Sequencer/plug-in Controlers, Jog, Anyone use one? Choice problem Options

[Nels]

Does anyone out there own and use the Sac 2.2 controller by Radikal Technoligies?

http://www.radikaltechnologies.com/index.html

Any comments?

I'm not all that impressed with the physical qualtiy of a Tascam FW1884 or the Digi 002 controllers...(faders look like they'll break off at any moment).

So, I'm looking into something Radikal. Even contemplating the Mini Cooper as A LAST RESORT.

Any comments at all welcomed,
Thanks

[Nels]

Hi Guys,

Can anyone comment on the JL Mini Cooper USB controller? I don't have much desk space and though firewire is probably the best way to go, Im not impressed at all with the physical construction/quality of a Tascam FW 1884 or the Digi oo2. Up close, they look like they were made by the Matel Toy Conpany. Cheap plastic faders and Toggle.

I'm curious about whether or not the Mini Cooper would surfice. Money is not at all the object, but I'm thinking that the Mini Cooper, though small, might be a bad boy in disguise.

Check it out : http://www.pro-music-news.com/html/10/e30702jl.htm

Hope someone out there is using it or has any comments....

Thanks in advance

[lepetitmartien]

Well, MacMusic was near the distributor booth (about 2 meters at Apple Expo Paris 03. We had a litlle go with it to see.

It seems sturdy enough but the faders are really tiny. I won't try to make more than a rough mix with it. But it seems ok for plug-in command. It's made by serious people.

To give you an idea of the size, it's roughly the one of my hands, I can settel it in one (extended)

Now try before you buy…

[Nels]

Thanks alot for responding.

Yes, I know it's a tiny little thing, but I just wondered if it might as capable as the FW1884 and Digi 002. Sometimes large things come in small packages. ....

As I said, the FW1884 and Digi 002 look to be pretty cheaply made. ...So I'm also considering the Logic Controller and the Sac 2.2 controller by Radikal Technoligies: http://www.radikaltechnologies.com/Product.../sac-2_2_0.html

Did you happen to see the Logic Controller or the Sac 2.2 at the Apple Expo? ....Or any others?

Thanks again

[dmrkh]

Nels,

When you refer to the Tascam as "looking" cheaply made, are you referring to the looks of it in web photos or have you "laid hands" upon "da rahl thang"?

I just saw one in person and the only thing disappointing to me was how big and heavy it actually it is. And before think that's a knock, I'm not sure if it is/isn't myself !

What I DO know is that prior to seeing the Tascam upclose, on seeing the Digi 002 upclose I thought it was a toy. Now I'm hoping that Mackie's entry into FW/DAW market (the lil' one- see NAMM reports) fits nicely in the middle.

[Nels]

Actually, in the pictures the Tascam looks great, but when I did see one up close(at Sam Ash), I was very very dissapointed.

When I say cheaply, I'm mostly refering to the faders and the jog wheel. Both jog and faders looked like they were made of a toy like, low grade, thin plastic and painted with a thin coat of silver paint that would wear off within the first months use. And I too thought it was a bit bulky/heavy.

Looks like the mouse, keyboard and LCD are going to be my only means of control until I find something a lot more quality constructed.

And I totally agree with you that the Digi 002 also looks like a toy made by the Matel Toy company.

Quality wise, the Mackie/Logic controllers look better up close, but still I think I'll wait.

Digidesign, Tascam, Mackie, etc. are all just getting started with firewire connect control surfaces, so let's hope they all use better materials with the next batch, ..in the near future.

If you decide to get the Mackie, please let me know how you like it. Thanks!

[lepetitmartien]

The Tascam is ok for basic sequencer control, but it can't control plug-ins

If you are lurking the digital mixer, check the new Yamahas… 01x and up.

Now strictly on control surface, don't look under Mackie/motormix/SAC these are the most serious. But as I don't have hands on experience on them I won't tell this one is the best.

Note:

I've joined both threads (jl cooper and SAC 2.2), and moved it to the right forum… it'll help

[Nels]

Hey there lepetitmartien,

First of all, thanks for helping me out with joining the threads.

I checked out the Yamaha 01X. Very Very Cool! And it looks to be made well too. Might be just what I'm looking for. Thanks for the tip.

You wrote: [Now strictly on control surface, don't look under Mackie/motormix/SAC these are the most serious.] and I don't quite understand. What do you mean when you say: (don't look and these are the most serious)? It sounds like a contradiction, so I'm a bit baffled. Do you mean that Mackie/MotorMix/Sac are good ...or bad.

Anyway, thanks again.

[dmrkh]

Methinks there is a universal translator just waiting for Scotty to beam it down