Portable controller (or mixer with MIDI?) for 4 channel mixing a la X-Session Pro?

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Portable controller (or mixer with MIDI?) for 4 channel mixing a la X-Session Pro?
Posted on: 07.10.2010 by Maybell Corb
I'm currently using an X-session Pro to control Traktor's internal mixer and it's nearly my ideal solution, but lacking in a couple of ways: 1) the EQ knobs on the outermost channels (1 & 4) don't have a center indent - slight annoyance, 2) I'd like a filter knob for each channel on the mixer as well.

I'd be willing to spend a reasonable amount of money for a controller that was better designed for mixing 4 channels, but can't find anything matching my criteria:
1) reasonably portable so I can bring it to a club and fit it in a booth (I want to carry on using the internal mixer in Traktor, much easier plugging in one stereo pair rather than 4 channels to the club's mixer!)
2) MIDI output (when considering buying a 4 channel mixer a la DDM400 and mapping it)
3) designed for mixing (goes without saying but I mean things like having center indents on the EQ knobs - so something like the UC33e fails here)
4) No need for effects or transport controls - just volume and EQ and filter

A few buttons would be useful but not a definite requirement - I will be using my iPad (in theory) for transport and effect control. I'd hoped Faderfox might have something fitting the bill, but their 4 channel controller only has one set of EQ knobs, wtf!

Any suggestions, either mixers or controllers? Of course, I know I won't be able to resist the S4 and this will all be a moot point, but humour me
Maybell Corb
18.10.2010
Originally Posted by rishi
I have 2x faderfox DJ 2's for sale. Connect them both with one midi interface USB cable (supplied), ultra portable, full 4 channel mixer controls less than half the price of an S4.
That's a pretty cool idea, not something I'd thought of. How much you selling for?
Maybell Corb
18.10.2010
Originally Posted by JesterNZDJ
Just out of interest guys, do the knobs on the X-Session have a centre click? they aren't illuminated yah so that would be the kicker for me.
The inner six do, the outer six don't, as it's designed for 2 channel mixing (with the outer knobs controlling 0-10 effects, and the inner knobs controlling EQ). Real shame for 4 channel use, the center click is so important for cutting the bass in etc! Can't complain for the price though. I've been believeing about trying to mod it... maybe one day
Ling Zambada
15.10.2010
Originally Posted by BigC
I know this may not be exactly what you are looking for, but what about adding something like the Livid Code to your current setup?



Minus the actual mixer, this very well could give you some solid results as far as knobs go, and having some extra buttons.
That is so sexy. Want.
Williemae Trau
15.10.2010
Originally Posted by V-Hoff
Have you believeed about mixing externally?
You can buy a Maudio Profire 610 and use the clubs 4 channel mixer
At home you can use the DDM4000...
I will do that someday...
+1

I went this route.. it makes your set up very flexible. Get a cheap mixer for home use. And use the high quality mixers that are already available in most venues
Irwin Ney
15.10.2010
Originally Posted by tdmusic
Damnit, is the SCS:1M Firewire only?! Damn Apple and the first gen Macbook Aluminum not having Firewire!
It's firewire only, but it's a damn sick piece of hardware.

Have you believeed about mixing externally?
You can buy a Maudio Profire 610 and use the clubs 4 channel mixer
At home you can use the DDM4000...
I will do that someday...
Maybell Corb
15.10.2010
Originally Posted by V-Hoff
Until you don't choose you can use a Korg nanoKontrol ($55) together with a x-session pro, you would have your deck c and d and some other controls
Yeah, I already have a NanoKontrol but really don't get on with it, it's too cheap-feeling and small. The X-session is close enough to what I want that I can live with it until I find my ideal controller
Maybell Corb
15.10.2010		Just seen the Stanton SCS1M which looks like it'd be the ideal controller (and then some) for what I'm after. Unfortunately, the price of it puts it up in the sort of range where for an extra ~
Cammy Clegg
08.10.2010
Originally Posted by BigC
I know this may not be exactly what you are looking for, but what about adding something like the Livid Code to your current setup?



Minus the actual mixer, this very well could give you some solid results as far as knobs go, and having some extra buttons.
thats actually a pretty sick controller
well add on maybe move some of those for arcade buttons
Maybell Corb
07.10.2010		I'm currently using an X-session Pro to control Traktor's internal mixer and it's nearly my ideal solution, but lacking in a couple of ways: 1) the EQ knobs on the outermost channels (1 & 4) don't have a center indent - slight annoyance, 2) I'd like a filter knob for each channel on the mixer as well.

I'd be willing to spend a reasonable amount of money for a controller that was better designed for mixing 4 channels, but can't find anything matching my criteria:
1) reasonably portable so I can bring it to a club and fit it in a booth (I want to carry on using the internal mixer in Traktor, much easier plugging in one stereo pair rather than 4 channels to the club's mixer!)
2) MIDI output (when considering buying a 4 channel mixer a la DDM400 and mapping it)
3) designed for mixing (goes without saying but I mean things like having center indents on the EQ knobs - so something like the UC33e fails here)
4) No need for effects or transport controls - just volume and EQ and filter

A few buttons would be useful but not a definite requirement - I will be using my iPad (in theory) for transport and effect control. I'd hoped Faderfox might have something fitting the bill, but their 4 channel controller only has one set of EQ knobs, wtf!

