Spot, how do you connect the Mackie to a laptop? - Do you have a MIDI interface build-in or do you use kind of external USB MIDI-interface?

Marco

I use an M-Audio Firewire 410 or an Echo Layla with a PCMCIA/Cardbus card. Midi in/out accomplished via those units. There is a pic of the laptop and the Firewire 410 with the Mackie at http://www.vasst.com/images/vasst-spotLA.jpg
There are pix of most of the VASST stops at http://www.vasst.com/tourstops/tourpix.htm
Still have a few more to get up there from Atlanta, Toronto, and Orlando.

Not to sound like a fashion queen or anything, but I wish Sony would make a hardware design of their own. The Mackie looks like a toy. In my business, audio and now leaning towards video, the sensation of walkiing in the room counts for alot.

All one, sleek look. In my dream, it would act as a master controller for all things Vegas. Everything, the keyboard, the monitors, the cool round controllers with the jog wheel and .....it would be one, cohesive statement.

Avid is doing it, Apple will surely do it because, after all, they are the fashion gods of the industry.

Ok. I'm done. I should go learn to color correct, first, eh?

Spot, put a word in.

?? Apple IS doing it. It's called the Logic Control. Built by Mackie. Same look as the Mackie Control except different colors.
While I agree it would be nice.....I doubt the numbers are there to support a full control surface that would include monitors, keyboard, etc. Look to the Tascam or similar if you want a sexier look. Personally, you just insulted all 3 of our rooms, because we've installed Mackie's and Extenders in each room. Total of 3 controls, plus our training unit, and total of 6 Extenders in the different rooms. Plus a custom console container. I like em'.
Yeah, it's not a Neve or a Euphonix. Of which, both companies are in serious trouble. Even Digi has dropped the price of their console system.
would be cool if the Oxford consoles worked with Vegas, no?

I under the Logic Control, but that was designed by Emagic. It doesn't fit the Apple mold. I get the feeling a different interface will emerge to complete the package.

The Tascam is nicer looking but I am not sold on Tascam digital products. I will read reviewsm, though. I know you use the Mackie. I know it has full functionality. I might even decide to get one (especially if the Big Knob from Mackie is a go). But it is a toss off of the D8b as far as design. Now if they modeled one after the new Mackie board- which has nicer styling - then I'd be excited.

But keep in mind, this is my dream, here. And if my dream it is all Sony products. Maybe the next installment of their digital board will include support. Isn't the baby Oxford due for renovation?

Watching Spot in Orlando working the Mackie, was just magic. "No mouse" , was the phrase Spot coined, he should TM the phrase for the video/music production software. The Mackie is on my order list!

Thanks for the info!

Marco

Spot
Are you using Mackie Control (version 1.2) or Mackie Control Universal (version 2.0) firmware? In other words did you install the new eprom in your Logic controller or just the firmware from the free download. Is anyone using just the firmware upgrade in a Logic control with Vegas 5. I have a suspicion that there is more than just the HUI emulation in the Universal upgrade.
Ed Everaert

Just the firmware from download, that's all. No changed out chips here.

Spot
Are you using Win XP. Do you have service pack 1 installed.