PreSonus plugs in FaderPort 16 controller for hands-on DAW mixing
The FaderPort 16 exists to get the mixer out of your DAW and onto your desk · Source: PreSonus
The PreSonus FaderPort 16 - top view · Source: PreSonus
PreSonus FaderPort 16 - buttons close-up · Source: PreSonus
PreSonus has a new addition to its line-up of FaderPort DAW controllers. The FaderPort 16 looks like a genuinely useful addition to the typical mouse and keyboard set up employed in computer-based audio production – especially to producers who feel at home with PreSonus’ own Studio One workstation software.
As its name suggests, the FaderPort 16 offers sixteen touch-sensitive, motorized faders for hands-on control over your audio levels. In addition, there are some 89 backlit buttons covering 104 DAW functions in all. The goal of this product is accomplishing a faster, more efficient and pleasant workflow. To help with that, the FaderPort 16 gives out visual feedback with digital scribble strips and offers automation by visualizing just the tracks you’re working on.
Furthermore, the large encoder button and companion mixing buttons allow for navigating the DAW panel by scrolling through the timeline, working measure by measure, zooming, dropping markers, and other session navigation features. Being a PreSonus product, the FaderPort 16 integrates tightly with the company’s Studio One DAW, and the Studio One Artist Edition comes included. The two combined would provide for a very authentic studio mixing experience.
Price and availability
The FaderPort 16 is expected to be available at PreSonus dealers in late November 2017, priced at $999.95. This certainly isn’t a cheap controller, but comparing it to, say, Native Instruments’ cheaper Machine production systems wouldn’t be appropriate. The FaderPort is a product for mixing engineers, optimized for critical studio work. It exists for a different market with a technically-minded clientele of intermediate or advanced ability that could take advantage of the features and justify the expense. Still, the FP 16 definitely looks like one of the better DAW controllers out there, and PreSonus has earned a good reputation with its gear.
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