Re:will there be a new controller for X1?
2011/01/05 17:51:36
(permalink)
I surpose the controller could do with a few more buttons, but you can change the drum pads to act as control buttons for undo, solo, mute, etc... (Which i've done.)
For me, the A-PRO works perfectly for X1 (just like it did with 8.5.) However, one or two users have had some problems using it with X1 - such as having to assign the inputs and outputs every time they load X1. I personally don't have this problem, and can't seem to replicate it either.
The one thing i don't like about this controller is the aftertouch. It's very poor, and that's being kind! There's different settings but none of them seem to just work.
The default setting is too hard to get to, forcing you to press down very hard. You can make it even less responsive (for some reason) and you can set it up so you don't have to use as much force. The only problem with that is the aftertouch then becomes too unpredictable - for example if you want to use aftertouch to open the cut-off to a certain amount, it's very easy to go past that amount. Kinda hard to explain... It's either too sensitive, or you have to use too much force. There's no good setting.
Apart from the aftertouch i love this controller and wouldn't swap it for anything under £1000. If i didn't have Sonar i wouldn't be too fussed about it, but it intergrates with Sonar absolutly perfectly.
What i like the most about the A-PRO is i can set it up to be controlling a synth, or effect, then if i need to adjust some track levels i press a button on the A-PRO and i can control track levels and pan. Press another button and i'm back to the synth or effect i was controlling a second ago. I can keep switching 'focus' between tracks and synths (or effects) with 2 buttons, which allows me to work 90-95% of the time without the mouse.
For what it's worth, i produce 100% 'in the box' so i use my A-PRO to record with the keys, adjust levels, pan and VST with the knobs and sliders, and use the drum pads for control buttons. Aswell as using the transport buttons, of course.
Oh yeah, to answer your question - no, i don't think there will be another keyboard controller coming out from Cakewalk any time soon. That isn't from any official information or anything. I just think that the A-PRO is still quite new, and does the job. And if you need more control there's the V studio 700 by Cakewalk.