Allen & Heath DX ...?

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Allen & Heath DX ...?
Posted on: 23.09.2009 by Shameka Wartgow
Whats this i spy?

http://www.xone.co.uk/dx/
Evita Stuckman
06.06.2010
Originally Posted by The Vly
Anyone know whether the units being sold now (US for me) are affected? I want to get myself one ASAP but hope I can get one from the newer batch.
last i heard from Allen and Heath is that the new batch with stiffer buttons will not arrive in US until the next scheduled shipment which is like August

http://pro-audio.musiciansfriend.com...tch?sku=584639

there was one on ebay a few days a go that someone was selling that had already been shipped to UK and has the new buttons.. donno if it's still there
Evie Wecker
06.06.2010
Originally Posted by thictool
Yes tapping between the Play & Cue buttons makes the problem happen....AS WELL AS....(wait for it....) tapping on just about any other part of the surface of the unit.

I own 2 DX's and both have the problem as well as every other unit I have tryed in AMERICAN stores (about 7 & counting not including my 2).

Its not exceptable IMO....not for the cost and PRO level staus this unit boasts.

Im not asking for buttons that have magical super powers or anything....I just want buttons that act like buttons found on any other midi controller on the market, ya know like....buttons that dont engage or dis-engage themself's for any other reason besides actually hitting them.
I'm not denying that there is a problem with these units. There is a problem with them. There's a problem with MINE. Unfortunately when you buy fresh consumer electronic technology out of the gate like we did problems are bound to pop up. I'm a tech junkie and I don't remember the last time I bought something that was bleeding edge tech and didn't have any sort of issue that wasn't solved until after release.

I guess it's partially my fault for expecting people to be calm about these things, but unfortunately people go nuts, as clearly demonstrated here when things aren't perfect. A&H knows there is an issue and I'm sure it'll just be a matter of time before the US authorized repair centers get the parts to fix it. It's not even officially out here yet so just relax, hit something else to count beats, and keep mixing.
Madlyn Trocino
06.06.2010
Originally Posted by bsmack
I just didn't envision the majority of people owning this unit wanting to hit it between the play/pause and cue buttons to count beats.
Yes tapping between the Play & Cue buttons makes the problem happen....AS WELL AS....(wait for it....) tapping on just about any other part of the surface of the unit.

I own 2 DX's and both have the problem as well as every other unit I have tryed in AMERICAN stores (about 7 & counting not including my 2).

Its not exceptable IMO....not for the cost and PRO level staus this unit boasts.

Im not asking for buttons that have magical super powers or anything....I just want buttons that act like buttons found on any other midi controller on the market, ya know like....buttons that dont engage or dis-engage themself's for any other reason besides actually hitting them.
Evie Wecker
06.06.2010
Originally Posted by thictool
Blown outta proportion perhaps for the DJ who deosnt do anything except mix two tracks together all evening long....

Now if you interested in some DJ trickery....

Picture Beat Juggling....which ummm yes requires a bit more "TAPPING" of the unit.

Then picture your tracks radomly stopping for no good or intended reason..

Now you have the general idea?


The question regarding the American relese having the same issue would be a good question for A&H. I personally would be interested on how they are going to address it.
If your "method" of beat juggling requires striking the unit specifically between the play/pause and cue buttons then I guess you would have an issue.

Any time I've ever needed to count a beat I would just tap my foot on the ground. So far I haven't had any issues doing that, but hey, maybe you're right and I'm in the minority. I just didn't envision the majority of people owning this unit wanting to hit it between the play/pause and cue buttons to count beats.
Evie Wecker
03.06.2010
Originally Posted by Glen McArdle
I would not be at ease with that at all...
To each their own, but understand that with pretty much all new product launches there will always be issues and they will always be blown out of proportion by the first group of people that buys whatever the latest and greatest toy is. I understand that a select few unfortunate people have the issue a lot worse than me (where vibration will actually trigger it) but the majority of users either don't know of the "issue", are over-exaggerating the amount it effects them, or don't have it at all.
Yon Gigler
29.05.2010
Originally Posted by The Vly
Incredibly helpful Hesitant. Thanks a lot!
Laaaaaaaast question! I've been looking around at mappings and haven't seen anything related to pitch control. Has anyone done any mappings for rotary pitch control? (I'm new to mapping so would not want to start a blank slate just yet).
Cheers!
Glad it's helped you.

Yes there are quite a few mappings out using the rotary pitch control. The one I use works the same in traktor as it does in itch. Turn the knob for small incraments but if you press down on the rotary and turn it will move the pitch in large incraments. Perfect and also very accurate compared to a fader style pitch control. For me personally I've Found Tim's (mix architekt) mapping the best. I've modified it slightly to suit my style.

