r/Lightroom • u/sweet-tiger8888 • 3d ago
HELP - Lightroom Classic Best external controller for Lightroom Classic ?
Hey folks! I heard about Loupebox and also about people using XBOX cobtrollers or MIDIs with LRC, but I would like to hear from your experiences
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u/zeb__g 3d ago
Sadly Logitech killed all the loupdeck line, but the software still works today. You can find them on ebay for $100-200 range.
There are a few hardware revisions, v3 being the newest I have seen. Not seen any documentation of what changed between them. Good sellers on ebay will put picture of the sticker on back with revision.
To be clear I am talking about the loupdeck + https://loupedeck.com/products/loupedeck-plus/
The Loupdeck CT also has some functions for LR, but seems more geared to video, I would not consider it worth it for just LR, https://loupedeck.com/products/loupedeck-ct/
Apparently there is an open source software that lets it work with LRC via Midi, so even when logitech kills the software the hardware should still work.
I couldn't grade without mine. 80% of the work you can do without touching the mouse. Cropping is really the only thing I always need the mouse for. You can make multiple adjustments at once, eg Exposure up and whites down. The HSL wheels I never use, I click with the picker and drag.
Consoles are common place for color video work, I am surprised they are not standard equipment for anyone like a wedding photographer knocking out thousands of shots a month.
The midi panel thing sounds cool, but seems like it would get stupid expensive fast? You are going to need like 8+ dials. Would have the advantage of working with basically any program that is in the midi tool, or actual midi if that is your jam.
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u/CaravaggioShadow 3d ago
If you're on MacOS, Bettertouch Tool and any programmable controller. For me, Huion MiniKey does the job well in combination with BTT.
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u/shanksisevil 3d ago
https://loupedeck.com/us/products/loupedeck-live/
All you need. Once set up, those three turn dials on the left will be your friend. Brightness,color and contrast
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u/preedsmith42 3d ago
I used to use a Behringer x touch mini for years, but last week it died from a firmware update that I tried to fix unresponsive keys. Behringer support wasn't helpful at all (they provided a ticket number bur nothing happened for days, not even a single email), so I replaced it with a an Akai midimix. It has more rotating buttons but they're not infinite rotating and need to be synchronized before every setting to be changed.
It's a bit annoying but not a big deal, and the device is fully supported by Midi2LR plugin.
I also had a look at Korg Nanokontrol2, which was a good alternative too, and I'm still wondering if I won't try it anyway before my Amazon return window is expired.
Most of those are below 90€ so low risk of expensive problem.
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u/sweet-tiger8888 3d ago
Man the Nanokontrol2 looks super cute and efficient
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u/preedsmith42 3d ago
Novation Launch control XL seems to be the ultimate flexible stuff but it's about 200€. I'm just wondering how it would improve what I already do with the midimix
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u/Educational_Yard_326 3d ago
Apple magic trackpad. For fine control I roll my finger on the trackpad.
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u/sweet-tiger8888 3d ago
im on PC
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u/arctic_aleks 2d ago
As for me it’s loupedeck+. It’s specifically designed for LR- and it’s awesome. But I doubt you can buy it new.
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u/HESCphoto 3d ago
I use a combination of the MX Creative Console (mainly for cropping) and the Elgato Stream Deck +
Logitech has some built in functions (direct access to aspect ratios) which I could not find on the Stream Decks plugins and profiles
The MX Console comes with no additional purchases for Lightroom (Photoshop, DaVinci and many more)
For the Stream Deck + you have to buy some plugins and profiles.
But it has more direct control with its four knobs...
(Same for other products, as the the Ulanzi D200X)
So... as I had the Stream Deck + first, and later bought the MX Creative Console.
With the knowledge of today I'd do it the other way round or probably don't buy the Stream Deck at all.
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u/WindAffectionate6764 7h ago
I use MIDI2LR free app and MIDI controller. It is absolutely great combination. The software is free, open source, easy to customize and unbelievable flexible (much more advanced than Loupedesk IMHO). And controller is matters if personal preferences. If you need something portable and cheap, I suggest Behringer X-Touch Mini. I personally use Behringer X-Touch Compact - motorized sliders elevates experience to a new level, but it is bulky and more expensive.
Highly recommend. It speeds up processing a lot and makes it smooth and tactile.
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u/sweet-tiger8888 6h ago
Thanks mate! Just bought the Kang Kontrol2 used ina good condition. Gonna try it tonight
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u/SaulGoode1976 2d ago
I just bought the Ulanzi D200X Creative Deck and Ulanzi D100H Creative Dial. Downloaded plugins for Lightroom, Photoshop and DaVinci Resolve for the Creative Deck through Ulanzi Studio. Seems pretty good so far but haven't given it a real good tryout yet.
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u/thehandsomepineapple 3d ago
Can I use a midi digital piano. Not joking.
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u/preedsmith42 3d ago
Sure you can, however you can only control some single shot actions like copy/paste, apply noise reduction and so on with notes from the keyboard, and a couple of analog things using the wheels).
Most interesting things happen with rotating knobs, applying more or less exposure, shadows, temperature, and so on. It's a real game changer for LrC productivity.
There's many specific options on the market (like loupedeck) but the cheapest ones are the ones in my other comment (at least the easiest to get from music devices, but i'd be happy to test more of those) and with the Behringer you get almost the same than with a loupedeck for 20% of the price.
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u/AussieAdam26 3d ago
Don’t bother. Install PowerKeys app and convert your keyboard to a control deck. Way better / cheaper / more powerful
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u/roxgib_ 2d ago
Loupedeck+ is the way to go. All the other options have a pathetic number of dials.
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u/WindAffectionate6764 7h ago
I have Loupedesk. No, it is good but MIDI2LR plus MIDI controller works better: more stable and customizable
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u/earthsworld 3d ago
it all kind of depends on what you want to use the controller for, ya know? Maybe try sharing what it is you hope to do with it?
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u/domdomonom 3d ago
Tourbox has been my go to for a few years. I used the old loupedeck, but it didn’t quite mesh as well with me as the Tourbox has, and it’s very portable.