Speeding up Lightroom
It’s rare to find an accessory that is so life changing, I can’t imagine living without it. The TourBox Lightroom controller is one of those finds.
I started using the TourBox NEO controller as part of my Lightroom workflow because I’ve been doing some freelance work that requires me to optimize for speed over perfection, and I need Lightroom to work as fast as I can think. Even going from one slider to another is a time-suck for this work. A friend of mine has been beating on me to try TourBox for years, but I didn’t think I needed one. Boy, was I wrong. It will improve how you use Lightroom, regardless of the type of work you do.
The TourBox is hardware AND software that lets you take more control over your apps. The dials and controls are like a gamer mouse, giving you more intuitive controls and quick-keys. The dials let me quickly and intuitively adjust different sliders, and the customizable interface allows me to switch between different adjustments quickly. It is so powerful, I can adjust an image with just one hand using the TourBox—and do it faster than two hands using a mouse and keyboard.
It also gives me adjustment panels that I can move to my second monitor—a long-sought feature that significantly improves my workflow.
I have a lot more to say about TourBox, as time allows, but wanted to put out this brief piece as a place for people to land when it comes up during my workshops.
Should you buy a TourBox? That depends on what you do and your fluency level with Lightroom.
If you are a professional or semi-professional, this is a must-have accessory. For typical commercial and portrait work, you will immediately speed up your workflow and be able to achieve better results because of that speed. I was able to incorporate it into my workflow in just two to three hours of practice, and as I said, I don’t ever want to work without it again. So, if you fall into this category, the answer is YES, you need this. The sooner you buy it, the more of your life you’ll get back. This falls into the rare category of “don’t think, just buy.”
For amateurs, my advice is a little different. You need to be comfortable with the controls in Lightroom to take advantage of it. If you know where the main adjustment sliders are located and are comfortable working with them, then TourBox will be a good fit. I know a lot of you fall into this category.
I don’t recommend TourBox for those who are still getting comfortable in Lightroom. If you are not familiar with the controls or what they do, then TourBox is just going to get in the way until you have sufficient fluency. Hold off and don’t make things more complicated, if this is where you are at.
Which model should you buy?
TourBox comes in three primary models:
TourBox Elite - The top-of-the line model that features Bluetooth connections and enhanced haptics on the controls for about $268. Also available in several colors.
TourBox NEO - The same interface as the Elite but for $169, and my recommended starting point for most users. This is what I am currently using. It is a minimal risk price, and it is easy to resell if you don’t like it. The NEO uses a USB connection, and I needed to add a 6-foot USB cable to make it work on my desk.
TourBox Lite - A simplified controller for $94 that deletes an adjustment dial. This is too slimmed down for me, but it would still be better than not having a TourBox
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