Tascam US2400 Replacement

[Editthis]

Ok.

I am kind of getting frustrated with the lack of quality control surfaces on the market. If someone were to theoretically invest in and produce a well built 24 channel capacitive control surface for under 1k USD, how many of you would consider buying it?

I have the opportunity to invest in a company wanting to do just that. I am to the point where I am seriously considering it...

[Editthis]

Wow, no opinions/comments?

[TheBigLongy]

If it did everything the MCU Pro does, only better and quieter then hell yea.

[Editthis]

Nobody else really?

[-Noodles-]

If the product was in the same price range, I'd totally buy it.

I'm still sickened that the shop sold my reserved US2400.
Never come up on the UK eBay though :(

[Editthis]

To be honest, I thought there would have been more interest in something like this...

[Adlen]

A guy on here modified a Mackie D8B to do the same thing a US2400 did, when he releases his software and the hack tutorials we'll be happy

I really want a US2400 though...

[StratSvante]

There is, do a search, this is the biggest moaning points on gearslutz but the thing is, people usually don't just buy in to that in the near future some unheard of company is going to bring the control surface yearnig community to salvation! If this is for real and this is going to happen within the 1k$ limit, then HELL YEAH. What features are we looking it, is it the US2400 only or wil it have scribblestrips, that sort of thing. How long will it take for it to be on the market?

Get these answers then yes, we will exciteded, right now, meh.

[Grahamdwc]

Id be interested for sure.
As StratSvante has stated, a lot of people crying out for something like this.

Graham

[Editthis]

Originally Posted by StratSvante

There is, do a search, this is the biggest moaning points on gearslutz but the thing is, people usually don't just buy in to that in the near future some unheard of company is going to bring the control surface yearnig community to salvation! If this is for real and this is going to happen within the 1k$ limit, then HELL YEAH. What features are we looking it, is it the US2400 only or wil it have scribblestrips, that sort of thing. How long will it take for it to be on the market?

Get these answers then yes, we will exciteded, right now, meh.

I understand that, I am a cynical bastard too. Funny you bring scribble strips up; that was the first thing I asked. There is a 8 channel prototype already in existence (alps faders) that is awesome, work needs to be done on case design etc. If I were to invest we would have the 24 in production within 6 months. I am not convinced I can make my money back on it though, if I do this we are not going to cut corners...

I will look into the scribble strips. Any other features, that are important to you guys?

[MickeyMassacre]

I think the reason you are not getting enough replies is due to the name of the thread.

I would snag one in a heart beat. Especially if it was able to control plug in parameters as well. Im so sick of trying to EQ with a mouse.

[Editthis]

Originally Posted by MickeyMassacre

I think the reason you are not getting enough replies is due to the name of the thread.

I would snag one in a heart beat. Especially if it was able to control plug in parameters as well. Im so sick of trying to EQ with a mouse.

I was thinking it was the name of the thread too. I have a pretty bad case of the "f its" so I may take the plunge regardless of profit potential, at the very least it will be a cool experience and fix a problem no one else seemingly wants to address...

[Gharper23]

Have been waiting for a modern us2400 to come out over the years but nothing

Would love to have something similar in design for under 1k. I suppose you could put together multiple bcf2000 but It would be nicer to have it all in one package with jog wheel, quieter faders, plugin control, etc..

[Editthis]

Originally Posted by Gharper23

Have been waiting for a modern us2400 to come out over the years but nothing

Would love to have something similar in design for under 1k. I suppose you could put together multiple bcf2000 but It would be nicer to have it all in one package with jog wheel, quieter faders, plugin control, etc..

Don't forget touch faders.

[Perry Lancaster]

This is a segment of the market that is seemingly ignored by the manufacturers
24 or 32 touch faders with solo and mute buttons and Pan knob as well as a knob that could operate the Auxes as well as eq would be great
I would buy on now everything out there is thousands of dollars and I am still waiting. If Samplitude 12 will support the Euphonix Artist that would do but again it's thousands of dollars are any Manufacturers Listening?

[Editthis]

Originally Posted by Perry Lancaster

This is a segment of the market that is seemingly ignored by the manufacturers
24 or 32 touch faders with solo and mute buttons and Pan knob as well as a knob that could operate the Auxes as well as eq would be great
I would buy on now everything out there is thousands of dollars and I am still waiting. If Samplitude 12 will support the Euphonix Artist that would do but again it's thousands of dollars are any Manufacturers Listening?

I feel exactly the same way, that is why I am considering doing this...

[analog-cabin]

I love the Mackie MCU, but a 16 or 24 fader version would make life much nicer.
Newer generation faders would help too.

Any unit HAS to have the Jog/Shuttle wheel as well.

[Editthis]

Originally Posted by analog-cabin

I love the Mackie MCU, but a 16 or 24 fader version would make life much nicer.
Newer generation faders would help too.

Any unit HAS to have the Jog/Shuttle wheel as well.

Yep. It definitely needs a jog wheel (if I invest in this I want to use it with my final cut rigs)....

[Retinal]

There is indeed a gap in the market for something like the US2400

It's a matter of pricepoint, I can use 24 faders control but I won't pay 2k for it
because while a controller like that makes the workflow sooo much faster and smoother, a couple of - noisy yes, and without the track display, but cheap as #)$3 - Behringer BCF will do the trick..

Someone needs to come out with a new, made in china, made of plastic I don't care, low cost large format fader controller...

[Editthis]

Originally Posted by Retinal

There is indeed a gap in the market for something like the US2400

It's a matter of pricepoint, I can use 24 faders control but I won't pay 2k for it
because while a controller like that makes the workflow sooo much faster and smoother, a couple of - noisy yes, and without the track display, but cheap as #)$3 - Behringer BCF will do the trick..

