FX controller for TP2 (also, headphone mods?)

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FX controller for TP2 (also, headphone mods?)
Posted on: 24.08.2011 by Bertha Fathy
I've been mixing a lot lately with my S4 and have been trying to figure out a solution to my FX problem. I love that Traktor has a lot of solid built-ins, and I love that the S4 has a great way of controlling them all. I do NOT love that I have to use my mouse to select which FX I want to use while live mixing. I feel like it takes me out of the mix and forces me to stare at the computer too much.

I was wondering if there is a controller or an option to have a bunch of preset FX banks setup and ready to go with the click of a button. I thought about the Korg Nanokontrol 2, but I wasn't sure if it could do what I wanted. I also have an iPad, so I could get TouchOSC if that will do what I'd like. I'm not sure, and as I said, I'd love to NOT have to bury myself into my monitor when trying to find the FX that I like.

Also, I'm going to be buying some headphones in the near future. Right now, I've just been using the headphones that came with the Presonus AudioBox bundle I bought a while back. They aren't bad, but I'd like something a wee bit better. One thing that I'd like to do is be able to customize them with my own art/graphics. Is there any good guides on doing this for various models of headphones?

Thanks for the help!
Chasidy Heckenbach
25.08.2011
Originally Posted by nicoga3000
That's a good point...I am a sucker for LEDs and pretty lights (no sarcasm). Which PC mode are you referring to? The LPD8 or the Korg?
the lpd8. you can quickly change between pad(note)/cc/pc mode for the pads and note/cc's can be mapped in traktor.

i do like pretty lights

they're also uber useful for seeing what is set to what etc... if all u want is pretty lights then the launchpad has to be the right choice slightly overkill as an fx controller tho.

you also have 4 banks in the lpd8 but i find them a pain to change between.
Chasidy Heckenbach
25.08.2011
Originally Posted by nicoga3000
LPD8 looks like a Korg Nanopad. Do they perform the same?
don't have a nanopad but by all accounts the build quality isn't a patch on the lpd8.

pc mode isn't really mappable in traktor without some middleware software but pad+cc modes are.

the lpd8 is cheap, built well, very versatile and has led feedback on the pads which i love. no led feedback on the nanopad.
Aleta Hartzler
25.08.2011
Originally Posted by LmnLm3
I second the suggestion for LPD8

can map midi, CC, PC, and has 8 knobs in addition to the buttons - get taller knobs and you're set (and check out my MPK mini mod to get the pads to be more responsive http://www.djranking s.com/community /sho...t=mpk+mini+mod)

other than the different banks and CC/PC (which of course you could do on the MF but the LPD has hardware banks for them) it's just 16 buttons or 8+8pots (and a $150 difference....)
LPD8 ftw
Bertha Fathy
25.08.2011		Oh right - I believe I saw that link earlier and totally didn't believe about what it was. That's pretty awesome right there. I'll definitely take a look at one of these, since that many pad options at my disposal is pretty much what I need to make my FX dreams come true!

@DigitalDevil - I'm glad it wasn't just me that had to bang the hell out of those pads! That's the only reason I got rid of the controller, actually. The pads were seriously WAY too stiff.
May Artman
25.08.2011		Agreed that the stock MPK49 pads are obnoxious, having to press hard enough to make a table shake is kinda ridiculous for finger drumming. The LPD pads respond easier (though still stiff if you're comparing to something like a midi fighter) and can be easily modded for more sensitivity.
Leeanna Ayla
25.08.2011		There's a mod to make the pads more sensitive.

http://www.djranking s.com/community /sho...highlight=akai
Bertha Fathy
25.08.2011		I had a Launchpad for a while - loved it! I had a lot of custom mapping setup on that thing...A tempo map (4x4 grid that moved with the 16th), a drum rack LED echo that changed colors, and I even had a little level bar that moved with the master. It was a blast! But as an FX controller, it probably is a bit overkill...probably.

The LPD8 looks pretty solid. How are the pads on it? The MPK25/49 pads were a bit stiff for me, so that would be my one worry another Akai product!
Chasidy Heckenbach
25.08.2011
Originally Posted by nicoga3000
That's a good point...I am a sucker for LEDs and pretty lights (no sarcasm). Which PC mode are you referring to? The LPD8 or the Korg?
the lpd8. you can quickly change between pad(note)/cc/pc mode for the pads and note/cc's can be mapped in traktor.

i do like pretty lights

they're also uber useful for seeing what is set to what etc... if all u want is pretty lights then the launchpad has to be the right choice slightly overkill as an fx controller tho.

