Mixtrack pro vs Mixtrack+DJI/O?

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Mixtrack pro vs Mixtrack+DJI/O?
Posted on: 08.09.2011 by Lizzie Hoesley
Was believeing of expanding my set to include an X-Session Pro, but now I'm believeing that for not that much more I could get a Mixtrack (I can get X-Session for about 50 or Mixtrack for 75+)

At that price, I figured why not take the platters just in case, or for some fx sweeps, etc.

At this point, I still need an interface (unless I use one of those $5 usb headphone jacks, which really would work...).

If you were looking at something entry level like a Mixtrack, would you get the one with the built in interface, or get a separate unit?
Chasidy Heckenbach
16.09.2011
Originally Posted by LmnLm3
That's intense - and I thought *I* was a computer wizard!

Sorcerer!!! Burn him!

But yeah, can't wait - with automap? or your own programming?
cheers lol my own C++ code but i use the RtMidi lib for reading/sending midi messages and have embedded a LUA interpreter so lua code can be used to process events etc.

Sounds like Ableton Live setup but for Traktor? That would be incredible (the faders, etc)

Just gotta make sure the workflow is smooth.

When mapping, I like to start with the workflow I'm aiming towards and work back from there. (instead of "I have these buttons, what can they do?" kind of thing)

Looking forward to it!
u could create faders etc like the way automap and ableton live use the launchpad sure.

the big difference with my code and something like automap or midikatapult is that u dont have to mess with any tsi stuff in traktor - as i have created a big tsi file and a matching config for my code so u can say stuff like this:

Code:
toggle("launchpad", "0,0", 0, lp_yellow, lp_red, "traktor", "play_a")
which would create a toggle button on page/layer 0 of the LP at the top left corner thats yellow by default and red when toggled on - which then sets traktor playing - with full led feedback if u were to make traktor play or stop by any other method too.

the top buttons could be configured to change between pages ala ableton ofc. i created a virtual_fader() function that uses a set of buttons as a single fader and only ended up as maybe 40 lines of lua.

the core handles 'remembering' what each pad is set to and the page/layer switching and routing events (when needed) to custom lua code.
Chasidy Heckenbach
15.09.2011
Originally Posted by LmnLm3
been hittin hard since 1982 can't see it going anywhere, unless we get 256bit midi since we're all on USB for the most part anyway... (which would be nice...why don't they do it????)
could do that now i guess via sysex messages... otherwise we're limitted to 7 bits effective for the 'velocity' per message. but you're right ofc... no real reason why someone doesn't come up with some enhanced-midi spec, based on the original one but with more bits somehow. would be so much better than this current trend of hid, with each manufacturer using their own format.

ofc tho there's no real reason to need more bits for a pad controller like the launchpad - would be cool for pots/faders etc tho.

But you're right. Guess I just don't use it as much as I thought I would - it's a fixed velo 16pad for my drum programming, and I dabble in Live a little, but it's mostly for Traktor, and I guess I just feel that I would have gotten more for traktor out of some other controller like the Mixtrack...
i've played around with various maps on my launchpad by itself with traktor but i do much prefer it along side the djm101 to have more normal control of eq+levels.

Seems to be leading to me making a new map... gotta at least try before giving up. At least I don't have to spend so long learning how to map the LED outs again!!! That was less than fun! (and so simple that it should have been documented better somewhere...)
i've released two versions of my midimasher the last few days - and if i get reports of it actually working on other peoples laptops (lol) with an lpd8 then i'll be doing some stuff for the launchpad.

the launchpad was actually the original reason for me starting that project as i didn't like using the LP by itself, then tried midikatapult but found too many things i just couldn't do, so wanted some software that was way more flexible.

on the launchpad my midimasher supports stuff like multiple pages and virtual faders which helps a lot if all u are using is the launchpad. plus full led refresh on page change etc.

plus i coded an "itch style" slicer for traktor which works ok - tho does have some issues - need to somehow understand the quantize in traktor better - as sometimes traktor doesnt beatjump to where my code was expecting.

today actually i was looking at the twitch layout and trying to work out how i could use the bottom 3 rows on a page on the LP to do the same thing as that multi-function slicer/loop/beatjump type section.
Lizzie Hoesley
15.09.2011
Originally Posted by zestoi
unless some new super uber technology comes along that renders all midi devices obsolete
been hittin hard since 1982 can't see it going anywhere, unless we get 256bit midi since we're all on USB for the most part anyway... (which would be nice...why don't they do it????)

