Novation Twitch - My Review
Novation Twitch - My Review Posted on: 08.01.2012 by Debera Senker I guess I could consider this my first major contribution to the online DJ community, and given the relative lack of stuff out there already, I thought it would be nice to give my perspective on the Novation Twitch.As a bit of background, I don | |
| Cliff Lohman 17.01.2012 |
Originally Posted by djelektron
Im an itch user with this controller. Traktor is my main choice tho outside of twitch but i dont want to give up some of the performance mode options. |
| Cliff Lohman 14.01.2012 |
Originally Posted by dookiex
And i agree with comments about looks vs functionality. My big issue with djtt knobs on twitch was things got slightly too crammed. Maybe my fingers are slightly too fat tho . I could have cared a less whether knobs sit high or not. The only reason to switch knobs imo is either to color code functions or for the feel. Pretty much any d shaft knob will fit the twitch except for the encoder type knobs. Which vestax knobs would u want to throw on it? |
| Clinton Voran 13.01.2012 |
Originally Posted by kevz718
|
| Clinton Voran 13.01.2012 |
Originally Posted by kevz718
I'm wondering if any of the rubberized Vestax knobs fits onto the Twitch. |
| Clinton Voran 13.01.2012 |
Originally Posted by khemfusion
You're basically just concerned about aesthetics here. If you actually use controllers heavily, the aesthetics are basically the last thing you should be concerned about. The feels of the knobs are of utmost importance. Just because the DJTT knobs sits high on the posts, it's not creating any technical problems. They are not going to make your controller any more fragile. They just have a gap that may not be aesthetically as pleasing as when there is no gap but honestly, lots of mixers out there with knobs that don't sit flush. The most important thing is how well the knobs feel in all conditions as well as how well they turn. As I've already clearly explained, how well these turn on the Twitch is in direct correlation to if there's any friction between the knobs and the cutouts on the top plate. Since the DJTT don't sit flush, this solves the friction problem. The DJTT knobs also solve the slippery plastic fantastic feel problem of the stock knobs since they are rubberized. Rubberized provides grip when your hands are dry, wet, oily, whatever. Plastic slips when you're fingers are moist or oily. At least the stock knobs on the Twitch are textured, the knobs you've put on the Twitch there are slippery plastic knobs. Under stressful conditions, the knobs you're using tend to provide little to no grip and on top of that, that type of plastic tends to wear down eventually and become even more slipper (it's basically the same type of plastic used on average computer keyboards, it doesn't take a genius to understand just by looking at the keyboards they use on a regular basis, that the plastic indeed does form a high gloss and become slick). Look, bottom line, usability prevails over any minor aesthetic issue. You might be fine compromising usability for flush knobs, but I personally wish to prevent any margin of error. BTW, just received my knobs, quite good, really doesn't sit that much higher than some of the stock knobs that don't sit flush on a Rane 57 mixer (there are a few on that mixer). They feel great, are chunkier than the stock but not too bad that it will impeded your operation of the EQ section, and having them colour coded is excellent for me so that I can quickly see where each section is in low lighting. |
| Birgit Myrda 13.01.2012 |
Originally Posted by kevz718
|
| Clinton Voran 12.01.2012 |
Originally Posted by khemfusion
As for the faders, the fader caps comes right off the posts on the Twitch. Pretty much any standard sized fader caps should fit on the posts. Get yourself something with grip like a balloon or dishwashing gloves to give you some grip and just pull the caps right off. |
| Birgit Myrda 12.01.2012 |
Originally Posted by djelektron
These are the ones that I found, they fit quite flush and feel pretty good.... If anyone has any luck changing the volume faders hit me up! |
| Cliff Lohman 17.01.2012 |
Originally Posted by djelektron
Im an itch user with this controller. Traktor is my main choice tho outside of twitch but i dont want to give up some of the performance mode options. |
