The Black Dog's CS X51

Looks like a nifty piece of kit. I'm not really in the market for one right now but there seems to be plenty of knobs.

http://www.kickstarter.com/projects/machinewerks/cs-x51-usb-midi-control-surface

Looks good, a bit expensive though

I wish someone would make a midi device with enough space to put masking tape under the knobs so it's possible to make a clear note what each knob is assigned to.

initial batch now available

Looks well overpriced ($464 USD) for what it offers.

Alternatively you could get the UC-33e for about $100 second hand and it has more faders.

Or you could get the APC40 for $200 new (if u wait for amazon sale) which has more faders and push buttons (but less knobs)

Or u could get the bitstream 3x which afx used on his remote orchestra (endorsement™) which has more faders and is of similar build quality, plus has tons of other features (that u probably don't need) for $400 USD.

Or u could wait for Livid Instruments' DS1 (releasing Sep 2014) which to me looks like a much better alternative for $479 USD (bout the same price as the CS-X51). This offers more sliders, knobs, and looks of high build quality. (Still overpriced I reckon tho)

Personally I'd go with the UC-33e as it offers a decent amount of faders + knobs and is cheap as chups. If ur an ableton user and like launching clips in session mode then I'd go for the APC40. If i had more cash i'd get Livid's DS1. The CS-X51 would be at the bottom of my list.

YEAH BUT TBD DUN IT

that is quite expensive for what it's capable of

Only six faders seems kind of... not that useful. Pads are kinda nice, but there are tons of other smaller things for that.

I think I'll stick to my UC-33e that I've been using for 10 years.

  On 7/24/2014 at 4:20 AM, Mesh Gear Fox said:

imagine a rotary knob that could snap to any number of steps with the power of electromagnets. does this exist?

Not sure if it exists but I think it could be done with a stepper motor.