MIDI Controller for Traktor FX?

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MIDI Controller for Traktor FX?
Posted on: 08.10.2012 by Tessie Spice
Hi DJTTers!

So my friend and I have decided to start DJing together (more a duo than tag-teaming).

He has a few years experience DJing around local clubs, whereas I've been honing my skills in the bedroom for a year or so. He mainly uses an S4 and I've basically learned the basics on my S2.

We decided that we could be most creative if he handled the actual mixing (including song selection and EQ-ing) and I took over the effects. I'm on the lookout for a solid MIDI-controller that will allow me to control all 4 Effect panels simultaneously.

As there are two of us and one screen, I would like to be able to see the parameter settings and whether the Effect is on or off on the actual Hardware, meaning I'd like LEDs and would like to avoid endless encoders.

The best thing I've come up with so far is to buy two x1 controllers and re-mapping the lower part of it so that I can also use it to assign Effect units to certain decks and have some visual feedback as to what is assigned (through the LEDs).

Are there any better alternatives out there? (Also note that I am more than happy to map a Midi controller from scratch if I have to.)
Kellie Myrum
19.10.2012
Originally Posted by MisterSwisster
Challenge accepted! Just need to figure out how to map FX-Presets
Shoot first and I'll go for 16 banks per layer. Damn, forgot that I don't have one to map it.
Tessie Spice
19.10.2012
Originally Posted by Stewe
I would map four banks of controls in each of three layers

Challenge accepted! Just need to figure out how to map FX-Presets
Tessie Spice
19.10.2012
Originally Posted by Culture_Shock
I say use the layers! Why pay for functionality and let it go unused? I would map the latch layers each to a bank of my favorite effects presets! Map each button in the 4x4 grid to one preset, saving four buttons to pick which fx bank you're loading to. you could use one layer for your buildup/breakdown presets, and another for your performance presets. Latch over, pick a preset, latch back to your performance layer.
That's what I'm planning to do. How does one map effect banks/presets though?
Deangelo Boender
09.10.2012
Originally Posted by DirtyNerd
Agree with Stewe...the K2 is a great choice for that. One way to do it, if you are looking for ideas:

1) use the upfaders as dry/wet control for each FX unit
2) use the 3 pots in each channel strip to control the 3 parameter knobs for the FX unit
3) use the 3 buttons next to the pots to turn parameters on/off
4) if in single mode, use the encoder at the top to select FX
5) use encoder at top to turn on effect in single mode
6) use 4x4 button grid as the FX assign matrix for all 4 decks to all 4 FX units.

No need for latching layers with that setup.
I say use the layers! Why pay for functionality and let it go unused? I would map the latch layers each to a bank of my favorite effects presets! Map each button in the 4x4 grid to one preset, saving four buttons to pick which fx bank you're loading to. you could use one layer for your buildup/breakdown presets, and another for your performance presets. Latch over, pick a preset, latch back to your performance layer.
Tessie Spice
07.10.2012
Originally Posted by Stewe
Xone K2, lovely peace of gear.
Glory Hallelujah! That's the type of thing I'm looking for!!
Tessie Spice
08.10.2012		Hi DJTTers!

So my friend and I have decided to start DJing together (more a duo than tag-teaming).

He has a few years experience DJing around local clubs, whereas I've been honing my skills in the bedroom for a year or so. He mainly uses an S4 and I've basically learned the basics on my S2.

We decided that we could be most creative if he handled the actual mixing (including song selection and EQ-ing) and I took over the effects. I'm on the lookout for a solid MIDI-controller that will allow me to control all 4 Effect panels simultaneously.

As there are two of us and one screen, I would like to be able to see the parameter settings and whether the Effect is on or off on the actual Hardware, meaning I'd like LEDs and would like to avoid endless encoders.

The best thing I've come up with so far is to buy two x1 controllers and re-mapping the lower part of it so that I can also use it to assign Effect units to certain decks and have some visual feedback as to what is assigned (through the LEDs).