I hope my responses have made sense and helped you with your decision.
Nakisha Pasmore
28.05.2010
Originally Posted by hesitant
The build quality is fantastic. As all A&H products its great. To be honest this is the first A&H product I've owned and when I got it I was like wow. After the jog slip and tapping issue my faith was lost for a bit. The jog slip issue was resolved very quickly and the tapping I never really experienced. The fader feel pefect and work really well in traktor (what I use). The knobs are tight and work so well. I had a Vestax TR1 before and I find the knobs so much better. Personal pefereance maybe but they are tighter and feel so much better to handle. They are rubberised rather than metal. They do loosen off once you have played about with them for a while but not to the point they feel unresponsive. its just a great unit all in.

Hope this helps.
Incredibly helpful Hesitant. Thanks a lot!
Laaaaaaaast question! I've been looking around at mappings and haven't seen anything related to pitch control. Has anyone done any mappings for rotary pitch control? (I'm new to mapping so would not want to start a blank slate just yet).
Cheers!
Yon Gigler
28.05.2010
Originally Posted by The Vly
Although another for you:
How about the overall build quality? I know A&H are known for solid builds, and the DX looks great, but some of the knobs seem quite "stubby" or "gimmicky". I haven't gotten my hands on one so I don't really know (and probably won't until/if I decide to buy it), but how do you like them?
I don't have fat fingers or anything, so that's not a worry, just want to know whether they're more stable/solid/... in real life than from the pictures.
The build quality is fantastic. As all A&H products its great. To be honest this is the first A&H product I've owned and when I got it I was like wow. After the jog slip and tapping issue my faith was lost for a bit. The jog slip issue was resolved very quickly and the tapping I never really experienced. The fader feel pefect and work really well in traktor (what I use). The knobs are tight and work so well. I had a Vestax TR1 before and I find the knobs so much better. Personal pefereance maybe but they are tighter and feel so much better to handle. They are rubberised rather than metal. They do loosen off once you have played about with them for a while but not to the point they feel unresponsive. its just a great unit all in.

Hope this helps.
Evita Stuckman
06.06.2010
Originally Posted by The Vly
Anyone know whether the units being sold now (US for me) are affected? I want to get myself one ASAP but hope I can get one from the newer batch.
last i heard from Allen and Heath is that the new batch with stiffer buttons will not arrive in US until the next scheduled shipment which is like August

http://pro-audio.musiciansfriend.com...tch?sku=584639

there was one on ebay a few days a go that someone was selling that had already been shipped to UK and has the new buttons.. donno if it's still there
Evie Wecker
06.06.2010
Originally Posted by thictool
Yes tapping between the Play & Cue buttons makes the problem happen....AS WELL AS....(wait for it....) tapping on just about any other part of the surface of the unit.

I own 2 DX's and both have the problem as well as every other unit I have tryed in AMERICAN stores (about 7 & counting not including my 2).

Its not exceptable IMO....not for the cost and PRO level staus this unit boasts.

Im not asking for buttons that have magical super powers or anything....I just want buttons that act like buttons found on any other midi controller on the market, ya know like....buttons that dont engage or dis-engage themself's for any other reason besides actually hitting them.
I'm not denying that there is a problem with these units. There is a problem with them. There's a problem with MINE. Unfortunately when you buy fresh consumer electronic technology out of the gate like we did problems are bound to pop up. I'm a tech junkie and I don't remember the last time I bought something that was bleeding edge tech and didn't have any sort of issue that wasn't solved until after release.

I guess it's partially my fault for expecting people to be calm about these things, but unfortunately people go nuts, as clearly demonstrated here when things aren't perfect. A&H knows there is an issue and I'm sure it'll just be a matter of time before the US authorized repair centers get the parts to fix it. It's not even officially out here yet so just relax, hit something else to count beats, and keep mixing.
Madlyn Trocino
06.06.2010
Originally Posted by bsmack
I just didn't envision the majority of people owning this unit wanting to hit it between the play/pause and cue buttons to count beats.
Yes tapping between the Play & Cue buttons makes the problem happen....AS WELL AS....(wait for it....) tapping on just about any other part of the surface of the unit.

I own 2 DX's and both have the problem as well as every other unit I have tryed in AMERICAN stores (about 7 & counting not including my 2).

Its not exceptable IMO....not for the cost and PRO level staus this unit boasts.

