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EqMag.com >> This Month >> Presonus Faderport
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Click on the Images And who doesn’t want more control over a session? Presonus Faderport| June, 2007In the days of large multitrack tape recorders, one of the most common accessories was a remote box with a thick umbilical going back to the recorder. The Faderport (for Windows XP and Mac OS X Universal) harkens back to those days, as it’s not a “control surface” for tweaking synths and effects; instead, it’s optimized for machine control, with the added bonus of being able to write and punch automation moves for volume, pan, mute, and solo. GETTING STARTEDThe package includes a driver CD, but as expected, you’re better off going to the website and downloading the latest drivers. The FaderPort uses a custom Windows driver for Cubase, Nuendo, and Sonar, as well as for Digital Performer on the Mac. Otherwise, it supports Pro Tools (including M-Powered), Logic, and Cubase/Nuendo (Mac) as a HUI controller — but check the website for the latest compatibility info, including supported versions. However, not all implementations are created equal. While the transport and automation functions work with everything, there’s a User button with custom functions that doesn’t work in HUI mode (nor does the Output button, which otherwise moves from selecting tracks to selecting the output section). The User button can select key bindings in DP and enables/disables punch out in Cubase; Sonar has five custom mappings you can do with the User button and various combinations of other buttons. APPLYING THE FADERPORTThere are four main elements to using the FaderPort: • Transport buttons. These are the usual Play, Record, Stop, Rewind, and Fast Forward functions, along with Punch and Loop. However, a shift button allows some buttons to do double-duty, like go to Start/End, Redo, and even drop Marker or go to Previous/Next marker. • View buttons. These call up various DAW views. • Undo button. With shift, it also does redo. • Automation fader and mute/solo buttons. Fader mode buttons are Read, Write, Touch, and Off. Additional buttons select the channel (track) or bank you want to work with, and there are Mute, Solo, and automation Record buttons. When working with automation, selecting tracks involves hitting arrow buttons. But as communication with the host is bi-directional, you can select something at the host and the FaderPort will follow along (the buttons illuminate to show when something is selected). Because the fader is motorized, with Touch mode selected it will follow existing automation moves until you grab the fader and move it; otherwise you can use Write and just overwrite whatever’s there, or make new moves. Although I’m a big fan of key equivalents and use them often, I nonetheless found it a whole lot easier to have large, dedicated, lit buttons guiding my way. The FaderPort is good about letting you stay in “right brain” mode, and it takes minutes — not hours — to get comfortable enough to fly around the buttons. Even the shift button works logically and doesn’t get in the way of efficiency.
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