TourBox Elite Plus: An In-Depth Review for Video Editors and Creative Workflows

Summary:

The TourBox Elite Plus is a versatile creative console designed to enhance workflows across various creative software, including DaVinci Resolve.

It features programmable buttons and dials for quick shortcuts, combos, and macros, adaptable for video editing, photo editing, and more.
First impressions highlight its solid, high-quality build, compact size (smaller than the Resolve Speed Editor), ergonomic layout, and stable design with anti-slip pads.
The device offers flexible connectivity via wired or Bluetooth, supporting Windows, Mac, and iPad, with the ability to switch between two Bluetooth devices.
Workflow integration with DaVinci Resolve demonstrates improved speed and precision for tasks on the edit, cut, and color pages, particularly with the "hover adjust" feature.
While highly customizable, minor issues include noisy haptic feedback (without an option for vibration only), current limitations in automatic preset switching, and manual keybind labeling if not using default software settings.
Despite minor drawbacks, its extensive customizability, efficient layout, intuitive software with on-screen guides, and user-replaceable AA batteries are significant advantages.
The reviewer considers it a superior and more versatile alternative to the DaVinci Resolve Speed Editor for many creators.

TourBox Elite Plus on a mat, highlighting various creative applications [ 00:02:10 ]

Introduction to the TourBox Elite Plus [0:00]

The video introduces the TourBox Elite Plus as a creative console that offers an alternative to dedicated hardware like the DaVinci Resolve Speed Editor, with broader compatibility across creative software.

What is the TourBox Elite Plus? [1:56]

The TourBox Elite Plus is presented as a high-tier creative console designed to expedite creative workflows across multiple applications.

Functionality:
- Features programmable buttons and dials for custom shortcuts, combos, and macros.
- Supports advanced functions like mouse movements and opening specific links/menus.
Software Integration: - Customization happens within the TourBox software. - Comes with default presets for popular creative apps, but users can create custom layouts. - Works with video editing, photo editing, digital painting, 3D modeling, music production, and even gaming.
Pricing: - The Elite Plus model is priced just under $300. - Other models are available at different price points, detailed on the TourBox website.

First Impressions [3:06]

The reviewer shares positive initial impressions of the TourBox Elite Plus.

Build Quality: - Feels solid and durable, made from high-quality plastic. - Resists fingerprints. - Possesses a surprising amount of weight, preventing it from sliding on the desk, aided by rubber pads on the bottom.
Ergonomics and Size: - More compact than expected, about a third the size of the Resolve Speed Editor. - Ideal for desks with limited space or for travel. - Ergonomic button and dial placement ensure comfortable reach without awkward hand movements.
Connectivity and Power: - Quick setup on PC, supports wired or Bluetooth connections. - Compatible with Windows, Mac, and iPad. - Can connect to two Bluetooth devices simultaneously, with quick switching via a bottom button. - Features a dedicated power switch, addressing a common complaint about the DaVinci Resolve Speed Editor's battery drain. - Uses two AA batteries for Bluetooth operation; no battery needed for wired use.
Aesthetics: - Unique and interesting design, especially the frosted shell showing internals on the Elite Plus model. - Reviewer suggests more color options would be a welcome addition.

The TourBox Elite Plus, smaller than an iPhone, demonstrating its compact design [ 00:03:50 ]

How It's Used in Workflow [5:41]

The reviewer details how they integrate the TourBox Elite Plus into their DaVinci Resolve workflow, emphasizing a simple yet effective approach.

Custom Presets for DaVinci Resolve: - Currently uses three simple custom presets: one for the cut page, one for the edit page, and one for the color page. - Focuses on frequently used functions rather than overly complex setups.
Edit Page Workflow: - Uses the mouse for broad timeline navigation. - Uses the thumb wheel to move the playhead by 1 second for precision. - Uses the central wheel to move the playhead by 1 frame for fine adjustments. - Dedicated buttons for adding cuts and trimming clip start/end points.
Cut Page Workflow: - Wheels move through clips in source tape or timeline. - Thumb buttons set in-and-out points. - A button to drop selected clips to the end of the timeline. - Enhances the speed and feel of the cut page workflow, even surpassing the Speed Editor at times due to optimized button placement.
Color Page Workflow: - Functions include adding/switching color grading versions, adding/toggling nodes. - Utilizes the "hover adjust" experimental feature to manipulate sliders, color wheels, and number boxes by hovering the mouse and using the scroll wheels. - Found particularly useful with plugins like Dehancer or the built-in film look creator.

