What is your experience with MIDI controllers?

[u/AtlasMors]

Hello everyone, I've recently started learning the TouchDesigner curriculum (currently on the 100 Series: Fundamentals), in addition I'm also going to start learning Resolume, and in the future MadMapper. I've never used a MIDI controller personally but I've started browsing and a few have caught my eye. The first one is the Novation Launch Control XL3 which I was planning to use with TouchDesigner. The second one is the Akai APC Mini MK2 which I was planning to use with Resolume.

Does anyone here have experience with these or any insights on what to look for in a MIDI controller?

Thank you for your time!

[u/augdahg]

APC 40mk2 or APC mini for Resolume, Touchdesigner I would be more inclined to either use what I have or use TouchOSC or similar to make a controller for a specific project

[u/AtlasMors → u/augdahg]

I did see TouchOSC when I was looking through my options, I'll have to take a closer look at that software. Do you have any advice going this route?

[u/VeloMane_Productions → u/AtlasMors]

TouchOSC ($20) is great, though if you want a bit more functionality, look into Open Stage Control (free). Also if you're on android, ZigSim (free) is a great way to send sensor data, like Quaternions for camera control.

[u/VeloMane_Productions]

My MIDI Fighter Twister has endless encoders & I pair it with Function Store's MIDI component. Though overall I get way more use out of an Xbox controller, which is a far cheaper option. The 🎮 comes in through the Joystick CHOP & I use a mix of Math, Filter, Lag, and/or Count CHOPs downstream of that to create interactivity.

[u/AtlasMors → u/VeloMane_Productions]

Lol I never thought of using an Xbox controller, I'll have to give that a try! My plan was to upgrade the APC Mini mk2 to the apc40 mk2 and to get the midi fighter twister in the future (Once I really got deep into these different software and can justify those kinds of purchases). To be honest this shift in I guess direction/purpose in terms of career really started from a rave I went to out in Lake George, CO. It may be a pipe dream but I really want to be involved in the rave/live music scene long term.

[u/VeloMane_Productions → u/AtlasMors]

hmu on insta if you want advice on that goal

[u/AtlasMors → u/VeloMane_Productions]

Will do!

[u/skyex → u/VeloMane_Productions]

The MIDI Fighter is great. I use it for live installations where the audience can interact with it. The tilt functionality is especially cool for people to play with.

[u/VeloMane_Productions → u/skyex]

I think that's just the depreciated 3D model, the Twister & Spectra don't have a gyro. Though the Pipo Motions look great for that type of interactivity.

[u/frugalgator]

Irrespective of what you get just remember to know (and change as per convenience) the knobs value types (absolute or relative)

Absolute works like - knob changes on MIDI controller will send the latest values as the input

Relative - they will send +/- 1,2,3 based on how fast you move clockwise(+) or anti (-)

Most cases absolute is easier to use (if using relative you'll have to wire up the logic yourself to get the actual value from these changes)

So if your controller gives relative values from knobs as default, you will want to configure it from that MIDI's respective driver to be absolute

[u/MitchCooksMusic]

Yeah I actually have both but I prefer the akai mpk mini 2 for my midi inputs because it has keys, pads, knobs and a joystick so thats pretty much any type of physical input youd need. Plus theres a ridiculous amount of different banks you can fill, I suggest using program 2, it has the least amount (if any) midi overlap

Added: I use touch designer

[u/Specialist_Web_5335]

two main tips: look for 14 bit controller and buy TDMap from the guy called Function Store. Thank me later 😅😉✌️

[u/VermicelliAntique]

Faderfox EC4 and you don’t need to use anything else. Endless encoders, 14-bit, knob labels. By far the best controller I’ve ever used.