But you're right. Guess I just don't use it as much as I thought I would - it's a fixed velo 16pad for my drum programming, and I dabble in Live a little, but it's mostly for Traktor, and I guess I just feel that I would have gotten more for traktor out of some other controller like the Mixtrack...

Seems to be leading to me making a new map... gotta at least try before giving up. At least I don't have to spend so long learning how to map the LED outs again!!! That was less than fun! (and so simple that it should have been documented better somewhere...)
Chasidy Heckenbach
15.09.2011
Originally Posted by LmnLm3
i got mine 120usd idk what the exchange rate is like these days. I remember it was steady at 2.25usd for 1gbp not so hot anymore though :-/
google says that thats equal to 75gbp so about the same. things always seem to be a bit/lot cheaper in the usa anyway

can't ever really lose much money on that price. i can't see how they could go below 2/3 of that in a loooong long time - unless some new super uber technology comes along that renders all midi devices obsolete - which is doubtfull.
Chasidy Heckenbach
15.09.2011
Originally Posted by LmnLm3
With either a mixtrack (or an x-session I suppose) I could go out without the LP (not sure if the LP is really an out-of-studio piece of kit, you know?)
i don't see why it wouldnt be cool to play out with - nice and portable and well made and all.

I'll look into that x1 again... while that sale is still going on for bundled traktor pro. Has anyone gigged with an x1 and nothing else? (or with an x-session or just with a regular mixer)
some people have said that they've played with only an X1. i believe usually people use it for effects rather than eq etc - but i've seen mappings here that turn it more into a traditional mixer too. just no xfader ofc.

I'm chasing myself in circles because if I blow a purchase it really sets me back in terms of when I can get out there. Gotta make each one count, you know? (At least I knew I could resell the LP for probably the same price I paid for it, I got it so cheap...)
i wish launchpads would drop a bit in price but they dont seem to be... i picked mine up for 80quid new and they're still going for around that 2nd hand on uk ebay.
Chasidy Heckenbach
14.09.2011
Originally Posted by LmnLm3
Would you guys gig with just a LP+nano? or would you go for longer throw pitch faders and jogs for pitch bending and what not? (maybe I should open a new thread for that question...)
personally i tend to use sync and then move the track around with jogs a bit if needed. if using something like sync to get the tracks mostly together then an encoder probably makes more sense than a fader. using a fader would get u more used to the traditional way of doing it - but i believe u need to set the pitch range in the fairly low %'s else u wont be able to make fine enough adjustments. what with a normal midi message only having 128 values etc.

Originally Posted by petegt
I'v been eyeing up the novation twitch which has no jogs but does have a mixer section. It also has the touch strip which looks really handy.

The thing i like about jogs is the ease of finding cue points but there must be many ways arround this.

Dont believe I could live without a proper mixer section though.
i do love the touch strips on my pair of scs.3d's and are a really cheap way to add a touch surface into a setup if bought 2nd hand.

must admit i still like jogs too tho...
Darrin Galeota
14.09.2011		Ohh didnt know these things were worth money haha
Darrin Galeota
14.09.2011		mixtrack + soundcard. The built in sound card really isnt great. I have a mixtrack and tried using one of those cheap usb stick soundcards for my headphones but my laptop and usb soundcards were out of time making mixing difficult.

Would recommend a creative soundblaster live 5.1 usb sound card. It looks like this:

I bought mine for
Chasidy Heckenbach
16.09.2011
Originally Posted by LmnLm3
That's intense - and I thought *I* was a computer wizard!

Sorcerer!!! Burn him!

But yeah, can't wait - with automap? or your own programming?
cheers lol my own C++ code but i use the RtMidi lib for reading/sending midi messages and have embedded a LUA interpreter so lua code can be used to process events etc.

Sounds like Ableton Live setup but for Traktor? That would be incredible (the faders, etc)

Just gotta make sure the workflow is smooth.

