What Are The Benefits Of Using A DAW Controller Discussion

In this video I have an interesting conversation with my good friend and producer/engineer Danny Kirsch about DAW controllers and how we use them and the benefits they provide. Many people I talk to say they can't warrant spending money on something they don't consider adds anything to the sound. Which I can understand but what I think a lot of people overlook is how much better your mixes become when using a control service.

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[Rhuggins]

I adore my Console One (Mk3) + Fader, both from Softube. Its a great mixing system. Its just missing transport controls. Its a modular "console". I have an SSL 4000 loaded up by default on every channel, but at the press of a button can switch to Neve or API. I can swap the Tape, Preamp, Gate, Transient Designer, EQs, Compressors/Limiters, and Output stages between them. For example, I could load up channel with: Tape into Neve EQ into an SSL E channel dynamics module, into the output stage of an LA2A. All UAD plugins and Fabfilter plugins work with it - as well as Softube (naturally). All with knob per function control. Theres even a Weiss channel strip, 100% the same code as the Hardware. So many combinations its insane. No mapping needed

[TigroGumi]

Thank you for being part of the end of the term "game changer"

[riktascale]

Great convo, veeryyy humorous and informative, but I am not sold on using SSL plugins only with the UF8. I like the visuals of the UAD and other plugins when in use. BTW I remembered your vids with the SSL Nucleus days😀

[Kv-lll]

we are tactile guys 🙂. i think it'll be hard to explain to someone who just can't feel it.

[rayweyland]

I use Cubase 14 Pro. I've used the 3 SSL units, a Raven MTi Max, and now using the Avid Dock (working on getting an S1 or two). I liked the UF8/UF1/UC1 group for a while. However, the Raven was an order of magnitude better. Loved it's touch surface. Yet had issues with the gestures. But, now, I am sold on the EUCON environment after using the Avid Dock with an iPad Air attached. It's integration into Cubase is outstanding. Yes, it can be temperamental. But, I can handle that, so far.

[beatgeekmuzic]

You are 100% right! My sound and mixes sounds a whole lot better since using a controller. I'm using the X-Touch with Console 1. I have the SSL UC1 but it's collecting dust. Lol

[atcordice]

One of the major things i did not hear you all say about control surfaces is the prevention wrist problems unlike using a mouse and keyboard, . Carpal tunnel syndrome

[TigroGumi]

I would say you do become one with the mouse, it's like controlling a arm that's controlling the parameters.... so a partnership that is stressful lol.
If you play a first person shooter where you have one button for shoot and point where you shoot with a mouse then that is very much being one.
But it helps so so much to have properly working controllers becuase you can operate you arm and hands to the specific tasks, not one hand with two fingers like a mouse is, while with a mouse you are always doing 5 more moves to get to a point where you can control one thing at a time.
I'm really interested in the Softube eco system and the the Icon P1-Nano with the added display, with a K3 keyboard that has a touch screen.
I'm hoping this will be my everything.
Plus the Elgarto Stream Decks as well of course.
I do think it's important to give yourself time to become one with them all as well as set them up perfectly for yourself, becuase you can end up going for the mouse just out of ease of familiarly before you reach the real benefits of controllers.
Interesting about the Faderport 16, becuase I thought about this for my daughter.
Is the problem with logic only? becuase I'm thinking of studio One for her so maybe it will be a good first controller for her along with the Atom controllers by them.

[JimboJones]

If you’re using Studio One, wouldn’t it be best to use Faderport 16?

[Yahoomediaclub]

These controllers need more implementation when u require FULL Daw control…

[demodeiowa]

Been using one for years and never looked back

[lezdrake]

If you were to recommend any hardware for producers what would it be????

[simeonmatthews]

I’m not using my SSL to its full potential. I need to spend time and set it up to my workflow

[braxal]

Nice video!! What do you guys think of the new Nektar Panorama CS12 Channel Strip controller. I am tempted to get it and would appreciate your thoughts. ----Ack, I see your talking about it.

[Chaos-Dynamics]

Amazing that a 39 bucks SSL channel strip plugin supposedly sounds the same as the 2500 bucks mono hardware equivalent. If you never A/B tested them they probably look the same 😉

[FatswellSmart]

it's only the motorized faders that matter, everything else is just faff

[NyakzOTSD]

I can tell you - there isn't any benefit. Mine is pretty much in the bin for me.