Video editing is a tough job that requires a lot of focus and concentration. Being able to edit on a professional video editing console means you don’t have to stop the creative process to get the job done right. This will allow you to save time while working on more important aspects of your business. Video editing consoles and panels are designed for photo editing and retouching, video editing, color grading, virtual production – they cover your needs.
They are digital media workstations designed for video production. Using them, you can make professional-quality films, documentaries, commercials, music videos, and documentaries with ease.
There are many options when it comes to choosing the best piece of hardware to edit videos. As a content creator, it can be overwhelming trying to make your choice. In this article, we will cover everything you need to know about the professional video editing console for content creators and help you find the right one for your needs.
What is an Editing Console and How Does it Actually Work?
Editing consoles are tools that help digital media creators edit their videos, photos, and images using software. These make it possible to make changes with ease and quickly, while ensuring the result is professional-quality.
Editing consoles are not only for photographers or videographers, many artists also use them to make their work look better. Editing consoles offer a wide range of tools which makes it easy for artists to make adjustments without having to worry about how to use them.
Some of these editors might be hard to understand unless you have experience with them, but there are plenty of online tutorials available to help new users learn how they work.
However, if you plan on going solo with editing a photo or video, be aware that you might need a bit more knowledge behind these tools than an average user would.
How to Choose the Best Photo or Video Editing Console for Your Needs?
When deciding on what console to purchase, you must consider the way you plan to use it. If you’re a content creator and looking for an immersive experience, then purchasing a console that’s more powerful will likely be of greater benefit to you. However, if you’re an average person who doesn’t plan on editing or streaming many videos, then purchasing a cheaper option might be worth it.
The following are some factors to consider when deciding which video editing console/panel is best for you:
- You need to know how much it will cost,
- What it looks like and what kind of power it has,
- The size of the console or panels,
- Number of inputs and outputs,
- You need to determine what kind of inputs or outputs that you’ll be using most often.
The Best Photo and Video Edit Controllers
1. Loupedeck + Photo & Video Editing Console
The Loupedeck+ gives even the most un-coordinated people an editing edge–it has buttons, dials & sliders that are easy to understand. Even as a beginner, you can become an editor with the magic of this software. You can now control your editing side-by-side in three different formats. It’s compatible with Windows and Mac versions of Adobe Lightroom Classic CC, Adobe Lightroom, Photoshop CC, Premiere Pro CC, and Skylum Aurora HDR. This makes it easy to go from desktop to mobile or vice versa without any hassle.
With its ergonomic design, it is much easier to quickly edit your photos for High-quality images, with multiple editing functions. This allows you to customize your photography to perfect taste.
SPECIFICATIONS
Compatibility: Windows or Mac
Connection: USB Type- A
Power: USB
Weight: 670g
2. Blackmagic Design DaVinci Resolve Micro Panel
This little and easy-to-carry panel works in tandem with the powerful DaVinci Resolve software, providing an already convenient & collaborative workflow with a lot more control. This console can be used by editors, colorists, audio engineers, video engineers, VFX artists, and other professionals that need to control what they are working on.
It makes using it more comfortable with its high-resolution 3 trackballs & 12 knobs. This keyboard allows you to do a lot of different things with one hand, including grading and playback controls. The 18 dedicated keys on the right side also give you quick access to these features.
SPECIFICATIONS
Compatibility: Windows or Mac
Connection: USB Type- C
Power: USB
Weight: 3.6kg
3. Tangent Wave2 Panel
The Wave2 Panel is a smaller, portable 16 button control surface. It provides an easier workflow outside of the regular keyboard + mouse setup. The new Wave2 has an ergonomic design and is even more compact than its predecessor. This is perfect for the busy DIT who is in need of quick editing capabilities on set or when you are away from your desktop computer. The dual trackballs, hard drive array, and nine control knobs make it an excellent choice for various color grading tasks.
The Wave2 lets you access color-correction tools even while you’re in applications like Adobe Premiere Pro CC (Lumetri), Assimilate SCRATCH, Baselight, DaVinci Resolve, Final Cut Pro X, Lustre, LiveGrade Pro, and more.
Supporting the device are multiple GUI customization options. When it comes to basic features, the Wave2 provides an easy-to-read LED screen that displays basic knobs and buttons. It also includes USB power for a plug-and-play setup.
SPECIFICATIONS
Compatibility: windows or Mac
Connection: USB Type- B 2.0
Display: 3 x Monochrome OLED
Power: USB
Weight: 2 kg
4. Loupedeck Live Console for Content Creators & Streamers
Loupedeck Live is a customizable desktop console for live videos, photos, and browsing the Internet. It has everything you need to make your productions shine. With features like live video editing and real-time image adjustment, this system allows you to stay productive while staying connected.
When you connect to your computer with Loupedeck Live, it gives you the natural speed of keyboard/mouse/graphic tablet control on your computer. Loupedeck Live allows for integration with many different applications, like Adobe Lightroom Classic, Premiere Pro, and OBS Studio. It is compatible with many others as well.
SPECIFICATIONS
Compatibility: Windows or Mac
Connection: USB Type- C
Power: USB
Weight: 230g
5. Elgato Stream Deck XL - Advanced Stream Control
The Stream Deck XL is perfect for streamers or anyone who wants to make the most out of their streaming setup. It allows you to simplify your workflow and use all the major apps like Twitch, OBS, Elgato Game Capture & more.
The Stream Deck XL is a powerful tool that can be used to control up to 3 simultaneous sources. It gives the user the opportunity to add new sources very quickly and saves time by detecting potentially relevant media content without having to manually search for it. Explore your options with our 32 LCD keys.