| Debera Senker 17.01.2012 | That's a great find with those other knobs, seem much more suited to the twitch. Unfortunate to hear about the DJTT Faders though, I was looking forward to that! Ah well, I'll try my x1 knobs in the meantime How is progress regarding Traktor Mappings on this? I feel like theres alot of potential here combined with an x1. Not sure what you guys ar eusing, but so far I've been quite comfortable with Twitch. |
| Clinton Voran 14.01.2012 | I saw some low profile black Vestax knobs, rubber coated, red indicator knobs. They were about $4 a piece though, so I didn't bother. As for the DJTT fader caps, I tend to use the fader FX frequently and then throw them up, this has a tendency to rock the caps forward and thus causing some drag. Well, stock fader caps it is for me I guess. |
| Cliff Lohman 14.01.2012 |
Originally Posted by dookiex
And i agree with comments about looks vs functionality. My big issue with djtt knobs on twitch was things got slightly too crammed. Maybe my fingers are slightly too fat tho . I could have cared a less whether knobs sit high or not. The only reason to switch knobs imo is either to color code functions or for the feel. Pretty much any d shaft knob will fit the twitch except for the encoder type knobs. Which vestax knobs would u want to throw on it? |
| Clinton Voran 13.01.2012 | Just a quick update, the DJTT fader caps on the Twitch is a big fat fail. They drag AND the tend lean forwards and backwards. The reason for this is because the posts for the faders on the Twitch are tapered, thus due to this, the DJTT fade caps would rock forwards and backward (for the xfader) and side to side (for the channel faders). Stock faders it is. Knobs are great though, makes the turns super smooth. |
| Clinton Voran 13.01.2012 |
Originally Posted by kevz718
|
| Cliff Lohman 13.01.2012 | Yep, ebay Id rather the djtt knobs even tho they sit high but i found theres not quite enough room and i was accidentally touching knobs i didnt mean to touch. It wasnt that bad but enough to be a pain. So i went with the metal knobs and some other knobs i had laying around from somewhere. I really despised the twitch orig knobs. The x1 knobs fit nicely too.. If u have one, u could always do djtt knobs on there and then reuse the x1 knobs on the twitch (except the encoder type knobs which wont fit well). |
| Clinton Voran 13.01.2012 |
Originally Posted by kevz718
I'm wondering if any of the rubberized Vestax knobs fits onto the Twitch. |
| Clinton Voran 13.01.2012 |
Originally Posted by khemfusion
You're basically just concerned about aesthetics here. If you actually use controllers heavily, the aesthetics are basically the last thing you should be concerned about. The feels of the knobs are of utmost importance. Just because the DJTT knobs sits high on the posts, it's not creating any technical problems. They are not going to make your controller any more fragile. They just have a gap that may not be aesthetically as pleasing as when there is no gap but honestly, lots of mixers out there with knobs that don't sit flush. The most important thing is how well the knobs feel in all conditions as well as how well they turn. As I've already clearly explained, how well these turn on the Twitch is in direct correlation to if there's any friction between the knobs and the cutouts on the top plate. Since the DJTT don't sit flush, this solves the friction problem. The DJTT knobs also solve the slippery plastic fantastic feel problem of the stock knobs since they are rubberized. Rubberized provides grip when your hands are dry, wet, oily, whatever. Plastic slips when you're fingers are moist or oily. At least the stock knobs on the Twitch are textured, the knobs you've put on the Twitch there are slippery plastic knobs. Under stressful conditions, the knobs you're using tend to provide little to no grip and on top of that, that type of plastic tends to wear down eventually and become even more slipper (it's basically the same type of plastic used on average computer keyboards, it doesn't take a genius to understand just by looking at the keyboards they use on a regular basis, that the plastic indeed does form a high gloss and become slick). Look, bottom line, usability prevails over any minor aesthetic issue. You might be fine compromising usability for flush knobs, but I personally wish to prevent any margin of error. BTW, just received my knobs, quite good, really doesn't sit that much higher than some of the stock knobs that don't sit flush on a Rane 57 mixer (there are a few on that mixer). They feel great, are chunkier than the stock but not too bad that it will impeded your operation of the EQ section, and having them colour coded is excellent for me so that I can quickly see where each section is in low lighting. |
