Mixed set-up

Mixed set-up
Posted on: 22.01.2013 by Ellsworth Moroni
Hello guys,

First post here ^^
I'm planning to build a "mixed" set-up to be able to mix as well as make some live things with samples and voice.
I was hesitating beetwing the S4 and DDJ-SX, and I'm basically waiting for the NAMM to see what is going on soon in the DJ controllers universe.

I was wondering few things :

- Why does all the DJ controllers are made with 2 jogs ? Are they REALLY needed for mix since we are playing with software ? I mean, can't we just switch between decks and play with 1 jog that would automatically assigned to the current deck ? (Im believeing about traktor) Is there some people that ever tried this ?

- At first, I was like "I absolutely want a 4 voice table because there is 4 decks in traktor... and I dont know, maybe one day i will connect some turntables !" But now, again because of the "computer software argument", is IT really usefull ? I understand that you need absolutely 2 bands of EQ to properly mix 2 track, but if I use 4 decks, could I just use infinite potentiometers and switch bands if needed (A with C and B with D) ?

Thanks in advance for your advices.
Oevl
Doreen Schurle
14.02.2013
Originally Posted by Oevl
- Why does all the DJ controllers are made with 2 jogs ? Are they REALLY needed for mix since we are playing with software ? I mean, can't we just switch between decks and play with 1 jog that would automatically assigned to the current deck ? (Im believeing about traktor) Is there some people that ever tried this ?
They aren't :P




Personally I prefer having two decks, simply because I like simultaneous control over loops and effects on both decks, but theoretically you could just buy one Contour and use it for 4-deck control.
Nana Mohs
14.02.2013
Originally Posted by Oevl
Not necessarily. Look the Novation Nuctorn. 8 infinite knobs with leds that indicate where the knob is. I know that its working with their Automap software, It would be cool if it worked with traktor so you could switch between decks A-C and B-D with the same knobs. In this way you could control infinite number of decks, if only Traktor permitted that.
The nocturn is awful for traktor though, and automap is finicky ass hell, at best.

I've been using the xone 2d for 2deck mixing, and it's great. I find the hardware shift/built in soft takeover much more logical (to me at least) than using traktor's modifiers and software soft takeover.

I'm about to add either a 1d or cmd mm1 and do some 4 deck mixing. Leaning towards the mm1 so I get the more traditional channel strip layout rather than 4 sideways eq/filter knob per deck.

The reloop contour is another single jog controller that doesn't suck. Get the interface edition and a mixer and you are ready for travel.
Rolanda Clodfelder
25.01.2013
Originally Posted by Oevl
I don't see yet the point to buy motorized jogs since it add nothing to the play and nothing really decisive to the feel. But yeah, NS72 seems to be some great gear... Im waiting for the reviews like everybody here ^^
I dont know if you grew up spinning vinyl or not, have to guess not because if you did you'd probably agree that nothing beats the tactility of a moving platter with slab of wax on top.
Ellsworth Moroni
23.01.2013
Originally Posted by makar1
Infinite potentiometers are a horrible way to EQ as you then rely completely on staring at a screen with no tactile/physical feedback.

Not necessarily. Look the Novation Nuctorn. 8 infinite knobs with leds that indicate where the knob is. I know that its working with their Automap software, It would be cool if it worked with traktor so you could switch between decks A-C and B-D with the same knobs. In this way you could control infinite number of decks, if only Traktor permitted that.
Ellsworth Moroni
22.01.2013
Hello guys,

First post here ^^
I'm planning to build a "mixed" set-up to be able to mix as well as make some live things with samples and voice.
I was hesitating beetwing the S4 and DDJ-SX, and I'm basically waiting for the NAMM to see what is going on soon in the DJ controllers universe.

I was wondering few things :

- Why does all the DJ controllers are made with 2 jogs ? Are they REALLY needed for mix since we are playing with software ? I mean, can't we just switch between decks and play with 1 jog that would automatically assigned to the current deck ? (Im believeing about traktor) Is there some people that ever tried this ?

- At first, I was like "I absolutely want a 4 voice table because there is 4 decks in traktor... and I dont know, maybe one day i will connect some turntables !" But now, again because of the "computer software argument", is IT really usefull ? I understand that you need absolutely 2 bands of EQ to properly mix 2 track, but if I use 4 decks, could I just use infinite potentiometers and switch bands if needed (A with C and B with D) ?

Thanks in advance for your advices.
Oevl
Doreen Schurle
14.02.2013
Originally Posted by Oevl
- Why does all the DJ controllers are made with 2 jogs ? Are they REALLY needed for mix since we are playing with software ? I mean, can't we just switch between decks and play with 1 jog that would automatically assigned to the current deck ? (Im believeing about traktor) Is there some people that ever tried this ?
They aren't :P




Personally I prefer having two decks, simply because I like simultaneous control over loops and effects on both decks, but theoretically you could just buy one Contour and use it for 4-deck control.
Nana Mohs
14.02.2013
Originally Posted by Oevl
Not necessarily. Look the Novation Nuctorn. 8 infinite knobs with leds that indicate where the knob is. I know that its working with their Automap software, It would be cool if it worked with traktor so you could switch between decks A-C and B-D with the same knobs. In this way you could control infinite number of decks, if only Traktor permitted that.
The nocturn is awful for traktor though, and automap is finicky ass hell, at best.

