My old (sort-of trusty) 1st gen Axiom49 is starting to die. I've had it for a long time, so I think it's time I get something a little fancier. It never really integrated into Sonar very well, and the enigma configuration software was never supported past WinXP.
I'm looking for something that can really integrate (with minimal headache) with Sonar. Reaper would be nice as well (the only other DAW I use), but not a requirements. I've seen the Nektar Panorama, but I understand they don't offer a Sonar Template yet, just one for their lower end Impact model. Another thing I want is good solid keys. I gig as a keyboardist and use a weighted Korg Kronos and hate the keybeds on most of the cheaper midi controllers these days. I need something with a bit of resistance. The Axiom was an OK compromise in that regard. Anyway, I basically have it down to 2:
Nektar Impact LX49
http://www.nektartech.com/Impact-LX49 Novation SL-mkii
http://us.novationmusic.com/midi-controllers/sl-mkii Both of these offer supposed full integration with plugins and mix surfaces. It's a big deal for me to be able to easily map things like the drawbars in VB3 and knobs in various soft-synths. I kind of like the idea of the Novation of having the scribble strip at the top to note the parameters (saving me from having to look it up if I open up an existing session and forget the mappings). The Nektar Panorama seems to be like the cat's pajamas for this sort of thing, but the lack of a working template makes it a no-go for me. I'm totally tired of manually messing with controller mapping and such like I have to do with the Axiom. I want something that just works.
Are there any others I should be looking at? I know Arturia makes one as well (I have the V-collection and the integration would be nice there), but I'm not sure about the keybed and haven't read much on the DAW integration aspects.