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Best mouse for DAWs

E

everfangomanga

macrumors member
Original poster
Jul 12, 2008
59
0
Osaka, Japan
I have just started getting into making music in Logic Pro X and find the trackpad (even if I use my wireless one) a bit cumbersome. It is nice to be able to easily scroll not only up and down, but left and right, but for other tasks such as moving the play head precisely to where I want it to be can be a little tough.

I was just curious what everyone's input is on this. Do you have a favorite? If so, what is the best feature of the mouse? Why do you like it so much?
 
everfangomanga said:
I have just started getting into making music in Logic Pro X and find the trackpad (even if I use my wireless one) a bit cumbersome. It is nice to be able to easily scroll not only up and down, but left and right, but for other tasks such as moving the play head precisely to where I want it to be can be a little tough.

I was just curious what everyone's input is on this. Do you have a favorite? If so, what is the best feature of the mouse? Why do you like it so much?
Click to expand...

I use the Apple Magic trackpad and the "zoom" function.

Have you tried Apple Logic Remote apps for iPad?

Also a physical MIDI cntro surface might be the best.
 
I'm using the Magic Trackpad too, but for me it's kind of difficult to click and drag things, or tap and drag to select a region. I don't have an iPad unfortunately. What do you mean by MIDI controller? As in a keyboard or other MIDI inputs?
 
Why would the "mouse requirements" for Logic be any different from other programs? I use a cheap 3-button USB mouse I got many years ago and it works fine.

But what really makes Logic easier to use is a control surface, as Chris suggested. I use a Korg nanoKontrol2 and have been really happy with it. Very small, USB bus powered and you get transport controls, markers and 8 faders with pan knobs and record/mute/solo buttons. Best $60 I ever spent. :)

http://www.sweetwater.com/store/detail/nanoKON2bk
 
Boyd01 said:
Why would the "mouse requirements" for Logic be any different from other programs? I use a cheap 3-button USB mouse I got many years ago and it works fine.

But what really makes Logic easier to use is a control surface, as Chris suggested. I use a Korg nanoKontrol2 and have been really happy with it. Very small, USB bus powered and you get transport controls, markers and 8 faders with pan knobs and record/mute/solo buttons. Best $60 I ever spent. :)

http://www.sweetwater.com/store/detail/nanoKON2bk
Click to expand...

Cool, thanks for the link! I know the requirements aren't really any different, I was just wondering about optimizing workflow. Some people like regular two button mice, some people like those trackball things. Just wanted to hear other people's input :)
 
The biggest optimization when it comes to a mouse is comfort. I'd rather have fewer buttons and a comfortable fit than a super-mouse that gives me aching wrist and fingers.

Control surfaces are nice, though. Even if it's just an iPad app. Anything that opens up the ability to move multiple controls is a revelation when you're coming from doing everything with a mouse.
 
The only thing that really matters is comfort. As a Logic user you're most likely going to be behind your desk way longer than most physical therapists would want you to, lol.

A comfortable and ergonomic mouse that fits your hand in a natural way is the first step. It doesn't have to be a super fancy expensive OMGWTFBBQERGONOMICS mouse. I suggest you go to a place where mice are sold and just try a lot of them. It'll be like trying on new pants, you'll know when you've found the right one.

The second most important thing is preventing Repetitive Strain Injury. While a mouse that fits you like a glove will help preventing it, using your mouse WILL STILL BE a repetitive movement. That's where control surfaces or that Magic Trackpad come in. Or even your keyboard.

Using other means of control to mitigate unneeded mouse movements is the BEST thing you can do to absolutely maximize your working time. If you have the money, sure get a fancy control surface with motorized faders. It sure feels a lot better than using your mouse to drag faders up and down, right? You're already using your Magic Trackpad to scroll and zoom, which is indeed fantastic. Lastly; KEYBOARD SHORTCUTS!! 'Nuff said. ;)

Hope this helps!
 
I'm using a Razer gaming mouse myself. The Imperator 2012. Very high res and reliable. You have to check which one has drivers for the Mac though.
 
everfangomanga said:
I have just started getting into making music in Logic Pro X and find the trackpad (even if I use my wireless one) a bit cumbersome. It is nice to be able to easily scroll not only up and down, but left and right, but for other tasks such as moving the play head precisely to where I want it to be can be a little tough.

I was just curious what everyone's input is on this. Do you have a favorite? If so, what is the best feature of the mouse? Why do you like it so much?
Click to expand...

There are also Logic Pro keyboards with the short cuts specified on the individual keys.
 
I use the apple Magic Mouse. It is essentially a mouse and a trackpad in one, which is absolutely fantastic for logic! In fact, I can't really imagine using anything else now.
 
Leekenn said:
I use the apple Magic Mouse. It is essentially a mouse and a trackpad in one, which is absolutely fantastic for logic! In fact, I can't really imagine using anything else now.
Click to expand...

I've never used one but I've read that using the gestures isa little difficult on the mouse. What's your honest opinion of the gestures? Totally satisfied, slightly difficult but hav usable?
 
everfangomanga said:
I've never used one but I've read that using the gestures isa little difficult on the mouse. What's your honest opinion of the gestures? Totally satisfied, slightly difficult but hav usable?
Click to expand...

I use the Magic Mouse with Pro Tools and Logic, and haven't had any issues with triggering gestures. I can't say which mouse is best for the job though, as I've only used one.
 
Thanks everyone, for the replies. This has got more input than I thought it would, considering the concept of the mouse has only had a few significant changes over the years (trackpad, scrolling wheel.... anything else?) I just recently discovered a feature on my girlfriend's cheap-o usb wireless mouse where I can scroll left and right with the scroll wheel. Guess I'm behind the times....
 
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