Dave Modisette
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Re:SONAR X2 and MCU PRO
2013/06/07 13:29:35
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Interesting footnote here. In the user survey sent to me yesterday, one of the questions concerned how important was control surface support was to me. For me, it was of the highest importance. Once again, I have to laud Samplitude's implementation and support of the Mackie MCU. If the folks at Cakewalk ever needed to steal a few ideas, Samp Pro X would be a good source in that regard. If there is a menu selection available in just about any menu that I could find, it could be assigned to one of the MCU buttons. And using the modifier keys, you could assign multiple commands to each button.
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FastBikerBoy
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Re:SONAR X2 and MCU PRO
2013/06/07 13:40:37
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Mod Bod
Interesting footnote here. In the user survey sent to me yesterday, one of the questions concerned how important was control surface support was to me. For me, it was of the highest importance. Once again, I have to laud Samplitude's implementation and support of the Mackie MCU. If the folks at Cakewalk ever needed to steal a few ideas, Samp Pro X would be a good source in that regard. If there is a menu selection available in just about any menu that I could find, it could be assigned to one of the MCU buttons. And using the modifier keys, you could assign multiple commands to each button.
Yes the MCU implimentation got plenty of air time from me too. It's my biggest beef with X2 by far. I miss being able to tweak a compressor in the channel strip by pressing the DYN button or the EQ by pressing that button. Currently it's very useable but it's not far from being really good. Here's hoping for some improvement at some point.
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amax55
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Re:SONAR X2 and MCU PRO
2013/06/10 18:16:37
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Mod Bod
amax55
John, how are you?
I just tried another DAW applications with my MCU PRO. After testing my SONAR X2 (faders are jerky), next MOTU Digital Performer 8 (faders goes smooth up, but jerky down) and finally MAGIX Samplitude Pro - here faders works, say, good in both directions. And what should I do? I planned return the unit (as defective) to the seller, but in actual situation? I do not know... I do not want to work with Samplitude (although it looks enough attractive), beacuse I use SONAR for few years.. Do you think, this mysterious .dll file in a new version could help me with these jerky faders? (and these not working buttons) in MCU PRO?
Best,
Adam
Samplitude Pro X has the best Mackie MCU and XT that I've tried. You can pretty much program any button to any function. However, some of the LED implementations are a bit wonky. That could be because I haven't learned how to set the button up properly.
Reaper's MCU drivers have been written by users. One of them has a great feature set but the author doesn't own an XT so full implementation of that is lacking.
With the exception of the ProChannel, SONAR's MCU implementation is very useable but I wish it was more like Samplitude.
Hi Dave. Thank you for your post. I have a question fo you. As a result of your work with Samplitude, do you have some kind of your own overlay of Samplitude for MCU PRO? I try to fit the buttons to their proper functions, but I have to say - it is not easy... If you can to share it with me - I'll be very grateful. All the Bet, Adam
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Dave Modisette
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Re:SONAR X2 and MCU PRO
2013/06/10 22:35:53
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amax55
Mod Bod
amax55
John, how are you?
I just tried another DAW applications with my MCU PRO. After testing my SONAR X2 (faders are jerky), next MOTU Digital Performer 8 (faders goes smooth up, but jerky down) and finally MAGIX Samplitude Pro - here faders works, say, good in both directions. And what should I do? I planned return the unit (as defective) to the seller, but in actual situation? I do not know... I do not want to work with Samplitude (although it looks enough attractive), beacuse I use SONAR for few years.. Do you think, this mysterious .dll file in a new version could help me with these jerky faders? (and these not working buttons) in MCU PRO?
Best,
Adam
Samplitude Pro X has the best Mackie MCU and XT that I've tried. You can pretty much program any button to any function. However, some of the LED implementations are a bit wonky. That could be because I haven't learned how to set the button up properly.
Reaper's MCU drivers have been written by users. One of them has a great feature set but the author doesn't own an XT so full implementation of that is lacking.
With the exception of the ProChannel, SONAR's MCU implementation is very useable but I wish it was more like Samplitude.
Hi Dave.
Thank you for your post. I have a question fo you. As a result of your work with Samplitude, do you have some kind of your own overlay of Samplitude for MCU PRO? I try to fit the buttons to their proper functions, but I have to say - it is not easy... If you can to share it with me - I'll be very grateful.
All the Bet,
Adam
Yeah, I have white masking tape like they make for marking up channel strips on recording consoles with Sharpie written labels. Haha. When I go into SONAR, I stick the SONAR overlay on it.
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amax55
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Re:SONAR X2 and MCU PRO
2013/06/14 19:14:54
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I just tried my MCU PRO with Logic (faders were moving jerky) and with Cubase (faders were moving almost such smooth, like with Samplitude).
The only solution I see, is using the MCU PRO with Samplitude, like Dave does, until Calwalk will release an Sonar update. Hmm...
