One MIDI controller for everything. Faderfox MX12, Synthstrom Deluge, Behringer XR18, Empress Zoia

The Faderfox MX12 is one of the most versatile devices I have in my studio. In this video I show you how to configure it to control a mixer, synth and effects pedal and use it to play live.

0:18: Overview of the MX12
1:07: How to configure buttons
2:02: Storing and recalling setups
2:30: Connectivity - MIDI and Extension port
3:30: How I connected gear for the demo: mixer, synth and effects pedal
4:33: Mapping MX12 faders to Deluge synth parameters
5:10: Mapping green buttons as Deluge track launch/mute
6:00: Mapping knobs to parameters on the Empress Zoia
7:00: Closing jam

I’ve been using the MX12 for a few months. I control my digital mixer (a Behringer XR18), synths (like the Deluge in this video) and even MIDI-enabled guitar pedals (like the Empress Effects Zoia).

The MX12 is a 12 channel MIDI controller, with smooth faders, two configurable knobs per channel and programmable push buttons. It can store multiple setups on the device so you can configure it to drive all sorts of gear. And it comes with both DIN and USB MIDI interfaces so you can bridge from the past to the future of MIDI.

The MX12 really is a workhorse; I can adjust levels for my mixer, then quickly switch to tweaking a synth parameter, and configure it to control a pedal setting all from one easy-to-reach set of controls.

Best of all it pairs perfectly with its companion; the Faderfox PC12 using an Ethernet crossover cable to both power and send MIDI to the second device. Or if you really like faders you can buy...2 MX12s!

Yes there are definitely cheaper MIDI controllers with faders out there (Akai MIDIMix is a good option). But the quality on the Faderfox devices is so good, they feel solid, and have many innovative features packed into them.

Gear used:
Faderfox MX12: http://www.faderfox.de/mx12.html
Synthstrom Deluge: https://synthstrom.com/product/deluge/
Empress Effects Zoia: https://empresseffects.com/products/zoia
Behringer XR18 digital mixer: https://www.behringer.com/Categories/...