I've been researching whether to invest in Softube's C1 console or a Faderport 8. They're both about the same price.
 
Does anyone have any comments one way or the other?
 
With the C1, do you use any of it's built-in FX? If so, where is it placed in the signal chain? How do you move those?

Thanks for any insight you're willing to share. I'm getting a little tired of moving the mouse so much.

To narrow your choice... Faderport 8 is more or less useless with Sonar, at least for controlling VSTs.
C1 can control own FXes and UAD FXes. Also some Sonar functionality (but far from complete).
For Sonar control out of the box, MCU (Pro) is still favorite. And so its clone, Behringer X-Touch.
For general plug-in control there is no good stock solutions.
Anything with 8+ encoders and some buttons (f.e. Behringer X-Touch Mini), with AZ Controller and AZ ACT Fix can control ANY Fx/Synth/ProChannel in Sonar throw ACT Dynamic Mapping (reliable, so a kind of AutoMap without bugs and VST wrappers) . But since that is DIY solution, most "pro" users ignore its existence

Hi. These are as completely different products as I see it.
I see the Faderport 8 (and my Tascam FW 1884) as (motorized) faders, which gives a mixing with "real" faders on a mixer feeling.
I love adjusting volume with faders 
The Console 1, I see as the fx section of a mixer, with Eq, compressor, gain etc.
There is something "special" about turning knobs (no jokes about that one ), when dialing in a tone.
I see them as two parts of my setup. Each has their strength, and that is what I use them for.
Hope it helps.
All the best

Did you see this, by the way?
Just demonstrates the integration..

azslow3
To narrow your choice... Faderport 8 is more or less useless with Sonar, at least for controlling VSTs.
C1 can control own FXes and UAD FXes. Also some Sonar functionality (but far from complete).
For Sonar control out of the box, MCU (Pro) is still favorite. And so its clone, Behringer X-Touch.
For general plug-in control there is no good stock solutions.
Anything with 8+ encoders and some buttons (f.e. Behringer X-Touch Mini), with AZ Controller and AZ ACT Fix can control ANY Fx/Synth/ProChannel in Sonar throw ACT Dynamic Mapping (reliable, so a kind of AutoMap without bugs and VST wrappers) . But since that is DIY solution, most "pro" users ignore its existence

A couple questions:  Is the functionality of the X-touch Compact on par with the X-touch?  Also, can the C1 or the X-Touch compact control general vst plug ins?  I'm under the impression that the C1 only controls UAD and native softube plug ins...
Thanks!

bokchoyboy
A couple questions:  Is the functionality of the X-touch Compact on par with the X-touch?

Compact has much less buttons then its big brother. So no, Compact can not be used the same way.
 

  Also, can the C1 or the X-Touch compact control general vst plug ins?  I'm under the impression that the C1 only controls UAD and native softube plug ins...

From what I know, you are right. C1 is for special set of VSTs.
 
X-Touch and Compact will not control (any) plug-ins nicely out of the box.

Thank you Az... which the answers were different, but no such luck.  Wish I had a grand to lay down on a controller, but even $499 is pushin' it these days..

Ik Ik sht

bokchoyboy
Thank you Az... which the answers were different, but no such luck.  Wish I had a grand to lay down on a controller, but even $499 is pushin' it these days..

If you have more time then money... and think that X-Touch Compact is affordable for you, read "Functionality" part in the first post: http://www.azslow.com/index.php/topic,346.0.html
I mean Compact can control Mixes including sends, FXes (even adding them), Soft Synth, can "jog", etc. But this particular preset is for special audience (no LED feedback, many buttons are dedicated for audition). Someone has to spend (a lot of...) time to do the same for conventional (sighted) operations.

Sanderxpander
Ik Ik sht

I'm a little out of touch with today's acronyms and the like... can somebody please translate for me?