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amax55
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Re:SONAR X2 and MCU PRO
2013/06/25 13:37:02
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I've just got some info from Cakewalk about our problem. They are aware of this issue, but unable to specify the date of the MackieControl.dll update release. Let's put some more pressure on them - maybe it will speed things up...
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John
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Re:SONAR X2 and MCU PRO
2013/06/25 13:41:34
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I'm in what do you want me to do?
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WDI
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Re:SONAR X2 and MCU PRO
2013/06/25 14:49:48
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Hopefully they fix other control surface dlls also. They were able to replicate the problems I reported with cm labs Motormix way back when they released Sonar 7 but have done nothing to fix the issues. One of the reasons I stopped upgrading.
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amax55
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Re:SONAR X2 and MCU PRO
2013/06/26 14:20:23
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Hi John and WDI,
I guess we should email them repeatedly to make them aware of how the users (and potential new ones) feel about the problem. Too bad Cakewalk doesn't care about losing its clients who are forced to switch to other DAVs. I myself (following Dave's example) am thinking of changing to Samplitude - which is probably best suited for MCU Pro.
Adam
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amax55
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Re:SONAR X2 and MCU PRO
2013/09/01 10:12:50
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OK, I am just installed the new (4.0.3) firmware to my Mackie MCU Pro and now the faders are moving very, very, very, very smooth, like never before! Now, I am waiting for a move from the Cakewalk side - the problem with not properly functioning "EQ", "Compressor" and "Plug-in" buttons in MCU Pro, by using the SONAR X2 - still remains. Hurry up, gentlemen at Cakewalk!!!
Adam
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wormser
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Re:SONAR X2 and MCU PRO
2013/09/01 11:17:43
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Hopefully Cakewalk realizes that MCU support is a big one. Most important in fact to professionals.
The folks at Presonus just released version 2.6 of Studio One and one of the biggest features is much improved MCU support. They listened to their users in a big way! I'm still going through it all but most things seem to be working which is a huge difference from Studio One 2.5.
Right now, IMHO, Samplitude Pro-X has the best MCU support and ability to configure the device easily. They document this very well in the manual.
Note: I have not used Cubase 7 nor Protools 11 so they may have improved support as well. I don't know.
Reaper has good support with the klinke plugin.
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Thatsastrat
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Re:SONAR X2 and MCU PRO
2013/09/01 13:57:02
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Studio One just came out with version 2.6 update which had a large portion of the development dedicated to implementing improved integration of the MC protocol. So DAW companies do realize the importance of it. Just say'n. I am sure this is something on the Sonar to-do list.
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Dave Modisette
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Re:SONAR X2 and MCU PRO
2013/09/02 08:57:41
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Thatsastrat
Studio One just came out with version 2.6 update which had a large portion of the development dedicated to implementing improved integration of the MC protocol. So DAW companies do realize the importance of it. Just say'n. I am sure this is something on the Sonar to-do list.
I was happy to see the attention given to the MCU by the folks at Presonus considering that they have their own controllers that compete with the MCU for market share. I'm hoping that all the work put into virtual console support via touchscreen doesn't lead to a mindset in SONAR development that thinks that tactile controllers are old school, a thing of the past and shouldn't have resources wasted on it.
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amax55
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Re:SONAR X2 and MCU PRO
2013/09/02 09:03:04
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I hope so... Working with SONAR X2 and MCU Pro isn't so good, as should be... Mackie did their homework in a very good style, but now I am waiting for a move from Cakewalk... Too bad to switch to another DAW, if I am using the SONAR for a few years...
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Blades
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Re:SONAR X2 and MCU PRO
2013/09/02 10:33:59
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Hey all - I've been away a while since I just haven't been able to dedicate as much time to Sonar, music-making, or the forums, but saw this post and just wanted to drop in my $.02.
As many of you know, I have some tutorial videos on my own site showing how to use the Behringer BCF2000, which works in MCU emulation mode, so basically exhibits the same shortcomings. I noticed the loss of the EQ control when X1 came along.
I really like Cakewalk software but his and many other areas seem to get created and then forgotten. Drum Maps are the same way - I have a video out on my site from Sonar version 5 that is still accurate today because not even the basic gui of the drum map has been updated to the new formats, let alone any features being added or workflows being improved.
I want to throw my vote in the hat about this dll being updated (among other things) in the next Sonar version. This will affect a lot of users, I'd think of both the MCU and the Behringer BCF controllers.
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Freex
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Re:SONAR X2 and MCU PRO
2013/09/02 11:25:46
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I'm in for a dll update too...
I think we've all been very patient, on this one.
