Audio control surface for Adobe, Reaper, etc?

Jim Feeley

Jim Feeley

Veteran
I searched the archives, but didn't see much, so let me ask:

Does anyone have a favorite audio control surface for light/medium-duty audio post work? I'm thinking: Eight faders plus master, simple transport controls (don't want a zillion buttons), fairly compact, and Mackie Control. Not looking for a full mixer or an iPad/tablet interface. I've been using an A&H Qu-16 mixer, but am looking for something more compact (and that will let me leave the Qu-16 in its gig case). Don't need Pro Tools compatibility. Would like compatibility with Premiere Pro, Audition, Reaper, and perhaps Logic. On macOS, btw.

Two leading candidates: iCon Platform M+ (without LCD bridge) and Behringer X-Touch Compact. Any personal experience with either? Is the lack of a macOS editor for the Behringer a big deal for basic use? Anything better that's worth the extra money?

Behringer X-Touch Compact
https://www.behringer.com/product.html?modelCode=P0B3L

Icon Platform M+
https://iconproaudio.com/product/platform-m-plus/

What have you personally used and liked or tolerated?
 
I like the Platform M+... it also works with my 888 for cart work. Faders feel good, comfortable layout. Highly recommend getting it with the display bridge (sold separately, or as a bundle).

Also take a good look at the PreSonus Faderport 8.
 
Matt, if I already had a BCF2000, I might be into keeping it alive. But I hesitate to buy a discontinued Behringer product. But I guess it's working for you? No MCU incompatibilities? Which DAWs and NLEs you using it with? And have you noticed different levels of macOS vs Windows integration (no worries if not)?

Alex, the field capabilities of the Platform M+ does appeal. Great to hear the faders feel good; still surprising how much that matters... I got spoiled by P&G in the old days...
So do you end up referring to the display bridge during post work, or mainly on the cart (where I can see it being a real benefit)?

I looked at the PreSonus (and it's cool that they've seemed to step up market a bit), A bit more button-y than I thin I'd like (though I should look at its true dimensions). I like the simple transport layout, but it's 8 channel rather than 8+1, which I kinda want for post. Same with the SSL UF8 (which is also twice as expensive), etc. But I'll take another look at the PreSonus.

Thanks guys!
 
Jim Feeley said:
Alex, the field capabilities of the Platform M+ does appeal. Great to hear the faders feel good; still surprising how much that matters... I got spoiled by P&G in the old days...
So do you end up referring to the display bridge during post work, or mainly on the cart (where I can see it being a real benefit)?
Click to expand...

Field capabilities are great, but I’m not sure if it’s compatible with anything other than the Sound Devices 8-Series/Scorpio.

As for the display bridge, any time I’m working in banks I really would prefer to have a digital scribble strip. It just helps me keep things straight. 8 or 9 faders for well over 8 or 9 tracks can be a lot without a scribble strip.
 
Thanks Alex. I'm thinking I'm not going to be working with more than eight tracks, if I am I can fire up the A&H or more likely bump the work to someone else. I'm not opposed to the bridge, but the compact size of a surface without a bridge does appeal. Good to hear you're liking it; I could add it later...
 
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