I've previously worked with the MC Pro and Nuendo, and I was eager to finally have a control surface to add to my Pro Tools workflow at home.
Having an interface and control surface together like a 003 is not a huge necessity for me at my home workstation. I very rarely if ever record anything directly into my DAW. Most of what I record I do with my Zoom, and I have the option to dust off my Mbox if I need to input directly into PT.
While I'm fine working with a mouse and keyboard, the capabilities you get with a control surface have definitely increased the speed and efficiency of how I edit. I love being able to do more detailed volume automation, and I also really enjoy having my plug-in controls on a surface. The thing is, I'm truly not even using the the Command 8 to it's full capabilities. Sound on Sound has a cool article with some functions and features I won't even begin to detail.
It can sometimes be an issue for me deciding what do I really need vs want. When it comes to a microphone, or plug-in and so forth, there is a lot of research that goes into getting what will benefit your own individual workflow. Overall, I'm so stoked with the Command 8.
That is until I eventually own the Artist Series!
