by hardware, i imagine you are speaking of physical control of resolume with a midi controller.
there are so many midi controllers out there and choosing a specific controller will be based on your particular needs and vj style.
over the years i have purchased several midi controllers:
m-audio Oxygen 25
evolution UC-33
Behringer BCR2000
Behringer BCF2000
Resolume specific re:ACT from NETZIEL
stc-1000
faderfox LC2
all of these have been sold off or will be with the exception of my Faderfox LC2.
I have found that it is just the right size to be mobile, and give physical control of the most important parameters in resolume.
- the quality is stellar,
- the battery operated option is convenient and reduces setup needs/time.
- the modular nature of the faderfox product line offers expandability as needed. (they can be linked together)
- the footprint is small
- the horizontal cross fade, visually represents the resolume a/b crossfade.
- the fader groups have a 2nd level at the push of a button. (with red/green led indicators)
in many ways, i wish this was the first midi controller i purchased... it is up there price-wise... but in the long run i would have saved a lot of money by starting there.
the other controllers i have had were all good... For my needs, the faderfox LC2 has been the best investment
On a budget your best bet is probably a Behringer BCF2000, as it is a good value and has a good mixture of buttons, knobs and faders.
further reading here:
http://createdigitalmotion.com/2006/04/ ... l-for-vjs/