When mapping, I like to start with the workflow I'm aiming towards and work back from there. (instead of "I have these buttons, what can they do?" kind of thing)

Looking forward to it!
u could create faders etc like the way automap and ableton live use the launchpad sure.

the big difference with my code and something like automap or midikatapult is that u dont have to mess with any tsi stuff in traktor - as i have created a big tsi file and a matching config for my code so u can say stuff like this:

Code:
toggle("launchpad", "0,0", 0, lp_yellow, lp_red, "traktor", "play_a")
which would create a toggle button on page/layer 0 of the LP at the top left corner thats yellow by default and red when toggled on - which then sets traktor playing - with full led feedback if u were to make traktor play or stop by any other method too.

the top buttons could be configured to change between pages ala ableton ofc. i created a virtual_fader() function that uses a set of buttons as a single fader and only ended up as maybe 40 lines of lua.

the core handles 'remembering' what each pad is set to and the page/layer switching and routing events (when needed) to custom lua code.
Lizzie Hoesley
15.09.2011		That's intense - and I thought *I* was a computer wizard!

Sorcerer!!! Burn him!

But yeah, can't wait - with automap? or your own programming?

Sounds like Ableton Live setup but for Traktor? That would be incredible (the faders, etc)

Just gotta make sure the workflow is smooth.

When mapping, I like to start with the workflow I'm aiming towards and work back from there. (instead of "I have these buttons, what can they do?" kind of thing)

Looking forward to it!
Chasidy Heckenbach
15.09.2011
Originally Posted by LmnLm3
been hittin hard since 1982 can't see it going anywhere, unless we get 256bit midi since we're all on USB for the most part anyway... (which would be nice...why don't they do it????)
could do that now i guess via sysex messages... otherwise we're limitted to 7 bits effective for the 'velocity' per message. but you're right ofc... no real reason why someone doesn't come up with some enhanced-midi spec, based on the original one but with more bits somehow. would be so much better than this current trend of hid, with each manufacturer using their own format.

ofc tho there's no real reason to need more bits for a pad controller like the launchpad - would be cool for pots/faders etc tho.

But you're right. Guess I just don't use it as much as I thought I would - it's a fixed velo 16pad for my drum programming, and I dabble in Live a little, but it's mostly for Traktor, and I guess I just feel that I would have gotten more for traktor out of some other controller like the Mixtrack...
i've played around with various maps on my launchpad by itself with traktor but i do much prefer it along side the djm101 to have more normal control of eq+levels.

Seems to be leading to me making a new map... gotta at least try before giving up. At least I don't have to spend so long learning how to map the LED outs again!!! That was less than fun! (and so simple that it should have been documented better somewhere...)
i've released two versions of my midimasher the last few days - and if i get reports of it actually working on other peoples laptops (lol) with an lpd8 then i'll be doing some stuff for the launchpad.

the launchpad was actually the original reason for me starting that project as i didn't like using the LP by itself, then tried midikatapult but found too many things i just couldn't do, so wanted some software that was way more flexible.

on the launchpad my midimasher supports stuff like multiple pages and virtual faders which helps a lot if all u are using is the launchpad. plus full led refresh on page change etc.

plus i coded an "itch style" slicer for traktor which works ok - tho does have some issues - need to somehow understand the quantize in traktor better - as sometimes traktor doesnt beatjump to where my code was expecting.

today actually i was looking at the twitch layout and trying to work out how i could use the bottom 3 rows on a page on the LP to do the same thing as that multi-function slicer/loop/beatjump type section.
Lizzie Hoesley
15.09.2011
Originally Posted by zestoi
unless some new super uber technology comes along that renders all midi devices obsolete
been hittin hard since 1982 can't see it going anywhere, unless we get 256bit midi since we're all on USB for the most part anyway... (which would be nice...why don't they do it????)

But you're right. Guess I just don't use it as much as I thought I would - it's a fixed velo 16pad for my drum programming, and I dabble in Live a little, but it's mostly for Traktor, and I guess I just feel that I would have gotten more for traktor out of some other controller like the Mixtrack...

