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X-Session alternative?

Home :: Reviews of DJ equipment :: X-Session alternative?Reply

X-Session alternative? Posted on: 02.09.2011 by Lizzie Hoesley I'm almost set, and starting to put together some mixes (coming soon) with a Launchpad (2+2 setup) and a nanoKontrol (for fx, deck levels, master, cue, and 9th knob for xfade) The only thing I'm missing is EQ, and I am looking at the M-Audio X-Session controller. Is there anything else like it? It looks cheap, but I just want some knobs (and the xfade would be nice...). It looks like it would be easy to break. Any thoughts? I almost feel like I might as well get some cheapo dj controller (Numark Mixtrack) just for the EQ, and then I'd have some extra buttons (and jogs for fx sweeping) What I really need is something to control EQ [i]in the box[/]. Any thoughts?
Chasidy Heckenbach 05.09.2011	Originally Posted by LmnLm3 I hope this helps!!! 1) I would like multiple pages of buttons without automap- similar to the SCENE select button on the korg nanoKontrol 2) automap is confusing to learn, glitches out (sometimes I'm in Live8 and when I try to scroll down my clips, automap pops up because I hit the "view" button) and sometimes locks up all together, sometimes the LEDs are left over from the previous page/setup/application (switching from Live to Traktor does this, and vice versa) The unit itself is a thing of beauty to feel and use, but to jump through all that nonsense is borderline not worth it to me. I like when things work. I know enough about MIDI and electronic gear in general, but I'd rather focus on my music. Same with my computers. I worked really hard to install OSX on my PC so I wouldn't have to deal with my OS anymore - transparency is invaluable. cheers for the info - i agree with multiple pages. the launchpad really needs that - esp with the buttons on the top. have u tried midikatapult and did u find that any better/worse? it doesn't seem perfect at refreshing led's properly to me - tho a new version has been in the works for ages. also i dont really like having the bottom/right button preset to jump to a page of page selects. i'd rather just have the top buttons jump between pages. one issue is that the lp isnt all that fast at updating all its leds - basically as it has so many. tho there is a mode where they can be updated with half the number of messages. the lp does need some software tho ofc to gain access to multiple banks. personally i never use multiple banks on my nanokontrol or lpd8 as i find it awkward - tho i do make use of pad/note/cc modes on my lpd8 as you can flip between those with one button press.
Lizzie Hoesley 05.09.2011	Originally Posted by zestoi so... a) why not using automap? it has issues? and b) what features do u believe are missing from using the launchpad without automap very curious about both questions as they might affect some code i'm working on. I hope this helps!!! 1) I would like multiple pages of buttons without automap- similar to the SCENE select button on the korg nanoKontrol 2) automap is confusing to learn, glitches out (sometimes I'm in Live8 and when I try to scroll down my clips, automap pops up because I hit the "view" button) and sometimes locks up all together, sometimes the LEDs are left over from the previous page/setup/application (switching from Live to Traktor does this, and vice versa) The unit itself is a thing of beauty to feel and use, but to jump through all that nonsense is borderline not worth it to me. I like when things work. I know enough about MIDI and electronic gear in general, but I'd rather focus on my music. Same with my computers. I worked really hard to install OSX on my PC so I wouldn't have to deal with my OS anymore - transparency is invaluable.
Chasidy Heckenbach 05.09.2011	Originally Posted by LmnLm3 Yeah, it's mapped nicely, but it's feeling a lot more limited than advertised (since I'm not using automap except with Live8, and it's borderline usable there... APC would have been the way to go with that one... buttons are nicer on the LP though.) I believe as a gigantic midifighter the LP is top notch for the price. As advertised, it's acceptable. Acceptable is not acceptable to me - I require exceptional! so... a) why not using automap? it has issues? and b) what features do u believe are missing from using the launchpad without automap very curious about both questions as they might affect some code i'm working on.
Chasidy Heckenbach 05.09.2011	Originally Posted by LmnLm3 Thanks for your input, I'm saving for the X-Session now - I must say I have some beef with automap . . . my launchpad is becoming a pita... believeing of selling it or trading it :-( you dont need to use automap with the launchpad if all u want to do is use it as a big grid of buttons - without any additional features automap might give u. each button sends out a note number (except a few (the top ones) that send out a cc) just connect traktor etc to the real launchpad device and map away...
