things I should be looking for, or particular products would be most helpful. Thanks people!

[IronGuillotine]

So far I'm considering these two...

Behringer BCF2000 MIDI Controller
http://www.zzounds.com/item--BEHBCF2000

Evolution UC33e MIDI Control Surface
http://www.zzounds.com/item--EVOUC33E

[Mindstate]

i was so angry

i recieved wrong information and bought a mixer

turns out all it does is maximise my inputs and outputs

i was even more fooled with it sayn it had effects thinking they wer for mixing down my music

[sabianq]

i was so angry

i recieved wrong information and bought a mixer

turns out all it does is maximise my inputs and outputs

i was even more fooled with it sayn it had effects thinking they wer for mixing down my music


so what did you get?

[IronGuillotine]

i was so angry

i recieved wrong information and bought a mixer

turns out all it does is maximise my inputs and outputs

i was even more fooled with it sayn it had effects thinking they wer for mixing down my music

That's exactly why I wanted to request some info here. The people on this board are very knowledgable. I've never used one of these things before, so I'm doing as much research as I can before I get one. That way I know exactly what I'm getting.



BTW- Can anyone tell me exactly what Mackie Control emulation is? I know it's a mapping standard of some sort, but why is it important? I thought that might be important, so that's why I'm trying to find out. I saw that the Behringer BCF2000 has that, but I couldn't tell about the Evolution UC33e.

[Mindstate]

so what did you get?

behringer xenyx 1204 FX

[Bops2000]

The Mackie onyx is expensive, Tascam has one, korg has one, I started using a berhringer 1802 somthing, analog mixer, that was ok but kinda crappy for me. Th e mackie 1204, 1604, may be the best bang for the buck, I sold a 1604 for 300 bucks on ebay not long ago (which I bought on ebay for about $300 6 mos prior, so you could break even on these things down the road at least).
Depending on what you want to do with it, personally, I'd say the 1604vlz pro, or the 1204vlzpro at probably $250, if you shop, would be the plan. Again, if you want midi control and the whistles, then disregard the recommendation.

[IronGuillotine]

The Mackie onyx is expensive, Tascam has one, korg has one, I started using a berhringer 1802 somthing, analog mixer, that was ok but kinda crappy for me. Th e mackie 1204, 1604, may be the best bang for the buck, I sold a 1604 for 300 bucks on ebay not long ago (which I bought on ebay for about $300 6 mos prior, so you could break even on these things down the road at least).
Depending on what you want to do with it, personally, I'd say the 1604vlz pro, or the 1204vlzpro at probably $250, if you shop, would be the plan. Again, if you want midi control and the whistles, then disregard the recommendation.

MIDI Control is primarily what I'm looking for, but thanks for the recommendations anyway.

[Mindstate]

i really wish i got sometyhing else

what couldi use i want a mixer to help mix down my tunes

[itsplayed]

i really wish i got sometyhing else

what couldi use i want a mixer to help mix down my tunes

You don't 'need' a physical mixer to mix down your tunes. Mix them within the software your using via mouse/keystroke.

[Mindstate]

You don't 'need' a physical mixer to mix down your tunes. Mix them within the software your using via mouse/keystroke.


yes i know this but clicking and dragging has never inspired my creativity