Mixing on a budget- Is one X1 or LPD8 enough?

Home :: Reviews of DJ equipment :: Mixing on a budget- Is one X1 or LPD8 enough?Reply
Mixing on a budget- Is one X1 or LPD8 enough?
Posted on: 05.06.2011 by Charise Wensman
Hi guys

New to the community .

Long story short I've had to sell my VCI - 100 and soundcard (no option unfortunately ). So all Im currently left with just my laptop with Traktor. I don't perform anywhere so I don't need a major set up, but I can't function purely with just the laptop.

So with a bit of creative mapping, would I be able to use a single Kontrol X1 or LPD8 and get by? I don't scratch at all.

The other option I had thought of was to get a cheap midi keyboard (one with a few knobs) and try to map that?

Any suggestions are greatly appreciated guys as this is a really shitty situation to be in!
Charise Wensman
14.06.2011
Thanks for all the input guys.

Just to update, I've managed to get a Novation Launchpad and a Korg Nanokontrol for under
Charise Wensman
14.06.2011
Thanks for all the input guys.

Just to update, I've managed to get a Novation Launchpad and a Korg Nanokontrol for under
Charise Wensman
14.06.2011
Thanks for all the input guys.

Just to update, I've managed to get a Novation Launchpad and a Korg Nanokontrol for under
Charise Wensman
14.06.2011
Thanks for all the input guys.

Just to update, I've managed to get a Novation Launchpad and a Korg Nanokontrol for under
Charise Wensman
14.06.2011
Thanks for all the input guys.

Just to update, I've managed to get a Novation Launchpad and a Korg Nanokontrol for under
Charise Wensman
14.06.2011
Thanks for all the input guys.

Just to update, I've managed to get a Novation Launchpad and a Korg Nanokontrol for under
Chasidy Heckenbach
08.06.2011
Originally Posted by Spookd
Thanks for all the replies guys.

I've decided to try to pick up a Launchpad on eBay, and focus on production for a while.

Then fund's willing I can hopefully add a NanoKontrol or something similar later on, to provide physical sliders and knobs for Traktor.

Thanks again :-)
i picked up a launchpad more for production/ableton live type stuff but have been having quite a lot of fun using it for traktor too...

you can emulate sliders/faders on the launchpad via the right software which isnt too bad either. midikatapult can do that, and my own homebrew app can too - which i'll probably be releasing for free to the community soonish.

via my own software (its just a midi mapper type thing) i've added a couple of virtual deckalised midifighters to one page with an instant gratification midifighter too - it's quite a lot of fun

one page could just be dedicated faders for eq+levels ofc and/or virtual crossfader.
Celestine Porebski
06.06.2011
Originally Posted by Spookd
I've just noticed the Novation Nocturn. Has anyone used one of these with Traktor?

The physical crossfader on it appeals to me. And it's just about in budget!
Seriously, what do you need a crossfader for? Apart from that, to me endless encoders are not on par with normal rotaries for EQ/volume duty.
Celestine Porebski
06.06.2011
Originally Posted by Jester.NZ
i use 1 x1 all the time at home. so yes, you can use just x1 one to mix with in a pinch
Had to do that recently as well. Worked quite well. Nice solution when you don't wanna be packing heaps of gear for a small gig (actually considering getting an A2DJ, just so I don't have to rewire the A8DJ back at home in those cases).
Pansy Shiveley
05.06.2011
Got an LPD8, and it sure is enough as a standalone. Not very enjoyable of course, but still.

8 knobs = 2*3 equalizer (or filter, and have 2*2 spares) and 2*1 volume
8 buttons = 2*play, 2*sync, 4 FX superbuttons, and when you switch to CC-mode you can map those 8 buttons to cue points.

On top of that, the LPD8 has 4 different layers, so you can map a whole lot to it, but switching between those layers isn't th
Charise Wensman
05.06.2011
Hi guys

New to the community .

Long story short I've had to sell my VCI - 100 and soundcard (no option unfortunately ). So all Im currently left with just my laptop with Traktor. I don't perform anywhere so I don't need a major set up, but I can't function purely with just the laptop.

So with a bit of creative mapping, would I be able to use a single Kontrol X1 or LPD8 and get by? I don't scratch at all.

The other option I had thought of was to get a cheap midi keyboard (one with a few knobs) and try to map that?

Any suggestions are greatly appreciated guys as this is a really shitty situation to be in!
Charise Wensman
14.06.2011
Thanks for all the input guys.

Just to update, I've managed to get a Novation Launchpad and a Korg Nanokontrol for under
Chasidy Heckenbach
08.06.2011
Originally Posted by Spookd
Thanks for all the replies guys.

I've decided to try to pick up a Launchpad on eBay, and focus on production for a while.

Then fund's willing I can hopefully add a NanoKontrol or something similar later on, to provide physical sliders and knobs for Traktor.

Thanks again :-)
i picked up a launchpad more for production/ableton live type stuff but have been having quite a lot of fun using it for traktor too...

you can emulate sliders/faders on the launchpad via the right software which isnt too bad either. midikatapult can do that, and my own homebrew app can too - which i'll probably be releasing for free to the community soonish.

via my own software (its just a midi mapper type thing) i've added a couple of virtual deckalised midifighters to one page with an instant gratification midifighter too - it's quite a lot of fun

one page could just be dedicated faders for eq+levels ofc and/or virtual crossfader.
Charise Wensman
08.06.2011
Thanks for all the replies guys.

