TourBox Lite: A Video Editor’s Perspective

_{*This post contains affiliate links. I receive a commission if you visit a link and buy something on my recommendation. Purchasing via an affiliate link doesn’t cost you any extra}

Video editors are constantly searching for innovative tools to streamline their workflows and eliminate tedious, repetitive tasks. While many products and services fall short of their promises, some genuinely enhance efficiency and capture the attention of video editing professionals. The TourBox Lite, a compact and customizable control surface, has recently generated significant buzz within the video editing community. It claims to offer a more intuitive and seamless editing experience through its hands-on control approach.

To assess its true value for professional video editors, I integrated the TourBox Lite into my workflow for a week. In this comprehensive review, I will delve into its features, functionality, and overall effectiveness. I will explore its customization options, compatibility with popular editing software, and its potential to truly transform the way video editors work. By examining its strengths and weaknesses, I aim to provide valuable insights for those considering incorporating the TourBox Lite into their editing toolkit.

Buy on Amazon.com | Buy on Amazon.co.uk

The Power of Customization

The TourBox Lite is super customizable. You can assign tons of keyboard shortcuts and macros to each control, meaning you can personalize it to perfectly match your editing style and the specific software you’re using.

While it won’t completely replace your mouse or keyboard, the TourBox Lite offers a quicker way to access your go-to tools and shortcuts. It’s perfect for specific editing tasks like cutting and compressing footage, adjusting and mixing audio, and color correcting footage.

Although it works with other Adobe apps, I mainly used it in Premiere Pro. The preloaded presets for Premiere Pro made it a breeze to get started. Assigning new button presets was super easy and intuitive, as long as you know the keyboard shortcut that you want to reassign.

For example, I use the add edit and ripple edit keys to compress footage. Ripple edit wasn’t preloaded, but it was easy to program these shortcuts onto the C1 and C2 buttons. Since I use these shortcuts all the time, it was nice to avoid using key combinations.

This has been especially helpful when removing unnecessary pauses, repetitive remarks, and mistakes during the first pass through on synced footage. The shortcuts were enough for managing this workflow, but the TourBox Lite made it even simpler by putting these keys close to the knob, which let me quickly and accurately move the playhead to exact moments that I wanted to remove.

Intuitive Design and Fast Learning Curve

The TourBox Lite proved to be incredibly user-friendly and intuitive. The installation process was a breeze, taking me under five minutes to set up the software and start using the device. The inclusion of pre-loaded presets for commonly used software was a major plus, saving me time and effort in configuring the device for my specific workflow.

The build quality of the TourBox Lite is exceptional. It has a solid, weighty feel, surpassing both my mouse and keyboard in terms of heft, and it remains firmly planted on my desk without any unwanted movement. The buttons, knob, and scroll wheel all offer a tactile and responsive experience, functioning flawlessly. The overall impression is that the TourBox Lite feels more akin to a premium, high-end gaming controller than a traditional computer mouse.

The standout feature of the TourBox Lite is undoubtedly the knob. It has transformed the way I interact with my video editing timeline, making scrubbing through footage a smooth and enjoyable process. I can now effortlessly and precisely position the playhead without resorting to the arrow keys, and the knob’s performance in Premiere Pro is seamless, without any noticeable lag.

Initially, the compact size of the TourBox Lite was unexpected. While its smaller footprint allows it to fit comfortably into any workspace, there are moments when I find myself wishing for a larger device with additional controls. Fortunately, TourBox offers more advanced models featuring expanded layouts and extra controls, which I may consider exploring in the future.

Ergonomic Considerations: A Mixed Bag

The TourBox Lite’s compact design, while offering advantages in portability and desk space conservation, introduces a number of ergonomic concerns. For individuals with larger hands, the condensed layout of buttons and dials can lead to discomfort, hand cramping, and fatigue during prolonged use. The knob, while responsive, may be too small for precise adjustments, potentially compromising accuracy and requiring users to exert additional effort. The overall size and button arrangement can also force users into unnatural hand positions, increasing the risk of finger cramping and wrist strain.

Furthermore, the TourBox Lite’s requirement for dedicated desk space can be problematic for users with limited room or those who prefer clean, minimalist setups. Introducing another device, especially one with a wired connection, can contribute to visual clutter and a feeling of disorganization. The cable itself can take up additional space and potentially become tangled with other wires. Users who frequently move their setup may find the TourBox Lite’s need for a dedicated space and power source inconvenient, as it hinders their ability to quickly pack up and relocate.

Buy on Amazon.com | Buy on Amazon.co.uk

Additionally, the reliance on a wired connection may limit the device’s flexibility and range of motion during use. Users may find themselves restricted by the cable’s length or hindered by its tendency to snag on objects. The lack of wireless connectivity could also be a drawback for those who prefer a clutter-free workspace or who value the freedom of movement that a wireless device provides.

The TourBox Lite’s compact design may also compromise its durability and longevity. The smaller buttons and dials may be more susceptible to wear and tear, and the device’s overall construction may be less robust than that of larger, more expensive models. Users who invest in the TourBox Lite may find themselves needing to replace it sooner than they would with a more durable device, potentially offsetting any initial cost savings.

Software Compatibility and Workflow Integration

Before purchasing a TourBox Lite, it’s essential to verify compatibility with your preferred video editing software. The device I got came preloaded with presets for popular options like Adobe Premiere Pro, DaVinci Resolve, and CapCut. However, you might find that some software, such as Adobe After Effects and Final Cut Pro, are not included by default.

Thankfully, TourBox provides a solution through its integrated TourBox Console software. This allows you to add additional software and create custom presets for programs not included out of the box. The TourBox community also contributes by uploading their own presets for specific devices and software, saving you the effort of starting from scratch.

After researching online, I was surprised by the lack of information about TourBox’s compatibility with other software. While I’ve seen that others have used it with Final Cut Pro, this doesn’t give me enough confidence to purchase it solely for use with that software and have it work right out of the box.

Integrating the TourBox Lite into your existing workflow will also take some time and effort. Remapping muscle memory and learning the device’s controls can be challenging, and you might experience a period of trial and error (Thank you “Undo”). However, with persistence and practice, the long-term benefits in terms of efficiency and streamlined editing can be substantial.

The Verdict: Is the TourBox Lite Right for You?

The TourBox Lite can be a valuable tool for video editors who are looking to streamline their workflow and improve their efficiency. Its high degree of customization, intuitive design, and focus on speed make it a compelling option for professionals and enthusiasts alike.

However, it’s important to consider the ergonomic drawbacks and the potential for workflow disruption. It’s also crucial to ensure software compatibility and be prepared to invest time in customizing the controls to suit your specific needs.

If you’re willing to put in the effort and adapt your workflow, the TourBox Lite can be a worthwhile investment that can significantly enhance your video editing experience. However, if you’re concerned about ergonomics or have limited desk space, it might not be the best fit for you.

Additional Tips for Getting the Most Out of Your TourBox Lite

Spend time customizing the controls to perfectly match your workflow.
Experiment with different button assignments and macros to find what works best for you.
Take breaks to avoid hand cramping and discomfort.
Keep your TourBox Lite software up to date to ensure compatibility and access new features.

Overall, the TourBox Lite is a powerful and innovative tool that has the potential to transform the way you edit videos. If you’re looking for a way to boost your efficiency and take your editing to the next level, it’s definitely worth considering.

Buy on Amazon.com | Buy on Amazon.co.uk