I'd like to control my Sonar virtual console with a 16 fader surface controller.
Most of what I see on the market are only 8/9 faders.
Is there a good and "inexpensive" controller with 16 faders that works well with Sonar??
 

MACKIE Control Universal Pro + MACKIE Control XT Pro
for Cubase, Apple Logic, Nuendo, ProTools (Hui Protokoll), Motu Digital Performer, Soundscape 32, Cakewalk Sonar
http://www.thomann.de/de/mackie_control_universal_pro_bundle.htm
 
I think 2270$ is inexpensive for 16 faders compared to Avid Pro Tools S3 over 5.000 $ with also 16 faders.
http://www.thomann.de/de/avid_pro_toolss3.htm

 
 

im not a big Beringer fan but the BCF 2000
http://www.music-group.com/Categories/Behringer/Computer-Audio/Desktop-Controllers/BCF2000/p/P0246
is a cheap way to roll (300 usa dollars)
 
BUT - - there are only 8 faders / motorized.
but there are also 8 knobs that can be used with remote control to assign to the tracks 9-16.
so essentially you can control 16 tracks with RC.
on the cheap. 300.
 
Mackie control is my 1st choice (as stated above) its just a little pricey.

Touch screen? It's totally silent.

Well, its all relative but there is no way i see >$2k as "inexpensive" .. after all, that's Les Paul money! :D
 
I agree with Chuck, the Behringer stuff will do the job and the x-touch at $600 with moto faders may be useful, albeit only 8 ch strips at a time...and the x-touch compact without transport/scrub at $400 is cheaper.
 
There is also the potential to cascade multiple units..ie an x-touch and x-touch compact for 16 ch for $1000.. no idea if its windows/Sonar working, but there is an interesting video on doing this in logic here.. 
 
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CbjXRZ2I_mk

Given that no hardware controller in the world gives you complete control over a DAW, the best use of your money might be a Touchscreen monitor. I have been using a 27" Acer (about $550) with Studio One that gives me performance on the level (or better) of Slate's Raven at half the cost and without an additional software layer (Studio One has probably the best native touchscreen support among DAWs).
 
Hardware controllers are, in my opinion, a step backwards at this point of the game. YMMV.

irvin
Given that no hardware controller in the world gives you complete control over a DAW, the best use of your money might be a Touchscreen monitor. I have been using a 27" Acer (about $550) with Studio One that gives me performance on the level (or better) of Slate's Raven at half the cost and without an additional software layer (Studio One has probably the best native touchscreen support among DAWs).
 
Hardware controllers are, in my opinion, a step backwards at this point of the game. YMMV.

don't get too caught up in technology there.
touchscreens are great for something but just not everything. not to mention they are like "Glass" (excuse the joke)
almost every pro studio out there right now are using hardware controllers. touch are indeed good for something's,
but I do not see hardware as a step back. more controllers are being made today then ever.
digital boards that interface with DAW's is the standard for most pro studios.
 
touch has its draw backs, for example, to be super accurate, you need gestures/ click +enter.
with a hardware fader in your hand you can dial in much faster.
im not even going in to transport controls either.
 
to the OP, Mystic38 brings up a good point the x-touch looks to be a nice draw up by Behringer.
like I said before, I haven't always been keen on Behringers stuff but they are improving / using better parts/better engineering.

Ummmm chuckebaby, don't say that in front of all the extremely pro guys Steven Slate has sold Raven's to....

2 BCF2000's in Mackie emulation mode.
 
Done.

Thanks guys.
Yeah, most of those options are not "inexpensive" for a new home studio.
For now, I'm going to give up on the 16 fader option, and go with the typical 8.
I ordered this:
http://www.korg.com/us/products/controllers/nanokontrol_studio/
 
It's wireless too.  So, I can start my DAW record button from my drumset.
Rather that walk there from my PC and have to use a bunch of count-in measures before recording.
And, when I "screw up" my drum tracks, I can restart w/o having to leave my drum stool :)