Ableton Forum

As far as I have tried, I think the knobs and faders that came with controllers are very impractical when composing music.

When composing the main issue of knobs and fader is that, you must constantly assign it to something you are adjusting. And on the assignment the value would jump around to current position of knobs and faders. In the end I think it is much easier to use the mouse or drawing automation graph with a mouse.

About faders, the obvious use impression I get from various product page is that it will corresponds to channel's volume. But most faders are not motorized (and so with the knobs, most are not endless) and the value will jump around when you open the project next time. Also if you have more than 8~10 channels the value would jump around more because of page switching. (Which somewhat make me wonder about the point of multiple pages they advertised.)

So, who that is already utilize these controllers to great effect when composing please convince me.

I agree with you, for controls to be usefull they have to be infinite (encoders) and have some kind of information feedback: either a screen or led rings.

Push is great because of this, MIDI fighter twister also seems usefull for controller macros in live.

Normal potentiometers and faders are better suited for controllers intended for live use where the parameter they control won't change at all and you need "physical" feedback about it's position.

iPad apps as Lemur, touchable and conductr for me are more easy to use in the studio because of of instant feedback.

They are great when used live. Also if you group channels so you're down to maybe one drums. One bass. Etc.

Or simply using them on your absolutely most essential parameters. Like things on a Master or on returns. In the case of djing, EQ. I admit, I'm pretty reckless with my usage. I'm not concerned about parameters jumping. It's a moderate compromise for me.

Yes, I too love carpal tunnel syndrome. Mouses for life! In fact, give me one in each hand!

Let's not leave out all the time gained looking for the cursor and navigating to the control in the interface - it would take so much longer to just reach to a knob and turn it.

I'm with login, encoders with visual feedback please! I use a Nocturn.

i just use the value scaling thing in midi takeover mode when im using the sliders on my uc33e to change volume on different tracks, if the fader is some distance away from where it is on the screen then i just jiggle it a bit first. works ok

I fundamentally have only ever used the cue knob on my apc40. So like... yeah.