Any suggestions, either mixers or controllers? Of course, I know I won't be able to resist the S4 and this will all be a moot point, but humour me
Maybell Corb
18.10.2010
Originally Posted by rishi
I have 2x faderfox DJ 2's for sale. Connect them both with one midi interface USB cable (supplied), ultra portable, full 4 channel mixer controls less than half the price of an S4.
That's a pretty cool idea, not something I'd thought of. How much you selling for?
Maybell Corb
18.10.2010
Originally Posted by JesterNZDJ
Just out of interest guys, do the knobs on the X-Session have a centre click? they aren't illuminated yah so that would be the kicker for me.
The inner six do, the outer six don't, as it's designed for 2 channel mixing (with the outer knobs controlling 0-10 effects, and the inner knobs controlling EQ). Real shame for 4 channel use, the center click is so important for cutting the bass in etc! Can't complain for the price though. I've been believeing about trying to mod it... maybe one day
Latoria Kavulich
15.10.2010		Just out of interest guys, do the knobs on the X-Session have a centre click? they aren't illuminated yah so that would be the kicker for me.
Ling Zambada
15.10.2010
Originally Posted by BigC
I know this may not be exactly what you are looking for, but what about adding something like the Livid Code to your current setup?



Minus the actual mixer, this very well could give you some solid results as far as knobs go, and having some extra buttons.
That is so sexy. Want.
Williemae Trau
15.10.2010
Originally Posted by V-Hoff
Have you believeed about mixing externally?
You can buy a Maudio Profire 610 and use the clubs 4 channel mixer
At home you can use the DDM4000...
I will do that someday...
+1

I went this route.. it makes your set up very flexible. Get a cheap mixer for home use. And use the high quality mixers that are already available in most venues
Irwin Ney
15.10.2010
Originally Posted by tdmusic
Damnit, is the SCS:1M Firewire only?! Damn Apple and the first gen Macbook Aluminum not having Firewire!
It's firewire only, but it's a damn sick piece of hardware.

Have you believeed about mixing externally?
You can buy a Maudio Profire 610 and use the clubs 4 channel mixer
At home you can use the DDM4000...
I will do that someday...
Ignacio Rutner
15.10.2010		I have 2x faderfox DJ 2's for sale. Connect them both with one midi interface USB cable (supplied), ultra portable, full 4 channel mixer controls less than half the price of an S4.
Maybell Corb
15.10.2010		Damnit, is the SCS:1M Firewire only?! Damn Apple and the first gen Macbook Aluminum not having Firewire!
Maybell Corb
15.10.2010
Originally Posted by V-Hoff
Until you don't choose you can use a Korg nanoKontrol ($55) together with a x-session pro, you would have your deck c and d and some other controls
Yeah, I already have a NanoKontrol but really don't get on with it, it's too cheap-feeling and small. The X-session is close enough to what I want that I can live with it until I find my ideal controller
Irwin Ney
15.10.2010		Until you don't choose you can use a Korg nanoKontrol ($55) together with a x-session pro, you would have your deck c and d and some other controls
Maybell Corb
15.10.2010		Just seen the Stanton SCS1M which looks like it'd be the ideal controller (and then some) for what I'm after. Unfortunately, the price of it puts it up in the sort of range where for an extra ~
Cammy Clegg
08.10.2010
Originally Posted by BigC
I know this may not be exactly what you are looking for, but what about adding something like the Livid Code to your current setup?



Minus the actual mixer, this very well could give you some solid results as far as knobs go, and having some extra buttons.
thats actually a pretty sick controller
well add on maybe move some of those for arcade buttons
Ralph Alderette
08.10.2010		the gain knobs dont work in midi mode..
only the black knobs (eqs) and everything else except the external fx, but theres a way around that
Maybell Corb
08.10.2010		Thanks all, great suggestions.

Just realised the DDM400 lacks knobs I could use for the filters (maybe the gain knobs, I suppose, if they have a center detent?). It's not really as portable as what I have in mind either - I believe what I really want is just an X-Session Pro Pro

The Livid Code is beautiful and very tempting!

I believe I will sit out the next 6 months or so with the X-Session, iPad and maybe the BCR and see where we are after then. The S4 looks lovely but I'm interested to see how other manufacturers will respond. I might have to avoid coming into physical contact with one though as I might not be able to resist...
Audrey Pinda
07.10.2010		I know this may not be exactly what you are looking for, but what about adding something like the Livid Code to your current setup?



Minus the actual mixer, this very well could give you some solid results as far as knobs go, and having some extra buttons.
Ralph Alderette
07.10.2010		yeah i have a ddm and ill be making my own additional controller, most likely 20 arcade buttons and 12 knobs using the umc32
Arcelia Siebeneck
08.10.2010		yeah the DDM4000 would be your best bet I reckon...

or build something yourself

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