Got Bit by the Controllerism Bug!
Got Bit by the Controllerism Bug! Posted on: 20.08.2011 by Lizzie Hoesley So after getting my MPK mini, and testing the pads with Traktor (and failing because AKAI's editing software is FAIL and the pads don't put out the CCs I tell them to and run through the knobs...) I am hooked. I am getting rid of the mini, getting a legit 61 for my composing, and a separate controller for making mixtapes and (eventually) doing live stuff.What is recommended as the best all-around controller these days? I am on a budget, but I can save up if it's worth it... These are what I could believe of: MIDI Fighter (obviously, but expensive, and I don't need anything cool or durable yet =D) Novation Launchpad (this seems the obvious choice so far...) NI Maschine (price, but is the software worth it? or go Live or Traktor?) APC20/40 (the 20 is down to the same price $130 as LP on amazon!) X1 MPD (or 3 or 4 LPD8 or Korg NanoPads attached to eachother :-) ) Seems a lot of choices to me, not sure if I missed any, but it seems to be coming down to LP, Maschine, or APC (I could be wrong!) the only thing about the LP that's getting me is on the MPK I mapped one of the knobs to XFader bc I don't have a mixer. I don't really do normal mixes, but it's nice to have a tweakable X somewhere... I want to be able to do everything I need with one controller (I never use platters, I'm not a scratcher, when I do live stuff I prefer to fade to a new song, then clone the deck, and set up loops and/or cue points on one of them to mix a song with itself... but I'm kind of new to this!) Thank you incredibly so much for any advice you can share!! | |
| Chasidy Heckenbach 22.08.2011 |
Originally Posted by LmnLm3
for me they're not all for dj'ing anyway. i use my launchpad+nanokontrol+nanokey with ableton/etc for production but can also use any of those for traktor. my lpd8 was bought for drum programming. the only real dj type controllers i have are the idj, scs.3d and the cheapo hercules mk2. i actually quite like the hercules and bought that ages ago when i just wanted to try out this "digital dj thing" and they still seem to be going for the same price on ebay - so i can't really lose much cash with that one. the idj seems like the ideal portable "traditional dj type controller" with so many controls to map and touch sensitive jogs so even if i later chose to buy something like the twitch the only thing i'd get rid of would be the hercules and i'd probably hang onto that too anyway. guess i quite like the mix+match approach anyway. don't believe i'll ever find my one perfect mapping or set of controls so it's kind of fun to be able to try different things. |
| Chasidy Heckenbach 22.08.2011 |
Originally Posted by LmnLm3
the more i use the lpd8 the more i like it - tho i have ordered some replacement dials for it - as the ones on it are pretty short. didn't believe before i found that an issue but am hoping some thinner and taller ones with more grip will make it easier to use. in fact recently i said on the community that i didn't find them a problem they're not really a problem but they could be better... edit: believe i've spent less than 400quid on all the controllers so far - and i'd much rather have all of these than one single one - even if that *one* was a twitch. tho that would be nice too |
| Chasidy Heckenbach 22.08.2011 |
Originally Posted by LmnLm3
damn... thats pretty much convinced me i need to buy another lpd8 soon... |
| Chasidy Heckenbach 22.08.2011 |
Originally Posted by LmnLm3
i believe they're encoders but might not be. |
| Chasidy Heckenbach 22.08.2011 |
Originally Posted by LmnLm3
depends what u want it for. great probably for programming drums. less good as a trigger pad as no led feedback. i believe its a great looking module but if i bought one i'd just use it for drum programming and effects i reckon. |
| Chasidy Heckenbach 22.08.2011 |
Originally Posted by LmnLm3
