Ion Audio DISCOVER DJ - why do i like this??

Home :: Reviews of DJ equipment :: Ion Audio DISCOVER DJ - why do i like this??Reply
Ion Audio DISCOVER DJ - why do i like this??
Posted on: 10.09.2009 by
saw this on skratchworx... the Ion Audio DISCOVER DJ

http://www.skratchworx.com/news3/comments.php?id=1311
http://www.ionaudio.com/discoverdj



i don't know why i like it... if mapping worked out (and was super cheap), it seems like it would be a great lightweight/portable basic controller...
Eleonora Musico
11.10.2010
Originally Posted by djproben
I just recommended it to a friend with a 10 yr old who wants to be a DJ; figure it's a cheap way to get started....
Cool. That's how old the kid in the promo video looked... It actually looks perfect for that age. I was believeing it would be cool to throw some arcade buttons on it cause my kids love pushing buttons.
Brunilda Kora
15.02.2010
It's a toy. And a very SMALL toy. Get a DM2 for $20/
Elliot Serres
15.02.2010
Originally Posted by bergen
Isn't that the same slimy guy that did the Numark teaser video at NAMM 2010?
Yeah thats him!! wonder what happen

Here he is as i remember:http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kVJkLkLbdsY
juan garcia
15.02.2010
Originally Posted by des10
Likewise, busting out my custom mapped MPD32 is just going to look like I'm playing whack a mole to people who don't understand controllers.
lol, nice!
Albertha Laconte
11.02.2010
Originally Posted by bergen
Isn't that the same slimy guy that did the Numark teaser video at NAMM 2010?
I was believeing the same thing!! LOL. :eek:
Mathew Meins
29.01.2010
Originally Posted by corporation
some videos:

promotional video from ION
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HDFrG1GiHFE
Isn't that the same slimy guy that did the Numark teaser video at NAMM 2010?
William Strauss
30.04.2011
ion discover dj and stanton 3d are the shit. traktor on the other hand is giving me a lot of trouble. i believe i might just go back to cross dj 1.5 way easier to program the midis and do what ever you need to.
Maybell Corb
19.11.2010
If you're believeing of paying anywhere near full price for this, I'd recommend going for the Numark Mixtrack instead. Loads more controls, much more professional looking and I believe the jogs are identical.
Andree Ganas
19.11.2010
In case anyone wanted this, it is half off at newegg with coupon code EMCZZZX46
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...82698046-L012B
Dana Ordinario
11.10.2010
This was the first thing I ever bought for myself to DJ with. I quickly realized it was more a toy than a true DJing tool. Don't get me wrong it would be great for kids but it is very limited even with a custom .TSI for Traktor.

I picked it up from Target on clearance for 35$. I resold it on craigslist for 40$ so all in all I made out on it. I say look on ebay or craigslist for one and just let them goto town. If your using Traktor you can make new mappings for them that get more complicated as they progress or do what I did and let my 3 year old smack it around while I played with the newer stuff. She would give it a beating too if you've ever seen a three year old play with anything you will know. Honestly thou please don't pay MSRP for this I believe it's like 100-130$ for that price you could get something so much better. If you can find one for under 50$ I say pick it up.
Eleonora Musico
11.10.2010
Originally Posted by djproben
I just recommended it to a friend with a 10 yr old who wants to be a DJ; figure it's a cheap way to get started....
Cool. That's how old the kid in the promo video looked... It actually looks perfect for that age. I was believeing it would be cool to throw some arcade buttons on it cause my kids love pushing buttons.
Danae Dumler
11.10.2010
I just recommended it to a friend with a 10 yr old who wants to be a DJ; figure it's a cheap way to get started....
Eleonora Musico
12.10.2010
Bringing this thread back because I finally got my VCI-300 working right again and now my two and four year old kids really want to get involved.

I would like to encourage their curiosity with something that they could tear up that I wouldn't necessarily care about... so I came across the ION on-line and then came here to see if it had been talked about.

Anybody with an ION let their kids use it?
Brunilda Kora
15.02.2010
It's a toy. And a very SMALL toy. Get a DM2 for $20/
Elliot Serres
15.02.2010
Originally Posted by bergen
Isn't that the same slimy guy that did the Numark teaser video at NAMM 2010?
Yeah thats him!! wonder what happen

Here he is as i remember:http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kVJkLkLbdsY
juan garcia
15.02.2010
Originally Posted by des10
Likewise, busting out my custom mapped MPD32 is just going to look like I'm playing whack a mole to people who don't understand controllers.
lol, nice!
Albertha Laconte
15.02.2010
So I recently ended up picking one of these up to mess around with and for the most part it's pretty much what you could expect. I've started my own mapping for it, and it's coming along well. It looks like there is a little LED ring around the browser knob; has anyone been able to figure out the output to make it light up (or does it)?

Next is to start setting up all the modifiers
Albertha Laconte
11.02.2010
So, although I primarily use traktor scratch w/ my turntables, etc and a variety of midi controllers, I'm really starting to believe about picking one of these up. For some gigs I do (corporate, retail promo and indie weddings), turntables and the full setup are sometimes a bit overkill and quite a hassle. Likewise, busting out my custom mapped MPD32 is just going to look like I'm playing whack a mole to people who don't understand controllers. So I want to control my mixes with something that is A) Portable and B) Resembles 'DJ gear'.