TourBox Console software displaying the Edit Page custom keybinds for DaVinci Resolve [ 00:07:19 ]
Workflow Philosophy: - Maintains an intentionally simple workflow to avoid overcomplicating the process. - Believes the panel's purpose is to simplify, not add complexity. - The device's high customizability allows it to adapt to diverse creator needs, from simple setups to complex command centers.

Issues and Areas for Improvement [11:02]

The reviewer outlines several points of critique, although none are considered deal-breakers.

Haptic Feedback Noise: - The haptic motor, which provides physical feedback when turning wheels, also produces a noticeable clicking sound. - Annoying when not wearing headphones. - While the haptic motor can be turned off in software, it disables both vibration and sound, with no option for vibration-only.
Preset Switching Limitations: - Current options are automatic (app-based) or manual (single dedicated switch key). - The automatic switching only recognizes the general application, not specific pages within an app (e.g., different pages in DaVinci Resolve). - Manual switching follows a fixed order of favorited presets. - TourBox team is developing a feature for automatic page recognition within apps to streamline preset switching.
Keybind Referencing: - When creating custom presets, the TourBox software references default keybinds for the application, not the user's personalized keybinds. - This requires manual adjustment and relabeling of functions if a user has customized their software's shortcuts, making setup time-consuming for extensive custom keybinds. - Suggestions for improvement include importing personal keybinds or automatic detection by the software.
Dial Resistance: - Wishes the dials, particularly the central one, had more resistance. - Occasionally, accidental light touches can shift the playhead or mess up settings while reaching for other buttons.

The TourBox Console software showing the creation of a new preset, referencing default keybinds [ 00:14:28 ]

The Great Stuff: Strengths and Advantages [15:22]

Despite the minor issues, the TourBox Elite Plus offers numerous significant advantages.

Extreme Customizability: - Allows for highly tailored setups, from very simple to incredibly complex. - Users can utilize default presets or create entirely unique ones. - Enhances workflow speed and smoothness regardless of complexity preference.
Efficient Layout: - Small form factor with a well-designed layout, maximizing usable space. - Contrasts with the DaVinci Resolve Speed Editor, which had unused buttons.
Intuitive Software: - The software interface, while initially appearing complex, is logically laid out. - Easy to set up single keys, combos, and custom combinations. - "On-screen elements" feature displays mapped functions, aiding muscle memory and learning. - Opacity and position of on-screen elements are customizable, allowing them to appear only when hovered over. - Includes helpful tooltips and guides for easier understanding.

TourBox Console software with on-screen guide activated, showing mapped functions [ 00:17:07 ]
User-Replaceable Batteries: - Uses two standard AA batteries for Bluetooth mode. - Reviewer appreciates the ability to replace batteries, extending the device's lifespan and reducing e-waste, though a rechargeable, removable pack (like camera batteries) would be a premium enhancement. - Rechargeable AA batteries are an easy solution.

A hand holding a rechargeable AA battery, suggesting it as a practical solution for the TourBox Elite Plus [ 00:17:57 ]

Overall Verdict and Comparison [18:11]

The reviewer concludes with a strong endorsement of the TourBox Elite Plus.

Preference over Speed Editor: - The TourBox Elite Plus is set to replace the DaVinci Resolve Speed Editor in the reviewer's projects due to its superior versatility. - Acknowledges the Speed Editor is still great for specific workflows, but the TourBox offers broader utility.
Versatility as Key Strength: - Its high versatility makes it an excellent choice for a wide range of creators, not just DaVinci Resolve editors. - The device is seen as genuinely useful and not just "hype."
Long-Term Potential: - The reviewer plans to continue using it long-term and may provide an update video after more extensive use.