Im not asking for buttons that have magical super powers or anything....I just want buttons that act like buttons found on any other midi controller on the market, ya know like....buttons that dont engage or dis-engage themself's for any other reason besides actually hitting them.
Evie Wecker
06.06.2010
Originally Posted by thictool
Blown outta proportion perhaps for the DJ who deosnt do anything except mix two tracks together all evening long....

Now if you interested in some DJ trickery....

Picture Beat Juggling....which ummm yes requires a bit more "TAPPING" of the unit.

Then picture your tracks radomly stopping for no good or intended reason..

Now you have the general idea?


The question regarding the American relese having the same issue would be a good question for A&H. I personally would be interested on how they are going to address it.
If your "method" of beat juggling requires striking the unit specifically between the play/pause and cue buttons then I guess you would have an issue.

Any time I've ever needed to count a beat I would just tap my foot on the ground. So far I haven't had any issues doing that, but hey, maybe you're right and I'm in the minority. I just didn't envision the majority of people owning this unit wanting to hit it between the play/pause and cue buttons to count beats.
Madlyn Trocino
06.06.2010		Blown outta proportion perhaps for the DJ who deosnt do anything except mix two tracks together all evening long....

Now if you interested in some DJ trickery....

Picture Beat Juggling....which ummm yes requires a bit more "TAPPING" of the unit.

Then picture your tracks radomly stopping for no good or intended reason..

Now you have the general idea?


The question regarding the American relese having the same issue would be a good question for A&H. I personally would be interested on how they are going to address it.
Nakisha Pasmore
06.06.2010		Anyone know whether the units being sold now (US for me) are affected? I want to get myself one ASAP but hope I can get one from the newer batch.
Evie Wecker
03.06.2010
Originally Posted by Glen McArdle
I would not be at ease with that at all...
To each their own, but understand that with pretty much all new product launches there will always be issues and they will always be blown out of proportion by the first group of people that buys whatever the latest and greatest toy is. I understand that a select few unfortunate people have the issue a lot worse than me (where vibration will actually trigger it) but the majority of users either don't know of the "issue", are over-exaggerating the amount it effects them, or don't have it at all.

03.06.2010		I would not be at ease with that at all...
Evie Wecker
02.06.2010		Honestly, I have the "tapping" issue (the reason tapping is in quotes is because it's not really a tap, but a strike) and I don't really see it as being an issue at all. It's not something I would normally do, and if I were to "tap" it certainly wouldn't be on the area that's causing it. If A&H release a fix/issue a re-call I'll get my unit fixed but for now I don't see it being an issue for me personally.

31.05.2010		Does anybody have any word from A&H if and when the new batchnumbers will be coming on the market an if in fact these new batches will have the tapping issues fixed?

I'm dying to get ne of these, but I'd rather be shure on this..
Yon Gigler
29.05.2010
Originally Posted by The Vly
Incredibly helpful Hesitant. Thanks a lot!
Laaaaaaaast question! I've been looking around at mappings and haven't seen anything related to pitch control. Has anyone done any mappings for rotary pitch control? (I'm new to mapping so would not want to start a blank slate just yet).
Cheers!
Glad it's helped you.

Yes there are quite a few mappings out using the rotary pitch control. The one I use works the same in traktor as it does in itch. Turn the knob for small incraments but if you press down on the rotary and turn it will move the pitch in large incraments. Perfect and also very accurate compared to a fader style pitch control. For me personally I've Found Tim's (mix architekt) mapping the best. I've modified it slightly to suit my style.

I hope my responses have made sense and helped you with your decision.
Nakisha Pasmore
28.05.2010
Originally Posted by hesitant
The build quality is fantastic. As all A&H products its great. To be honest this is the first A&H product I've owned and when I got it I was like wow. After the jog slip and tapping issue my faith was lost for a bit. The jog slip issue was resolved very quickly and the tapping I never really experienced. The fader feel pefect and work really well in traktor (what I use). The knobs are tight and work so well. I had a Vestax TR1 before and I find the knobs so much better. Personal pefereance maybe but they are tighter and feel so much better to handle. They are rubberised rather than metal. They do loosen off once you have played about with them for a while but not to the point they feel unresponsive. its just a great unit all in.