| Wayne Washko 13.01.2012 | Kevz 718 - where'd ya get those blue knobs - very nice! edit - you found on ebay |
| Birgit Myrda 13.01.2012 |
Originally Posted by kevz718
|
| Cliff Lohman 13.01.2012 | Heres the knobs i put on.. http://www.flickr.com/photos/74236719@N05/6689994823 http://www.flickr.com/photos/74236719@N05/6689992831 http://www.flickr.com/photos/74236719@N05/6689990993 |
| Cliff Lohman 13.01.2012 | i believe twitch is a great portable controller. I love its pad section/features and believe its very responsive to knob movements once u change the knobs. I use it with itch as a portable controller in a nonpro environment. My gripes: 1. The sound output is most definitely low. For what i use the controller for it is absolutely fine. But if u plug it into a big system, ull def find it cant push enuff sound out. For home use, the output is adequate. See djtt video to see for urself. Theres no question that its lower than other controllers. 2. No dedicated filter knob and no way to customize that in itch except for the annoying easter egg. 3. Stock knobs are shit and very tight to move. I found djtt faders are nice upgrade but the knobs make it too cramped. Yes, the djtt knobs sit high but that doesnt really affect functionality. I find the bigger problem to be that it leaves too small of a spacing between knobs. So unless u do every other knob, ull probly find it crammed. If u want decent knobs, there are slim knobs on ebay that are metal which fit well but they are 50 bucks for a set. They are nice and slim and they fasten with a screw. Ebay 'maschine knob' to find them. The seller is jessedean or something like that. Its nice to see other controllers starting to emulate slicer mode, etc. depending how that works out, my opinion on fave portable controller may change sometime soon. |
| Birgit Myrda 13.01.2012 | Are serious? Have you tried these knobs? If you actually look at the controller you can see that the original knobs don't touch anything, they are just thin and smooth with a sharp angle at the top, thats why they feel "different", a slightly wider knob balances that out. Why would you push people into buying something that is obviously wrong for this controller?? DJTTs knobs are great, but unfortunately wont fit the Twitch..... its pretty simple.... The TME's are just an example and a personal preference (and no, they wont melt under oily fingers....LOL) any knob thats at least 17mm high and 15,5mm wide should fit. DJTT's on the Twitch: The fader cap looks right at home! [IMG] Uploaded with ImageShack.us[/IMG] TME's on the Twitch: |
| Lorine Krattli 13.01.2012 | thanks for the reviews guys, really helpful. I am just debating whether to get a Twitch and to use it with Itch or TP2. I currently use TP2, Numark Omni Control and Launchpad (with Instant gratification mapping) but I am starting to hate the Omnicontrol for various reasons and Twitch is really reasonably priced and I like the controllerist slant it has. |
| Clinton Voran 12.01.2012 |
Originally Posted by khemfusion
As for the faders, the fader caps comes right off the posts on the Twitch. Pretty much any standard sized fader caps should fit on the posts. Get yourself something with grip like a balloon or dishwashing gloves to give you some grip and just pull the caps right off. |
| Birgit Myrda 12.01.2012 |
Originally Posted by djelektron
These are the ones that I found, they fit quite flush and feel pretty good.... If anyone has any luck changing the volume faders hit me up! |
| Debera Senker 10.01.2012 | Hmm, looks like i'll be tinkering with the knobs a bit then, thanks for the advice. I believe it's a poor oversiht on novation's part, but it's not a dealbreaker. Regarding laptops capable of running ITCH, I run it on a C2d 2.53ghz and 4gb of ram without issue on win7 64bit. I havent had anything weird happen yet. Looking forward to that routine JPrime, I may have to record my first for the DJTT Comp |
| Fannie Ohayre 10.01.2012 | Thanks, I'll look into that link and give the Twitch strong consideration. |
| Clinton Voran 10.01.2012 |
Originally Posted by dj subculture
