Choose my midi controller - < $350

[Gasp100]

I had a previous thread on this topic from yesterday but my budget (and timeline) has changed and I need to make a decision ASAP (as in this afternoon, hopefully within the next hour). I have two auditions early next week and a possible fill in gig the following week so I need some solid, dependable, easily programmed and cool.
Here is what I need:

1. 7 pin phantom powered (I guess the power supply plugs in the back of the AxeFX II)? I definitely only want ONE cable out front!
2. Easy to read LED and ability to type in patch names directly on the controller. AFAIK only the MFC automatically syncs patch names from the II "into" the midi controller?
3. I will assume only the MFC provides tuning ability on the floor?
4. I really need patch UP/DOWN, Maybe bank UP/DOWN (although I think I'm going into these conditions with 5-6 patches tops).
5. I am starting with the virtual pedalboard setup so I need IA switches; most of my patches will have: compressor, Trem, Phaser, Drive 1, Drive 2, Delay. I would LOVE to have X-Y access but when I set that up with my old FCB1010 it was very spotty and weird things would happen <volume jumps, amps not switching, etc...)
6. If I could find something that could fit in my guitar gig bag that would be AMAZING (a little bigger than Zoom G3?).
7. Also, with the FCB if I would go to a patch where the drive was engaged the FCB would not recognize this automatically and turn on the LED. You would have to turn it off / back on for the LEDs to sync up. Do these other midi controllers have the same issues?

Right now the GCP Pro, RJM Mastermind and Rocktron Midi Raider are the main candidates. Thoughts?

 

[cardinal]

That's a lot of requirements. I can only suggest not to get hung up on phantom power. Just use some black electrical tape to tape the midi cable and the power cable together (poor man's snake): ta da! One cable out front. Good luck!

 

[iaresee]

A used All Access or LF Jr.?

 

[stratotone]

I've had good luck with a GCP pro for nearly five years, used it with my axe fx and also kemper.

 

[mmcm4]

Used Liquidfoot Jr. I bought one for $350.

It does:
1. Tuner
2. Phantom power
3. Syncs patch names
4. Access up to 8 IA switches
5. Syncs state of effects. (if you have a drive engaged on your patch, when it's recalled, the IA switch mapped to drive 1 will light up)

 

[c94123]

Yes - I would think that a used LF Jr. is the way to go in that price range, especially if you want something small to fit in a gig bag. Something a little off the grid, which I have used with an AFX, is the KMI Softstep. Does all the basics very well and can be programmed to do a heck of a lot more. That unit is not everybody's cup of tea but for the simple stuff it is really easy and works well. The LED read out is very limited - I think only 4 characters. Very portable and tough. Cheaper than most of the other options. I also liked the form and function factor of the LF Jr.

 

[Gasp100]

Thanks guys, I decided to go for the new Rocktron midi raider. It's probably close to the GCP in size and features but I think it has more than enough for what I need and number of people on FAS seem to be digging. One mode is something like 15 banks of 5 patches with 10 IAs. Why so many IA? I want to learn how to use the looper in the II, I think it will be freaking cool! I really want to do more FX laden stuff for covers and mess around with different guitar arrangements for pop tunes.