Hope this helps.
Incredibly helpful Hesitant. Thanks a lot!
Laaaaaaaast question! I've been looking around at mappings and haven't seen anything related to pitch control. Has anyone done any mappings for rotary pitch control? (I'm new to mapping so would not want to start a blank slate just yet).
Cheers!
Yon Gigler
28.05.2010
Originally Posted by The Vly
Although another for you:
How about the overall build quality? I know A&H are known for solid builds, and the DX looks great, but some of the knobs seem quite "stubby" or "gimmicky". I haven't gotten my hands on one so I don't really know (and probably won't until/if I decide to buy it), but how do you like them?
I don't have fat fingers or anything, so that's not a worry, just want to know whether they're more stable/solid/... in real life than from the pictures.
The build quality is fantastic. As all A&H products its great. To be honest this is the first A&H product I've owned and when I got it I was like wow. After the jog slip and tapping issue my faith was lost for a bit. The jog slip issue was resolved very quickly and the tapping I never really experienced. The fader feel pefect and work really well in traktor (what I use). The knobs are tight and work so well. I had a Vestax TR1 before and I find the knobs so much better. Personal pefereance maybe but they are tighter and feel so much better to handle. They are rubberised rather than metal. They do loosen off once you have played about with them for a while but not to the point they feel unresponsive. its just a great unit all in.

Hope this helps.
Nakisha Pasmore
28.05.2010
Originally Posted by hesitant
Well I don't have the vibration issue. And I know its a touchy subject. But all units that are manufactured from now on will be ok.

As for how happy am I with my purchase........ Very, very happy. Best purchase I've made in a long time. Its a great unit and when mapped to your liking its perfect.
Thanks Hesitant. I've been reading a lot of your comments, really helpful!
Although another for you:
How about the overall build quality? I know A&H are known for solid builds, and the DX looks great, but some of the knobs seem quite "stubby" or "gimmicky". I haven't gotten my hands on one so I don't really know (and probably won't until/if I decide to buy it), but how do you like them?
I don't have fat fingers or anything, so that's not a worry, just want to know whether they're more stable/solid/... in real life than from the pictures.
Yon Gigler
28.05.2010
Originally Posted by The Vly
I'm in the same boat as you munizj. I love the 4D, but as far as travelling with it for gigs, I'm not really sure. That and I don't believe I'd ever use it externally.

I have a question for you DX users here: how happy are you with your purchase?
Well I don't have the vibration issue. And I know its a touchy subject. But all units that are manufactured from now on will be ok.

As for how happy am I with my purchase........ Very, very happy. Best purchase I've made in a long time. Its a great unit and when mapped to your liking its perfect.
Nakisha Pasmore
28.05.2010
Originally Posted by munizj
i was asking about the vibration issues. still cant make up my mind on which to get--xone 4d or the dx. i know they are vastly different but those are the two that i narrowed it down to =P

I'm in the same boat as you munizj. I love the 4D, but as far as travelling with it for gigs, I'm not really sure. That and I don't believe I'd ever use it externally.

I have a question for you DX users here: how happy are you with your purchase?
Laurel Litchko
28.05.2010		i was asking about the vibration issues. still cant make up my mind on which to get--xone 4d or the dx. i know they are vastly different but those are the two that i narrowed it down to =P
Yon Gigler
27.05.2010
Originally Posted by munizj
have the issues with the dx been resolved? i'm looking into buying either the dx or the 4d.
What issues are you referring to?

The jog slip issue has been resolve with a firmware update.

The vibration issue I believe is being looked at right now. I don't have this problem though. But I recon any units that are sold now will of been modified should they require it.
Laurel Litchko
27.05.2010		have the issues with the dx been resolved? i'm looking into buying either the dx or the 4d.
Kecia Wnukowski
09.05.2010		I'm finishing my own mapping for the Dx.
I really wish a company would be smart enough to propose blank/custom overlays now if there's a demand.
Julissa Serrone
07.05.2010
Originally Posted by Rogue-DJ
Traktor can't support it, because the manufacturers are in contract with Serato (ITCH) to not allow support for any other software companies.

As for the issue of the jogwheel, this is why I have one CDJ-900 on the side of my setup.

Shitty cell pics...

Yeah thats one way to solve the issue!!!!!!!

The thing that had me wondering is that VDJ supporst the NS7?

Well don't want to highjack this thread about jogs and platters. The DX does look cool!!!
Matthew Urtel
07.05.2010		V7 and NS7 are both working in Traktor Pro and TSP.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Jysn738lrUI
http://www.native-instruments.com/fo...ad.php?t=79010

And a user on our own community has a ns7 mapped to traktor
http://www.djranking s.com/community /showthread.php?t=10936

There is also project NS7 working on it.(All DJ Quartz)
Rebbeca Henningsen
07.05.2010
Originally Posted by haze324
Why doesn't traktor support the NS7 or VCI-300 yet. Im an occassional scratch dj - but I understand what you mean - I want to have proper feeling jogs. The DX I believe is just right with everything except the jogs....and the VSM does look a bit cheap.
Traktor can't support it, because the manufacturers are in contract with Serato (ITCH) to not allow support for any other software companies.