for me they're not all for dj'ing anyway. i use my launchpad+nanokontrol+nanokey with ableton/etc for production but can also use any of those for traktor. my lpd8 was bought for drum programming. the only real dj type controllers i have are the idj, scs.3d and the cheapo hercules mk2. i actually quite like the hercules and bought that ages ago when i just wanted to try out this "digital dj thing" and they still seem to be going for the same price on ebay - so i can't really lose much cash with that one. the idj seems like the ideal portable "traditional dj type controller" with so many controls to map and touch sensitive jogs so even if i later chose to buy something like the twitch the only thing i'd get rid of would be the hercules and i'd probably hang onto that too anyway. guess i quite like the mix+match approach anyway. don't believe i'll ever find my one perfect mapping or set of controls so it's kind of fun to be able to try different things. |
| Lizzie Hoesley 22.08.2011 | I agree - I'd rather get one piece at a time, but I suppose that's the real problem with GAS - you don't know when to stop. If I said screw it and bought the twitch or an S4 (gotta have love for Ean) I would probably not buy anything else for the next 5 years or so. Might be cheaper that way!!! But this way is definitely more fun (even if we still drool over the S4s and midifighters and such!) |
| Chasidy Heckenbach 22.08.2011 |
Originally Posted by LmnLm3
the more i use the lpd8 the more i like it - tho i have ordered some replacement dials for it - as the ones on it are pretty short. didn't believe before i found that an issue but am hoping some thinner and taller ones with more grip will make it easier to use. in fact recently i said on the community that i didn't find them a problem they're not really a problem but they could be better... edit: believe i've spent less than 400quid on all the controllers so far - and i'd much rather have all of these than one single one - even if that *one* was a twitch. tho that would be nice too |
| Lizzie Hoesley 22.08.2011 | Oh, man, this gets expensive, doesn't it? Doesn't even feel like GAS but I guess it's close enough!! |
| Kayce Mesia 22.08.2011 | Do I smell a build log coming up soon? |
| Chasidy Heckenbach 22.08.2011 |
Originally Posted by LmnLm3
damn... thats pretty much convinced me i need to buy another lpd8 soon... |
| Lizzie Hoesley 22.08.2011 | I'm using an MPK mini right now (LPD8+LPK25) they're 270 degree pots. It's nice - I'm believeing of getting rid of it and getting 2 LPD8 and mod them so it's one big controller and make some of the knobs into faders (3 points could be a fader or pot - just no encoders afaik) But that's a project for another time! (maybe build an internal USB hub into the housing...... hrm...... starting to take form in my head :-) |
| Chasidy Heckenbach 22.08.2011 |
Originally Posted by LmnLm3
i believe they're encoders but might not be. |
| Lizzie Hoesley 22.08.2011 | Didn't know they were encoders. That's a shame. Akai has really gotten a bit shite lately, haven't they... I guess I'll get the nano and see how things go :-) |
| Chasidy Heckenbach 22.08.2011 |
Originally Posted by LmnLm3
depends what u want it for. great probably for programming drums. less good as a trigger pad as no led feedback. i believe its a great looking module but if i bought one i'd just use it for drum programming and effects i reckon. |
| Lizzie Hoesley 22.08.2011 | Yeah, I'm definitely going to try that - can't wait to see your map. I'm starting to believe ahead, though, and realizing that the rotaries and faders on the MPD series are nice, I wish they made them without the pads! (Like novation's ZeRO) Might have to hunt around for an MPD24 :-( I believe that would be way better than a nanoKontrol, right? (if they're similar price?) |
| Chasidy Heckenbach 21.08.2011 |
Originally Posted by LmnLm3
what would work well for me is moving all effects type stuff to a sep lp, currently using sep pages which is the only (maybe) bad thing about the lp imho. its not all that fast at changing pages as its not very quick if you want to refresh all leds with something else. if i had two tho i'd be more likely to use one with ableton and one with traktor instead of having them on diff pages. buy one and start mapping and then see how it goes i'd say. later today i'm planning on releasing a (first) version of my midimasher app to emulate a twitch style slicer on an lpd8 but the same code would also work on a launchpad. would be fun to use 2 rows on a lp to slice with in the same kind of layout as the twitch has. |