Since reading this has been mapped to Traktor successfully, I'm totally going to give this a shot. I'm believeing I could finally feel comfortable flying for my out of state gigs without worrying about my precious turntables being flung around... could literally use my macbook, audio 2dj soundcard and the discover dj. Any thoughts?
Albertha Laconte
11.02.2010
Originally Posted by bergen
Isn't that the same slimy guy that did the Numark teaser video at NAMM 2010?
I was believeing the same thing!! LOL. :eek:
Susann Blachford
31.01.2010
who the hell decided that guy should sell DJ gear to us?
Mathew Meins
29.01.2010
Originally Posted by corporation
some videos:

promotional video from ION
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HDFrG1GiHFE
Isn't that the same slimy guy that did the Numark teaser video at NAMM 2010?
Rocco Saesee
29.01.2010
I'm looking for a ion discover dj mapper & def file to find under
http://www.virtualdj.com/addons/1032...scover_DJ.html
Unfortunately I have only VDJ5 Home and can't download it but want to try out my ION Discover DJ with the VDJ 6 Trial. Can somebody help me & send me
that mapping file / defintion file - Thanx in advance [email protected]
Hermine Lally
27.12.2009
My girl bought me one for Christmas. I believe she paid too much for it ($129.99 at Target), but at least I can just drive 10 minutes down the street to return it.

Good thing because I'm a little disappointed, not at the build quality, functionality, or layout, but at the software options.

Traktor works with it...but not well. The start time when you release the record slightly lags but there's also a ridiculous amount of sticker drift that makes even basic stabs damn near impossible to do correctly.

The included version of Cross doesn't have the same lag or drift problem but instead has a bubble/grated sound while scratching. The crossfader has no curve adjustment or reverse. Cross in general is a pretty stripped, even the full version. It seems they were going for a Serato type of thing instead of bells and whistles.

I downloaded the demo of mixvibes hoping it would provide an upgrade with more features, but there's no midi template for the discover dj and midi learn is dog to deal with...not as easy as Traktor or Torq.

So in other words the controller is good but there's no software yet that takes full advantage of it to create a DJ solution you can actually gig with.

Which brings up a point...why don't these companies not address these things before a product launch? How do you develop products that claim scratching or vinyl feel in the feature set but not beta test them with DJs that can actually scratch? I believe a little bit of tweaks in the beta stage would have made all the difference and increased the range of potential customers if you could actually use the device to rock a party.

Touch sensitivity in the only real thing that separates a DJ controller from any other midi controller IMHO. I believe most DJ controllers are way overpriced because you can usually get the same number of buttons, knobs, and sliders in a different layout for 1/3 the price.
Jetta Giancaspro
27.12.2009
Originally Posted by corporation
it's decent.
Possibly replaceable?

24.12.2009
it's decent.
Jetta Giancaspro
23.12.2009
How's the crossfader? I know u can adjust the curve, or at least should be able to w/ any djing programs (Traktor, VirtualDJ, etc.). I'm curious about the actual feel(glide) of the crossfader. Is it decent?
Janine Dourado
23.12.2009
The new design is good. My friend got one and said it was less than the best and good to use. I planned to get one after Christmas.

08.12.2009
Originally Posted by coolout
Thanks for the quick response. The whole bubble thing was a major issue for me. One more question...are all the buttons rubber?
the buttons are plastic
Hermine Lally
08.12.2009
Originally Posted by corporation
No bubble sound in Traktor. The scratch algorithm is much better in Traktor in my opinion. Yes - you can change the crossfader curve in Traktor (i would perfer it to be sharper - I love the vci's ultra sharp curve, but it's still better than Cross's CF curve(which you can change to sharp btw, but only though editing midi mapping files, which Cross LE doesn't support, go fig), and you can also reverse the CF.

I guess as a back up, this would be ok, but you would also have to factor in the cost of an audio interface if you don't already have one... also remember, this is bare bones control - unless you map one of the buttons to a 'shift/modifier' key and start getting all MIDI-mapping crazy...

oh and factor in everyone laughing at you if you pull this out as a backup... unless you put in on a guitar strap and really rock it... (that's what i plan on doing - seriously.)

It looks like the Spin controller has a bit more control possibilities, but it's also laid out for a specific program, where the Discover DJ is a bit more flexible in that respect...



veeeeeeeery innnnnnnteresting!
Thanks for the quick response. The whole bubble thing was a major issue for me. One more question...are all the buttons rubber?

I'm not too concerned about the bare-bones-ness of the Ion. I already have a NanoKontrol, Trigger Finger, Nanokey, and a Behringer BCF. If I really need extra buttons or knobs I'm way covered. I also have a Torq Connectiv box so I have an audio interface.

The only things holding be back are the fact that the Vestax Spin is self-contained (but 2.5x more $$$...ouch) and the embarrassment factor you mentioned. The first thing I could do is create some custom stickers to cover up the cheesy record labels on the decks and put black tape over the Ion logo in the center. Maybe paint the bottom jet black, then it will become my "secret weapon" controller.

