I just bought a PCR-800. Two days before the A-800 was announced. I'd have bought the A-800 had I known they were coming out just for the extended transport buttons and a control map tailored to it. They are essentially PCR's that have been redone to fit Sonar with a new user interface. I'll probably get one anyway.
Me <-- (confirmed gear slut )

I've got the PCR-800 here as well and I really like it.  It looks like the new ACT support will be specifically for the A series - not sure how much of that support will apply to the pcr series.  I have a feeling it may be "some, but not supported".  Either way, the integration is pretty good on the thing anyway, so I'm looking at the A series as what I'd get if my pcr died.

I would wait for the new controllers to come out now. One thing not many are mentioning here is the playability of the new controllers. I suspect they will have a much better action and the playability will be superior. They are built a little better and will probably feel better as well. This cannot be under estimated. Also ACT has been improved. Some Cakewalk folks have even said that the firmware is better and improved as well.

Checkout this thread again:

http://forum.cakewalk.com...;m=1919947&mpage=1

I'll just chime in since I own a PCR-300 (just bragging, not complaining)...

Anyhow, I understand your desire for an easy to use interface.  After getting acquainted with the PCR, after reading and posting here and watching just a couple of YouTube videos (yes, there is a guy out there showing some nifty short cuts in programming) that really helped me.  Now I am very comfortable using it.  It isn't that complicated as it seems (like most things, I guess).

So now consider if you like the layout.  For instance, I prefer the transport buttons on the left side like the PCR instead of the top just above the keys on the A-PRO.  The more appealing feature the PCR has over the A-Pro is that is has 18 pads (yes, I said EIGHTEEN) for drums, samples and/or triggers (for sample or loops) or whatever you want them to do.  So more buttons on the PCR, not the A-Pro, it has only EIGHT!  Both have nine encoders (or nobs) and nine faders (of slide controls)  They both seem to share the programming controls, the same combo modulation/pitch bend stick (a Roland trademark) and both have inputs/outputs/plugs on the left side (very convenient.  The only other distinctive differences between the two may be the display which is no concern for me; the PCR has a metal like plate around the knobs, pads and sliders AND the PCR has what my be completely useless or a convenient pan control or DJ style crossfader.   And if you are a control freak like the most of us, you will note that the PCR has a total 50 fully assignable controls whereas the A-Pro falls short of that by 5 less.  The bundle software is different, but if you are already using SONAR, who cares?  This could be a lot to consider.  But then....

Now ACT is ACT and it may not make a difference which SONAR friendly controller you chose.  At least that is what I am going with.  The PCR is easy, very easy to program.  In fact, you can always save as many assignment configuration files you want on your PC and transfer them to the PCR with out a hitch (just hit the right button is the correct sequence, but it is really simple, trust the Rocker!).  But I suppose the A-Pro will have the exact same functionality.

So, to sum it up...  The PCR is actually very easy to program and use as an interface for SONAR.  It's little brother, the A-Pro, is just as easy I'm sure.  It may be a simple matter of more controls or appealing layout.  Either one won't do you wrong, but I'm sold on the PCR.

Kind regards,


Living Room (The) Rocker

Jeff Evans


I would wait for the new controllers to come out now. One thing not many are mentioning here is the playability of the new controllers. I suspect they will have a much better action and the playability will be superior. They are built a little better and will probably feel better as well. This cannot be under estimated. Also ACT has been improved. Some Cakewalk folks have even said that the firmware is better and improved as well.

Checkout this thread again:

http://forum.cakewalk.com...;m=1919947&mpage=1

Hi Jeff.  Just to add to your thoughts here, if you don't mind (nothing personal), has Cakewalk/Roland made any improvements on Edirol's Audio and MIDI interfaces (now caring the Cakewalk label)?  I mean really, ACT is what needs to be improved, not the controller's programming ability.  I am sure the playability and such is all the same between these two controllers.  I'm not expecting much if anything.

Well, the Rocker rocks on!

Kind regards,


Living Room Rocker

It's early days as the A-Pros are not out yet but I am waiting.
 
Apparently one of the the big differences between the A-Pro and the PCR is the quality of the keyboard bed. This should make the A-Pro have much better playability. The A-Pro is Roland as opposed to Eridol. Someone posted on one of the NAMM threads that the A-Pro keyboard bed was better.
 
And just to keep on saying it, Why only 61 keys??? If announces a decent semi weighted longer board i will take the A-Pro off the shopping list.
I thought the A-Pro was the big brother of the PCR, not the other way around?????
 

Blades


I've got the PCR-800 here as well and I really like it.  It looks like the new ACT support will be specifically for the A series - not sure how much of that support will apply to the pcr series.  I have a feeling it may be "some, but not supported".  Either way, the integration is pretty good on the thing anyway, so I'm looking at the A series as what I'd get if my pcr died.

I was also wondering about the ACT Control Map for the A-800, whether it would program the buttons-etc. on the PCR's or be used as basic template in the PCR Editor and then tweaked to fit the PCR layout. I guess we'll have to wait and see.

Thank everyone so much for helping me.  Liv4ree, I am glad you posted when you did.  I called guitar center yesterday and had them put there last PCR-500 model on the side for me.  Hopefully they did, I guess I will see in a few more hours, it is about an hour drive to the nearest guitar center.  For 150.00 I think the PCR-500 should be a steal and hopefully just what I am looking for. 

I am really excited about this day, I have wanted to get a midi controller for a while but didn't have the extra cash.  Now I hopefully get one that should work well with sonar for half price, YESSS!!!

Glyn Barnes


It's early days as the A-Pros are not out yet but I am waiting.
 
Apparently one of the the big differences between the A-Pro and the PCR is the quality of the keyboard bed. This should make the A-Pro have much better playability. The A-Pro is Roland as opposed to Eridol. Someone posted on one of the NAMM threads that the A-Pro keyboard bed was better.
 
And just to keep on saying it, Why only 61 keys??? If announces a decent semi weighted longer board i will take the A-Pro off the shopping list.
I thought the A-Pro was the big brother of the PCR, not the other way around?????
 

That's a good point, Glyn.  I think that only applies to the 800, isn't it?

Kind regards,


Living Room Rocker

rocker41


Thank everyone so much for helping me.  Liv4ree, I am glad you posted when you did.  I called guitar center yesterday and had them put there last PCR-500 model on the side for me.  Hopefully they did, I guess I will see in a few more hours, it is about an hour drive to the nearest guitar center.  For 150.00 I think the PCR-500 should be a steal and hopefully just what I am looking for. 

I am really excited about this day, I have wanted to get a midi controller for a while but didn't have the extra cash.  Now I hopefully get one that should work well with sonar for half price, YESSS!!!

You will not be disappointed, rocker41.  And for the price....good deal, indeed!  Hopefully the difference in key bed (as mentioned above) is not an issue for you (it isn't for me).

Take care and Rock On!


Living Room Rocker
Your brother from another mother