| Lizzie Hoesley 21.08.2011 | Oh - lol - he said "Now I have an external mixer..." I thought he meant now as opposed to before when he played that show -_-' They're so cheap I wonder if it would be nice to get 2 with a mixer in the middle (one for each deck, split them horizontally and make it 4 decks) Looking forward to some serious mapping :-) |
| Chasidy Heckenbach 22.08.2011 |
Originally Posted by LmnLm3
hence me saying before about using a lp+djm101 to control 2 decks - same kind of idea as using the lp and and external mixer. a lot of fun... |
| Lizzie Hoesley 22.08.2011 | You did a whole set in traktor with an LP and nothing else at all?? |
| Rebecca Moebius 21.08.2011 | I bought a LP when they first came out in hopes of getting more into production in ableton... I have yet to make anything solid because its just way to much fun in traktor with the instant grat fx in the top. I have an x1 and the last gig i had, i didnt touch it, i used the launchpad for everything in traktor. Now i have an external mixer but in your case id say go with something like the xsession pro or something similiar. There is more than enough to keep you busy between a LP and XSP. |
| Lizzie Hoesley 21.08.2011 | Musician's Friend has them on sale for $30 (and Ion Discovery Keyboard, i.e. LPK25 rebranded for $30 as well!) Can't wait for the post man! |
| Chasidy Heckenbach 21.08.2011 |
Originally Posted by LmnLm3
you can't go far wrong with a lp+nk, the nk mk1's arent exactly fantastic quality but i've had no issues with mine - depends how u treat them really. people say the mk2's are much better but also atm a lot more expensive ofc. the nk mk2 gives you more buttons at the expense of only 8 faders instead of 9 and no internal midi banks afaik. |
| Lizzie Hoesley 21.08.2011 | There was a used APC40 on Amazon for $150 but it sold before I could buy it :-/ I'm getting LP and NanoKontrol to start. I believe that will be more useful than the X-Session all around, and I can get both if I really need a horizontal xfader. Other than mapping, I won't be missing much from a mixtrack. Literally staring at a full page twitch ad in the MusiciansFriend catalogue that came today /dryhump |
| Loyce Mekonen 21.08.2011 | I don't believe a single all around controller will be enough... at least not after a while since you WILL want more options along the road. I started off with a numark mixtrack and I just got myself an APC20 which I use for loops, cues, effects and samples. In my opinion, the APC's give you a metric ton of options to the cost of having to map it yourself (which is tedious, believe me). Even if you don't need platters, I'd suggest any starter controller in the 150 bucks range (i would suggest the numark mixtrack but it's build quality leaves a lot to be desired) plus the APC 20 (and a soundcard if the controller doesn't have one built in). All in all, it won't set you back more than 350 or 400 and you'll have a decent setup with tons of options for some time until you decide to go for something better. Or as some others have said, just get a Twitch and you'll probably be happy enough. |
| Chasidy Heckenbach 20.08.2011 |
Originally Posted by LmnLm3
Though, ever since the LP came out, I have been drooling over the videos. And it's versatile to use in plenty of software. I'm trying to find the best price on the LP, and figure out the rest later. (and save some pennies for a Twitch /drool)
|
| Lizzie Hoesley 20.08.2011 |
Originally Posted by zestoi
X-Session and X1.... now that might sound yummy... But I believe Zestoi is pretty spot on:
Originally Posted by zestoi
Though, ever since the LP came out, I have been drooling over the videos. And it's versatile to use in plenty of software. I'm trying to find the best price on the LP, and figure out the rest later. (and save some pennies for a Twitch /drool) |
| Kayce Mesia 20.08.2011 | http://www.m-audio.com/products/en_us/TorqMixLab.html http://www.m-audio.com/products/en_us/XSessionPro.html The MixLab is the X-Session with some fancy software that isn't Traktor. Don't know why it's so much cheaper though. If you're not going to need the platters of the MixTrack, I wouldn't buy something with controls I'm not going to use. Have to utilize space to the max. :P But, if you want to use Traktor, I believe the X-Session + an X1 or two would be nice, but I can't say for certain. I've never had a hand on either. Just making sure you're aware of all of your options, Lemon. |
