I came to rhe same conclusion: There`s no master of all trades. I got the QCon Pro X back in 2018, mainly to control my beloved DAW called Samplitude Pro X. Since that time both of my Pro X´s are coupled very closely togheter and I can`t imagine it otherways. Inside the Daw I use some VSTÍs Plug ins. To control these plug ins with the Pro X (or most other Contolers) is no fun...But my Nektar P6 Controler Keyboard is the undisputet champion when it comes to plug in control. They got every parameter of any plug in covert! And for the work inside the channels I use the Softube console 1. These are golden years for independent producers. Audio gear was never so good and affordable like now and the only limits now are your talent. No more Excuses!
Hi Chris, I see you have already answered the question: Why doesn't the main stereo meter light up? And I allow myself here, if you will, to clarify a little the reality as far as we are concerned. That's it, since we're using Logic Pro X as our DAW, the QCon Pro X control surface doesn't use the Mackie control protocol, but rather its own: Logic. So, due to the mode of communication, it may very well be that since the last version of Logic Pro X (10.7.4), but which requires at least (MacOS Big Sur) to install this version of Logic, which Apple has since answered our request either to write in a script, some additions of missing functionalities such as On/Off on the leds of the main meter and then to be able to see on the second LCD screen from the bottom the names of the tracks. Currently, the Lua company has the mandate to respond to Apple's requests. Or, now that we know who Apple is working with, maybe ask Lua too. Of course, this is all a team effort, because the first concerned iCON Pro Audio must work in close collaboration with these companies. Currently, I'm on MacOS Catalina, However, I read that I could upgrade to Big Sur, because I have a MacBook Pro (mid-2014) Despite everything, over time, I see that this is changing, the proof is that I now see that my contribution to the request that I have already made to Apple concerning the integration of Softube's Console 1 has worked since it is now compatible with Logic Pro X. We have nothing to lose by asking and demanding. If you don't ask or even better if you are not tenacious over time, they won't do anything. So, here it is using APP (latest Logic Pro overlay with updated firmware (V2.08) on the QCon Pro X and a recent MacOS for installing new Logic Pro X, could it be that the QCon Pro X can illuminate its leds of the main meter or to be able to read the names of the tracks on the 2nd lcd screen from the bottom? To be continued...
Well, I upgraded to MacOS Big Sur and Logic still hasn't integrated these options (the display of track names on the 2nd screen from the bottom and the operation of the Master channel fader LEDs). Anyway, I just sent a request to LUA. So let's see now if I get an answer. To be continued...
Hi, nice video there. Just please help me understand this: are the new panels essential in order to upgrade the firmware to the latest version? I am interested in this controller and i would be using it primarly with UA's Luna and occasionally PT.
I believe so yes. Icon have been very clear that you should only upgrade to the latest firmware when you get one of the panels for your accompanying DAW. In your case I’d get the Pro Tools one because there isn’t one for Luna
@@ChrisMutchJones thanks for the quick reply, i still don't have the Icon but I'm considering buying it. The fact is that i am in Kenya and while the ProX is available through a local audio dealer, to get things shipped from abroad is difficult because of custom duties etc. Since i am on Luna 99% of the time, would you advise to stick to a previous firmware and work with it? What could be the cons of working this way, with a older firmware version? Thanks again!
Well I’ve never used Luna so I can say with the same kind of authority but there will be functionality missing. The main thing the firmware update fixes for other daws is that it gives you full use of the buttons and automatic mapping whereas before, you had to take a little bit of time to ensure everything was where you want it to be. If you’re buying through a dealer, try to see if they can get the panel on your behalf so you don’t pay customs twice?
Hi I bought unit some years back and returned it immediately because I noticed everytime I would slide the faders to a desired position as soon as I would removed my finger from the fader it would always nudge up or down slightly eachtime. Did you have that issue at all and if so didn't they correct the issue? I use ableton maybe it isn't as compatible as much as it is with the daw your using.
No, I’ve never had that issue. I do know that one of the first things you need to do with these units is a fader calibration and firmware update. Did you ever try that?