I've been using the xone 2d for 2deck mixing, and it's great. I find the hardware shift/built in soft takeover much more logical (to me at least) than using traktor's modifiers and software soft takeover.

I'm about to add either a 1d or cmd mm1 and do some 4 deck mixing. Leaning towards the mm1 so I get the more traditional channel strip layout rather than 4 sideways eq/filter knob per deck.

The reloop contour is another single jog controller that doesn't suck. Get the interface edition and a mixer and you are ready for travel.
Ellsworth Moroni
25.01.2013
Yes I do and yes I know : it feels better but its not necessary. Its like the difference between manual and automatic for the cars. Since im not going to race on a pro circuit (meaning : I'm not going to make virtuosi use of platters, simply basic scratch and track adjustment for the mix, and maybe fx stuff) Im not ready to spend too much money and too much energy wearing this for the fun of the vinyl touch

It's a personal POV.
But as I said I'll wait for the reviews. Right now, I decided to go on the DDJ-SX over the S4, so the price, specifications and reviews of the NS7 could make me believe some few days more maybe
Finally I don't thing a modular setup would be a good decision for me and yep 2 jogs + 4 EQ bands is cool. Maybe not NECESSARY but very usefull. I also somewhat want to keep the DJ spirit while and doing my things in front of people (which is a good argument in favor of NS7, I have to say).
Rolanda Clodfelder
25.01.2013
Originally Posted by Oevl
I don't see yet the point to buy motorized jogs since it add nothing to the play and nothing really decisive to the feel. But yeah, NS72 seems to be some great gear... Im waiting for the reviews like everybody here ^^
I dont know if you grew up spinning vinyl or not, have to guess not because if you did you'd probably agree that nothing beats the tactility of a moving platter with slab of wax on top.
Ellsworth Moroni
24.01.2013
I don't see yet the point to buy motorized jogs since it add nothing to the play and nothing really decisive to the feel. But yeah, NS72 seems to be some great gear... Im waiting for the reviews like everybody here ^^
Alphonso Deitchman
24.01.2013
The NS7 is 34.6 lbs / 15.7 kg, and the II will probably be more..
Dottie Tabet
24.01.2013
Instead of S4 or DDJ-SX, why don't you wait for the new Numark NS7 II to be released?

Looks identical to the DDJ-SX, but with moving platters, and then i just believe it looks alot better.
Bethann Olortegui
24.01.2013
Reloop Contour has 4 deck control with 1 jog wheel. Traktor certified and integrated interface too.
Rolanda Clodfelder
24.01.2013
Infinite potentiometers are a horrible way to EQ as you then rely completely on staring at a screen with no tactile/physical feedback.
Not necessarily. Look the Novation Nuctorn. 8 infinite knobs with leds that indicate where the knob is. I know that its working with their Automap software, It would be cool if it worked with traktor so you could switch between decks A-C and B-D with the same knobs. In this way you could control infinite number of decks, if only Traktor permitted that.
You should not need to look at your Mixer EQ positioning whatsoever - One reason why the majority of DJ's prefer Pots to encoders for EQ's and faders to touchscreens or touchstrips. When you make a twist or move a fader you can feel the position in relation to everything else.
Ellsworth Moroni
23.01.2013
Originally Posted by makar1
Infinite potentiometers are a horrible way to EQ as you then rely completely on staring at a screen with no tactile/physical feedback.

Not necessarily. Look the Novation Nuctorn. 8 infinite knobs with leds that indicate where the knob is. I know that its working with their Automap software, It would be cool if it worked with traktor so you could switch between decks A-C and B-D with the same knobs. In this way you could control infinite number of decks, if only Traktor permitted that.
Rolanda Clodfelder
23.01.2013
Why does all the DJ controllers are made with 2 jogs ? Are they REALLY needed for mix since we are playing with software ? I mean, can't we just switch between decks and play with 1 jog that would automatically assigned to the current deck ? (Im believeing about traktor) Is there some people that ever tried this ?
Why do all cars have 4 wheels are they really needed for driving since 3 is fine for most roads :P

You can get a controller as mentioned like the Behringer PL-1, SC2000 or Stanton SCS.d1 and map all the deck functions in layers to a single platter (the Behinger PL1 is actually designed with this deck-layering in mind).

I however prefer 2 platters as it means I'm not looking at the deck or screen to double check which one is active at any given time.

Yes there are other people doing it.
Alphonso Deitchman
23.01.2013
You could in theory chop the S4 in half and use modifiers to control all 4 decks, in the same way that you could use 1 single knob to control all your EQ with the right modifiers. It's just pointlessly complicated that way.

Infinite potentiometers are a horrible way to EQ as you then rely completely on staring at a screen with no tactile/physical feedback.

I'm sure you could easily map something like a Denon SC2000 to control any number of decks if that's what you're looking for. It just makes it so much easier and more intuitive to have independant controls for each side, and allows you to make adjustments to either side simultaneously.

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