irvin Posted October 8, 2014 Report Share Posted October 8, 2014 Inspired by the recent Softube Console 1 thread, I wanted to share an idea that has proven very useful in my permanent quest to speed up the workflow while minimizing the amount of hardware: the use of a gaming keyboard. I paid about $90 for a Corsair Raptor K50, which has a set of 18 programmable keys on the left side. I use them for my most common tasks: navigation, transport and recording. Some keys are used for: next track, previous track, arm for recording, mute track, solo track, show inserts, show sends, media browser, etc. Some other keys are for: record, delete previous take, advance cursor to next grid division (i like to keep snap activate most of the time), rewind, expand vertically, collapse vertically, expand and collapse horizontally, etc. Hopefully, someone will find the idea interesting or useful (not my original idea, of course, just my own variant). Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Walt Graham Posted October 10, 2014 Report Share Posted October 10, 2014 I've been using a similar Logitech keyboard for years. I think the current version is the G510S. It's a huge help. I found programming macros was actually easier with AutoHotKey so instead of using the keyboard software to create macros I create them in AHK and assign one of the 18 programmable keys to the AHK keystrokes. Works great. The Logitech has 3 banks of 18 programmable keys but I haven't gone past the first one yet. Walt Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Kraznet Posted October 10, 2014 Report Share Posted October 10, 2014 I've had a Logitech G11 (discontinued ) with 18 extra macro keys on the left, for a few years now. Pretty handy indeed . I wished I'd stocked up on this keboard as it has 2 usb ports at the back which is useful for dongles. The new versions don't have usb except the really expensive one. WOW I just checked on Amazon and 2 people are selling new G11's for $247 and another for £339!! http://www.amazon.com/gp/offer-listing/B000GP844S/ref=dp_olp_new?ie=UTF8&condition=new Regards Kraznet Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Walt Graham Posted October 12, 2014 Report Share Posted October 12, 2014 WOW, indeed! When I bought the G11 I thought it was productivity tool -- not an investment! Cheers, Walt Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Kraznet Posted October 12, 2014 Report Share Posted October 12, 2014 The cheapest Logitech keyboard with macro keys and USB ports I can find is the G19S. That comes in at £179 retail although it's available on Amazon UK at £122. One thing I've noticed about the newer keyboards is they've changed the shape of the enter key. It used to be wider with a left protrusion at the top. Now it's just slim horizontal key. I'm guessing that was changed to make production easier? http://gaming.logitech.com/en-gb/product/g19s-lcd-gaming-keyboard Regards Kraznet Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Roberts Posted November 27, 2014 Report Share Posted November 27, 2014 Please have a look to the new Fairlight Xstream Controller with Sequoia Keyboard Layout. It´s more a Pro Controller. But offer later custom Layouts and third party support. http://www.fairlight.com.au/product/universal-media-controller/ Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
matfle Posted November 27, 2014 Report Share Posted November 27, 2014 Please have a look to the new Fairlight Xstream Controller with Sequoia Keyboard Layout. It´s more a Pro Controller. But offer later custom Layouts and third party support. http://www.fairlight.com.au/product/universal-media-controller/ Aaaaahhhmmmmm..... you know the price? With an MSRP of $14,495, XSTREAM may seem to be on the high-end - See more at: http://www.sonicscoop.com/2012/10/22/fairlight-launches-xstream-desktop-controller-for-editing-mixing-recording/#sthash.nBi6cVbb.dpuf http://www.sonicscoop.com/2012/10/22/fairlight-launches-xstream-desktop-controller-for-editing-mixing-recording/ Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
georgob Posted November 28, 2014 Report Share Posted November 28, 2014 I had to read again when I saw the 20.000Euro for the Xynergi. Wow. G Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
irvin Posted November 28, 2014 Author Report Share Posted November 28, 2014 I would only buy a controller that completely eliminates the need for mouse actions when tracking and mixing. Otherwise, it's just more clutter on my desk - but that's just my opinion (I'm into making and keeping things as simple as possible). Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
crazybomerman Posted April 28, 2015 Report Share Posted April 28, 2015 What about using the Microsoft Surface Music Kit to control transport and mixer? http://www.microsoft.com/surface/en-us/support/music-photos-and-video/surface-music-kit or....... Razer gaming keyboard for music production: http://www.razerzone.com/press/detail/press-releases/razer-launches-music-app-featuring-afrojack-for-razer-blade-pro Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Walt Graham Posted May 2, 2015 Report Share Posted May 2, 2015 What about using the Microsoft Surface Music Kit to control transport and mixer? http://www.microsoft.com/surface/en-us/support/music-photos-and-video/surface-music-kit What happens if you need to, um, type something? Like a track name or the name of a file? Walt Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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