Mackie Control

[pdlstl]

Hi,

I'm considering getting the Mackie Control Universal this weekend. I can get it for $900 out the door.

What I'm wondering is, how many of you are using this with SONAR? The tech at Mackie told me I could eliminate around 75-80% of mouse/cursor use by using the Mackie. After 8-10 hours of mixing, my right hand really starts bothering me.

How do you like it and has it been of great benefit to to you?

Earl

 

[moskus]

After 8-10 hours of mixing, my right hand really starts bothering me.

Ssshhhh! Don't telly your wife that!

Sorry, coudn't help myself...



Seriously!
No, I don't use one, but I sure as hell want one! I read a review of it in Computer Music (the magazine), and they even claimed that it worked better with Sonar than with Cubase. I believe them when they say that it will cut 80% of your mouse-usage.

 

[pdlstl]

moskus...you're just wrong! But thanks for the glowing recommendation!

Now, let me pose this to the forum. I'm going to list most of my current set up and would like to hear if anyone can recommend a better use of the funds I have earmarked for the Mackie.

• P4 1.4, 512 megs RDRAM, 60 gig internal drive-7200, 80 gig external firewire-7200. XP Pro, SONAR 2.2, Ozone.
• Delta 44
• Mackie 1202 VLZ Pro
• TC Electronics Triple-C outboard compressor
• DOD 6-channel headphone amp
• Alesis M1 Actives
• 4-Sony MDR 7506 headphones
• 2-AT4033's, 1-AT4041, 1-CAD E-100, 1-MXL 990, 1-SM57.
• Cables and stands to support the abovementioned equipment.

Obviously I understand that I could improve things such as monitors, mics etc., but I am capable of making good recordings with what I have now. So, is the Mackie going to be a good way to spend my $900?

Also consider that I do analog recording exclusively. No MIDI at all. And everything is tracked, no full band sessions.

Thanks,

Earl

 

[Leeking]

I am getting myself a Peavey Studiomix from ebay. They cost around $200 nowadays... I think they are a good choice to use with Sonar. They have all the features plus moving faders!

 

[SteveD]

I use a Mackie Control with Sonar and just I love it. For a while I had the 8 track extender on it, but one of the automated faders broke within the 30 grace period. I got used to banking tracks in groups of 8 and returned the extender for a full refund instead of a replacement. I'd still like to have one, but they're almost as expensive as the main control unit.

I've had the Mackie Control for several months and I'm still learning to leave the mouse alone. I'm there for tracking... a control surface transport is a must have for the recording session. I no longer use more than 1 stereo mix out of my sound card, because I do all of the playback mixing right on the desk, instead of using a split analog mixer for both record and playback levels. It's a relief to be able to slide my finger across the board to enable and disable the record buttons, or use two fingers to toggle back and forth between soloing tracks, or quickly mute and unmute specific tracks, but for managing plug-ins, panning, envelopes, busses, etc... I still use the mouse more than I need to... but I find more and more... I'm staying on the desk.

Here's a tip: Keep the I/O Buffer Size (Options-->Audio-->Advanced) around the default of 64kb for great MIDI control surface responsiveness, even when your project overhead or sound card requires a high audio Buffer Size setting (Options-->Audio-->General).

It's just like being there.

SteveD
www.5adayclub.net/music

 

[SoundQuarters]

I also have a Mackie control and love it. Couldn't consider going back to a mouse.

 

[mtardif]

What do you all think are the good/bad differences between the Mackie Control Universal and the new Tascam FW1884 other than one is midi, the other is firewire? Are there any differences on how they handle Sonar? I was looking at them both and can't really find a reason to justify why the Tascam is like $400 more retail.

 

[moskus]

Nothing bad about Tascam, the reviews are pointing in Mackies direction if I'm getting a controller console... Just seems like the Mackie gives a better integration than the Tascam. I've only tried the Mackie, so I can't speak for the Tascam.

 

[SoundQuarters]

I don't know much about the Tascam model, but I believe that in addition to being a control surface, it is also an audio interface with an assortment of analog and digital ins and outs.