You can program them to launch an array of different actions, including launching media, adjusting audio, and adjusting your screens. Streams can also be personalized with GIFs, images, videos, audio clips and intro. The Stream Deck is compatible with macOS 10.11 and later, as well as Windows 10 (64-bit). It also comes with a USB Type-C to USB Type-A cable as well as a stand for easy setup.
SPECIFICATIONS
Compatibility: Windows or Mac
Connection: USB Type- C
Power: USB
Weight: 410g
6. Blackmagic Design DaVinci Resolve Mini Panel
The step-up in functionality includes all the features of the Micro Panel plus more. They are suitable for those that need to switch between editing and color grading. It is portable, meaning it only weighs 20 pounds and can easily be taken everywhere. The new rack can sit on your desk, in a corner of a room, or be bolted to the floor.
The Micro Panel features three high-resolution, weighted trackballs and 12 control knobs for accessing essential primary color-correction tools in the Resolve software. In addition to its extensive 18 dedicated keys, it also offers a streamlined experience with a large monitor and an intuitive LCD screen.
SPECIFICATIONS
Compatibility: Windows or Mac
Connection: USB Type- C
Display: 2 x 5″ Color LCD
Power: AC AdapterPoE
Weight: 6.4kg
7. TourBox NEO Creative Software Controller
TourBox NEO Creative Software Controller is a programmable editing controller that can be expanded on using any of their wireless dongles. It has been redesigned from the ground up to allow for smoother and more accurate adjustments, thanks to an improved left-side dial and center knob. Become the best with the TourBox NEO.
It can play many kinds of audio and video, including those used in Photoshop, Lightroom, Illustrator, Final Cut Pro X, Premiere, Audition, Cinema 4D, Capture One, Comic Studio, PaintTool SAI, After Effects, ClipStudio Paint, and so on. It comes with an included cable and powers from your computer. The included black case allows you to carry your controller safely and it includes an interior pocket and zipper closure.
The NEO features a comfortable design with knobs, buttons, and dials to create up to 42 complex operations to control a variety of software for video, photo, animation & audio software on Windows & macOS computers.
SPECIFICATIONS
Compatibility: Windows or Mac
Connection: USB Type- A 2.0
Power: USB
Weight: 370
8. JLCooper Eclipse BTX Midnight
The JLCooper Eclipse BTX Midnight is a controller designed for film editing. It features a unique control surface unlike anything else in the market and is used by professionals such as professional filmmakers and editors.
The desk also has a black finish and can hold tablets, keyboards, and other expansion options like the Eclipse MX Midnight. In addition, with the desk combined with the SX laptop, you’ll have everything you need for your ideal workspace.
SPECIFICATIONS
Compatibility: Windows or Mac
Display: 2 x Monochrome LED
Power: AC Adapter (Included)
Weight: 3.33kg
9. FilmLight Slate Control Surface
If you’re shooting on the go, you’re in luck. The Slate Control Surface from FilmLight is a powerful and intuitive digital video interface that allows users to easily adjust their key setup as they work with the content.
It can be used with any camera and is made to be flexible and adaptable so users can work with the content on the fly without having to stop what they are doing. Finally, it is very easy to change the order of these functionality blocks, allowing quick access to all of your most important features without any hassle.
SPECIFICATIONS
Compatibility: windows or Mac
Connection: USB
Display: 2 x Color LCD
Power: AC Adapter (Included)
Weight: 10kg
Palette Gear is a modular hardware kit comprised of parts that can be used individually or mixed & matched to create custom layouts. They’re satisfyingly sturdy materials, which you can connect together in any configuration. The control module will connect your commands to the rest of the kit.
Palette is a software system that uses physical controls to manipulate software features in Adobe Creative Suite. It includes features like color mixing, noise reduction, and blur removal. The Palette’s design responds to the dynamics of editing in real time. Final Cut Pro X, iTunes, Spotify, VLC, WMP are just a few of the popular applications that can be managed by this
The modules can be like a puzzle: make sure the pins connect to pads and data is distributed throughout the connected pieces.
SPECIFICATIONS
Compatibility: Windows or Mac
Connection: USB Type- C
Power: A braided cable (1m)
Weight: 49.9 g
The 6 Worst Mistakes To Avoid When Buying a Photo or Video Editing Panel
You’ll always need to consider certain things when buying a photo or video editing panel or a new piece of equipment. This ensures that your investment is protected in case anything goes wrong. While the decision is ultimately up to you, there are some things that will assist you in your decision-making process.
- Before you purchase a console, make sure it has been thoroughly tested to ensure that it doesn’t have any problems.
- When comparing consoles, it’s important to take into account the features that are included. For example, PS4 includes a 4K-ready Blu-Ray player while the Xbox One doesn’t.
- To get and keep a warranty, you need to buy a console with one. That said, if you buy a console without one in place, the manufacturer could refuse to uphold its promise of support should something go wrong
- Buying without doing your research, not understanding differences between specific brands, and not getting any support after purchase
- If you purchase a console without software and accessories, make sure to also purchase the software and accessories.
- This phenomenon is especially common among console manufacturers. Often times it can be difficult, if not impossible to use two consoles together or with the specific software/hardware they rely on.
Final Verdict!
There are many benefits of using an editing console, such as increased productivity and creativity. This editing console can help you identify & correct mistakes on your own and is a great way to save time and effort.
It also lets you create more content faster than ever before And also These video editing consoles can make your live streaming videos look professional with the use of various features such as the ability to crop videos, zoom in or out, use filters, and much more.
They are also easy to use with the touch of a button. So, what are you waiting for? Get started today by investing in this efficient tool!