As for the issue of the jogwheel, this is why I have one CDJ-900 on the side of my setup.

Shitty cell pics...

Julissa Serrone
06.05.2010
Originally Posted by mmauve

It's funny that no company so far has really nailed down an ideal DJ MIDI controller, something that offers touch sensitive control, 0.02% pitch resolution sliders, and good soundcard built in. Seems that most controllers have one and not the other these days.

I guess I'll just wait for the Otus Raw to come out :|
Ive been asking myself this too!

I thought maybe the VCI-300 platters would be the answer if Traktor ever supports them.....but its along the same lines. Why doesn't traktor support the NS7 or VCI-300 yet. Im an occassional scratch dj - but I understand what you mean - I want to have proper feeling jogs. The DX I believe is just right with everything except the jogs....and the VSM does look a bit cheap.
Roselle Mcnaul
06.05.2010		Yeah, which is fine, it appears to be a solid controller, I just question what compromises had to be made to accommodate for the pricing range it falls into. I suspect that the sound card might be somewhat lackluster, but it's hard to say considering it isn't even out yet.

Either way I will give it a look for sure. Some people complain that it has too many controls, but frankly, I love that
Matthew Urtel
06.05.2010
Originally Posted by mmauve
Really appreciate your input thictool, it unfortunately confirms what I originally thought about the jog wheels. I've worked so much with vinyl and CDJs throughout my DJing, tactile control is sort of a paradigm curse whenever I approach gear which replaces decks.

It's funny that no company so far has really nailed down an ideal DJ MIDI controller, something that offers touch sensitive control, 0.02% pitch resolution sliders, and good soundcard built in. Seems that most controllers have one and not the other these days.

I guess I'll just wait for the Otus Raw to come out :|
VMS4 is the closest you are going to get.
Roselle Mcnaul
06.05.2010		Really appreciate your input thictool, it unfortunately confirms what I originally thought about the jog wheels. I've worked so much with vinyl and CDJs throughout my DJing, tactile control is sort of a paradigm curse whenever I approach gear which replaces decks.

It's funny that no company so far has really nailed down an ideal DJ MIDI controller, something that offers touch sensitive control, 0.02% pitch resolution sliders, and good soundcard built in. Seems that most controllers have one and not the other these days.

I guess I'll just wait for the Otus Raw to come out :|
Madlyn Trocino
06.05.2010		The jogs on DX are a bit limiting. Without touch sensitivity they are a one trick pony. Also the Jog tweakability is limiting while using all, or any of the paramitor choices within Traktor (3rd - 7th).

What I have found is that if you want fine adjustments with the Jog and set it up that way, you also lose the ability to (say) seek quickly thru a track. And if you set it to scroll quickly thru the track, you lose the ability to make fine adjustments.

Even while using the option within Traktor to set the Jog to be "speed sensitive"...it still doesnt help.

I also feel the Jog itself is placed a bit too low on the DX. I have noticed while using the jog wheel (especially with my finger in the indent part) I can sometimes feel (and hear) the jog grinding / scrapping against what ever is below it (plastic?) I do tend to be heavy handed, but I have never experienced this behaviar in any other Midi control unit....even the BCD-2000. I have tested this on many DX units and they all "grind or scrape" at certain times.
Roselle Mcnaul
05.05.2010		For me its not really scratching, but its the tactile experience which really engages me. Its unfortunate Allen & Heath didnt take touch sensitivity into consideration with the Xone DX.
Julissa Serrone
05.05.2010		theres a tsi on the NI community where if you press down the pitch knob you can backspin. Im guessing thats along the lines of the touch sensitive - you press down and it activates the jogs into scratch mode. Probably has to be worked a bit - but i cant imagine its anything special. Sucks - because everything else on that thing looks pretty solid.

traktor needs to support a controller we can scratch on already!
Corine Kasman
05.05.2010
Originally Posted by mmauve
Hey sorry if I missed this in the thread, but how is the platter performance on the DX?

Does it "grab" the track when you apply pressure?, is it good for light scratching, cueing, etc?
^what haze said.

From the A&H vid on YouTube, the jog scrolls when the deck is stopped and switches to pitch bend when the deck plays. Now that is when using Itch, you might be able to use it for scratching in Traktor, but then will not be able to pitch bend.

Phil.
Julissa Serrone
05.05.2010
Originally Posted by mmauve
Hey sorry if I missed this in the thread, but how is the platter performance on the DX?

Does it "grab" the track when you apply pressure?, is it good for light scratching, cueing, etc?
from what I saw on the videos they are not touch sensitive - so none of that. Scroll thru a track, press play, pitch bend. I believe thats about it. Everything else looks great!

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