kore 2 vs remote sl zero

[trioptic]

i am currently in the market for a good controller to make my editing and browsing through many VSTi instruments inside of Cubase SX3. I would like to select between the plugins, and adjust the settings with knobs and etc. all without needed to touch the mouse, or look at the computer screen (or at least, not as much).

So far, I have narrowed my selection down to the Kore 2, and the Remote SL Zero. Both are about the same price (around $300), and both seem to do the same things, however in different ways.

The Kore is not a MIDI controller, however it seems to be more suited for the exact purpose I want it for - browsing soft synths and editing the patches easily. Also, none of this would be for playing live - all within a studio environment. I'm just sick of leaving my midi keyboard, to start clicking around with the mouse, even for a second.

The Remote SL looks like it can do much more, however I've been reading lots of reviews that haven't been making me want it very much.. poor build quality, and better for transport than for editing patches.

I already have the Keystation 88 Pro, with automapping - however the LCD does not show whats being edited, which is something both the Kore and Remote SL do, and the main reasons I would want either.

Looking for suggestions...

already have:

fw410
trigger finger
keystation 88

[trioptic]

also, the mackie c4 seems like a decent option, but not sure if its work paying 3-4x the price, if the kore/sl is just as good.

[ew]

I'm a Kore user (in fact, I'm the Kore forum moderator), and I like it.

Something to be aware of; Kore 2 isn't out, and won't be until October at the earliest.
The Kore 2 controller won't have an audio interface, but because of that should be using considerably less resources on some machines than the current controller does.
They've also increased quality control dramatically for the new controller. If you think this might be an issue, I'd almost be tempted to wait until the new version comes out.

On the other hand, the deal on Kore 1's sweet. And, besides the feet falling off (which has happened to everybody I know with a first-gen controller), mine's been rock solid (and I have one of the first fifty controllers made).

Bottom line- go to a store that has them both and has competent sales people; I've seen salesmen around here crash both the SL and Kore while demoing them because they hadn't a clue as to how to use them. Then, try them both yourself.

ew

[Gospel]

i bought the reMote 61 sl and it is buggy! i use it with logic the intgration with cubase might be better. i havent had it that long but it is any thing but flawless. it is such a great idea and maybe it will get better. considering sending it back. the keyboard is nice but you don't want that. um it has actually made my life more diificult. i really hate saying that considering what i dropped on it.. considering pulling the ozonic out of the closet-g

[trioptic]

ah, i didnt realize it wasn't out yet..

but from what I understand, the Kore 1 will work just like the Kore 2, once the software is out, right? the only difference may be build quality, and the fact that kore 2 doesnt have an audio card in it (which i could care less about).

All of the sour reviews have been putting me off, especially on the NI users forum, however I also realize many people have problems with following directions and etc. and may be expecting too much from something with a specific purpose.

My only gripe with trying them out is that to open and return the one I dont want would incur some type of restocking fee. I may try to see if someone at Sam Ash will setup a demo for me, but they usually have no idea what the hell they are doing, so I don't have very high hopes.

THanks for the responses, I believe the Kore 2 is the closest to what I am looking for, although I could care less about the software aspects of it - i just want a good controller for tweaking, and LCD feedback.

[ew]

but from what I understand, the Kore 1 will work just like the Kore 2, once the software is out, right? the only difference may be build quality, and the fact that kore 2 doesnt have an audio card in it (which i could care less about).

Yep, it will. Some things on the new controller and in the software itself's relabeled and the physical layout of the controller buttons is different, but the functionality's the same.

ew

[trioptic]

Thanks again for the feedback, I'm leaning more and more towards the Kore.