PreSonus FaderPort 8chat_bubble_outlineFrom real comments

Several users report that automation writing reverts to volume the moment the fader is touched, making it difficult or impossible to automate expression, vibrato, sends or other parameters in Ableton Live and Logic.

@babzter

Very comprehensive video, congrats!\nI have a question andI hope you can solve it. I use Logic Pro X as my DAW and I bought the Presonus Faderport 2 mainly for automation purposes. Now, every time I want to use it to write my Expression (or other features either on 'region' or 'track') it switches automatically to 'Volume' the moment I merely touch the fader. Is that my setup problem? Thanks.launch

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December 29, 2022

@lawyer6343

I bought this because it says its a MIDI CONTROLLER... to find out it cannot control CC autonation like the faderport 8 or 16.. WTF presonus.. this is a basic function... \nNow im stuck with a pointless fader fpr my orchesrral stuff...\nPeople have ask since 2018 in the presonus forum for a update...and implementation and nobody even answered it.. \nNever again a presonus product for me.launch

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December 1, 2021

@BradOnTap

hey i just bought the faderport and my primary DAW is ableton. im having trouble writing automation for anything except volume, is that even possible? every time I have what I would like to automate selected then hit record the fader automatically reverts back to volume. I would like to use the fader to automate other things than volume. but great review thank you!launch

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December 5, 2020

@skythemusic

Anyone able to do midi cc automation with this? IE - Can you map the faders to the piano roll to overdub velocity, modulation, etc.? Does it work yet for mapping the faders to vst controls like drawbars on an organ? Still only 8 effect parameters? \n\nIf not, what is the point of the midi knob and when will Presonus get it's midi act together?launch

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August 20, 2017

Multiple users call the lack of a dedicated pan pot per channel a real limitation, saying panning via the fader or a menu adds friction compared to instantly turning a physical knob, and it has kept some from buying.

@patrickleisander358

They made the one mistake of not having pan knobs at least get my money to me The whole reason why I would want one of these is to have complete hands-on control now having to pan with a fader just doesn’t make sense to me It’s like another menu you gotta go through How about we turn All the fader sideways and Stock them above each other and use that to control volume Doesn’t really make sense for me But nonetheless, great videolaunch

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August 1, 2026

@jesperjacobsen3050

Hmmm... I don't think the lack of knobs per channel is minor. It's actually kept me from buying one of these. Not because of the sends, but because panning is so much easier and better if you can turn a couple of knobs at a time. I really, really want not only a fader, but also a pan pot per channel.\n\nGreat vid.launch

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August 7, 2025

@wayaltee573

The only thing I wish the Faderport 8/16 had were more knobs like you said, aside from that the FP controllers are a no-brainer if you're using Studio One. I am not keen on constantly tweaking moving parts to adjust vst parameters. I do have the Atom SQ but those knobs, IMO, dont have the best build (they do get the job done). I'm hoping the Nektar CS12 will get some Studio One compatibility soon. The Console 1+Fader combo for DAW control is really tempting.launch

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June 20, 2025

Users report quirks and setup confusion with Cubase, Ableton, and firmware-related MCU selection, including a case where a Cubase-specific controller was reportedly discontinued and support staff were unaware of the issue.

@TheBenwaugh69

Would be cool if they showed you how they connect to cubase . I purchased one and within 24 hrs of receiving it I’m shipping it back . Tech didn’t know any more than I did about the unit or setting it up . Kinda sad not gonna lie . Tried to order the cubase controller and was told it was no longer being made . I then spoke to a tech a steinberg and that was news to them so I’m waiting to hear back from him on from them . If your using presonus I’m guessing it will work out of the box any other software and it’s a 50/50 it will work buyer beware.! :(launch

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April 15, 2021

@mattsynth

This new version seems designed more for PreSonus own software Studio One and is very limited (Mackie control only) for other DAW's. They should of designed it so you can program each button personally like you can with NI Maschine midi control. The motorized fader is the only advantage here and the rest is confusing and are labeled strange for other DAW's.launch