Someone needs to come out with a new, made in china, made of plastic I don't care, low cost large format fader controller...

Do you think around (but under) 1k USD is unreasonable? If I do this it will be well built I am not skimping on faders there is no point building something that is crap (there is enough of that already). That means responsive, quiet, touch faders.

[analog-cabin]

2 versions (or three) should be offered.
8, 16 & 24.

Personally, I can get by with an 8 fader version, although a 16 could win me over. I mainly mix from subgroups or stems.

BTW, the biggest issue is the interaction with the DAW. Will this be running a Mackie type mode?

[Retinal]

Originally Posted by Editthis

Do you think around (but under) 1k USD is unreasonable? If I do this it will be well built I am not skimping on faders there is no point building something that is crap (there is enough of that already). That means responsive, quiet, touch faders.

We all have different priorities, methods and habits when mixing.

For me a high-end control surface ain't a priority, I had it, I used it, I can do without it, so most likely every time I will have 2k to spend i will get a new compressor or a new eq for that money, until I have enough.. and we all know, they're never enough..

So yeah, I prefer cheapo because I'm not so picky about it (and let's say it the so-much-praised Tascam wasn't exactly hi-end) it's an accessory for me not something necessary. But I get your point perfectly and I respect it, like I said it's a matter of methods and different needs.

[Editthis]

Originally Posted by analog-cabin

2 versions (or three) should be offered.
8, 16 & 24.

Personally, I can get by with an 8 fader version, although a 16 could win me over. I mainly mix from subgroups or stems.

BTW, the biggest issue is the interaction with the DAW. Will this be running a Mackie type mode?

We were thinking about offering an 8 and 24, a 16 may happen. I am not sure what mode the prototype is running... But, yeah that is obviously the most important part.

[Editthis]

Originally Posted by Retinal

We all have different priorities, methods and habits when mixing.

For me a high-end control surface ain't a priority, I had it, I used it, I can do without it, so most likely every time I will have 2k to spend i will get a new compressor or a new eq for that money, until I have enough.. and we all know, they're never enough..

So yeah, I prefer cheapo because I'm not so picky about it (and let's say it the so-much-praised Tascam wasn't exactly hi-end) it's an accessory for me not something necessary. But I get your point perfectly and I respect it, like I said it's a matter of methods and different needs.

I appreciate your input and honesty.

[latestflavor]

Low volume + Low Price = money Loser

My bet for making money would be an all-in one "studio" unit where you drop in your ipod

[Editthis]

Originally Posted by latestflavor

Low volume + Low Price = money Loser

My bet for making money would be an all-in one "studio" unit where you drop in your ipod

I know, but I frankly don't care... I would be happy to break even, I know 20 or 30 editors that would buy them for final cut/avid media composer... There is no way I am doing an iPod drop in. Lol.

[analog-cabin]

I'm in for the purchase bro. Fight the fine fight!

[Editthis]

Originally Posted by analog-cabin

I'm in for the purchase bro. Fight the fine fight!

Haha! Thanks, I am just fed up with the lack of control surface options, there is just nothing out there that suits my needs (and the needs of so many other people) both in the audio and video sectors. The way I see it, I am perfectly happy to lose some money if it means fixing a problem that has been ignored (and annoyed the shit out of me) for so many years...

[Aeolian]

How did you arrive at that pricing? As someone with over 30 years in electronics manufacturing, that sounds pretty ambitious. Going to take some pretty clever industrial design to make that. Do you have your costed BOM worked out? As someone currently using a Projectmix I would give up some faders for better plugin control. More rotary encoders separate from the channel strips. Look at the Icon, A&H iLive or even the Yamaha LS9. This also means a bunch of scribble strips for each encoder. With enough characters to explain what each is set up to control. And select buttons that give you direct access. The less levels to punch through to get to a function, the more competitive you are with large format desks. But all that is expensive.

Best of luck. The right mix of workflow access and price could be a game changer. Digital desks have really taken over the live sound arena and the workflow is getting really dialed in. It took awhile as folks were leery of wading through computer menus when they needed something in a hurry (kind of like the refrain you hear from LFC advocates) but each new generation gets better. Now you can actually get to an adjustment quicker by punching a channel and picking the parameter out of some widely spaced and clearly labeled knobs instead of running your finger up a row of tightly spaced knobs looking for the right one.

[Editthis]

Originally Posted by Aeolian

How did you arrive at that pricing? As someone with over 30 years in electronics manufacturing, that sounds pretty ambitious. Going to take some pretty clever industrial design to make that. Do you have your costed BOM worked out? As someone currently using a Projectmix I would give up some faders for better plugin control. More rotary encoders separate from the channel strips. Look at the Icon, A&H iLive or even the Yamaha LS9. This also means a bunch of scribble strips for each encoder. With enough characters to explain what each is set up to control. And select buttons that give you direct access. The less levels to punch through to get to a function, the more competitive you are with large format desks. But all that is expensive.

Best of luck. The right mix of workflow access and price could be a game changer. Digital desks have really taken over the live sound arena and the workflow is getting really dialed in. It took awhile as folks were leery of wading through computer menus when they needed something in a hurry (kind of like the refrain you hear from LFC advocates) but each new generation gets better. Now you can actually get to an adjustment quicker by punching a channel and picking the parameter out of some widely spaced and clearly labeled knobs instead of running your finger up a row of tightly spaced knobs looking for the right one.

We priced out several options (we are still adding features and getting additional quotes) we are confident we can reach that price point. The profit margin isn't going to be huge (obviously) but I don't care, I am not looking to make my living off of this. I don't know if it will be "a game changer" but I am tired of sitting around waiting for someone to address this...

Thanks for the input!