@@ChrisMutchJones Sorry for responding so late to your response . That had to be my issue with the controller I goofed up and never knew I had to calibrate it at the time and immediately assumed it was screwed up and returned it. I'm going to give it another shot and repurchase it again and take the steps you mentioned and hopefully thing work out correctly this time around. How is the the metering LED on the icon does the signals seem to match up correctly with your DAW or it gives a slightly false representation ?
Are you talking about the meter bridge? Unfortunately that is a problem with the way Mackie control protocol is written. There isn’t a message being sent from software to hardware which is a massive shame. There’s quite a lot of discussion about this online and the current debate is that you need to hound your DAW manufacturer of choice to see if they would ever implement an update to allow this control message to be sent!
Thanks for the reply. What a shame. And now the scribble script is worthless! It would have been nice if Icon made us aware of this problem. And now I'm finding out about this upgrade with the new panels? What's that about? Do I need to do this? This thing better be rock solid! My Mackie MCU gave me no problems for 12 years other than the display fading.
You only need the new panel if you plan on upgrading the firmware but it does make it a better machine! I’ve also learned that you can use a bit of python programming to make use of the second lcd and master fader. Try Googling QCon Pro X FL Studio integration. 🤷🏻♂️
@@crescentsoundstudios the QCon Pro X is a poor controller, the faders are noisy the buttons double press the master volume on the meter bridge is not implemented on most DAW's (this is not the DAW's fault as described in some replies) the second scribble strip is not utilized this could easily be used to display compression or any other parameter from a plugin. the jog wheel zooms wildly and erratically and the list goes on
I seem to have to hold shift + the scroll 8 button to toggle thru 1 track at a time. The other buttons next to it do nothing. Do you have this problem?
I came to rhe same conclusion: There`s no master of all trades. I got the QCon Pro X back in 2018, mainly to control my beloved DAW called Samplitude Pro X. Since that time both of my Pro X´s are coupled very closely togheter and I can`t imagine it otherways. Inside the Daw I use some VSTÍs Plug ins. To control these plug ins with the Pro X (or most other Contolers) is no fun...But my Nektar P6 Controler Keyboard is the undisputet champion when it comes to plug in control.
They got every parameter of any plug in covert! And for the work inside the channels I use the Softube console 1. These are golden years for independent producers. Audio gear was never so good and affordable like now and the only limits now are your talent. No more Excuses!
Hi Chris,
I see you have already answered the question:
Why doesn't the main stereo meter light up?
And I allow myself here, if you will, to clarify a little the reality as far as we are concerned.
That's it, since we're using Logic Pro X as our DAW, the QCon Pro X control surface doesn't use the Mackie control protocol, but rather its own: Logic.
So, due to the mode of communication, it may very well be that since the last version of Logic Pro X (10.7.4), but which requires at least (MacOS Big Sur) to install this version of Logic, which Apple has since answered our request either to write in a script, some additions of missing functionalities such as On/Off on the leds of the main meter and then to be able to see on the second LCD screen from the bottom the names of the tracks. Currently, the Lua company has the mandate to respond to Apple's requests. Or, now that we know who Apple is working with, maybe ask Lua too. Of course, this is all a team effort, because the first concerned iCON Pro Audio must work in close collaboration with these companies.
Currently, I'm on MacOS Catalina,
However, I read that I could upgrade to Big Sur, because I have a MacBook Pro (mid-2014)
Despite everything, over time, I see that this is changing, the proof is that I now see that my contribution to the request that I have already made to Apple concerning the integration of Softube's Console 1 has worked since it is now compatible with Logic Pro X.
We have nothing to lose by asking and demanding. If you don't ask or even better if you are not tenacious over time, they won't do anything.
So, here it is using APP (latest Logic Pro overlay with updated firmware (V2.08) on the QCon Pro X and a recent MacOS for installing new Logic Pro X, could it be that the QCon Pro X can illuminate its leds of the main meter or to be able to read the names of the tracks on the 2nd lcd screen from the bottom?
To be continued...