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August 7, 2018

@eggnogagogo7445

Yesterday I upgraded the firmware to the latest version for my Faderport 8. After ugrading, I was surprised to see that there is no longer a generic MCU in setup mode. There are MCU selections for Logic, Cubase & Sonar, but no generic MCU as was in the previous firmware version.\n\nSo, my question is which MCU do I use for Ableton Live? Since I wasn't sure I just reset the Faderport back to factory settings just where I could finish my mixdown. Was this an oversight by Presonus, or intentional for whatever reason? And if we are supposed to use one the 3 MCUs made available, it would sure be nice to know which one as the user manual wasn't upgraded to reflect the change.\n\nAny info would be greatly appreciated.launch

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February 4, 2018

Users with 20+ track sessions note that 8 faders require frequent banking, and some wish for a 16-fader version or say the 8-fader unit isn't quite enough for large mixes.

@officialWWM

I usually just record my own band but would typically use 10 to 12 channels in a typical mix/recording. I'm an old school producer from the analog world and I'm used to mixing down an a desk. If I understand this product correctly, I could mix down in that fashion from my daw but using the faders. Wouldn't I need the 16 channel version in order to mix down that way and accomodate all my channels that I'm using?launch

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October 20, 2019

@smpiggystudio

Thank you for this detailed review. Most of times, I only use it to write volume automation in StudioOne4. SO4 more like regular song arranger and mixer, Live more like real time acting and performming, so FP8 seems more powerful in live after watch your review. However, I think 8 faders are a little bit short of faders for large mixing, once your project end up with 7~80 tracks or more(drum may fill up 10 tracks or more). FP16 will be a real arsenal despite price and it can be finally placed in front of keyboard(Now I'm placing FP8 behind my keyboard, have to reach out my arm everytime I touch the faders).launch

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June 1, 2019

A Cubase user describes the bank system as inefficient and frustrating when working with 80+ tracks, since selecting a track outside the current bank requires manual bank navigation rather than direct selection.

@MichaelBogaMusic

Just got mine today and I'm sending it back, to bad it felt like a great piece of gear! It would be good to mention that when used with Cubase you can't select whatever track in your session and have the Faderport react. The bank system is just awful to work with when you have 80 tracks or more. I won't spend 2 min banking up to adjust the fader of my first track when the bank selection is on the 8 last tracks... Anyway, this is very disappointing to see it work that way, just an inefficient workflow! The day you fix this I might get another one....launch

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February 16, 2022

One user notes that without a proper display showing track names, working blind without the computer screen visible is impractical, especially when recording vocals with the mic setup facing away from the monitor.

@melodychest9020

A bit of a pain that this presenter slurred saying 'Switch' instead of 'Shift' and 'Lock' instead of 'Link'. I had to go back a few times! Without a display on it, you are blind without the computer screen. Impossible to record my vocals on a few tracks as my mic setup is facing the other way in the room. If there was a display, at least it would tell me on which track I am on! Not sold on this one!launch

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October 31, 2019

A commenter compares the FaderPort unfavorably in size to the Avid Artist or Softube Fader surface, noting it takes up more desk real estate than some competing motorized surfaces.

@theclutch

Thx Loop...yet another informative gem. Was happy to stumble into onto this one as I've been on the hunt for a solid mixing surface for Live as well as a MIDI parameter control surface. This one never made the cut as its always seemed too bulky compared to the Behringer, Softube, or Avid artist series..all of whom have their own Ableton challenges unfortunately . From what I've learned they all have work arounds ...ie various inefficiencies. My biggest gripe with the Presonus has been it's size. It's not half as clean as the Avid Artist or even close to the Softube Fader surface, and one of the biggest challenges with home studios is in fact real estate. So what's the solution...is there a motorized control surface that accomplishes more, or is this cumbersome/unsightly oaf the most effective of the lot? Help us Obi-Loop Kenobi...you're our only hope.launch

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June 2, 2020