KVR Audio

rob_lee · Post by **rob_lee** » Thu Aug 02, 2012 3:34 pm

I'm looking for good advice on a nice hardware controller with pads for use with FX Geist.

Geist has become my main software for drums and more and i'm addicted to it but if anyone can recommend a really good hardware controller for it i'd appreciate any input.

Thanks

Rob

CT · Post by CT » Thu Aug 02, 2012 3:47 pm

fxpansion provides controller maps for maschine and the akai mpd 32 for use with geist.
You probably wouldn't want to go with a maschine to just use as a controller, so maybe check out the mpd 32. I cant comment on how it works, since I use a maschine. The zip file you can download from the website explains the mappings for both controllers.

rob_lee · Post by **rob_lee** » Thu Aug 02, 2012 3:48 pm

CT wrote:fxpansion provides controller maps for maschine and the akai mpd 32 for use with geist.
You probably wouldn't want to go with a maschine to just use as a controller, so maybe check out the mpd 32. I cant comment on how it works, since I use a maschine. The zip file you can download from the website explains the mappings for both controllers.

Ok mate thanks alot i'll go check these out on Youtube.

Rob

Gonga · Post by **Gonga** » Thu Aug 02, 2012 6:35 pm

I notice the AKAI has no aftertouch. Is that the case for Maschine as well? If you like to use the aftertouch for rolls, etc., and want the highest-quality pads, you might consider the Arturia Spark. You also would have a drum synth (VA) to go along with Geist. I ordered one this week but haven't received it yet. I plan to use it to control Geist, Tremor, Stylus RMX, etc. Personally, I hate the 4 x 4 pad design anyway, a horizontal array of larger, high-quality pads is better imo, but I love Spark's many knobs and the touch surface, etc. too. It also has 16 sequencer buttons, and obviously works perfectly with the amazing Spark software and all it's drum machine models. The Spark software itself allows you to import your samples, even REX files too!

rob_lee · Post by **rob_lee** » Thu Aug 02, 2012 6:38 pm

Hmm the Akai looks just like the same stuff they made the Mpk49 with.. I liked that controller but plastic noisy buttons etc put me off..
Anything with nice pads and sliders around?

Rob

whyterabbyt · Post by **whyterabbyt** » Thu Aug 02, 2012 6:42 pm

padKontrol?

rob_lee · Post by **rob_lee** » Thu Aug 02, 2012 6:45 pm

whyterabbyt wrote:padKontrol?

Ah cheers mate now i'll check that out mate.. got knobs and/or sliders?

Rob

thecontrolcentre · Post by **thecontrolcentre** » Thu Aug 02, 2012 6:49 pm

Maybe check out the Akai APC40 if you're using Live too ... I use a Launchpad, but it's not velocity sensitive, so not so good for drums.

rob_lee · Post by **rob_lee** » Thu Aug 02, 2012 6:54 pm

thecontrolcentre wrote:Maybe check out the Akai APC40 if you're using Live too ... I use a Launchpad, but it's not velocity sensitive, so not so good for drums.

Well Dave i'm still waiting for my live 8 suite licence to be in my Ableton account since monday

seems they're pretty slow at licence transfer. we'll see if it shows up tommorrow.

Cheers mate

Rob

whyterabbyt · Post by **whyterabbyt** » Thu Aug 02, 2012 7:07 pm

rob_lee wrote:
whyterabbyt wrote:padKontrol?
Ah cheers mate now i'll check that out mate.. got knobs and/or sliders?

Rob

Three knobs, and a XY pad.

rob_lee · Post by **rob_lee** » Thu Aug 02, 2012 7:14 pm

whyterabbyt wrote:
rob_lee wrote:
whyterabbyt wrote:padKontrol?
Ah cheers mate now i'll check that out mate.. got knobs and/or sliders?

Rob
Three knobs, and a XY pad.

Cheers will check it out.. Apc40 looks ok but i'm not wanting it as a dj tool as such i'll be working in the arrangement view and if i was gonna go for that kind of price i'd go buy Maschine for £10 extra.

Cheers for the recommendations though guys.

Rob

ras.s · Post by **ras.s** » Thu Aug 02, 2012 7:20 pm

I'm not sure if it's any good specifically for Geist, but I can recommend a Roland SPD-S for a drum controller (though I'm not even sure if they manufacture that model still, but atleast the SPD-line of gear is still in production).. My friend has one and when we used to live in a commune, I got to play with it quite a bit. It's probably a bit of an overkill because it has internal samples, but it's a great feature really; works as a MIDI controller in the studio and as a sample launcer in a gig situation, with some internal effects as well. If the samples are something you won't need, still consider something with an trigger/pedal input for stomping that bass drum.. And it's great fun to beat the pads with sticks instead of fingers.

spritex · Post by **spritex** » Fri Aug 03, 2012 10:40 am

I have padKontrol and Geist - very nice.
For additional knobs, you could get Novation Nocturn.

Also, you can make the "internal controls" of the padKontrol work as generic MIDI controllers with free special software, at least on Mac (http://farmaudio.com/)

rob_lee · Post by **rob_lee** » Fri Aug 03, 2012 10:42 am

spritex wrote:I have padKontrol and Geist - very nice.
For additional knobs, you could get Novation Nocturn.

Also, you can make the "internal controls" of the padControl work as generic MIDI controllers with free special software, at least on Mac.

Ok i can get a boxed white one for £70 on ebay i think i'll hit the buy now button then

Rob

spritex · Post by **spritex** » Fri Aug 03, 2012 10:44 am

rob_lee wrote:
spritex wrote:I have padKontrol and Geist - very nice.
For additional knobs, you could get Novation Nocturn.

Also, you can make the "internal controls" of the padControl work as generic MIDI controllers with free special software, at least on Mac.
Ok i can get a boxed white one for £70 on ebay i think i'll hit the buy now button then

Rob

Good for you, the pads feel quite nice on the PadKontrol.

Recommend best Hardware controller for Geist