Best Control Surface for X2

I wouldn't trade my iPad and V-Control Pro for anything.

Wi-Fi.
 
http://www.neyrinck.com/v-control-pro
 
Sonar information:
 
http://www.neyrinck.com/v...-pro-sonar#menuTopjump
 
Sometimes I wish I had an iPad... ;)

For an iPad-based control surface, there is also AC-7 Core HD, which I use on occasion.
It offers the advantage of being iOS CoreMIDI compatible, which means it could connect to your computer via a compatible USB interface.
(Which I personally prefer for use with something like Sonar ~ less chances of connection latency being an issue.)
 
Also, MIDI Designer Pro is a VERY powerful and reasonably-priced iOS app that you can use to build custom MIDI control apps for your DAW, plugins, hardware, etc.  Lots of demos and tutorials on their web site.
 
Randy

I really like the V-Studio 700—just wondering what the other options were, but it has what I need (except for my complaint about the range of the rotary pan controls).
 
In answer to the question above, I may do a fresh X2 install on a new PC, but still thinking about it and need to get an album out the door before I start pulling cables.  So there is no misunderstanding, Sweetwater has worked very hard to assist me.  Intermittent problems that are not experienced—or at least not documented—by other users are tough.  Sweetwater is the most customer-oriented company I have ever encountered.
 
Back to the original topic, I will probably stay with the Roland console unless something remarkable pops up.  If I go to a new PC with a different interface and a fresh X2 install and still have problems, that will pretty much point to the control surface, but I seriously don't expect that to happen.
 
Peace.

Interesting thread. The pan pot point is valid and although I've always noticed it, it hasn't been a bug bear. Never really gave it a lot of thought until reading all this to be honest....you just get so used to endless pots nowadays etc.
 
Yes there is much throwing of toys from prams about Roland/Cake dropping the 700 support (it would appear) but I am unaware also of anything better for X2. It does all just work plenty good enough to get results if you ignore the bug bears and use the 700C as a straight surface and although not as seamless as the 8.5.3 integration, it does now at least 'work' with X2a. If there is a better option somewhere Konrad, I also would be very keen....the MCU for example was great but always lacking in integration and the 700C under X2a is certainly a big leap forward as a comparison IMO. +1 for Steve's comments.
 
The conclusion here has been that this is as good as it can be..... right now. But I'm keeping an eye open on other things in the event something good comes along as the 'loyalty' thing isn't really valid anymore unfortunately..however Sonar is still somehow the king for this user...right now.
 
Cheers.

Haha....fair enough Konrad. Have to admit every time I hit flip I think about all that extra wear and tear on the faders...ADD perhaps?
 
Cheers.

Scott, Since you are somewhat familiar with Sonar (!), I will take your opinion as a solid endorsement.

The street price seems to be about 1/3 that of the V-Studio, and at first glance, the capabilities look very similar.  It seems like the Mackie is not nearly as wide, and that would be an advantage for me with limited desk space.

Mod Bod
I'll put in a vote for the Mackie MCU.  I would put SONAR support for the MCU behind, Samplitude Pro X and Reaper and very slightly ahead of Studio One.

Thanks, Dave.  BTW, that's a really nice variety of songs and styles on your website.
 
What I am struggling with is that, on the surface, the Mackie seems to have about the same capabilities as the V-Studio, which is about 3 times the price.  What I am not clear about is whether there is a difference in quality or an important difference in the "integration level".  If there really are important differences, then I'd look at the V-Studio, but as I am just getting started here, my first inclination would be to go with the lower cost unit until I have more experience and a better idea of what will really be helpful.