(Even if half my studio is in storage at the minute (new *7 month old* arrival)
Oh how I miss my Mackie's :(
Asus P9X79, Intel i7-3930k, 32GB RAM ,Windows 7, RME RayDat, Presonus Firestudio, Presonus Digimax FS, Mackie MCU, Mackie XT, Makcie C4, KRK Rokit 6 How To Setup A Drum Map...The Easy Way.PDF
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amax55
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Re:SONAR X2 and MCU PRO
2013/09/03 05:01:31
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I don't think, that all sound engineer on the Earth will switch to touchscreens... They (we) like to feel the real faders under fingertips... So, I hope, Cakewalk will release the dll update soon...
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amax55
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Re:SONAR X2 and MCU PRO
2013/09/24 06:31:32
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OK, now you see, that touchscreens are not the biggest problem... What about the SONAR and MACKIE cooperation? Can we count on TASCAM updates of MackieControl.dll? Hmm...
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amax55
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Re:SONAR X2 and MCU PRO
2013/09/29 12:03:25
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I have just downloaded the SONAR X3, but still not installed... I am waiting for a good mood... I am curious is the MackieControl.dll fixed, or not...? Is there somebody, who knows?
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lawp
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Re:SONAR X2 and MCU PRO
2013/09/29 12:06:32
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they'd mention it if it was?
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Blades
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Re:SONAR X2 and MCU PRO
2013/09/29 12:16:10
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Interested in knowing if the BCF2000 or Mackie will be able to control that new EQ or not (using the standard controls, not some weird combo of settings).
I'd love to update my BCF2000 tutorial videos on the website to reflect the changes to X3 (which of course I'd have to get first)...
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Dave Modisette
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Re:SONAR X2 and MCU PRO
2013/09/29 13:26:00
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Blades
Interested in knowing if the BCF2000 or Mackie will be able to control that new EQ or not (using the standard controls, not some weird combo of settings).
I'd love to update my BCF2000 tutorial videos on the website to reflect the changes to X3 (which of course I'd have to get first)...
The MCU only sees the first plug in in the Prochannel chain. I pulled the EQ to the top but controlling it was useless. It's more of an accident that it controls anything at all.
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amax55
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Re:SONAR X2 and MCU PRO
2013/09/29 14:20:23
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Thank you for your answers. It seems, that we will still waiting for a full support from the Cakewalk... Maybe new people at TASCAM will help...? (in future X3 updates).
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Dave Modisette
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Re:SONAR X2 and MCU PRO
2013/09/29 17:20:08
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The driver for the MCU was written by a 3rd party back around 2006. Honesty, with the move toward touchscreen, I'm not getting my hopes up.
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Blades
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Re:SONAR X2 and MCU PRO
2013/09/29 18:33:50
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Yeah - but is it realistic to assume that everyone would have a touch screen, especially one that was laid out in front of you rather than vertically a few feet away as would be typical for most people? There are a ton of MCU and BCF2000 devices already out there that USED TO work for all the features they were supposed to and that was since broken at least 2 years ago with X1. It appears that the MCU driver was written in 2006 - has it been updated in any way since then? 2006-2013 is a LONG time!
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amax55
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Re:SONAR X2 and MCU PRO
2013/09/29 18:40:11
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I think (I wrote about it earlier), that not all sound engineers of whole world will working on touchscreens (I hope). Most of them love to feel the real faders under their fingertips...
I have just installed the new X3a and I have to say, nothing's changed in matter of MackieControl.dll... I really regret I bought X3...
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Dave Modisette
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Re:SONAR X2 and MCU PRO
2013/09/30 10:19:02
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amax55
I think (I wrote about it earlier), that not all sound engineers of whole world will working on touchscreens (I hope). Most of them love to feel the real faders under their fingertips...
I have just installed the new X3a and I have to say, nothing's changed in matter of MackieControl.dll... I really regret I bought X3...
One of my disappointments as well. I had F7 turn on the metronome for play and F8 turn on the metronome for record. Neither are available now. I know the CW hotkeys on F3 but I got used to having the click available on the MCU in other DAW software.
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amax55
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Re:SONAR X2 and MCU PRO
2013/10/01 05:37:07
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Hi Dave!
I just wrote to Chris Boucher, who was involved in developing of MackieControl.dll... I used an old (2006) mail address, so I am not sure, he will answer... We'll see...
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fitzj
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Re:SONAR X2 and MCU PRO
2013/10/01 06:39:30
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That's what we need to get this working "Another Panu"
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Blades
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Re:SONAR X2 and MCU PRO
2013/10/01 06:57:51
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I believe it was Chris who I emailed several years ago to ask about an update to the Contour Shuttle Pro drivers and was basically told that he did it for them as a project and had not/would not be revisiting its development. This was a case of a piece of equipment that I still use today that was sold BY cakewalk through their site that support dropped for shortly after it's release (or maybe it was after the V2 of the same). the functionality of this device was really cool and became less over time/versions but was never addressed. This is unfortunately not uncommon with Cakewalk stuff - and the basis of my concerns in these areas - same with this Mackie stuff, same with the drum maps, and many other lingering items that aren't bugs but certainly should have been cleaned up or put back to original function by now.
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