Lizzie Hoesley 05.09.2011	Originally Posted by alientek Based on what you need, you may want to check out the Novation Nocturn. I have one that I used just for those controls (EQ-Xfader). Plus it is outstanding as a general purpose controller for production. I can say the X-session performs better than any expectations. I never thought to even consider trying one. Then a friend and I had a 8 hour road trip to a gig. While one drove the other DJed with a Macbook Pro and the X-Session. Made the trip go quick, and it was extremely easy to setup with Traktor. When I got back home I ordered one (since they are only about $50 new). Thanks for your input, I'm saving for the X-Session now - I must say I have some beef with automap . . . my launchpad is becoming a pita... believeing of selling it or trading it :-(
Jack Narva 05.09.2011	Originally Posted by LmnLm3 The only thing I'm missing is EQ, and I am looking at the M-Audio X-Session controller. Is there anything else like it? It looks cheap, but I just want some knobs (and the xfade would be nice...). It looks like it would be easy to break. Any thoughts? Based on what you need, you may want to check out the Novation Nocturn. I have one that I used just for those controls (EQ-Xfader). Plus it is outstanding as a general purpose controller for production. I can say the X-session performs better than any expectations. I never thought to even consider trying one. Then a friend and I had a 8 hour road trip to a gig. While one drove the other DJed with a Macbook Pro and the X-Session. Made the trip go quick, and it was extremely easy to setup with Traktor. When I got back home I ordered one (since they are only about $50 new).
Lizzie Hoesley 01.09.2011	Originally Posted by mr.drumer.boy I have an x session, it has had fizzy drink spilt into the cadets and knobs, it has been knocked of a table and it has been used very well, and it still works, it is still responsive. Thank you so much for chiming in; How is the feel of the unit - how are the knobs for resistance? how about the faders? does it feel as cheap as it looks? For 50 bucks I couldn't complain that much, but still
Chasidy Heckenbach 01.09.2011	Originally Posted by LmnLm3 oh that -_-' yup that which seems to get no love here at all - even tho it's a really not bad smallish 2 channel midi mixer. pots feel good, faders are average, crossfader is not bad at all. edit: i used to downmix on a soundtracs 16-8-16 which was really nice, and i still like the djm101. ok - the soundtracs would be a bit old hat now - but compared to that the pots and crossfader on the djm101 aren't bad... edit2: i believe a lot of here miss the point of a controller by a long margin. its ONLY about how it tranfers what u want to do to the music you are controlling. and the djm101 does that very well. as did the soundtracs. it's not about brand or some current gizmo. it's just a way of interfacing you to the software/music. for that reason the scs.3d and dm101 would be my 2 fav controllers i guess - tho the launchpad and lpd8 are also very cool
Kayce Mesia 01.09.2011	Originally Posted by Onimode Edit: DJ-Tech still does have some other ones that might be worth looking into, like the Mixer One, or the DJM101. Both are two-channel only though. Right here, yo!
Lizzie Hoesley 01.09.2011	Originally Posted by zestoi there's a photo of my djm101 in this thread here http://www.djranking s.com/community /showthread.php?t=34480 oh that -_-'
Chasidy Heckenbach 01.09.2011	Originally Posted by LmnLm3 maybe I'm confused :-/ I am looking at this Amazon.com: Marathon Djm-101 4-Channel 19-inch Mixer, Dual 10 Band Eq, Up To 8 Line Inputs, 2 Mic Inputs & 3 Band Eq On Mics: Musical Instruments Is that not what you're talking about? ah nope guess u didn't look at the icon idj thread i posted with the djm101 in we mean the dj-tech dm101. it's a mini 2 channel dj midi mixer.
Chasidy Heckenbach 05.09.2011	Originally Posted by LmnLm3 I hope this helps!!! 1) I would like multiple pages of buttons without automap- similar to the SCENE select button on the korg nanoKontrol 2) automap is confusing to learn, glitches out (sometimes I'm in Live8 and when I try to scroll down my clips, automap pops up because I hit the "view" button) and sometimes locks up all together, sometimes the LEDs are left over from the previous page/setup/application (switching from Live to Traktor does this, and vice versa) The unit itself is a thing of beauty to feel and use, but to jump through all that nonsense is borderline not worth it to me. I like when things work. I know enough about MIDI and electronic gear in general, but I'd rather focus on my music. Same with my computers. I worked really hard to install OSX on my PC so I wouldn't have to deal with my OS anymore - transparency is invaluable. cheers for the info - i agree with multiple pages. the launchpad really needs that - esp with the buttons on the top. have u tried midikatapult and did u find that any better/worse? it doesn't seem perfect at refreshing led's properly to me - tho a new version has been in the works for ages. also i dont really like having the bottom/right button preset to jump to a page of page selects. i'd rather just have the top buttons jump between pages. one issue is that the lp isnt all that fast at updating all its leds - basically as it has so many. tho there is a mode where they can be updated with half the number of messages. the lp does need some software tho ofc to gain access to multiple banks. personally i never use multiple banks on my nanokontrol or lpd8 as i find it awkward - tho i do make use of pad/note/cc modes on my lpd8 as you can flip between those with one button press.