After looking at the layout it seems Ion made some strange choices that might work well for midi mapping. The reverse buttons seem so unnecessary and would make perfect shift/mod buttons. It would be cool if I could assign buttons "rev 1 and 2" and have 3 or 4 different uses for each button/knob. At around 80 bucks on Amazon,you really can't go wrong with this. It's more of "the poor man's vci" than the Spin.
Jadwiga Mainka
08.12.2009
be sure to include the guitar strap hahahahaha
Earl Ancelet
08.12.2009
Originally Posted by joeymeyer
post a video of the scratching in traktor pro! we are all very curious to see, also do you believe its possible to map the effects to the jog wheels like in vci100 se?
+1
Jadwiga Mainka
08.12.2009
post a video of the scratching in traktor pro! we are all very curious to see, also do you believe its possible to map the effects to the jog wheels like in vci100 se?

08.12.2009
Originally Posted by coolout
corporation,

After watching the video I'm curious. With Traktor are you experiencing the same "bubble" sound as the video? I guess with Traktor you can also change the crossfader curve and reverse it, so the scratch quality should actually be better with Traktor.

I'm stuck between getting this and the Vestax spin. I already have CDJs, 5 different midi controllers and turntables w/ timecode vinyl. I'd like a small controller I can actually scratch with to use as a backup, but can't swallow spending $500 on a VCI. I may never actually use it on a gig.

No bubble sound in Traktor. The scratch algorithm is much better in Traktor in my opinion. Yes - you can change the crossfader curve in Traktor (i would perfer it to be sharper - I love the vci's ultra sharp curve, but it's still better than Cross's CF curve(which you can change to sharp btw, but only though editing midi mapping files, which Cross LE doesn't support, go fig), and you can also reverse the CF.

I guess as a back up, this would be ok, but you would also have to factor in the cost of an audio interface if you don't already have one... also remember, this is bare bones control - unless you map one of the buttons to a 'shift/modifier' key and start getting all MIDI-mapping crazy...

oh and factor in everyone laughing at you if you pull this out as a backup... unless you put in on a guitar strap and really rock it... (that's what i plan on doing - seriously.)

It looks like the Spin controller has a bit more control possibilities, but it's also laid out for a specific program, where the Discover DJ is a bit more flexible in that respect...

Originally Posted by Drimachus
They created all kinds of conductive plastic in wwII, when the couldn't get any more metals because of blockades.
veeeeeeeery innnnnnnteresting!
Victor BlueDragon
07.12.2009
Originally Posted by corporation
1: yes - Jogs are touch sensitive, they work just as you describe. I'm still dumbfounded on how ION made touch sensitive plastic jogs...

2: yes - all buttons can be mapped in Traktor.

3: 19" wide x 8.5" deep x 1.5" tall
They created all kinds of conductive plastic in wwII, when the couldn't get any more metals because of blockades.
Hermine Lally
07.12.2009
corporation,

After watching the video I'm curious. With Traktor are you experiencing the same "bubble" sound as the video? I guess with Traktor you can also change the crossfader curve and reverse it, so the scratch quality should actually be better with Traktor.

I'm stuck between getting this and the Vestax spin. I already have CDJs, 5 different midi controllers and turntables w/ timecode vinyl. I'd like a small controller I can actually scratch with to use as a backup, but can't swallow spending $500 on a VCI. I may never actually use it on a gig.
Enrique Arguijo
07.12.2009
Anyone else realise that the pink thing on the bottom of the hoverboard is a casette?
Karine Noe
07.12.2009
Thanks a lot for that info, i'll update my database with it

If you would like to write some kind of review or description of it, I'd gladly post it on digitaldj.se

07.12.2009
1: yes - Jogs are touch sensitive, they work just as you describe. I'm still dumbfounded on how ION made touch sensitive plastic jogs...

2: yes - all buttons can be mapped in Traktor.

3: 19" wide x 8.5" deep x 1.5" tall
Karine Noe
07.12.2009
Got a couple of questions for ya:

Are the wheels touch sensitive (do they emit a midi note as soon as one places a finger on them, and another one when you spin them in either direction)?

Can all visible buttons/knobs be assigned to functions inside traktor?

Could you give me the exact dimensions of the device?

Sorry for being a pain in the ass

06.12.2009
Jogs are now mapped! (at least for 1.1.2)


attached is my TSI for the Discover DJ. usable in TP 1.1.2.

some changes to the default controls on the DDJ:

really basic controls, just what's needed (at least for me)

play/pause = play/pause
cue = track monitor cue
sync = Loop IN
REV = Loop OUT

Scratch/Search = Syncs decks

Pressing and holding the track select knob previews a currently selected track in the browser.

everything else is as labeled on the DDJ.

Jog wheels are setup to scratch.

to my surprise, they have excellent scratch response.

this is an awesome controller for the money!


Download the Traktor Pro 1.1.2 .tsi for the Discover DJ here: http://www.mediafire.com/?gt0jhziztmd

<< 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