CME VX-Series MIDI Controllers & Sonar?

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cryophonik
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2009/12/19 14:26:04 (permalink)

CME VX-Series MIDI Controllers & Sonar?

Anybody here using a CME VX-Series controller with Sonar?  If so, how is it working out for you?  Do the transport controls, faders, drum pads, etc. integrate fine?  Any issues I should be aware of?  FWIW, I'm considering the VX-50 or VX-60.  I wouldn't mind hearing from UF-Series owners as well in terms of overall quality or any issues.  Thanks!

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    Kalle Rantaaho
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    Re:CME VX-Series MIDI Controllers & Sonar? 2009/12/19 18:55:05 (permalink)
    I have a UF-6 and I've never been able to use the transport functions with SONAR, and the slider and knob  functions with ACT are more or less random. Not recommendable.

    SONAR PE 8.5.3, Asus P5B, 2,4 Ghz Dual Core, 4 Gb RAM, GF 7300, EMU 1820, Bluetube Pre  -  Kontakt4, Ozone, Addictive Drums, PSP Mixpack2, Melda Creative Pack, Melodyne Plugin etc.
    The benefit of being a middle aged amateur is the low number of years of frustration ahead of you.
    #2
    noguru
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    Re:CME VX-Series MIDI Controllers & Sonar? 2009/12/19 20:10:00 (permalink)
    I have the Uf-70. I bought it "Blemished" Online from musicians enemy.

    this is a fickle beast, but after some frustrating configuring, it works pretty good.

    One of my faders is dead.
    Every few minutes, it seems to spit out some sort of MIDI message, but Ive yet to figure out what it is, and it hasnt interfered in my work at all.

    As far as the transport controls, they work fine here, but they must be setup in ACT. they dont work out of the box. Once you get the faders and knobs set in ACT you should be ok.

    Wireless MIDI- dont know ,never even tried it.

    at first I thought the keyboard was kinda stiff, but this is after using the same Roland A-30 for 20 years. now i like it, and i love playing it.

    You not going to get any support from CME, and the manual is like most  translated manuals. maybe a little worse.

    Look on the CME forums, and there is some Sonar help. There are alot of CME forum users who regret their purchase, because the company doesnt respond, and firmware updates are a rarity.

    At first I regreted getting mine, but after  a week or 2 of tweaking,  I have it working good. I only paid like  375 for mine. maybe you can get a good deal on yours...

    Good Luck.

    this monster stays in my computer room, and has never moved.
    the thing called U-ctrl, i dont think that works with Sonar.
    I just looked up the price of a new Vx-70.....i dont know man...
    I would go study the CME  forums..




    post edited by noguru - 2009/12/19 20:27:54

    peace,
    terry

    intel Q6600,tascam-fireone,cme-uf70,korg padkontrol, behringer truth 2031.

    http://terryleesmith.bandcamp.com/
    #3
    garrigus
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    Re:CME VX-Series MIDI Controllers & Sonar? 2009/12/19 21:59:47 (permalink)
    I've got the VX8 and I like it a lot, although I'm not really using it to its fullest potential. I don't have it connected via USB and have thus avoided most of the problems. I just have it connected via MIDI just like any other MIDI keyboard.

    All the controls transmit MIDI messages so they are very easy to set up with SONAR's ACT, which is really all I need.

    The keyboard itself has a nice weighted feel to it, which is one of the main reasons I like it.

    Scott

    --
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    #4
    noguru
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    Re:CME VX-Series MIDI Controllers & Sonar? 2009/12/19 23:19:04 (permalink)
    I use mine straight MIDI as well.

    peace,
    terry

    intel Q6600,tascam-fireone,cme-uf70,korg padkontrol, behringer truth 2031.

    http://terryleesmith.bandcamp.com/
    #5
    cryophonik
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    Re:CME VX-Series MIDI Controllers & Sonar? 2009/12/20 03:43:33 (permalink)
    Over the years, I've heard more bad things about CME's customer support (or lack thereof) than good and the responses so far aren't all that encouraging.  I'd be buying it to use as one of my primary MIDI controllers (in addition to my 88-key Alesis QS8.2) - my Virus Polar's 37 keys are feeling a bit too limiting lately and the feature set of the VX-series seems to be great, if they work as advertised, which I'm skeptical of.  I'll give it some more thought before making a decision.  Unfortunately, I've never seen one in a store that I could try before buying.

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    #6
    Seth Perlstein [Cakewalk]
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    Re:CME VX-Series MIDI Controllers & Sonar? 2009/12/20 08:49:42 (permalink)
    I can tell you that my UF-8 has been sitting in a box for almost two years now. Poor build quality and wacky stuff going on with the controls. It was a headache at first, but now that its in a box its a joy!

