• SONAR
  • How Does PreSonus FaderPort 8 Work With Sonar Platinum
2017/06/24 03:32:48
King Conga
First off, I'm not asking what mode to put the FaderPort in.  I know it uses HUI. What I'm asking is how well does it integrate in general with Platinum.  More specifically, how does it work with drum mixes?  How do any of you customize the customizable controls on the Fader 8?
 
Thanks,
KC
2017/06/24 05:28:31
35mm
This isn't the answer you want, but if you are just thinking of getting a FaderPort, I was doing the same a few weeks ago but instead bought a used (in virtually new condition) Frontier AlphaTrack. The reason I did is because the AlphaTrack has a display on it which shows the current track and parameter values you are adjusting. It works fine in Win 10 too and Splat thanks to Azslow and they are available on Ebay for very little. I have no idea why they stopped manufacturing it. It's bloody awesome. I think the FaderPort may have nicer buttons but without a display with track scribble strip, it's not as useful or intuitive. Ignore this if you've already bought the FaderPort :)
 
Edit: Just noticed you were referring to the FaderPort 8. Sorry.
2017/06/24 09:19:25
azslow3
There was several threads discussing the topic, but it short:
 
1) Presonus has not made special Sonar plug-in for FaderPort 8 (unlike FaderPort), so it works throw Mackie emulation and Sonar Mackie plug-in, but...
2) Unlike X-Touch, FaderPort 8 has insufficient number of controls to provide complete Mackie emulation, so...
 
FaderPort 8 can work with Sonar but has no special integration and so far from optimal way.
 
2017/06/26 18:49:01
King Conga
OK! I knew it may not have as much tight integration as it does with Studio One, but I can't even find the XML file for Platinum's ACT process to work. HELP?
 
KC
2017/06/26 21:07:14
azslow3
King Conga
OK! I knew it may not have as much tight integration as it does with Studio One, but I can't even find the XML file for Platinum's ACT process to work. HELP?

ACT Midi is not the way to use this device (till you do not want to use motor faders, transport, 2/3 of the channel buttons and all other controls... ACT Midi support 8 faders + 8 knobs + 8 buttons (strict limit).
 
Put it into "MCU" mode and use "MackieControl" plug-in in Sonar. If after double checking In/Out are set correctly and the device is in MCU mode you still get "Connecting..." form MackieControl, you will need my mod of it.
 
Not as good as original MCU, but the device should be usable then.
2017/07/03 11:51:06
ianj.robertson
I got one recently and it is a big improvement from my Roland A-300Pro. It does integrate with with Sonar but not all the buttons are programed for Sonar. My expectation is that the firmware will continue to be improved over time. It has been improved at least twice.
2017/07/03 15:29:10
azslow3
ianj.robertson
I got one recently and it is a big improvement from my Roland A-300Pro. It does integrate with with Sonar but not all the buttons are programed for Sonar. My expectation is that the firmware will continue to be improved over time. It has been improved at least twice.

Does it work with original Mackie Control? I mean was you forced to install my mod or it can work without?
 
2017/07/04 15:31:46
King Conga
I was able to work it without.  However, my question is how to use ACT to enable the FaderPort8 to "learn" how to control so many of my VST instruments, and FX?
 
Tanx,
KC
 
2017/07/04 19:09:56
azslow3
King Conga
I was able to work it without.

Thanks for the information. That means Presonus has implemented Mackie handshake correctly.
 

 However, my question is how to use ACT to enable the FaderPort8 to "learn" how to control so many of my VST instruments, and FX?

"Learn" is not possible, MackieControl is not using "ACT Plug-in Dynamic Mapping". So VST instruments are not controllable at all.
FXes are controllable, for that you need to find "Plug-in" and bank/channel changes (so find which Faderport button combinations imitate that physical on MCU buttons). On original unit, encoders control plug-in parameters then. But the mapping can only be edited manually in MackieControl.ini file.
 
New Mackie Preset for AZ Controller is still in pending plans...
2017/07/06 12:23:04
tbosco
I bought a Faderport 8 a couple of months ago and wish I hadn't.  IMO it has poor integration Sonar Platinum....many features and buttons don't work in Sonar.  It does perform the basic functions .  I'm not sure why the faders will not "Zero" at unity gain.... mine sits at about +3dB when initialized.  My old single fader Faderport would rest at 0dB.
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