Here's the tutorial for beat gridding in Itch so you can get a sense of what to expect: http://serato.com/videos/6358/creati...and-the-bridge Additionally, you can actually set up and adjust beatgrid markers on the fly with the Twitch controller which I don't believe you can do with any other controller that's currently out right now. This is a pretty unique and interesting feature. You can technically do this using the keyboard on your computer but having it right there on the controller is pretty great IMHO. Hope this helps! As for the computer requirements for Itch (which is basically what the system requirements listings are really telling you, it's not that the controller needs to be hooked up to such a machine, it's that the minimum Itch software version that the controller runs on needs those requirements, these controllers are pretty much just straight up MIDI controllers when you get down to it), I find it to be a pretty lightweight application. Worse comes to worse, you'll have to increase the buffer size in Itch to prevent audio drop outs which would introduce a little bit of jog/swipe delay (depending on if you get the Twitch or any other controller which would of course use jogs). Your system should be able to handle pretty much any of the controllers out there for Itch. |
| Fannie Ohayre 10.01.2012 |
Originally Posted by dookiex
Is Itch easy to manually beat grid than Traktor? I've been looking around for some tutorials, but I haven't found any. Also, I'm believeing about the Vestax VCI 300, from what I just read on Serato's website, it's the only Itch controller that would work with my current Laptop. |
| Clinton Voran 10.01.2012 |
Originally Posted by dj subculture
As for the beatgridding, it's not that it's easier with Itch, it's just that Itch is much better at detecting it and properly gridding it for you. With Traktor, there's much more manual labour involved (it's technically easy enough to do, just takes time). In both pieces of software, beatgridding is totally doable, it's just much easier with Itch since it's superior at doing it for you in that department. |
| Fannie Ohayre 10.01.2012 |
Originally Posted by djelektron
|
| Clinton Voran 09.01.2012 |
Originally Posted by zestoi
DJElektron: Yeah, I saw that thread. The knobs not sitting flush isn't a biggie. When I took the knobs off mine, I checked the posts. They are sturdy and are bolted on so they can definitely take a lot of abuse. I found out after some experimenting that the smoothness of the turns of these knobs are highly dependent on how well the plastic knobs are seated on the posts as well as if the plastic has any slight warping (like the Master knob on my Twitch, it was slightly warped and since that cutout on the top plate where the Master knob is located wasn't perfect, that first 1/3 turn on that knob was really stiff, after switching it out with one of the other knobs on the Twitch, the Master knob works well enough now). All the knobs feel great in terms of smoothness when you pull the caps up a bit so yeah, the stock caps are definitely adding some unnecessary friction to them. The DJTT knobs not sitting flush with the unit I would consider to be an upgrade for the Twitch since you will be cranking on the post without any friction coming between the knobs on the top plate. As for the faders, I like them, very smooth and loose (but there's that waggle left-right for the channel faders and up-down for the xfader, that's annoying but in practice, not too bad and you forget about it). If you're use to the faders on things like a Rane mixer, this is definitely nowhere near the tank-like build on those but the looseness of the throw I also consider to be a positive (but you do have to pay more attention to slow fades since there's practically no resistance on these faders). The crossfader itself is built to be user replaceable (if you look on the bottom, there's a plate that you can pop off to get to the xfader) but I have not seen any after market x-faders for the Twitch yet, if anybody knows of any considerably better ones that I can swap the stock ones out with, please let me know. The channel faders, those look like more of an ordeal to replace since it looks like you have to pop the top plate off and what not. In regards to the FX, yeah, Itch is sorely lacking in the FX department but what's there, it's sufficient enough I believe. Mix in the fader FX, it's pretty decent. I am looking forward to Bridge whenever that comes out, for the time being though, I'm just running Ableton in the background and controlling that with an iPad. TouchAble isn't too shabby, I like it better than using an Akai APC40. It's like a poor mans Lemure but honestly, I don't see how a Lemure is better than an iPad with TouchAble, oh well. |