    If I were you I would wait until NAMM, which is only a few weeks away, to see what's new.
    #7
    cryophonik
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    Re:CME VX-Series MIDI Controllers & Sonar? 2009/12/20 15:04:33 (permalink)
    Seth Perlstein [Cakewalk
    ]

    I can tell you that my UF-8 has been sitting in a box for almost two years now. Poor build quality and wacky stuff going on with the controls. It was a headache at first, but now that its in a box its a joy!

    If I were you I would wait until NAMM, which is only a few weeks away, to see what's new.


    That pretty much seals it for me then - no CME.  Did I just get some insider information about NAMM?

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    Seth Perlstein [Cakewalk]
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    Re:CME VX-Series MIDI Controllers & Sonar? 2009/12/20 16:27:24 (permalink)
    cryophonik


    Seth Perlstein [Cakewalk
    ]

    I can tell you that my UF-8 has been sitting in a box for almost two years now. Poor build quality and wacky stuff going on with the controls. It was a headache at first, but now that its in a box its a joy!

    If I were you I would wait until NAMM, which is only a few weeks away, to see what's new.


    That pretty much seals it for me then - no CME.  Did I just get some insider information about NAMM?

    I normally try not to give opinions on third-party gear, but I had to make an exception this time. I hate to say it, but there are so many better options out there.

    Insider info at NAMM? No, not really, just sayin you never know what new piece of gear-lust will show up in Anaheim. Just sayin'.

    #9
    AT
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    Re:CME VX-Series MIDI Controllers & Sonar? 2009/12/20 18:45:50 (permalink)
    Well, I heard that there might be a something you might like coming out at NAMM - certainly worth the wait to see, Cryo.  Also, Sound on Sound gave a thumbs down to CME, tho it was a few years ago.  You'd think that CME would have got their stuff straightened out.

    @

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    bentleyousley
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    Re:CME VX-Series MIDI Controllers & Sonar? 2009/12/20 22:44:01 (permalink)

    I just 'retired' a CME UF-8 also. What an un-impressive company. The USB drivers never worked right and the keys started sticking after about 3 months. Really lousy quality control and support. Never again!

    Once and Future Cities: A Fractal Journey https://youtu.be/j6JkKmh4wXY
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    cryophonik
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    Re:CME VX-Series MIDI Controllers & Sonar? 2009/12/21 00:43:03 (permalink)
    AT


    Well, I heard that there might be a something you might like coming out at NAMM - certainly worth the wait to see, Cryo.  Also, Sound on Sound gave a thumbs down to CME, tho it was a few years ago.  You'd think that CME would have got their stuff straightened out.

    @


    C'mon, AT - that's just cruel.  At least give me a hint!

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    #12
    AT
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    Re:CME VX-Series MIDI Controllers & Sonar? 2009/12/21 01:52:57 (permalink)
    Cake/Roland is supposed to have a midi keyboard controller.  Don't know what all it has for control, or even if it is any good.  But it ought to be worth waiting for Namm to see.

    @

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    Jim Roseberry
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    Re:CME VX-Series MIDI Controllers & Sonar? 2009/12/21 07:44:48 (permalink)
    Anybody here using a CME VX-Series controller with Sonar? If so, how is it working out for you? Do the transport controls, faders, drum pads, etc. integrate fine? Any issues I should be aware of? FWIW, I'm considering the VX-50 or VX-60. I wouldn't mind hearing from UF-Series owners as well in terms of overall quality or any issues. Thanks!

     
    I had a VX7
    The short version:  It was terrible.
     
    If you're wanting a 61-key controller, I'd go with Novation or Edirol.
     
    I'd like to see a few more 76-key MIDI controller options.  
     

    Best Regards,

    Jim Roseberry
    jim@studiocat.com
    www.studiocat.com
    #14
    cryophonik
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    Re:CME VX-Series MIDI Controllers & Sonar? 2009/12/21 11:59:41 (permalink)
    Thanks for all the input.  Unfortunately, I've already ruled out anything from Roland or Novation -  I really despise their combination pitch bend/mod wheels (especially Roland's) and I've had nothing but bad luck with Novation ever since FocusRite got involved.  AutoMap drove me postal during the few weeks I owned a Zero SL.  I guess I'll keep looking, unless they surprise me with something at NAMM that works for me.  Thanks again!

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    #15
    CarlosGomez
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    Re: CME VX-Series MIDI Controllers & Sonar? 2013/06/24 12:34:03 (permalink)
    Friends need your help, I have some problems with my CME VX6 and need to update their firmware, some of you will have VxBrain program to try to update it? .... I hope you can help me ... My email is: carlosgzfl@gmail.com
    #16
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