Lizzie Hoesley 05.09.2011	Originally Posted by zestoi so... a) why not using automap? it has issues? and b) what features do u believe are missing from using the launchpad without automap very curious about both questions as they might affect some code i'm working on. I hope this helps!!! 1) I would like multiple pages of buttons without automap- similar to the SCENE select button on the korg nanoKontrol 2) automap is confusing to learn, glitches out (sometimes I'm in Live8 and when I try to scroll down my clips, automap pops up because I hit the "view" button) and sometimes locks up all together, sometimes the LEDs are left over from the previous page/setup/application (switching from Live to Traktor does this, and vice versa) The unit itself is a thing of beauty to feel and use, but to jump through all that nonsense is borderline not worth it to me. I like when things work. I know enough about MIDI and electronic gear in general, but I'd rather focus on my music. Same with my computers. I worked really hard to install OSX on my PC so I wouldn't have to deal with my OS anymore - transparency is invaluable.
Chasidy Heckenbach 05.09.2011	Originally Posted by LmnLm3 Yeah, it's mapped nicely, but it's feeling a lot more limited than advertised (since I'm not using automap except with Live8, and it's borderline usable there... APC would have been the way to go with that one... buttons are nicer on the LP though.) I believe as a gigantic midifighter the LP is top notch for the price. As advertised, it's acceptable. Acceptable is not acceptable to me - I require exceptional! so... a) why not using automap? it has issues? and b) what features do u believe are missing from using the launchpad without automap very curious about both questions as they might affect some code i'm working on.
Lizzie Hoesley 05.09.2011	Yeah, it's mapped nicely, but it's feeling a lot more limited than advertised (since I'm not using automap except with Live8, and it's borderline usable there... APC would have been the way to go with that one... buttons are nicer on the LP though.) I believe as a gigantic midifighter the LP is top notch for the price. As advertised, it's acceptable. Acceptable is not acceptable to me - I require exceptional!
Chasidy Heckenbach 05.09.2011	Originally Posted by LmnLm3 Thanks for your input, I'm saving for the X-Session now - I must say I have some beef with automap . . . my launchpad is becoming a pita... believeing of selling it or trading it :-( you dont need to use automap with the launchpad if all u want to do is use it as a big grid of buttons - without any additional features automap might give u. each button sends out a note number (except a few (the top ones) that send out a cc) just connect traktor etc to the real launchpad device and map away...
Lizzie Hoesley 05.09.2011	Originally Posted by alientek Based on what you need, you may want to check out the Novation Nocturn. I have one that I used just for those controls (EQ-Xfader). Plus it is outstanding as a general purpose controller for production. I can say the X-session performs better than any expectations. I never thought to even consider trying one. Then a friend and I had a 8 hour road trip to a gig. While one drove the other DJed with a Macbook Pro and the X-Session. Made the trip go quick, and it was extremely easy to setup with Traktor. When I got back home I ordered one (since they are only about $50 new). Thanks for your input, I'm saving for the X-Session now - I must say I have some beef with automap . . . my launchpad is becoming a pita... believeing of selling it or trading it :-(
Jack Narva 05.09.2011	Originally Posted by LmnLm3 The only thing I'm missing is EQ, and I am looking at the M-Audio X-Session controller. Is there anything else like it? It looks cheap, but I just want some knobs (and the xfade would be nice...). It looks like it would be easy to break. Any thoughts? Based on what you need, you may want to check out the Novation Nocturn. I have one that I used just for those controls (EQ-Xfader). Plus it is outstanding as a general purpose controller for production. I can say the X-session performs better than any expectations. I never thought to even consider trying one. Then a friend and I had a 8 hour road trip to a gig. While one drove the other DJed with a Macbook Pro and the X-Session. Made the trip go quick, and it was extremely easy to setup with Traktor. When I got back home I ordered one (since they are only about $50 new).
