Test: Icon P1 series – DAW controller with surprisingly ample features

Optional OLED display

However, it is recommended that both models are retrofitted with the optional OLED displays, which are inserted at an angle into the existing rear openings. Both displays offer the same information, but they are slightly larger on the P1-M and can therefore also be read from a distance. You shouldn‘t expect great graphics or other visual delights, as the controllers communicate with the DAW via the familiar Mackie protocol. Track and parameter names are therefore reduced to 8 characters and longer headings are distributed across several of the 8 displays.

Up to 3 DAWs in parallel

The advantage of using the Mackie protocol is that all common DAWs support it natively. Setting up the controllers is correspondingly easy; all you have to do is select the pre-installed Mackie Control and the inputs and outputs of the icon controller in the DAW. A special feature is immediately noticeable: the icon drivers install several virtual inputs and outputs that correspond to the three DAW buttons on the hardware. You can assign a different DAW to each of these buttons, e.g. Bitwig, Cubase and Ableton Live, and switch directly between the special adjustments for each of these DAWs, including the appropriate shortcuts. Due to the different inputs and outputs, the DAWs don‘t get in each other‘s way and only use the USB port assigned to them, very practical!

Stream deck included

Another highlight is the touchscreen, which is divided into 16 areas and can be assigned various commands using the iMap software. The whole thing can even be switched using 5 buttons, giving you access to 80 commands. The background lighting also changes according to the button. So you can put the switches for equalizer, mixer, insert FX or instrument on the blue side and then operate them using the 8 endless controls. In Cubase mode you even have access to the entire channel strip, with the display always showing the respective parameter names and values. Functions such as setting markers, calling markers 1-8, etc., or whatever you regularly need for direct access can be placed on the red side.

Since the names of the functions are displayed, you don‘t have to remember the assignment. The whole deck is reminiscent of the Elgato Streamdeck and is really super practical! The 100mm motorized faders work reliably and at a reasonable volume, the same applies to the encoders. However, you shouldn‘t expect miracles in terms of feel at this low price; in contrast to the robust housing, the controls have a noticeable plastic touch. The faders resolve really well, which not only enables precise volume adjustment, but also very detailed adjustment of the equalizer, filter frequency and other parameters of effects and instruments when using the flip function.