A Mac Option for the Music Producer Who Wants More Control

**elbert** · 07-21-2005, 11:12 AM

From the New York Times.

by J. D. BIERSDORFER
Published: July 21, 2005

With its library of sound samples and easy-to-use interface, the GarageBand program from Apple has been helping Macintosh mavens create and mix their own musical compositions since it was introduced early last year.

With the M-Audio iControl device, people who prefer a physical recording console now have plenty of knobs to twirl in front of the screen instead of on it.

The iControl connects to the Mac through a U.S.B. port and includes buttons that correspond to many of GarageBand's onscreen controls for actions like play, stop and record. A master volume switch and a jog wheel for dialing back to a precise point in the recording are also within easy reach.

The iControl can rule over eight separate tracks at a time, with buttons for record, solo and mute on each track. In addition to the U.S.B. connection, the unit has a jack for connecting a MIDI keyboard.

The M-Audio iControl sells for $180 at retail stores listed at www.m-audio.com. It needs at least GarageBand 2.0.1 to operate. GarageBand is set to recognize the iControl automatically when you connect it, so you can get right down to mixing with minimal set-up fussing. J. D. BIERSDORFER

**Sponsor** · 07-21-2005 11:12 AM

**Myles** · 07-21-2005, 11:15 AM

Hi elbert. Is this also compatible with Final Cut Pro (audio controls) and/or Soundtrack Pro?

[Edited on 7-21-2005 by Myles]

**elbert** · 07-21-2005, 11:31 AM

I really wouldn't know. I just posted it

. Best to refer to the manufacturer's site http://www.m-audio.com

**Myles** · 07-21-2005, 11:38 AM

Thanks!

**paparazzi** · 10-13-2006, 02:28 PM

The iControl is on sale at $99 until Dec 31, 2006. Available at $99 from Apple Stores, Amazon, and CompUSA. The M-Audio product page still lists the iControl at $179 but the Apple Store product page for it lists it at $99. See attached image for details.

**travism** · 10-13-2006, 08:31 PM

the icontrol is mainly for garageband users... if final cut supports midi, you probably could map the icontrol to final cuts interface. but if you ask me, i doubt that you can use it with final cut. i think you can use the icontrol to control logic pro too but i haven't seen it happen yet.