Lizzie Hoesley 01.09.2011	Originally Posted by mr.drumer.boy I have an x session, it has had fizzy drink spilt into the cadets and knobs, it has been knocked of a table and it has been used very well, and it still works, it is still responsive. Thank you so much for chiming in; How is the feel of the unit - how are the knobs for resistance? how about the faders? does it feel as cheap as it looks? For 50 bucks I couldn't complain that much, but still
Marva Cupid 01.09.2011	I have an x session, it has had fizzy drink spilt into the cadets and knobs, it has been knocked of a table and it has been used very well, and it still works, it is still responsive.
Chasidy Heckenbach 01.09.2011	Originally Posted by LmnLm3 oh that -_-' yup that which seems to get no love here at all - even tho it's a really not bad smallish 2 channel midi mixer. pots feel good, faders are average, crossfader is not bad at all. edit: i used to downmix on a soundtracs 16-8-16 which was really nice, and i still like the djm101. ok - the soundtracs would be a bit old hat now - but compared to that the pots and crossfader on the djm101 aren't bad... edit2: i believe a lot of here miss the point of a controller by a long margin. its ONLY about how it tranfers what u want to do to the music you are controlling. and the djm101 does that very well. as did the soundtracs. it's not about brand or some current gizmo. it's just a way of interfacing you to the software/music. for that reason the scs.3d and dm101 would be my 2 fav controllers i guess - tho the launchpad and lpd8 are also very cool
Kayce Mesia 01.09.2011	Originally Posted by Onimode Edit: DJ-Tech still does have some other ones that might be worth looking into, like the Mixer One, or the DJM101. Both are two-channel only though. Right here, yo!
Lizzie Hoesley 01.09.2011	Originally Posted by zestoi there's a photo of my djm101 in this thread here http://www.djranking s.com/community /showthread.php?t=34480 oh that -_-'
Chasidy Heckenbach 01.09.2011	Originally Posted by LmnLm3 maybe I'm confused :-/ I am looking at this Amazon.com: Marathon Djm-101 4-Channel 19-inch Mixer, Dual 10 Band Eq, Up To 8 Line Inputs, 2 Mic Inputs & 3 Band Eq On Mics: Musical Instruments Is that not what you're talking about? ah nope guess u didn't look at the icon idj thread i posted with the djm101 in we mean the dj-tech dm101. it's a mini 2 channel dj midi mixer.
Lizzie Hoesley 01.09.2011	maybe I'm confused :-/ I am looking at this [ame="http://www.amazon.com/Marathon-Djm-101-4-Channel-19-inch-Inputs/dp/B001L530H8"]Amazon.com: Marathon Djm-101 4-Channel 19-inch Mixer, Dual 10 Band Eq, Up To 8 Line Inputs, 2 Mic Inputs & 3 Band Eq On Mics: Musical Instruments@@AMEPARAM@@http://ecx.images-amazon.com/images/I/51jh7CgXjqL.@@AMEPARAM@@51jh7CgXjqL[/ame] Is that not what you're talking about?
Chasidy Heckenbach 01.09.2011	Originally Posted by LmnLm3 Right now I'm testing my feet in 2+2, but I might go to 4 track. I'm brand new to traktor, but I want to get things right before I go all out learning it (I've learnt plenty so far, going to post a mix soon). And $20? Was that new or used?? I can only find it for 100usd!!! If I could get it for a similar price to the X-Session ($45-50usd) then I'd jump on it in a second since it has analog.... Does the 101 have A/D converter btw? 20gbp on ebay - so not quite 20usd so 30usd+ ish? don't believe they usually go that cheap, i got lucky. i get some bargains tho quite often. i use snip.pl to add snipes. and it doesn't have any analog - it's pure midi. if i were you i'd probably go for the x-session as you want it for effects. tho personally i like my icon id for effects as it is to small and has so many buttons+pots etc. not in the same price bracket tho as so new.
Lizzie Hoesley 01.09.2011	Originally Posted by zimfella the djm101 is not analogue it's a midi mappable 2 channel mixer layout. 4 band eq and all. How many decks do you want to mix 2 + 2 sample banks or just 4 decks? Right now I'm testing my feet in 2+2, but I might go to 4 track. I'm brand new to traktor, but I want to get things right before I go all out learning it (I've learnt plenty so far, going to post a mix soon). And $20? Was that new or used?? I can only find it for 100usd!!! If I could get it for a similar price to the X-Session ($45-50usd) then I'd jump on it in a second since it has analog.... Does the 101 have A/D converter btw?