you also have 4 banks in the lpd8 but i find them a pain to change between.
Bertha Fathy
25.08.2011		That's a good point...I am a sucker for LEDs and pretty lights (no sarcasm). Which PC mode are you referring to? The LPD8 or the Korg?
Chasidy Heckenbach
25.08.2011
Originally Posted by nicoga3000
LPD8 looks like a Korg Nanopad. Do they perform the same?
don't have a nanopad but by all accounts the build quality isn't a patch on the lpd8.

pc mode isn't really mappable in traktor without some middleware software but pad+cc modes are.

the lpd8 is cheap, built well, very versatile and has led feedback on the pads which i love. no led feedback on the nanopad.
Bertha Fathy
25.08.2011		LPD8 looks like a Korg Nanopad. Do they perform the same?
Aleta Hartzler
25.08.2011
Originally Posted by LmnLm3
I second the suggestion for LPD8

can map midi, CC, PC, and has 8 knobs in addition to the buttons - get taller knobs and you're set (and check out my MPK mini mod to get the pads to be more responsive http://www.djranking s.com/community /sho...t=mpk+mini+mod)

other than the different banks and CC/PC (which of course you could do on the MF but the LPD has hardware banks for them) it's just 16 buttons or 8+8pots (and a $150 difference....)
LPD8 ftw
Lizzie Hoesley
24.08.2011		I second the suggestion for LPD8

can map midi, CC, PC, and has 8 knobs in addition to the buttons - get taller knobs and you're set (and check out my MPK mini mod to get the pads to be more responsive http://www.djranking s.com/community /sho...t=mpk+mini+mod)

other than the different banks and CC/PC (which of course you could do on the MF but the LPD has hardware banks for them) it's just 16 buttons or 8+8pots (and a $150 difference....)
Leeanna Ayla
24.08.2011		No need to map anything. Start with page 52 in the english S4 manual.
Bertha Fathy
24.08.2011		And it can be mapped to cycle through various FX options? Options like that are what I'm primarily looking for. I feel like right now, I'm just not getting all the use out of the powerful FX Traktor offers.
Leeanna Ayla
24.08.2011		I loved my X1 when I had my S4. It was set up for full sample deck control and FX banks 3 and 4.
Bertha Fathy
24.08.2011		I didn't realize I had more control over presets that I apparently do. I'll check into that, too. Also, since I have an S4, I figured I probably wouldn't have as much use for an X1.
Leeanna Ayla
24.08.2011
Originally Posted by nicoga3000
I've been mixing a lot lately with my S4 and have been trying to figure out a solution to my FX problem. I love that Traktor has a lot of solid built-ins, and I love that the S4 has a great way of controlling them all. I do NOT love that I have to use my mouse to select which FX I want to use while live mixing. I feel like it takes me out of the mix and forces me to stare at the computer too much.
No need for the mouse, you can change the FX with the S4. Either a preset bunch for a group or cycle through individual. You can also put them in order of what you use the most and remove the ones you don't use from the list.

Originally Posted by nicoga3000
I was wondering if there is a controller or an option to have a bunch of preset FX banks setup and ready to go with the click of a button. I thought about the Korg Nanokontrol 2, but I wasn't sure if it could do what I wanted. I also have an iPad, so I could get TouchOSC if that will do what I'd like. I'm not sure, and as I said, I'd love to NOT have to bury myself into my monitor when trying to find the FX that I like.
Midi Fighter or X1. I prefer the X1 for FX control. iPad will do it as well.
Aleta Hartzler
24.08.2011		get an LPD8 and map it.. cheaper.
Bertha Fathy
24.08.2011		Wow! Thanks I believe my wallet is going to punch me in the neck soon...I have a feeling I'll be ordering a Midi Fighter very, very soon.
Neta Schlaefli
24.08.2011		http://www.djranking s.com/community /showthread.php?t=23324
Neta Schlaefli
24.08.2011		Yep you can map the buttons to do just about anything you want. in this case you could set it up according to what your favorite effects are. you can use the buttons to load different effects or change parameters using pre-sets which could then further be modified by your s4.
Bertha Fathy
24.08.2011
Originally Posted by SqueakDemon
get yourself a midifighter or similar controller and map it to set up different effect settings for each module. it will allow you to have a ton of different pre-set settings that will load at the touch of a button. This is actually giving me an idea..
Haha - hooray for creative spark! I was actually considering a Midi Fighter. Standard or Pro, I don't know...but that thing is absolutely beautiful, and my arcade game love doesn't help my wallet on this one!

So the MF allows me to map everything how I'd like AND control, right?
Neta Schlaefli
24.08.2011		get yourself a midifighter or similar controller and map it to set up different effect settings for each module. it will allow you to have a ton of different pre-set settings that will load at the touch of a button. This is actually giving me an idea..

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