Can you school me on adding a new hardware controller?

[Rothgarr]

Howdy. I am using Reason (12) with a simple 88 key controller.

I love fidgeting with knobs and sliders in VSTs like Serum, Diva, a whole bunch of Cherry Audio VSTs, etc., but it's cumbersome to do it with the mouse.

I've seen some keyboard-less controllers that have a few pads (for drums), some sliders and some knobs that seem like they would make the fiddling much more productive. Am I correct in assuming that I can use both my 88-key controller AND a controller with knobs and sliders at the same time? Or will I have to switch inputs from one to the other? Also, is there a way in Reason to "teach" assigned sliders and knobs so that every time I load Diva, for example, one slider is for Cutoff, a knob is for LFO, etc? But if switch to a Cherry Audio device in the same song, those knobs and slider automatically switch to whatever I mapped them to for those devices?

Thanks for your guidance!

[Benedict]

Look in Edit-Prefs-MIDI Controllers. You can assign several "surfaces" for different purposes.
My P6 appears as two devices, one for Instruments and the other for Mixer. Interestingly enough I can right-click map a mix slider to control a synth parameter.

While you can set up any device that follows one the protocols that Reason adheres to, it is a lot easier if you get something that is already set up for Reason.

Past that you would do better to look into the work of Poohbear or Carly.

[Arpeg]

I recommend you take a look at Nektar Impact LX88+.

Yes, you can use two separate midi controllers. For example, I use Nektar Impact with 2 Behringer X-Touch Mini's. Other folks have a lot more.

The bonus of an Impact 88+ compared to a 49 or 61+ is that it comes with a separate power supply, a MIDI Out 5 din socket, LED's around the buttons that are mainly used for Mutes and Solos and of course more keybed not just for playing notes but also MIDI commands like mute, solo, pattern change etc

Also, pre packed for control of Reason devices but you can map VST's like Diva, in fact, that particular device shows up on Nektar's webpage for the 88+ (scroll halfway down)
https://nektartech.com/impact-lx88-controller-keyboard/

With Nektar Impact series Power through the USB on 25,49 and 61+ controllers can cause issues although I have a Impact 49+ and I have had none.

[mcatalao]

I recommend you take a look at Nektar Impact LX88+.

Yes, you can use two separate midi controllers. For example, I use Nektar Impact with 2 Behringer X-Touch Mini's. Other folks have a lot more.

Usually i have 5 or 6:
- Roland RD88 as the main keyboard
- 3 BCF2000 (faders/mixer control)
- 1 BCR2000 (Mixer channel and any other device)
- EWI USB or EWI Solo

Anyway, first you should look for a compatible device, current good options would be the Behringer X/Touch, and other devies that have mackie control.

After getting the device you have to configure it in 2 ways.

1 - You have to configure it to "talk" to reason, in the preferences area.
2 - You need to tweak the remote map so that it behaves differently for each device context, including VST's as i explain here:

[mcatalao]

PS.: From reason 10 and on you can get the device remote info on a file instead of doing the exploring process.

Be sure you're placed on the device in the sequencer or rack, then go to file-> Export Device Remote Info.
The base remote files already have reason devices mapped, however re's and VST's need some work!