Are there any better alternatives out there? (Also note that I am more than happy to map a Midi controller from scratch if I have to.)
Kellie Myrum
19.10.2012		Oh, so we aren't talking about the exact same thing. What I mentioned was to map any of four buttons to act in same way as MF's banks giving four different layouts for K2's full layer of controls and whole that mapped in one of latching layers. It's basically pushing controller's potential up to 12 layers.
Tessie Spice
19.10.2012		Yeah. Basically to load a certain predetermined selection of effects in to the units by pushing one button.
Kellie Myrum
19.10.2012		Glad to hear you figure it out but what do you mean by effect banks? Same as MF bank thing?
Tessie Spice
19.10.2012		Hahahahha. I just figured out how to map Effect banks and if I have the FX-parameter knobs on direct mode i just need to slightly tweak all the knobs in order to read out the settings from the values. AWESOMEEEE
Kellie Myrum
19.10.2012
Originally Posted by MisterSwisster
Challenge accepted! Just need to figure out how to map FX-Presets
Shoot first and I'll go for 16 banks per layer. Damn, forgot that I don't have one to map it.
Tessie Spice
19.10.2012
Originally Posted by Stewe
I would map four banks of controls in each of three layers

Challenge accepted! Just need to figure out how to map FX-Presets
Kellie Myrum
19.10.2012		I would map four banks of controls in each of three layers
Tessie Spice
19.10.2012
Originally Posted by Culture_Shock
I say use the layers! Why pay for functionality and let it go unused? I would map the latch layers each to a bank of my favorite effects presets! Map each button in the 4x4 grid to one preset, saving four buttons to pick which fx bank you're loading to. you could use one layer for your buildup/breakdown presets, and another for your performance presets. Latch over, pick a preset, latch back to your performance layer.
That's what I'm planning to do. How does one map effect banks/presets though?
Deangelo Boender
09.10.2012
Originally Posted by DirtyNerd
Agree with Stewe...the K2 is a great choice for that. One way to do it, if you are looking for ideas:

1) use the upfaders as dry/wet control for each FX unit
2) use the 3 pots in each channel strip to control the 3 parameter knobs for the FX unit
3) use the 3 buttons next to the pots to turn parameters on/off
4) if in single mode, use the encoder at the top to select FX
5) use encoder at top to turn on effect in single mode
6) use 4x4 button grid as the FX assign matrix for all 4 decks to all 4 FX units.

No need for latching layers with that setup.
I say use the layers! Why pay for functionality and let it go unused? I would map the latch layers each to a bank of my favorite effects presets! Map each button in the 4x4 grid to one preset, saving four buttons to pick which fx bank you're loading to. you could use one layer for your buildup/breakdown presets, and another for your performance presets. Latch over, pick a preset, latch back to your performance layer.
Hanna Ridenbaugh
09.10.2012		Just use Ean's effect mapping for the S2. You should be able to use that as it'll be in midi mode and the S4 in hid mode at the same time. Correct me if I'm wrong. And a midi fighter with instant gratification mapping. Sorted.
Leota Dolney
09.10.2012		Agree with Stewe...the K2 is a great choice for that. One way to do it, if you are looking for ideas:

1) use the upfaders as dry/wet control for each FX unit
2) use the 3 pots in each channel strip to control the 3 parameter knobs for the FX unit
3) use the 3 buttons next to the pots to turn parameters on/off
4) if in single mode, use the encoder at the top to select FX
5) use encoder at top to turn on effect in single mode
6) use 4x4 button grid as the FX assign matrix for all 4 decks to all 4 FX units.

No need for latching layers with that setup.
Kellie Myrum
07.10.2012		Size do matters, but not as much as technique.
Tessie Spice
07.10.2012		Even better! I might look like a bit of a fool only using that small a controller because it looks like it does exactly everything I need it to haha!
Kellie Myrum
07.10.2012		No need for that since those layers are part of firmware - search yt and you'll find good tutorials on K2 (possibility to switch layers on?off). Oh, not to forget there comes audio card in build as well.
Tessie Spice
07.10.2012		Thanks for being so fast and helpful

Does that mean I can basically map those "layer" buttons to become modifiers?
Kellie Myrum
07.10.2012		Cool. It has three latching layers and it's better build quality then X1.

Any mapping help, just let me know.
Tessie Spice
07.10.2012
Originally Posted by Stewe
Xone K2, lovely peace of gear.
Glory Hallelujah! That's the type of thing I'm looking for!!
Kellie Myrum
07.10.2012		Xone K2, lovely peace of gear.

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