Chasidy Heckenbach 01.09.2011	there's a photo of my djm101 in this thread here http://www.djranking s.com/community /showthread.php?t=34480 all midi, no audio, 8 pots (+ 3 small ones), 3 faders and 2 buttons. all midi mappable as well as the leds which are meant for levels. edit: i almost bought an x-session myself a while ago just for effects. i thought the 3 sets of 3pots+fader would be a good fit for traktor. plus the 8 bottom buttons could be mapped for effects units on/off and for deck a/b/c/d on/off ( i presume - haven't looked into its midi spec) i wanted more pots and faders so went with the icon idj
Hanna Ridenbaugh 01.09.2011	the djm101 is not analogue it's a midi mappable 2 channel mixer layout. 4 band eq and all. How many decks do you want to mix 2 + 2 sample banks or just 4 decks?
Chasidy Heckenbach 01.09.2011	Originally Posted by zimfella 2 0ut of 50000 lol. yeah before I purchased it every where I read gave djtech a bad rep, but it just was exactley what I needed and I'm chuft with it. i'll admit that only paying 20 quid for it kind of helped how much i like it - but i probably would have paid 50quid - just maybe not the full 90gbp (which i believe it is). anyhoo - back to the OP - the x-session has twice the number of pots etc than the djm101 and from what i've seen has half decent build quality - so as the OP wants something for effects i believe i'd have to say to go for the x-session. a good product for the price. for a nice small controller to emulate a traditional dj mixer (and no more) then the djm would be my choice - but for effects i'd go for the x-session. if that was a bit rambling then i blame it on the vodka...
Lizzie Hoesley 01.09.2011	You know what, if I ever invest in analogue gear for live sets (I don't plan on leaving the bedroom quite yet) I'll def take a look at the 101. For now, I'm looking for mappable knobs - knobs and knobs. I have buttons galore (I don't even use all the buttons on the nanoKontrol! It has a TON). I do need knobs - pref in a 3 band layout, and I figure faders wouldn't hurt - i'd use the x-session faders for fx perhaps (though the way I have the nano set up is pretty usable - I can't wait to post a vid!) Maybe I need to wait until DJTT unveils their upcoming controller - Ean said he'd be rocking his own faders pretty soon, and I can't imagine that DJTT would be selling analog gear... Thinking MFPro sans buttons... Maybe I need to save up for whatever they're working on!!!
Hanna Ridenbaugh 01.09.2011	2 0ut of 50000 lol. yeah before I purchased it every where I read gave djtech a bad rep, but it just was exactley what I needed and I'm chuft with it.
Chasidy Heckenbach 01.09.2011	Originally Posted by zimfella Great stuff. I was wondering how long it would be before you bigged up the djm101. Nice one cheers lol. we may be the only two people on the community who actually have on i really have no clue why it seems so unpopular here...
Hanna Ridenbaugh 01.09.2011	Originally Posted by zestoi +1 for the djm101 and u can find them pretty cheap Great stuff. I was wondering how long it would be before you bigged up the djm101. Nice one
Nana Mohs 01.09.2011	My brother has an xsession and it holds up pretty well.can't beat it for the money imo
Chasidy Heckenbach 01.09.2011	Originally Posted by zimfella I have the djm101, it's pretty good cheapo controller, vu meters, decent pots n faders with 8 select channels and x fader curve adjustment. Def value for money. +1 for the djm101 and u can find them pretty cheap 2nd hand. i'm going to setup my icon idj for controlling effects. the pots are pretty close together but it has a boatload of them, plus buttons and some pretty responsive jogs.
Hanna Ridenbaugh 01.09.2011	Originally Posted by Onimode Edit: DJ-Tech still does have some other ones that might be worth looking into, like the Mixer One, or the DJM101. Both are two-channel only though. I have the djm101, it's pretty good cheapo controller, vu meters, decent pots n faders with 8 select channels and x fader curve adjustment. Def value for money.
Celestine Porebski 01.09.2011	M-Audio UC-33e. Looooooooooots of pots, faders and some buttons (but with a launchpad you should have enough of those anyways).
Margie Pavell 01.09.2011	i've been using my x-session for a year plus (i got it used)...i have had no problems with it... lots of buttons and sliders to monkey with...
Kayce Mesia 01.09.2011	Originally Posted by LmnLm3 I'm trying to stay out of the Faderfox price range That was going to be my next suggestion. :U! But, pertaining to my previous suggestion: Couldn't you use the analog mixer and set Traktor to external mixer mode? Edit: DJ-Tech still does have some other ones that might be worth looking into, like the Mixer One, or the DJM101. Both are two-channel only though.

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X-Session alternative?