Which MIDI controller is best for manipulating sounds within Logic Pro?

Question

Which MIDI controller is best for manipulating sounds within Logic Pro?

I have been a Logic Pro X user for over two years and, before that, a long-time GarageBand iOS user. I love Logic's interface and functionality, but have decided that it is time for something more than just a mouse and MIDI keyboard.

Once I started looking for that special DAW controller, I became completely overwhelmed within a few days. I have zero experience in this area! So, I came here. Could someone out there give their opinion on which controller is the best for manipulating software instruments and effects plug-ins within Logic? To add to this mess, I've got a pretty tight budget (no more than $400.)

I know this is a highly specific question, but due to the staggering number of controllers on today's market, there has got to be at least one that will get the job done, right?

Confused...

MacBook Pro, macOS Sierra (10.12.3)

Posted on Oct 5, 2017 10:39 AM

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Answer 1

Oct 8, 2017 9:47 AM in response to BallistikBeats

I have a Behringer BCR2000 and love it.

I use that for most of my plugins.

Use a Behringer X Touch for mixing.

Both control plugins but I find the BCR to be easier.

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Answer 2

Oct 9, 2017 11:47 AM in response to BallistikBeats

you could also take a look at Novation controllers...They work together with all major sound-applications so also with Logic.
I myself use a novation SL MKII keyboard-controller but novation has got also controllers separate.

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Answer 3

Oct 10, 2017 8:51 AM in response to BallistikBeats

Yes, the X Touch (not the compact) has scribble strips and they do work. Problem is on plugins with a lot of parameters, you have to page through to get to all of them.

I prefer the BRC for stuff like EQ while I'll use the X Touch for simple stuff like an 1176 or LA-2A.

The BCR does not have scribble strips but for a lot of plugins, you can map the controls so it's easy to know what you're controlling.

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Answer 4

Oct 9, 2017 3:42 PM in response to ronald.huygen

Thanks Ronald! I actually bought the Novation Launch Control XL, but returned it due to functionality issues with Logic. It's a great little controller for $150 (24 pots with center detents and multicolor LEDs, 8 faders, 16 buttons, and transport,) but it's definitely set up for Ableton and not Logic. It also does not have encoders, which are essential for what I want to do. The worst part was that the templates didn't work either (though while I was testing it out there was a software beta in the works to address the problem.)

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Answer 5

Oct 8, 2017 9:53 AM in response to DannyCrucial

Thanks so much Danny!

I have been looking at both of those actually, but I understand the X-Touch has 8 different scribble strips that actually show what parameter each encoder controls. If this is true, wouldn't that make controlling plugins easier on the X-Touch? Is this untrue, or does the BCR2000 have them too and I just missed it?

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