Well, I upgraded to MacOS Big Sur and Logic still hasn't integrated these options (the display of track names on the 2nd screen from the bottom and the operation of the Master channel fader LEDs). Anyway, I just sent a request to LUA. So let's see now if I get an answer. To be continued...
The master channel and meter only work on some DAW's due to code restrictions. Pro Tools will not utilize the master.
Do you know anyone that used this on Cubase 12?
I don’t sorry, although they say it works with cubase…🤷🏻♂️
Hi, nice video there. Just please help me understand this: are the new panels essential in order to upgrade the firmware to the latest version? I am interested in this controller and i would be using it primarly with UA's Luna and occasionally PT.
I believe so yes. Icon have been very clear that you should only upgrade to the latest firmware when you get one of the panels for your accompanying DAW. In your case I’d get the Pro Tools one because there isn’t one for Luna
@@ChrisMutchJones thanks for the quick reply, i still don't have the Icon but I'm considering buying it. The fact is that i am in Kenya and while the ProX is available through a local audio dealer, to get things shipped from abroad is difficult because of custom duties etc. Since i am on Luna 99% of the time, would you advise to stick to a previous firmware and work with it? What could be the cons of working this way, with a older firmware version? Thanks again!
Well I’ve never used Luna so I can say with the same kind of authority but there will be functionality missing. The main thing the firmware update fixes for other daws is that it gives you full use of the buttons and automatic mapping whereas before, you had to take a little bit of time to ensure everything was where you want it to be.
If you’re buying through a dealer, try to see if they can get the panel on your behalf so you don’t pay customs twice?
And thanks for watching!
@@ChrisMutchJones thank you!
Hi I bought unit some years back and returned it immediately because I noticed everytime I would slide the faders to a desired position as soon as I would removed my finger from the fader it would always nudge up or down slightly eachtime. Did you have that issue at all and if so didn't they correct the issue? I use ableton maybe it isn't as compatible as much as it is with the daw your using.
No, I’ve never had that issue. I do know that one of the first things you need to do with these units is a fader calibration and firmware update. Did you ever try that?
@@ChrisMutchJones Sorry for responding so late to your response . That had to be my issue with the controller I goofed up and never knew I had to calibrate it at the time and immediately assumed it was screwed up and returned it. I'm going to give it another shot and repurchase it again and take the steps you mentioned and hopefully thing work out correctly this time around. How is the the metering LED on the icon does the signals seem to match up correctly with your DAW or it gives a slightly false representation ?
Why doesn't the master fader LED light up? I just got one and they don't do anything. Any insight? Thx Pete
Are you talking about the meter bridge? Unfortunately that is a problem with the way Mackie control protocol is written. There isn’t a message being sent from software to hardware which is a massive shame. There’s quite a lot of discussion about this online and the current debate is that you need to hound your DAW manufacturer of choice to see if they would ever implement an update to allow this control message to be sent!
Thanks for the reply. What a shame. And now the scribble script is worthless! It would have been nice if Icon made us aware of this problem. And now I'm finding out about this upgrade with the new panels? What's that about? Do I need to do this? This thing better be rock solid! My Mackie MCU gave me no problems for 12 years other than the display fading.
You only need the new panel if you plan on upgrading the firmware but it does make it a better machine!
I’ve also learned that you can use a bit of python programming to make use of the second lcd and master fader. Try Googling QCon Pro X FL Studio integration. 🤷🏻♂️
anyone try this vs the SSL uf8 or avid S1?
trying to decide
@@crescentsoundstudios the QCon Pro X is a poor controller, the faders are noisy the buttons double press the master volume on the meter bridge is not implemented on most DAW's (this is not the DAW's fault as described in some replies) the second scribble strip is not utilized this could easily be used to display compression or any other parameter from a plugin. the jog wheel zooms wildly and erratically and the list goes on
Great video. Does anyone know if this will work with a Mac mini. M1 chip
Yes it does! Thanks for watching!
I seem to have to hold shift + the scroll 8 button to toggle thru 1 track at a time. The other buttons next to it do nothing. Do you have this problem?
Nope. Did you buy it brand new?
the extender costs more than the main controlller does ill pass
Jones Thomas Wilson Karen Taylor Angela