Mixer and controller to partner Cubase

[bwurr]

Hi,

Just starting out and have Cubase 4. Two questions - is it recommended to have a mixer, and if so which one is a good buy to go with Cubase?

Secondly, what's a good midi controller? I was keen on the Akai MPK 49 but apparently it doesn't work well with Cubase (not supported I believe).

Thanks in advance

Bruce

[MatsonMusicBox]

Do you mean "mixer" (as in audio signal goes through it) or "control surface" (as in you control Cubase with real faders, knobs, etc) ?

If you want a control surface, I've been happy with my Mackie Control Universal Pro with Extenders - gives me 24 tracks of full, flying fader hardware control of the software + transport and a bunch of other buttons.

[sparqee]

I use a hardware mixer to route all of my hardware audio (Keyboard, synth rack, etc.) but I use the virtual mixer in Cubase to actually do my mixing. I know that some people really prefer having physical knobs & faders but for me software works just fine.

As for a midi controller; I use my Yamaha S90 but I don't really do anything fancy with it. I play it and it sends all midi data in channel 1 into Cubase. If I want to do anything fancy (splits, layers, etc.) I do that in Cubase (e.g. keymaps & midi plugins). So as far as the hardware goes the only thing that is really important to me is that the keyboard action is good and that I have at least a couple of wheels and pedals to use as continuous controllers.

[bwurr]

Thanks, yeah I meant a mixer to run instruments through. I neglected to mention I've got a Lexicon Omega soundcard.......just wasn't sure if I should invest in a mixer as well.

[MatsonMusicBox]

Originally Posted by bwurr

Thanks, yeah I meant a mixer to run instruments through. I neglected to mention I've got a Lexicon Omega soundcard.......just wasn't sure if I should invest in a mixer as well.

hmmmm - I guess if you have enough things to input and not enough inputs on the card/interface - a mixer is the way for sure.

I have a Fireface 800 and with a patchbay - it serves as my "mixer" and actually comes with some decent mixing software I run right from the computer - independent of SONAR - pretty cool.

as for controller - I've got several keyboards I can use - usually use the Motif XS8 for piano type stuff or notes here and there, or the Korg M3 (61) when I need a "synth feel" for a lead or something.