| Chasidy Heckenbach 20.08.2011 | same controllers in those two photos just that (oddly) the cheaper one seems to come with their torq software. the UC-33e seems very cool, i had looked at those before but thought they seemed a bit expensive. there again maybe not for what you get. basically 8 channels worth of fader+3 eqs... would be nice for ableton the zero sl mk2 might be the closest thing to an "apc20 without pads". not too cheap tho. the mixtrack is almost the exact opposite of going for something like the LP etc. if what you want is something more traditional dj-ish like the mixtrack but arent bothered by jogs (as u dont seem to be) and want some pads (like the LP) then the answer is simple (and dont mind paying a bit more) buy a twitch... |
| Lizzie Hoesley 20.08.2011 | The SL is too expensive. The Nocturn looks nice [ame="http://www.amazon.com/Novation-Intelligent-Controller-Universal-Technology/dp/B0019VK3EW"]Amazon.com: Novation Nocturn Compact Intelligent Plug-In Desktop Controller with Automap Universal Technology: Musical Instruments@@AMEPARAM@@http://ecx.images-amazon.com/images/I/41OmlgBlv6L.@@AMEPARAM@@41OmlgBlv6L[/ame] But I can get the M-Audio for half the price... So I believe this thread is closed - unless there's something I missed? (I know the faders on the m-audio are not replaceable, but by the time I break them, I'd need to upgrade anyway, right?) |
| Lizzie Hoesley 20.08.2011 | @deathstarchris sorry, I'm sure it's like that. This thread is almost done - promise :-) The OHM is beautiful. It's a piece of art. Expensive art :-) /want Faderfox is a little spartan for me (for the price) and the djm101 looks good, but looks like it belongs between decks, and most of my work is on a desk. Holy Savings, Batman! Just found this here (same price as nanokontrol??) [ame="http://www.amazon.com/Audio-Session-Pro-Mixer-Controller/dp/B000K67XDG"]Amazon.com: M Audio X Session Pro Mixer DJ Controller: Musical Instruments@@AMEPARAM@@http://ecx.images-amazon.com/images/I/41MXL%2BZhjeL.@@AMEPARAM@@41MXL%2BZhjeL[/ame] What is the diff between that and this: [ame="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B000KU7AVM/ref=cm_cr_asin_lnk"]Amazon.com: M-Audio Torq MixLab Digital DJ System: Musical Instruments@@AMEPARAM@@http://ecx.images-amazon.com/images/I/41z2OnloHZL.@@AMEPARAM@@41z2OnloHZL[/ame] (Might end up with an SL anyway, thanks OniMode) You guys are so helpful - I've been behind the times with my gear for so long I didn't know what was out there! As for my DJ style, it's mashup, no scratching, like sample shots, but using cues instead (not composing on the fly for hours, but instead of inserting scratches, I insert phrases and hits from other songs) other than that, basic beatmatching and crossfading and eq. I'm beginning to wonder if at this price I should want something like a Numark Mixtrack even though I don't need the platters... Mixtrack is under 100 nowadays... |
| Kayce Mesia 20.08.2011 | If you do get the LP and still want them faders and knobs, I'd look into finding a UC-33e or getting a Novation ZeRO SL MK2. Awesome stuff, yo. Otherwise, I find that an APC40 and LPD8 work great for how I DJ. I use my modified version of Will Marshall's APC40 DJ template to play. Additionally, the Launchpad does have four pages, and can have many more if you feel like switching to Automap mode (pressing "User 2" and the down arrow switches the modes). But how do you plan on DJing? |
| Adriana Bazzelle 20.08.2011 | Man, can somebody here sticky one of these threads. Seems like every week it's the same question. Thank you. |
| Chasidy Heckenbach 20.08.2011 |
Originally Posted by LmnLm3
ah... or an m-audio xsession pro that has 12 pots, 4 faders and a xfader plus basic transport buttons. depends on how many you want ofc. for basic 2 deck mixing i like my djtech djm101 tho i wouldnt pay full price for it. |
| Lizzie Hoesley 20.08.2011 | I was believeing of the nano to go with the LP... I really wish I could get the APC without the pads! (or APC with LP pads!) If I'm willing to go up to 300 total, and the LP is 130, I guess I have more than $40 (nano) to play with for faders... I'll look around (unless anyone knows of the thing that I'm looking for!) |