| Debera Senker 09.01.2012 | @dookiex: -I guess people will vary on the trigger pads. I generally like the soft-touch feel of the trigger pads, but I believe it would have been nice if they had a more distinct feedback when pressed (like the x1 buttons for example). -Let me know how you go on the Chroma Knobs - I've been pondering this but I'm not so sure on the height thing. I believe i spotted a post where someone had purchased alternate knobs which sat flush with the controller? I'm mainly interested in whether they feel smoother/easier to turn. This is something where the VCI-100 feels alot better. -I'm more uncomfortable with the main effects section due to the implementation in ITCH. I believe it's something i'll get used to in time. The fader effects mode is usually (in my case) assigned to the filters to try and compensate for the fact the Twitch didn't include them. I still feel Traktor has a much superior effects implementation. I'm looking forward to seeing what ITCH can do with the bridge in future, as that would allow perhaps a send return via Ableton and an external controller (maybe the x1 can hang around) -Definitely agree on the beatgridding on ITCH. I find it to be more reliable than my experiences with Traktor (especially in regards to finding the 1 correctly) Two things I'm most interested in is finding alternate knobs (Faders I believe the DJTT faders will work) and what crossfaders/channel faders fit into this. I haven't opened her up yet, but it does look like all three can be replaced. Cheers, Ron |
| Chasidy Heckenbach 09.01.2012 |
Originally Posted by dookiex
|
| Breanne Penge 09.01.2012 | Just finished filming up a little routine with it in decent HD. Will upload and post when it's all done |
| Clinton Voran 09.01.2012 | Here's my 2 cents on the Twitch: - Overall build quality is nice. The trigger pads are good but I would actually have preferred hard plastic buttons as opposed to the rubber ones (for a more tactile feedback of knowing that one has hit the buttons, preferably with microswitches to give the nice clicky feedback minus having to mash on the buttons too hard). - The knobs are OK but I find some of the cut outs on the face plate to be iffy (my Master knob was very stiff for the first 1/3 turn and then smooth and easy for the other 2/3, I actually had to pull the knob out and swap it with a random one elsewhere on the controller, this fixed the problem which leads me to believe that either the cutout was iffy or that actual knob had some warping that caused it to rub against the cut out, so keep that in mind if you find a knob or two on the Twitch that is super stiff or uneven in the turn, swapping them around may fix that). - Itch is pretty reliable for 2 deck mixing, I'm running the beta right now and am excited to see what the SP6 sample deck has to offer. - Touchpads work phenomenally well. - Pitch encoders are awesome, makes it so much easier to tweak the pitch. - The FX section all the way up on the corner I am fine with, but I find that the Fader FX section located all the way in the EQ section kind of odd since if I wanted to set two FX up to use together, I have to keep reminding myself that the Fader FX setting is in the EQ section and that it has a different means to adjusting the FX. I believe I'll get use to it but for now, there's a learning curve their since it's like operating two completely different UIs. - Beatgridding is pretty reliable for the most part in Itch, which is a good thing since a LOT of the unique Twitch features rely heavily on a properly gridded track. - The faders have WAY too much give left and right for the channel faders and up down for the crossfader though I do love the fact that there's strips of felt in the fader slots to prevent dust and what not from getting in, makes it easier to maintain. Well, that's all for now. Waiting for my DJTT Chroma caps and knobs to come in to replace the plastic ones on the Twitch which are slippery if your hands become moist or what not. I believe I might leave the stock cap on the crossfader though, make that easier to crab on. Lastly, if you've ever tried to pull the knobs or faders off the unit, you might be led to believe that they are stuck on there permanently. They are not. They just fit on super tight. I had to go get a pair of those yellow dish washing gloves from the kitchen and put them on to yank my Master knob and the other random knob off because there's simply not enough grip to pull them out with just ones bare hands. |
<< Back to Reviews of DJ equipment Reply