What do you all feel is the best control surface for Sonar Platinum?

I have a fairly complex mix in progress and I'd like to hear about what control surfaces you all like. Thanks, jim

Mackie Control. 

also...M-Audio ProjectMix...Tascam 1884...

Mackie control +1
 
everything works great and it has a lot of customizable parameters.
for example, I use a footswitch to bounce to clips.
my other foot switch cycles views in the dock (PRV / Console view / Browser )

Roland SI-24 control surface with the new AzController preset.

MCU-Pro. Works without any problems. 

Thanks to everyone for your suggestions. I will check them all out. I like the compactness of the Behringer but also like the Mackie having a time readout. Cost factors are a consideration too. Reliability is super important. Thanks again!

...wicked
Whoah, did the X-Touch just have a major price drop? I seem to recall it listing for about $1000 when it first came out and now it looks like it's down to $600? (I'm in Europe right now though, and it may be getting the euro->dollar conversion wrong.
 

I believe it's been $600 from the beginning.

Walt

jimoliver
Thanks to everyone for your suggestions. I will check them all out. I like the compactness of the Behringer but also like the Mackie having a time readout. Cost factors are a consideration too. Reliability is super important. Thanks again!

The X-Touch also displays time..
 
It's pretty hard to justify the current price of a Mackie, IMHO.
 
 

+1 VS - 700C , Anderton has one he has been trying to sale...  It would be worth your time to check it out IMHO..
 

jimoliver
Anyone using the new Presonus Faderport 16?

Hers some reads:
 
Fader port 16
http://forum.cakewalk.com/FaderPort-16-m3670276.aspx
Faderport 8
http://forum.cakewalk.com/How-Does-PreSonus-FaderPort-8-Work-With-Sonar-Platinum-m3622529.aspx

VS-700 !  Great system, been using it for 8 years. 

I can't comment on "best" as that is entirely subjective and depending on ones needs, but for what its worth I would just like to add that I just recently got the Behringer X-touch mini and it is just awesome for my workflow and my way of working. Granted I have only used it for a few days, but I am happy to report the mouse is being used less already and my neck says thank you as my posture is better which to me is huge! 
 
Sure it looks more like a toy compared to the bigger sexier ones, which I initially planned to buy ( Mackie/X-touch/etc) but I thought about my actual needs and realized I did not need all those things (faders especially) and did not like the space required as it doesn't work in my setup. This thing combined with footcontroller/masterkeyboard mappings will cover a VAST amount of functions and features with me ever having to take my hands off the piano, which is what I want. 
 
I want a controller to help me during writing and recording, that is the part of the process where I spend 90% or more of my time and where not having a controller was felt the most and where it help the most, to me. 
I use the presents and AZcontroller from azslow3, and the thing just worked exactly as advertised by him, kudos ! :)
 
So enough of my rambling, if you want a cheap controller that is capable, compatible and wont take up space the mini is a great choice imo. azslow3 has good descriptions on what it can and cannot do btw so you don't have to guess. 

[Double Post]

jimoliver
Thanks to everyone for your suggestions. I will check them all out. I like the compactness of the Behringer but also like the Mackie having a time readout. Cost factors are a consideration too. Reliability is super important. Thanks again!

I was considering the Behringer unit. But I thought those flat displays would be too hard to see from a sitting position so I went with a used Mackie Control Pro and extender. Absolutely no regrets with my choice.