Designed for mixing engineers and producers, the M+ Audio and MIDI Control Surface platform offers the optimal solution for controlling DAWs and plug-ins. Nine motorized faders including master, jog wheel, eight knobs, backlit select/solo/mute pads, transport section - everything you need for modern production is right at your fingertips and can be reached quickly without detours. The modular Platform-M+ control system is connected via USB, while the MIDI protocol is responsible for channel levels, panning positions and other mixing decisions. Whether Cubase, Ableton Live, Logic Pro, Reason, Bitwig or Pro Tools - the iCon PlatformM+ Surface brings more comfort and fun into every mixing session.
All eight 100mm faders are motorized for improved workflow. They move automatically to the position in which the respective DAW mixer faders are positioned (especially with many tracks, this becomes clear when you "scroll through" the tracks with the bank shift function). Also for automations within the DAW, the faders follow the given curves. Of course, they can be overwritten at any time thanks to their touch sensitivity. Like the mixer faders, the master is motorized and controls the software master channel of the respective workstation. (Note: Pro Tools works slightly differently and uses the penultimate fader)
With the endless controls you can create and execute various commands. For example, they can be used for panning or control the send level. It is also possible to assign to different parameters of plug-ins and VSTs, so that you can trigger the low-cut of a virtual synth, for example.
Each channel includes buttons for Record, Mute, Solo and Select, so you can work comfortably at all times. In addition, there are Shift Bank and Shift Fader functions for scrolling/changing channels and the transport section, which offer the typical features such as Play, Stop, Record, Rewind, Fast-Forward, Loop, Zoom & more.
I was between the Behringer X-Touch or this and ended up getting the Icon Platform M+ with the extension (Platform X+) due to its compact size (about half of the Behringer). I mainly use the arm / record / mute / solo buttons per channel, as well as the faders to control the various pieces in my set up (a mix of hardware and software). Don't use much the transport controls or knobs for VSTs and FX but that is just my personal preference (I don't have the optional display). My workflow has improved significantly (barely touch the mouse / keyboard) and have total recall. Mixer is not needed any more and due to its compact size I have been able to save valuable space in my desk.
I read negative reviews about Icon's customer service and some faulty units but ended up taking the risk as other options were much more expensive. The first unit was b-stock and one of the faders made a bit of noise so decided to exchange it for a brand new one which worked perfectly without noise. Music Store were great as usual processing the exchange. So far so good in my case (touch wood). Built quality seems very decent and sturdy so should last long enough. If studio space is limited and are not planning to use the knobs heavily this is the best option you will find.
Having moved from an analogue mixer to on screen production, I missed thr tactile experience and immediacy of production. With tis controller and it's integration, music making has become fun again.
Easy to use, although fairly basic, but with the platform b exceptional
Small footprint fits perfectly on my computer table, highly recommend for mixing and automation
I bought the Platform M+ as a desktop mixer/controller priamrily for use with Logic Pro. Worked straight out of the box. Has reasonably quiet motorised faders, is small and really well built. It’s actually small enough, in my opinion, for me to want to use it away from home.
Shipping was super quick and it actually arrived a day earlier than estimated!
So far, I am really pleased with the product and service.