[TT RGB PLUS NEEDS CONTROLLER?]

Hi, my pure 12 fans are always spinning at minimum rpm, they never speed up. i tried using the TT RGB PLUS software, but like everyone i get that error code about the controller, only difference is i don't have the controller connected as i have them connected to the motherboard directly so i can use aurora sync/armoury crate to control the rgbs on the fans. 

My question is, is that the only way to get fan rpm control by having the fans connected to the controller?