Radikal SAC2.2 vs. Mackie U. Control?

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Godsguitarist73

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Hi all!

Next semester (extra scholarships and loans) I'll be doing some much-needed upgrades (actually a completely new computer) and I'll be buying some more gear.

As part of that gear, I am going to buy a controller of some sort. Right now I have Pro Tools M-Powered with an M-Audio Firewire 1814, but I'll also be using it with Cubase and on a brand new Core 2 Duo computer.

My question is this: Which do you guys prefer? It seems that the Radikal is quite nice and is a bit cheaper used, I'm guessing because its not as well known, but the Mackie seems to have better support and is also easier to find both it and the expanders. The Radikal also has more and somewhat better features (more LCD screens, USB connectivity, multiple programs at once (would be great with Reason) etc.), but I can't seem to find them new and I'm worried they'll just stop all support (firmware updates, software vendors won't support it, etc.). Any thoughts?

If nothing else, have any of you guys used the Radikal SAC2.2? I would love to hear from some people who have actually used it and/or the Mackie.

Thanks much!

Brandon
 
I can tell you this, the SAC 2.2 is WAY better built! Those things are TANKS!!! The Mackie in comparison, much like most of their stuff, feels very flimsy and delicate. The faders and knobs do not feel as robust, and the push buttons feel cheap in comparison.

So, the SAC wins HANDS DOWN in the quality of build department!
 
Might I say that, for the price, the Mackie is a total rip. For what it does it should be a few hundred bucks rather than upward of a grand. I was going to get one for use with Sonar and bought a used (discontinued) Studiomix for $100 on EBAY.
 
Thanks for the replies, guys.

Anything on functionality?

Ford Van:

You seem as though you've had some hands on... what are your thoughts other than build quality?

Thanks!
 
I agree that the MCU is rather expensive but I've been using the MCU with SONAR for about 2 years now with out issue. It plugged right in and worked with SONAR without a hitch.

I like the touch sensitive faders (toucing the fader selects the track in SONAR), I can control plugins/effects, the jog wheel I use the snot out of it and the foot pedal is way cool when you're playing and recording by yourself.

Anyways, asside from the cost, I'm rather pleased with it. Keep in mind, this is the only outboard controller I've ever owned so, my field of experience with controllers is quite limited.
 
I haven't used the SAC2.2, so I can't compare other than the published features. I can tell you though that the Mackie control has worked flawlessly for me, and has been well designed. As mentioned, the touch sensitive (self arming) motorized faders on it are brilliant, and no doubt add a sizeable portion of the build cost. As a matter of purely personal preference, I find the Mackie to have better ergonomics and a more pleasing ID.
 
I have no used the Mackie control enough to give a thorough thumbs up for it.

I DO know that the SAC is laid out better, and is far more robust in construction. As I recall, it is capable of performing all the same functions as the Mackie unit.

It IS a lot more expensive than the Mackie unit (new cost).
 
I think both units are fine, so it comes down to 2 things, which one suits your tastes better in the ID (looks and layout) dept, and more importantly, which one is better implimented for your software. This is key, though for mainstream apps may not be an issue. But check this thuroughly, as implimentation varies from DAW to DAW.

From an SOS SAC review....
"I would recommend that any interested parties arrange a careful and extended hands-on assessment of this product in conjunction with their own preferred DAW or sequencer software. Such is the disparity of integration and functionality between different software platforms that no review can really do this product justice -- the ergonomics and operation change so much depending on what it's used with that a personal assessment is really the only option."
 
Godsguitarist73 said:
Which do you guys prefer? It seems that the Radikal is quite nice and is a bit cheaper used, I'm guessing because its not as well known, but the Mackie seems to have better support and is also easier to find both it and the expanders. The Radikal also has more and somewhat better features (more LCD screens, USB connectivity, multiple programs at once
Click to expand...
Maybe, just maybe I should silent my voice. My state of mind has changed in last few years and early adopted digital desk renaissance is vanishing.

These things are more and more restrictive to me and real desk comes as only prescription (again) But this be none of your worries so you should be given simple answer to your quest.

I have presently one helping spare of Radikal SAC 2K given by friend who wanted my Motormix. Since I really lately don't need that state of control I've gave him my Motormix. SAC would appeal to many as more robust, more professional then Mackie or Motormix but,for one thing it is noisier then Motormix, strangely I've seen a review where they claimed opposite.

I think they use pretty much the same faders, but I feel CML is more precise and feels better. I've also seen the latest MotorMate. You have to check CML site and watch the videos of MotorMate to see for yourself.

This is just control extension, don't trouble yourself with more then concrete compatibility and functioning that is important to you. This is nothing but future's past consumery that depends on being updated and locks in sync with newer and better (use "" at you will for those last words)

In such game,the most important thing is how well updated is the product (soft side) and do they really exercise support in a way that is more then a comforting line at the end of the manual? Many products in this category ended their lifetime while "waiting for new updates" so make sure, the one you choose is complete in that sense.

Both Mackie and CML are more alert to support and understanding that intervals of new updates are vital as the product itself. Perhaps Mackie charges too much, but it is safer and more proven then SAC2. CML is in my humble opinion, one of the best things considering the value.

Generally this MIDI dependency will very soon become obsolete. This is the great opening toward that direction, but commanding price is simply ridiculous. This is what we call know-how selling.

For example, Yamaha and Steinberg are making the big plans for integration and very soon you'll be able to have MC integration for nothing. If you consider the price of this … I have a feeling, dedicated remotes, in this class are on their way out.

Robert D said:
/Snip/ and more importantly, which one is better implimented for your software. This is key, though for mainstream apps may not be an issue. But check this thuroughly, as implimentation varies from DAW to DAW.
Click to expand...
Robert D made my final note :)

Exactly, check carefully with your projected applications. Check user forums of those applications and make a firm decision.

From the words of the greatest detective : "It is a capital mistake to theorize before one has data." (A.C. Doyle)

Although many are trying to imitate MFX fame, why do I see resemblance with SAC and JLCooper?

Generic is sadly the word.
 
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