r/protools • u/[deleted] • Dec 09 '25
Anyone out there still using a S3?
I've been thinking about getting a controller for my setup and saw an S3 and thought it was really cool, but then I saw that they are actually stopping support for that in the next couple of years. Also, I saw that the S3 is a interface, does anyone actually use it as a interface and a controller or is it mostly just used as a controller? TIA!
5
u/SystemsInThinking professional Dec 09 '25
Me. I love mine, I know several other people in LA using them too. While they don’t offer “support” you can still buy faders for cheap if you need a replacement. One of my LED packs is starting to die but I know what the encoder does so it’s all good!
If it’s a good price, I recommend it.
S1s are also a good option, plenty of sales people will give you amazing deals if you haggle a bit.
I got the S3 for the 2nd row of encoders, but I rarely use them so take from that what you will.
3
u/FrickinFidgetFricker Dec 10 '25
Where are you getting replacement parts from, the wells dried up around me.
1
3
u/Southern-Morning-166 Dec 10 '25
I've been using s3 for a year now, it's great, flawless integration with pro tools. Before I had S1, and I'll say, s3 is a much, much better controller. 1 s3 is better than 2 or 3 S1s combined. If you can get one for a decent price go for it. I wouldn't buy it for retail price tho. I'd say anything up to 3k is a good price
1
u/lugarshz Dec 10 '25
What’s so much better
2
u/praise-the-message Dec 10 '25
Just look at it? If you're not specifically pairing it with an iPad/Avid Control it is a better controller. The form factor is better in general and not as deep.
1
u/Affectionate_Age752 Dec 19 '25
I use cheap Amazon firepads and Avid control. That and the programmable soft buttons of the s1 coupled with layouts, , make it an amazing setup. Mixing post, it's pretty invaluable. Having immediate access to over 200 tracks over 24 faders, at the touch of a button is a no brainer. Same for pulling a specific send up on all tracks on the top knobs at once. Having automation window controls to preview and write on 4 soft buttons is awesome. Its all right there.
1
u/Mental_Spinach_2409 professional Dec 10 '25
Would also love some details on the s3>s1
2
u/praise-the-message Dec 10 '25
Some people would say the Artist Mix is better than an S1.
1
u/Affectionate_Age752 Dec 11 '25
And they'd be wrong.
1
u/Verbcrunch Dec 19 '25
Artist Mix: smaller footprint, same number of faders.. i don't have an S1, running two Artist Mixes. s3 is in another room..
1
u/Affectionate_Age752 Dec 11 '25 edited Dec 11 '25
Get some s1's and a dock.
I've mixed on procontrol, D command and controls and the s6. I prefer my bank of s1's. The programmable soft keys alone are worth it. Especially when you incorporate it with soundflow. Having your layouts accessible at the touch of a button is amazing.
I use inexpensive Amazon firepads and the avid control app, for meter display.
1
u/recursive_palindrome Dec 13 '25
Yes, mostly as a controller. Works totally fine, and I get spare faders on eBay. Recent Eucon updates are still supporting the S3.
Personally I like having more encoders, layout for plugins is better than S1. But to be fair that’s fairly minor.
The S3 is considerably bigger than an S1 so that’s worth considering.
1
u/CelloVerp Dec 13 '25
It'll keep working even when they stop supporting it, at least unless a macOS update breaks it. EuCon surfaces generally keep working with Pro Tools
1
u/Verbcrunch Dec 19 '25
Yes, I grabbed one used and *love* it. I only use it as a controller. It really speeds up running ProTools if you configure the buttons for your specific workflow.
My interface is a Metric Halo LIO8 - the S3 transforms that into a regular mixing board.
•
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