Seems to be leading to me making a new map... gotta at least try before giving up. At least I don't have to spend so long learning how to map the LED outs again!!! That was less than fun! (and so simple that it should have been documented better somewhere...)
Chasidy Heckenbach
15.09.2011
Originally Posted by LmnLm3
i got mine 120usd idk what the exchange rate is like these days. I remember it was steady at 2.25usd for 1gbp not so hot anymore though :-/
google says that thats equal to 75gbp so about the same. things always seem to be a bit/lot cheaper in the usa anyway

can't ever really lose much money on that price. i can't see how they could go below 2/3 of that in a loooong long time - unless some new super uber technology comes along that renders all midi devices obsolete - which is doubtfull.
Lizzie Hoesley
15.09.2011		i got mine 120usd idk what the exchange rate is like these days. I remember it was steady at 2.25usd for 1gbp not so hot anymore though :-/
Chasidy Heckenbach
15.09.2011
Originally Posted by LmnLm3
With either a mixtrack (or an x-session I suppose) I could go out without the LP (not sure if the LP is really an out-of-studio piece of kit, you know?)
i don't see why it wouldnt be cool to play out with - nice and portable and well made and all.

I'll look into that x1 again... while that sale is still going on for bundled traktor pro. Has anyone gigged with an x1 and nothing else? (or with an x-session or just with a regular mixer)
some people have said that they've played with only an X1. i believe usually people use it for effects rather than eq etc - but i've seen mappings here that turn it more into a traditional mixer too. just no xfader ofc.

I'm chasing myself in circles because if I blow a purchase it really sets me back in terms of when I can get out there. Gotta make each one count, you know? (At least I knew I could resell the LP for probably the same price I paid for it, I got it so cheap...)
i wish launchpads would drop a bit in price but they dont seem to be... i picked mine up for 80quid new and they're still going for around that 2nd hand on uk ebay.
Lizzie Hoesley
15.09.2011		With either a mixtrack (or an x-session I suppose) I could go out without the LP (not sure if the LP is really an out-of-studio piece of kit, you know?)

and maybe that's why I feel like I need another piece of gear... Or maybe I need to make a comprehensive 2 deck LP map (I'm new to DJing and trying to set hotcues (8/track) and loops and samples all in the same go, usually without cuing)

BTW - the USB soundcard didn't play well with Traktor on the mac - different sample rate on different devices in the aggregate made Traktor drunk. and crash. So I have my phones plugged into one of the surround sound jacks and using output 3/4 for cue. But for the laptop, it's running windows, so the USB *should* be ok with ASIO4ALL.

I'll look into that x1 again... while that sale is still going on for bundled traktor pro. Has anyone gigged with an x1 and nothing else? (or with an x-session or just with a regular mixer)

Or is that for FX and not for eq? I have so many buttons on the nano that I confuse myself sometimes - the x1 looks nice and ergonomic, but I did only pay $30 for the nanokontrol.

I'm chasing myself in circles because if I blow a purchase it really sets me back in terms of when I can get out there. Gotta make each one count, you know? (At least I knew I could resell the LP for probably the same price I paid for it, I got it so cheap...)
Evangeline Balsis
15.09.2011		I recently sold my old mixtrack so that I could buy a kontrol x1. I'm actually considering purchasing the x-session in the future, but we'll see. Anyway, that's not the point.

Right now, I'm making the assumption that you have Traktor so that won't weigh in on the decision between pro/standard. In my personal opinion, I would buy the regular mixtrack and buy a nice quality soundcard. Right now, I'm stuck in a similar situation because I sold my mixtrack pro so I'm stuck without an interface for a little until I can put down the money. I've worked on setting up a cheap $2 soundcard for cueing and whatnot, but it can prove to be difficult on OS X depending on the card.

EDIT: sorry, didn't see the second page here. Hope this can help a little anyway.
Lizzie Hoesley
14.09.2011		I started not using Sync lately (for using A Capellas traktor is a moron) so I've been having that frustration with the 128 midi values - had to up the range to 100% for some of the songs because they were way out of whack. Must be a way to force set bpm for a track...

Anyway, maybe I should be using an analogue mixer... I do like being able to record in the box without going out, but then again I've never played out so maybe my mind would change...

I am going to be a go getter, and I'm doing this (partly!) for the money, my classical composition isn't bringing in any money, and I'm seeing DJing as the NEW JAZZ which I'm psyched about as a philosophy...

So I'm trying to get set properly so I can get out and play some house parties, some frat parties, some birthday parties, maybe weddings (if I must...) and all that.

Not trying to be a sell out, just trying to be realistic about living as an artist! I don't have a day job, I'm a stay at home dad. My music (in all shapes and forms) is my life's work.

