MIDI controller advice/suggestions for AR MK 1

Elektron Gear Analog Rytm
#1

Happy Weekend Elektronauts.

I’ve recently picked up an AR MK 1 and I’m enjoying it a lot. One small thing I’m missing is rotary knob control for the performance macros.

I’m basically after a cheap and cheerful MIDI controller (small if possible, like korg nanocontrol size) with e.g. 8 knobs and optionally 8 faders for volume control. Of course, 12 would be better but 8 would be enough. That way I can just have a handful of knobs for the performance macros and volume faders for the tracks.

One issue I’m finding is that most of the cheap ones either don’t have much control for MIDI channels and/or the editor software won’t run on my M1 Mac. Due to the way the MIDI mapping works I think I need each volume fader to send MIDI CC on a different MIDI channel. I think the performance macros don’t care about the channel, based on some tests sending CC from Bitwig.

Any recommendations for a good device that will allow this setup? I don’t need masses of knobs to map every parameter, I actually prefer to have macros so I can make steady transitions of multiple parameters rather than trying to control loads of individual parameters. I only have 2 hands and the endless encoders and track/page switching works fine for most applications, just be nice to have some knobs for the macro control so I can make smooth transitions and do e.g. filters on multiple tracks from one knob.

Many thanks.

#2

faderfox makes good midi controllers. this has 12 channels.
check out their other products too. they have an 8 channel fader/encoder version you can get for less than 300 from thomann.
prices vary a lot so its best to shop around.

#3

Yes, Faderfox is a good idea. I’ ve got an EC4 and I love it, especially because there is an EC4 Editor
http://www.faderfox.de/ec4.html

Though with faders an UC4 might be better for your usecase
http://www.faderfox.de/uc4.html

#4

Thanks for the suggestions. The FaderFox stuff looks great but it’s possibly a bit rich for my blood.

I had another dig around online and I think the Korg Nanocontrol might let me send the faders on different MIDI channels. I might just skip worrying about that and just assign the performance macros to volume groups and filter groups etc and not worry about individual parameter control at all.

I’ll just get overwhelmed if I have too many controls mapped anyway, I always had that issue with large control surfaces and DAWs.

#5

Was also going to specifically suggest the UC4. Maybe you can find a used one for less.

#6

Thanks, I’ll definitely take a look as they seem to be highly regarded.

I’m having one other confusion (AKA I’m being dense) - is it possible for me to connect a USB controller AND use overbridge and/or class-compliant audio at the same time?! If I have a USB hub connected to the AR so I can connect the controller AND connect to my Mac Mini then should this work?

If I can’t then presumably I need to use DIN MIDI for the controller and that is another complication factor as I’d need a powered controller (I think) that has has DIN MIDI out.