Helpful ReplyMidi Controller for Sonar Platinum

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The Twangler
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2017/06/25 16:41:07 (permalink)

Midi Controller for Sonar Platinum

Hello One and All,
I am looking to purchase a new midi controller for use with Sonar Platinum. 
I searched the threads and came up with some posts, but most are well over a year old.
Technology moves FAST!
I would like to stay under the $200.00 range.
Any suggestions would be greatly appreciated.
Thanks
The Twangler
#1
Zargg
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Re: Midi Controller for Sonar Platinum 2017/06/25 17:05:06 (permalink) ☄ Helpfulby GjB 2017/06/28 05:57:05
Hi. It depends on what you will be using it for. How many keys? Do you need any faders and knobs?
I have an AKAI MPK 25 that I use most of the time, for "single hand" playing.
I also have a M-Audio Keystation 61es that I use when playing with both hands.
I am quite pleased with both. The MPK has a better key feeling, IMO.
I bought both mine 2nd hand, for a fraction of the original price.
All the best.

Ken Nilsen
Zargg
BBZ
Win 10 Pro X64, Cakewalk by Bandlab, SPlat X64, AMD AM3+ fx-8320, 16Gb RAM, RME Ucx (+ ARC), Tascam FW 1884, M-Audio Keystation 61es, *AKAI MPK Pro 25, *Softube Console1, Alesis DM6 USB, Maschine MkII
Laptop setup: Win 10 X64, i5 2.4ghz, 8gb RAM, 320gb 7200 RPM HD, Focusrite Solo, + *
 
#2
35mm
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Re: Midi Controller for Sonar Platinum 2017/06/25 17:11:15 (permalink)
The Nektar LX+ range has Sonar integration built in. I have the LX88+ and it's not a bad controller. Keybed is OK, the rotary encoders are smooth etc. The Sonar integration is very useful but sometimes scrolling through instruments can get out of sync with the track scrolling. It also has built-in integration for many VST instruments too. It is pretty much the only MIDI controller in that budget range that does have dedicated integration for Sonar.

Splat, Win 10 64bit and all sorts of musical odds and sods collected over the years, but still missing a lot of my old analogue stuff I sold off years ago.
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chuckebaby
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Re: Midi Controller for Sonar Platinum 2017/06/25 17:15:25 (permalink)
I have an M Audio Oxygen 49
http://www.guitarcenter.c...p;kwid=productads-adid
And I love it.

Windows 8.1 X64 Sonar Platinum x64
Custom built: Asrock z97 1150 - Intel I7 4790k - 16GB corsair DDR3 1600 - PNY SSD 220GB
Focusrite Saffire 18I8 - Mackie Control
   
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JohnEgan
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Re: Midi Controller for Sonar Platinum 2017/06/25 18:33:19 (permalink)
Good Day,
When you say Midi controller do you mean a midi keyboard for playing soft synth instruments or to function as a hardware console, i.e., channel strips, faders, pan, transport, etc....?
The latter cost depends on how many physical hardware elements you want to actually have, but may be hard pressed to find something good under $200, even if only one physical channel at a time, (e.g., Presonus "Fadeport" may work for you under $200).
Myself, if I were to go this way Id want at least 8 physical channels (even that's a compromise) to work on simultaneously like a hardware console, (e.g., so not having to constantly switch around between tracks/track banks, FX, sends etc.., to adjust levels or other functions relative to each other, in that case Id rather just stick with the mouse and software then, so likely looking at well over $1000 for anything good/realistic with at least 8 hardware channels (e.g. Mackie MCU Pro, ~ $1100, which is also expandable), unless something like "Console 1" or "Faderport 8" works for you, ~ $600.
However, what I would say would be becoming more the trend currently (and Im looking to do soon) is instead going to large touch screen monitor as the primary or secondary monitor, laid on flat/angle in front acting as the (virtual) hardware console. I guess its then not a "hardware" console but somewhat functions as so, although currently not any cheaper than the hardware console may be, for sure if looking sat at a good quality touch screen, at 27 + inches size, probably at least ~ $1500-2000.
 
Cheers
 
 
 
     

John Egan
Sonar Platinum (2017-10),RME-UFX, PC-CPU - i7-5820, 3.3 GHz, 6 core, ASUS X99-AII, 16GB ram, GTX 960, 500 GB SSD, 2TB HDD x 2, Win7 Pro x64,  O8N2 Advanced, Melodyne Studio,.... (2 cats :(,  in the yard).
 
#5
CJaysMusic
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Re: Midi Controller for Sonar Platinum 2017/06/25 21:35:23 (permalink)
I love and use the Euphonics Artist Transport. 

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