Looking for a compact control surface for X2.

Hi,

I'm looking for a Sonar X2 control surface that doesn't take up much space  (I already have an audio interface). If I had the space, I would probably go with the Mackie MCU, but I'm, looking for something with dimensions similar to theRoland  VS-20  (11.8 x 5.68), or the Presonus faderport (7" X 5.25"). 
Of those two, which would you recommend?
I realize that the VS-20 is more than a control surface, but I'm willing to shell out the dough if it fits the bill.
Is there something in that size-range that I have overlooked.
Also, for users of the Faderport, how much of a drawback is it to have only one fader? What's the preferred method of switching the channel focus...do you use the mouse or the buttons on the Faderport?

Thanks!
Jonathan

This is a small foot print and should fit the bill.
 Here

I'm not sure if it's dimensions are within your requirements but the BCF is significantly smaller than an MCU an 90% as good (In Mackie mode). There is no better value bit of kit on the market IMHO. Size from the spec sheet 13 x 11 4/5(?) inches.

More info HERE

It depends on how much control you're looking for too. You've already gotten some good suggestions, but if you don't need the fader and want something even smaller, the Contour Design ShuttlePRO works nicely with plenty of programmable buttons along with a jog wheel.

Scott

--
Scott R. Garrigus - http://garrigus.com - SONAR X2 Power! - http://garrigus.com/?SonarX2Power
* Author of the Cakewalk Sonar and Sony Sound Forge Power book series: http://garrigus.com/?PowerBooks
* Author of the Cakewalk Sonar ProAudioTutor video tutorial series: http://garrigus.com/?ProAudioTutor
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FullBug


I've been using the VS-20 for over a month, now, and am loving it. Originally, bought it as an audio interface and the guitar sounds (guitar player, here). Now, I don't want to miss it, as a controller. It's been integrated flawlessly in my Sonar setup. Another nice thing is the portability. I have a dedictated DAW - with X2a - in my "studio" (basement of employer). At home, I installed Guitar Tracks, that came with the VS-20, on my wife's netbook. It works like a charm, when inspiration hits ;) Oh yeah, and when I just wanna jam with my favorite songs, I use it as a stand alone. A dream machine for guitar players!

Thanks for the recommendation.
Looking at the picture of the CS-20, I notice that there are not dedicated mute/solo/arm buttons, nor is there a pan knob.
How difficult is it to access these functions.


Also, how easy is it to control plugins from this device.
For example, is it easy to select a patch in Dimension Pro or set reverb settings?


Thanks,
Jonathan

  I am also interested. I wonder how people work without motorized faders.   Is it easy to do? The price of the Nano ctl is nice but the bfc2000 has the motorized faders...

Whistlekiller


The VS-100 is excellent and relatively small, about the same footprint as a JV1010 synth. No problems at all so far with X2a. I also use the V-Control Pro app on an iPad for remote control well away from the desk area and this works nicely as well.

Rich

Rich,


Thanks for the recommendation.  I forgot about the VS-100.
I don't really need the audio interface, though.  
Are you using Windows 7 64 bit?


Thanks,
Jonathan

This excellent instructional post for the nanokontrol was posted fere on the forum a few days ago. This is more or less how I got my 3 working together.

http://www.untidymusic.co...-up-nanokontrol-sonar/

I have all the functions working on 3 of them controlling 24 tracks.
If I would have used the instructional link above the setup would have been a snap, but I figured it out by trial and error.

the only thing I did different was setting up the transport buttons (instructions near the bottom of the instructional post). I didn't go to the ACT learn screen. I stayed on the cakewalk generic surface page. there are global controls on the bottom of the page (play, stop, forward..etc) that I mapped the same way. (basically select the "play" button on the controller page, move a slider on the controller, press the learn button) So there is no need to move off of this one configuration page to set the entire controller up.