Icon Pro Audio expands their range with two new fader expanders
NAMM 2017 was a busy show for Icon Pro Audio, with several new products being exhibited at their stand for the first time. Having recently released two new flagship USB-MIDI controllers, the Icon QCon Pro X and the Icon Platform M, the guys at Icon chose NAMM to showcase several new products including fader expansion units for both controllers.
In this video, Icon's Nadir Omowale introduces us to the Icon QCon Pro XS and the Icon Platform X, along with a display for the Platform X called the Platform D2.
Icon QCon Pro XS
One of several new devices revealed at this year’s NAMM event in Anaheim, CA, the QCon Pro XS provides owners of the new Icon QCon Pro X DAW Controller with banks of additional 8 faders, so users can create a custom control surface to suit their individual needs.
Featuring support for all major DAWs including Cubase, Nuendo, Samplitude, Logic Pro, Studio One, Bitwig, Reason, Ableton Live and Pro Tools, the QCon Pro X also has MIDI-map functionality for working with other DAWs, or for customising the layout to perfectly suit your workflow. Housed in a robust metal casing and using USB 2.0 to connect to the master QCon Pro X, each QCon Pro XS also features a Kensington lock port for added security.
Probably the most exciting feature of both the Qcon Pro X and the QCon Pro XS is the touch-sensitive, motorised faders. Each of the 8 faders feature 10-Bit resolution, with a 12-segment LED metering bridge for individual channel-monitoring from the unit itself. Each channel also features an assignable rotary knob for control of functions such as pan or effects sends, along with four assignable buttons, which default to Record Arm, Solo, Mute and Channel Select.
Icon Platform X
Another first for NAMM 2017, music production manufacturer Icon Pro Audio have just announced the Icon Platform X, an 8-channel expansion unit to go with the company’s recently released Platform M mobile DAW Controller, and the Platform D2 back-lit LCD screen.
The Platform X is an extremely compact, durable and versatile control surface. Support for all of the major DAWs is included straight out of the box, including Cubase, Nuendo, Samplitude, Logic Pro, Studio One, Bitwig, Reason, Ableton and Pro Tools. Whether you're recording on the move or in the studio, the Platform X allows you to take control of even more channels and really get hands-on with your mix.
Designed to work either alongside the Platform M or in standalone, the Platform X allows users to expand their setup with hands-on fader control up to 32 channels, allowing for hardware-style, hands-on control when recording and mixing with software.
The Platform X can also be operated as a standalone USB-MIDI controller, although it will function much more effectively when used in conjunction with the Platform M, as the Platform X lacks transport controls, or the ability to switch banks of faders from the unit itself.
Icon Platform X with D2 display attached
Each channel features a touch-sensitive, motorised fader with 10-Bit resolution; a dual function rotary encoder knob (rotate and enter/select); plus 4 illuminated buttons for Select, Mute, Solo and Record. The encoder, fader and buttons can all also be freely assigned via Icon’s included iMap software, which allows you to customise the control surface to suit your project or workflow.
Icon Platform D2 – Display Attachment for the Icon Platform X
Also on show at the Icon stand is the new Platform D2, the second generation screen for both the Platform M and Platform X. A 2×65 backlit LCD screen, the Platform D2 provides information such as channel names and controller values for each channel. This is great if you liking mixing on the move, or just like to be able to work away from your screen. As a dedicated display unit, the Platform D2 gives you a simple way to keep track of each channel’s info whilst you’re recording or mixing.