Any thoughts on a good control surface for X2?  The V-Studio 700 has the functions I need, but is there something else out there that 1-is fairly simple to set up, 2-is stable, and 3-has most of the functions you would expect on a traditional board (e.g., motorized faders, knobs for pan, knobs for sends and EQ in Sonar)?  The V-Studio ability to control plug-ins is cool, but I don't really ever use it.
 
One non-traditional thing I like about the V-Studio is the ability to flip so that the faders will operate pan and the rotary controls will operate gain.  This is good for programming pan movements.
 
One thing I hate about the V-Studio is that the rotary controls for pan move WAY too far and you have to spin them around.  On an old-school board, the pan pot travels from about 7:00 to 5:00.  Ont he V-Studio you can't sweep pan in a single momvement.
 
Thanks.

I wouldn't trade my iPad and V-Control Pro for anything.

So that's an application that runs on iPad and that Sonar recognizes?  Interesting.  How does the iPad connect to your PC?

Wi-Fi.
 
http://www.neyrinck.com/v-control-pro
 
Sonar information:
 
http://www.neyrinck.com/v...-pro-sonar#menuTopjump
 
Sometimes I wish I had an iPad... ;)

cryophonik
I wouldn't trade my iPad and V-Control Pro for anything.

I've been thinking about trying this. Looks very interesting for my control room.
Apparently you like..
 
Sorry Konradh, not meaning to hijack your thread.
Any further luck with Sweetwater and your build?
 
 

For an iPad-based control surface, there is also AC-7 Core HD, which I use on occasion.
It offers the advantage of being iOS CoreMIDI compatible, which means it could connect to your computer via a compatible USB interface.
(Which I personally prefer for use with something like Sonar ~ less chances of connection latency being an issue.)
 
Also, MIDI Designer Pro is a VERY powerful and reasonably-priced iOS app that you can use to build custom MIDI control apps for your DAW, plugins, hardware, etc.  Lots of demos and tutorials on their web site.
 
Randy

You would think from the wailing and gnashing of teeth regarding the VStudio 700 system, that is was entirely worthless. Though we need a software update, it remains a excellent system with far greater integration with Sonar than anything anywhere. I am as guilty as anyone when it comes to complaining. I was an early adopter of the VS700 and have felt somewhat betrayed by the lack of support and software updates for the "Flagship Roland/Cake" integrated system.  Still, it works... even in X2A.  I have spent considerable time researching other units that offer the same integration. If they are out there, I am unaware.

I really like the V-Studio 700—just wondering what the other options were, but it has what I need (except for my complaint about the range of the rotary pan controls).
 
In answer to the question above, I may do a fresh X2 install on a new PC, but still thinking about it and need to get an album out the door before I start pulling cables.  So there is no misunderstanding, Sweetwater has worked very hard to assist me.  Intermittent problems that are not experienced—or at least not documented—by other users are tough.  Sweetwater is the most customer-oriented company I have ever encountered.
 
Back to the original topic, I will probably stay with the Roland console unless something remarkable pops up.  If I go to a new PC with a different interface and a fresh X2 install and still have problems, that will pretty much point to the control surface, but I seriously don't expect that to happen.
 
Peace.

stevee9c6
You would think from the wailing and gnashing of teeth regarding the VStudio 700 system, that is was entirely worthless. Though we need a software update, it remains a excellent system with far greater integration with Sonar than anything anywhere. I am as guilty as anyone when it comes to complaining. I was an early adopter of the VS700 and have felt somewhat betrayed by the lack of support and software updates for the "Flagship Roland/Cake" integrated system.  Still, it works... even in X2A.  I have spent considerable time researching other units that offer the same integration. If they are out there, I am unaware.

 
+1

Interesting thread. The pan pot point is valid and although I've always noticed it, it hasn't been a bug bear. Never really gave it a lot of thought until reading all this to be honest....you just get so used to endless pots nowadays etc.
 
Yes there is much throwing of toys from prams about Roland/Cake dropping the 700 support (it would appear) but I am unaware also of anything better for X2. It does all just work plenty good enough to get results if you ignore the bug bears and use the 700C as a straight surface and although not as seamless as the 8.5.3 integration, it does now at least 'work' with X2a. If there is a better option somewhere Konrad, I also would be very keen....the MCU for example was great but always lacking in integration and the 700C under X2a is certainly a big leap forward as a comparison IMO. +1 for Steve's comments.
 
The conclusion here has been that this is as good as it can be..... right now. But I'm keeping an eye open on other things in the event something good comes along as the 'loyalty' thing isn't really valid anymore unfortunately..however Sonar is still somehow the king for this user...right now.
 
Cheers.