I recently upgraded to a new PC and my Nektar Panorama P1 is not happy about it. It may be time to replace rather than waste weeks trying to get it to behave (Nektar doesn’t really have great support – I can’t retrieve the needed install software to put the right scripts in the right place). Anyway, I really favor having a surface with physical sliders and knobs for mixing. I don’t need keyboard functionality. Any thoughts about the best options here other than buying a new P1?
I realize I should be more specific about what “best” would mean to me. I’m looking for as much plug ‘n play here as possible; someday I may get into customizing what knobs or pads do what, but right now I just want a straightforward slider to slider, knob to knob operation. Secondly, I’m looking for it to be robust; I don’t want to have to fiddle with it every time I use it. The Panorama occasionally is guilty of that. I like the P1s undo and fast forward/rewind buttons, too, although I could live with just forward, backward, stop, play and record. I mostly record live instruments, with the occasional synth or synth drum track. Not for live use, either. I’m using this either as a control for live recording (select track, arm, start, stop) or as mixing deck (so want to be able to turn one track up while turning another track down in real time and that kind of thing).
The best option at the moment would be the Panorama CS12.
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I see it has only one channel fader. I guess I could work with that, but 8 would be preferrable. Regardless, what do you like most about the CS12? Least? Have you tried any others?
You wrote “best controller surface”, and I guess that just like in most cases that’s not really what you’re looking for; you’re probably looking for the best controller within a specific price range.
So name the budget so that people can give good recommendations.
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I would say under $400 is my budget, give or take. I’m not that concerned about the cost, but not willing to go up to something like the MP controller, which is around a grand. In the under $400 or so category, I want to get the one that best suits my needs, regardless of the price.
When it comes to the under $400 price range, it’s hard to beat the Behringer X-Touch. Considering the CS12 is really only compatible with Cubase and Logic Pro, it’s a bit expensive for what it does and it only has a single fader.
I was wondering about the Behringer. The CS12 does automate a lot of stuff, like adjusting EQ and other plug ins. As far as you know, is the Behringer mostly plug n play to install?
If compatibility is your primary concern, that pretty much ties you to the CS12. Other multi fader options might work but whether they’ll have the same level of compatibility and tweakability as the CS12 is up to debate, especially considering how little has been done (if anything) in regards to the MIDI Remote and API counterpart past its introduction as a feature.
If money is no object, then EUCON-enabled controllers will provide the deepest integration with Cubase. If you don’t mind older gear, you can get an Avid Artist Control for around $500.00 or less these days. Newer EUCON-enabled Avid products are quite a bit more expensive and also require tablets which increases the price and complexity even more, but, again, provide extremely deep control.
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I don’t think they require tablets, it’s just that most people use them. If I remember correctly I tried my s1 out without a tablet to start, and then got a cheap tablet soon after.
For mixing it’s unbeatable in this price class I think.
True, but the dock is effectively useless without the tablet. The S1 is still quite capable without it but so much better with a tablet.
It looks great, but definitely outside my price range. This is a hobby thing, at best semi-pro to do demos to get gigs. I’m gonna limp along on the Nektar P1 for a bit while I decide if it’s worth it to step up to the CS12, which looks ideal for how I would use something like this.
If second hand units are on the table, a second hand Houston will give you integration deeper than any EUCON controller since it was specifically designed for Cubase.
Absolutely!!
Or CMCs too I guess
Hi there,
All the files you need are always downloadable from your Nektar account. You just need to login in to your account at www.nektartech.com, and you will be presented with the installer for Panorama Cubase integration.
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Yes, tech support helped me find that. Most sites simply have a Download section under Support, but for whatever reasons, Nektar doesn’t. You have to log into your account and then find the link on your profile page. But it did work, ultimately.
I’ve got the Behringer X-Touch One (the single fader job) as a transport control. It’s dirt cheap and works flawlessly. If their multi-fader units are equivalent, they’ll be great.
For a less budget conscious option: Softube’s Console 1 system (faders and/or the channel strip controller) are substantially more excellent than I’d had reason to hope. The built quality, complete integration and immense ease of use… combined with remarkable control that’s more like having a high end mixer in front of you … yeah! (I should add that it’s much more than a control surface).
Do you have the new Console 1 units @Maja_Rennick or the original units?
I’ve been trying to set up the original unit using MIDI Remote scripting so that I don’t always need to load the Softube plugin on every channel, but not yet been able to fully implement it; always interested in others’ setups.