I've decided to try to pick up a Launchpad on eBay, and focus on production for a while.

Then fund's willing I can hopefully add a NanoKontrol or something similar later on, to provide physical sliders and knobs for Traktor.

Thanks again :-)
Chasidy Heckenbach
08.06.2011
i just picked up a scs.3d for 49gbp on ebay... it has quite a lot of mapping potential. could be used quite easily by itself probably. the scs.3m might also be useful but that's usually a bit more expensive i believe.

the scs.3d can certainly be used to control 2 decks for eq+level+cuepoints+fx anyway.
Derek Barabas
08.06.2011
I just got one of those oxygen keyboard with a foot pedal, I believe its was around $150, it gives me a lot of buttons, knobs to use. No cross faders though so you'll still want to use an external mixer. Also had to custom map it to traktor.
Yee Bedilion
07.06.2011
X1 would do the job easy just remap it as an internal mixer.

Get the launchpad and map the fader and eq control on the leds.
Tatum Ansaldo
06.06.2011
Your english is fine mate! That should be fine because you'll be able to use the club's mixer for levels and EQs.
Malvina Plecker
06.06.2011
For performing in a club or a disco i wan't to buy a X1 and an LPD8 with an AUDIO2DJ. What d you believe?
sorry fo my very very bad english
Tatum Ansaldo
06.06.2011
The X1 is definitely worth considering, it can be mapped as a reasonable mixer if needed.
Bertie Metro
06.06.2011
the nocturn can be a viable option, but there are some caveats, mainly :

.the automap software is a bit a pain in the ass to learn, believe more pain than traktor mapping at first, but once you've learnt it its ok

.the cross fader is ok, but i wouldnt use it constantly, it is quite stiff

.the build quality is ok, for a studio, or as a secondary controller, using it as your sole controller will wear it down quite fast i believe (on the plus side a good working second hand one isn't very expensive)

.like 3heads said, while encoders with led feedback are nice for a lot of things (if you produce, or plan to use it as an fx controller for traktor), if it is supposed to be your sole controller it will feel weird, even with the led feedback

As to your question, i would answer an x1 if you have the money for it, the akai being inexpensive (50 eur, so i guess around 60$) and i believe better suited as a secondary one, and while i dont use an x1, between the two the x1 as more options, the build quality is great, and if your ever need to sell it it wouldn't loose too much value.
Celestine Porebski
06.06.2011
Originally Posted by Spookd
I've just noticed the Novation Nocturn. Has anyone used one of these with Traktor?

The physical crossfader on it appeals to me. And it's just about in budget!
Seriously, what do you need a crossfader for? Apart from that, to me endless encoders are not on par with normal rotaries for EQ/volume duty.
Celestine Porebski
06.06.2011
Originally Posted by Jester.NZ
i use 1 x1 all the time at home. so yes, you can use just x1 one to mix with in a pinch
Had to do that recently as well. Worked quite well. Nice solution when you don't wanna be packing heaps of gear for a small gig (actually considering getting an A2DJ, just so I don't have to rewire the A8DJ back at home in those cases).
Chasidy Heckenbach
05.06.2011
as an only controller i guess the only thing the nocturn has going for it is the cross fader which is the main thing you'd be missing with an lpd8 ofc...

did you see the thread on the new gemini firstmix? it does look rather childish but might be worth considering one if you want touch sensitive jog wheels and a few pots. the buttons don't look very good - but i believe i'll pick one up. the price seems to be only 80usd?

i first picked up a 2nd hand hercules mk2 which for what you get for the money i believe is very good. not in the same league as the x1 or even lpd8 tho...

edit: just realised you don't scratch so i guess jogs arent too important (tho i still love jog wheels and don't scratch)... so mostly depends on how important a cross fader is i guess?
Latoria Kavulich
05.06.2011
i use 1 x1 all the time at home. so yes, you can use just x1 one to mix with in a pinch
Leeanna Ayla
05.06.2011
If it were me I would go X or maybe a midi fighter.
Marnie Pomeranz
05.06.2011
with traktor all you need is the shift key and know how to map
Kandy Ahdoot
05.06.2011
there are alot cheaper controllers that the x1 with more knobs and buttons

Xone 1D or evolution uc-33 for example
Charise Wensman
05.06.2011
Thanks for the reply.

I've just noticed the Novation Nocturn. Has anyone used one of these with Traktor?

The physical crossfader on it appeals to me. And it's just about in budget!
Pansy Shiveley
05.06.2011
Got an LPD8, and it sure is enough as a standalone. Not very enjoyable of course, but still.

8 knobs = 2*3 equalizer (or filter, and have 2*2 spares) and 2*1 volume
8 buttons = 2*play, 2*sync, 4 FX superbuttons, and when you switch to CC-mode you can map those 8 buttons to cue points.

On top of that, the LPD8 has 4 different layers, so you can map a whole lot to it, but switching between those layers isn't th

<< Back to Reviews of DJ equipment Reply

Copyright 2012-2023
DJRANKINGS.ORG n.g.o.
Chuo-ku, Osaka, Japan

Created by Ajaxel CMS

Terms & Privacy