The Mackie is, of course, midi only.

 

[SteveD]

I don't know much about the Tascam model, but I believe that in addition to being a control surface, it is also an audio interface with an assortment of analog and digital ins and outs.

The Mackie is, of course, midi only.

Yes, the Tascam combines audio input/output and digital conversion with the control surface functionality:

http://namm.harmony-central.com/SNAMM03/Content/Tascam/PR/FW-1884.html

Similar to Pro Tools LE Digi 002 workstation:

http://www.digidesign.com/products/digi002/

Personally, I like using components that are high end and dedicated to what they do. This is the reason we all have separate mixers, power amps, and speakers instead of a boom box in our studios... right?

Okay we probably keep those around 'cause our mixes have to sound good on those too, but you get what I mean.

Steve D.
www.5adayclub.net/music/

 

[Chris Fallen]

Nothing bad about Tascam, the reviews are pointing in Mackies direction if I'm getting a controller console... Just seems like the Mackie gives a better integration than the Tascam. I've only tried the Mackie, so I can't speak for the Tascam.

And don't forget the moving faders!

 

[moskus]

Yeah!

But I thought Tascam had motorized faders too...

 

[mtardif]

Personally, I like using components that are high end and dedicated to what they do.

Got a little confused, do you consider the Mackie to be high end, or the Tascam to be high end?? I ask because I don't have a controller and am really leaning towards getting one. But I'd also like to upgrade my audio interfaces also, so I thought Tascam would be a nice integration of all of that. I'm thinking it may be worth in the next few months once the $$$ comes down a bit

 

[SPINSTERWUN]

.....Okay we probably keep those around 'cause our mixes have to sound good on those too.....

Yes, yes. You have to run the final mix through the portable CD/radio .

 

[SPINSTERWUN]

....But I thought Tascam had motorized faders too...

Yes, the TASCAM units are motorized, also.

 

[SteveD]

Got a little confused, do you consider the Mackie to be high end, or the Tascam to be high end?? I ask because I don't have a controller and am really leaning towards getting one. But I'd also like to upgrade my audio interfaces also, so I thought Tascam would be a nice integration of all of that. I'm thinking it may be worth in the next few months once the $$$ comes down a bit

I guess I'm saying I consider the Mackie Control to be a high end control surface, and I would guess that the control surface portion of the Tascam is high end too. I just like components better than integrated modules.

Example: I consider MOTU, RME, Aardvark, and Digi-design to be high end digital converter interfaces --- Allen & Heath, Soundcraft, and Mackie to be high end mixers --- Genelec, Yorkville, & B&W, to be high-end studio monitors.

It just seems that the "all-in-one" concepts never seem to be counted as top drawer. For that... you buy components separately.

Here's another concern: With an "integrated console"... if your fader breaks, or a converter needs servicing, or you need a pre-amp replaced... your studio is down because the whole unit needs to go in the shop.

Remember, your sound is only as good as your weakest link. When you replace your weakest link... your whole sound gets better. Try that with an integrated console.

Steve D.
www.5adayclub.net/music/

 

[mtardif]

if your fader breaks, or a converter needs servicing, or you need a pre-amp replaced... your studio is down because the whole unit needs to go in the shop.

Good Point, I never thought of that. Any other recommendations on good stand alone controllers that are out there now other than the Mackie?

 

[SteveD]

Good Point, I never thought of that. Any other recommendations on good stand alone controllers that are out there now other than the Mackie?

Of the ones pre-configured to work with Sonar XL 2.2, I've only tried two. I bought a CM Motormix and didn't like it for Sonar. I'm now using the Mackie Control and I'm sold on it, so I've stopped looking.

 

[SteveD]

Good Point, I never thought of that. Any other recommendations on good stand alone controllers that are out there now other than the Mackie?

Of the ones pre-configured to work with Sonar XL 2.2, I've only tried two. I bought a CM Motormix and didn't like it for Sonar. I'm now using the Mackie Control and I'm sold on it, so I've stopped looking.

________
Steve D.
www.5adayclub.net/music/