| Chasidy Heckenbach 20.08.2011 |
Originally Posted by LmnLm3
thats actually what i tend to use to control ableton tho... some pages on my LP and a nanokontrol for levels. the apc40 gives you a lot of pots+encoders on top of what the LP gives you ofc - plus it has the xfader. pots tend to be better for eq's while the endless encoders could be used for effects or scrolling to load tracks etc. personally i prefer pots but encoders have their place too. general consensus here seems to be that the apc40 is quite bulky and better suited for ableton live rather than traktor. tho no real reason why u couldnt use it with traktor ofc. |
| Lizzie Hoesley 20.08.2011 | Thanks, Zesty :-) I just took a little road trip to my not so local brick&mortar music store, and convinced the guy to let me feel them for a second. My impression of the LP buttons was MUCH better than the APC40, but the xfade and knobs are SEXY. I like both better than the LPD I have decided :-) I'd rather get an extra LPD8 if I ever want to do drum stuff (though I still for the life of me can't configure the mpk mini properly....driving me mad) I really love the feel of the LP (felt the maschine, not my thing. Good riddance, and my wallet thanks me). The MPDs felt a LOT better than the LPD, but for that price I should rather get the LP. So I'm between the LP ($130) or the APC40 ($250) I like the LP pads better - can I get knobs and faders like the ones on the APC40? If so, that's my plan. |
| Chasidy Heckenbach 20.08.2011 |
Originally Posted by LmnLm3
an lpd8 is the cheapest and with the note+cc modes gives you direct access to 4x4 pads and 8 rotaries. buying two would be the same price as a single LP which ofc has more pads but no pots. LP pads are very different to the lpd8 ones. the LP ones arent velocity sensitive (not important just for dj'ing tho) and you actually have to push them in - compared to the "drum pad" touch sensitive pads on the lpd8. an apc20 would give you the best of both worlds but imho is just too big - i'd prefer the form factor of the lpd8 and LP. so the short answer is i'd probably buy 2 lpd8's or one LP. automap should give you multiple pages/layers on the LP but i dont use it so can't say much about that. edit: the lpd8 also have 4 build in pages/layers if you really want them but to use those you have to press 3 buttons to change a page/layer so i dont use them. edit2: if you're using traktor in internal mixing mode you'll get bored of having no pots or faders to control eq's and levels pretty quickly if you go for the LP. tho i picked up a cheapo djtech djm101 for 20quid that solves that issue. |
| Lizzie Hoesley 20.08.2011 |
Originally Posted by ajrindy
Originally Posted by ajrindy
Thank you everyone for your input. I am leaning towards the APC40 right now, or maybe a LP combined with some sort of SL or something that has knobs and faders (figured I might be able to use some columns on a dif page of the LP for faders for vol, EQ, and maybe even an XF but that might need a real one...) |
| Brock Ricapito 20.08.2011 | Why run a machine if you are DJing? if you want a bad controller with more useful MIDI control, go for the MPD 24. Also, why on earth would you get a launchpad over an APC20 if they cost the same? that's just mindboggling, because the LP doesnt have real faders and the APC20 does, so end of story. If you're using traktor, dont buy either of the APCs unless if you are adept at MIDI mapping, because their layout is the least intuitive thing for mapping with traktor. I created a mapping for Traktor for my APC40 that I personally love to death, but I'm sure many others would dismiss it was LOLSUX. then again, the popular mappings for the APC40 found here are weird and not intuitive TO ME. I personally hate questions about "what gear should I get" because it's a very personal issue that depends entirely on your own personal mixing style. do more research on each controller and its native mappings, as well as how you could potentially re-map it, then make the decision yourself if you want instant and effective mapping to traktor for simple DJing without beathmashers and hard-mapped effects out the ass, the Kontrol X1 cannot be beaten. if you want something that can be heavily customized, APC40. |
<< Back to Reviews of DJ equipment Reply