Can't live as a slave to your own high standards, right?
Chasidy Heckenbach
14.09.2011
Originally Posted by LmnLm3
Would you guys gig with just a LP+nano? or would you go for longer throw pitch faders and jogs for pitch bending and what not? (maybe I should open a new thread for that question...)
personally i tend to use sync and then move the track around with jogs a bit if needed. if using something like sync to get the tracks mostly together then an encoder probably makes more sense than a fader. using a fader would get u more used to the traditional way of doing it - but i believe u need to set the pitch range in the fairly low %'s else u wont be able to make fine enough adjustments. what with a normal midi message only having 128 values etc.

Originally Posted by petegt
I'v been eyeing up the novation twitch which has no jogs but does have a mixer section. It also has the touch strip which looks really handy.

The thing i like about jogs is the ease of finding cue points but there must be many ways arround this.

Dont believe I could live without a proper mixer section though.
i do love the touch strips on my pair of scs.3d's and are a really cheap way to add a touch surface into a setup if bought 2nd hand.

must admit i still like jogs too tho...
Darrin Galeota
14.09.2011		Ohh didnt know these things were worth money haha
Lizzie Hoesley
15.09.2011		Peget, you got a deal champ, those things are more expensive at retail than the DJ I/O and the Audio2DJ.

The creative cards are like 150+ (can get them for like 90 though) and the DJ I/O retails at like 100 and you can find them for 50 (all new prices)

I'll test some things out with a dongle I just found out my wife has for a gaming headset and see what's up. I'll report back when I get a new charger for my laptop (mine just ripped in two last evening . Perfect, right?)

************************************

Also, since it's settled that I don't need the built in card in the MixtrackPro, do I even need a Mixtrack?

My setup right now is a Launchpad and a Korg nanoKontrol (v1)

I use pot9 for xfade, works fine for blending and mixing, other faders and buttons for fx generally (a couple for pitch and vol, but I don't use them that much...yet...)

I haven't even really started to get serious yet, though, because I want to be in my gear and then learn my gear . (I already have a grasp on beatmatching and cuing up tracks)

Would you guys gig with just a LP+nano? or would you go for longer throw pitch faders and jogs for pitch bending and what not? (maybe I should open a new thread for that question...)
Darrin Galeota
14.09.2011		mixtrack + soundcard. The built in sound card really isnt great. I have a mixtrack and tried using one of those cheap usb stick soundcards for my headphones but my laptop and usb soundcards were out of time making mixing difficult.

Would recommend a creative soundblaster live 5.1 usb sound card. It looks like this:

I bought mine for
Loyce Mekonen
08.09.2011		mixtrack + DJiO. If you ever plan to upgrade your sound card you can do so later and keep the controller.
Gavin Rachor
08.09.2011		It depends on the software you're using. Traktor will only allow you to use one audio device so you have to use an aggregate device if you want to use more than one.
Lizzie Hoesley
09.09.2011		So it seems that I should use the separate one if I can spare the USB port?

Why do I need to create an aggregate device if I can just route the audio to different devices...?
Kayce Mesia
09.09.2011
Originally Posted by Lew
http://support.apple.com/kb/HT3956
Aha, I was right.
Gavin Rachor
09.09.2011
Originally Posted by LmnLm3
And I might... what is an aggregate sound device...?
http://support.apple.com/kb/HT3956
Lizzie Hoesley
09.09.2011		Oh, I'm just using internal routing - sending the main outs (main mix) to the line out (straight to amp, or at home, desktop speakers) and I would route the monitor cue to the sound card. Traktor lets you route audio any which way (as far as I can tell)
Kayce Mesia
09.09.2011
Originally Posted by LmnLm3
I have CoreAudio (OSX) and Asio4ALL (Win7)

And I might... what is an aggregate sound device...?
I believe, for Mac, it's like a virtual sound card that takes the inputs and outputs of two or more sound cards and makes them accessible through one. I might be using the wrong name for it, though.
Lizzie Hoesley
09.09.2011		I have CoreAudio (OSX) and Asio4ALL (Win7)

And I might... what is an aggregate sound device...?
Kayce Mesia
08.09.2011		Built-in soundcard means free USB port for another controller to me. But one using one of those USB headphone jacks would work with either the MixTrack or X-Session, assuming you're using ASIO4ALL on windows or you know how to make an aggregate sound device(?).

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