Small controllers

[spyder]

Hi guys, I’m thinking of using a small (25 or 41 keys) controller with Cubase. What are the current views on best buy? I like the new Novation Nocturn or the Akai MPK. I’m happy to pay for quality, and essentially want a few keys to input notes, as well the working the transport and effects control surface.

[TrevCircleStudios]

The automap function on the novation controller makes them a bit of a slam dunk for me.

[Wilty]

Although I did hear that once you'd taken the time to map the MPK it is really nifty. I've not used Automap, I have used Hypercontrol on the Axiom Pro and much as I grumble it does come in pretty handy at times and the keys feel lovely on the AxPro (although I'm really not an expert) so it may be worth having a look at them if thats your thing.

I use mine with Cubase 4 (Hypercontrol doesn't work with anything below) and once I got them talking to each other they became fast friends (occasionally conspiring between them to **** me off though, but boys will be boys).

[spyder]

One of the guys at DV felt that the Novation was mostly focussed on plug-ins. I don't know if that lessens its capability working with the core DAW?

[Wilty]

Well its quite hard to get transport wrong I guess, and I should imagine Automap could cope with most of the other stuff. I've not used Automap with Cubase so don't know how well the 2 mesh. I can't see why it would cause too many problems though, because other than transport and plug-ins/effects I can't see what else you'd need it to control?
The GUI on the screen I think is a touch, and I wish M-Audio would have plagerised the idea for HperControl.

[spyder]

Thanks guys, very helpful. I had not considered the Axiom Pro, so I'll take a look at that too.

[tehlord]

Take a look at the Yamaha KX series as well. They don't have as many features as the Novation or M-Audio controllers but should be a lot cheaper. The reason I mention them is that Yamaha own Steinberg now and they are specifically designed to integrate with and control Cubase.

You can get them in 25,49 and 61 key variants.

[Wilty]

Originally Posted by spyder

Thanks guys, very helpful. I had not considered the Axiom Pro, so I'll take a look at that too.

It is definitely worth a look when it comes to controllers-but its a very 'marmite' product from what I can gather. Personally I'm on the fence with it, but got my Axiom Pro 49 as B stock so I didn't pay through the nose

I'd quite like to get my hands on a new Nocturn, I can't see where it fits in their product range with the SL series being recently updated. Seems to be they're just stripped down a little.

[spyder]

DV only seem to sell the 88 key Yamaha KX. On the Nocturn, Wilty, yes I am a little confused as to where it sits. It looks a bit "twee" to me, not a pro unit maybe? I checked out the Axiom Pro, but I'm not sure I could live with the look of it. I like the Steinberg CC121, but it does not have a keyboard.

[Wilty]

I didn't like the Starship Enterprise look either, but it adds some modern flare and you get used to it after a while. I did too (but didn't have the scratch), and it integrates really well by all accounts, maybe a CC121 and a plain keyboard if you can stretch to the funds.

[spyder]

Well, I popped into DV Romford today and ended up getting the Steinberg CC121. Jason and Jim were very helpful as always, and in the end I simply felt that the CC121 was a serious tool to do the job of controlling Cubase. Great functions and excellent quality. No keys, but I'll stick with my Motif ES for the keyboard at the moment and may take Wilty's advice to get a separate small keyboard.

I have been very pleased with Atmosphere for the last year, and so whilst I was at the store it made sense to get Omnisphere. I'm looking forward to spending some time getting to know it! Oh, and whilst I was there it seemed to make sense to get the Cubase 4 to 5 upgrade.

Then I got out quickly before any of the other many goodies caught my eye (or, more importantly, my wallet).

[Wilty]

Blimey, quite a spree...
Let me know how you get on with Cubase 5, I keep considering it but always find something better (at the moment its hardware and Glastonbury tickets) and I'm still on the lookout for a Houston too...bad days for wallets.

[spyder]

Just a quick comment on C5 after a couple of weeks. For me it is a no-brainer to update when you can, but you would have to balance the £150 against personal benefit. There are a few interesting new features, such as that on Export, however I think a lot of C5 is about the plug-ins. Reverence seems a really good reverb, and probably stands up against many independent plug-ins. Variaudio seems pretty comprehensive, and if you don't have Melodyne it is worth the inclusion. Steinberg will also tell you that it is integral within the audio engine, so that's worth a consideration. The Beat Designer stuff is good, especially if you are into Hip Hop (which I most certainly am not!). There's more, so in my view C5 is well worth it, if you have the odd £150 spare!

[tehlord]

How does the Beat Designer and drum VSTs stack up against something like Battery 3?

[spyder]

Beat Designer is pretty good, and I guess it is personal choice, but in my opinion having VST's included in a DAW package is rarely as good or as comprehensive as those designed separately. For me, I have never used the Halion package or the included synths in C4, preferring to use East West Orchestra and Atmosphere. Of course, using the included ones can save a lot of additional cost! Superior Drummer 2 is on my buy list, and I will still go ahead with that despite having Beat Designer. As noted, the included VST's are very good for most applications and tastes, but I think it is purely a question of cost versus personal requirement.