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Xone DX DJ Controller with Bundled Serato ITCH

djnth — Thu, 15 Oct 2009 04:26:16 +0000

Xone delivers a top of the line DJ controller to put all others to shame. Check it out:

After weeks of speculation and buzz around the industry, Allen & Heath and Serato Audio Research have announced the launch of the Xone: DX, a new Plug’n'Play DJ controller, the result of close collaboration between the two companies. The DX, another development in Allen & Heath’s Xone: D range of controllers, is a 20-channel USB soundcard and features total integration of the brand new 4-deck Serato ITCH software.

Boasting the ability to send up to 168 individual MIDI control messages, a 20-channel 96kHz/24-bit USB 2.0 soundcard, two dual layer deck simulators, and RIAA/phono inputs for external decks, as well as the central 4 channel mixer section which directly manipulates the DSP mixing within the computer, the Xone: DX is the most versatile, high specification professional DJ controller to date. A full version of the new Serato ITCH software is supplied with the DX, providing unique 4-deck control, and a comprehensive set of digital DJ FX, as well as looping and time-stretching.

“Serato has always been an admirer of Allen & Heath’s DJ hardware and we’ve watched the development of the Xone: D series of controllers with keen interest. In our opinion, Allen & Heath design some of the best music production software controllers in the professional field,” explains Serato MD, Steve West. “Rather than a partnership to simply bundle our products, we wanted to collaborate with A&H at the drawing board stage, and design a product that would fully manipulate the new version of ITCH.”

The Xone: DX is also fully compatible with other leading DJ software brands, and has Allen & Heath’s customary pro modular design build and high quality components. It also has bi-colour LED feedback layer assignment, UV light sensitive legend, mix outputs on RCA and balanced XLR, a separate booth output, and measures 50mm deep to fit conveniently in a laptop bag.

“Ever since we launched the MIDI-enabled Xone:92 in 2003, followed by the multi-media Xone:3D in 2005, we have strived to design controllers that would fulfil a digital DJ’s wish list. The Xone: DX is the next step in this journey, with a versatile and wide-ranging set of features in a compact package,” comments Xone designer, Andy Rigby-Jones.

Suggested retail price is £999 shipping in November 2009.

More info at Xone Website

Fretless Fader MIDI Controller

djnth — Wed, 01 Apr 2009 07:27:45 +0000

JohnBeez has developed a new Fretless Fader which acts as a two octave pitch controller and crossfader which makes creating music on the turntable that much easier. Pair that up with the Vestax Controller One and this is what you get…

Here is another video of JohnBeez with his Controller One and a Loop Pedal…

NAMM: Akai debuts APC40 an Ableton Live Controller

djnth — Mon, 19 Jan 2009 00:48:48 +0000

At the National Association of Music Merchants (NAMM) expo, Akai showed the APC40 MIDI control surface it has developed in conjunction with Ableton, making it the first such device to be ready to run out of the box with the Ableton Live music editing software. As there is no need to load drivers, users simply plug in their notebooks via a USB port and can begin mixing or otherwise modifying their music using Ableton Live. The APC40 is being touted as the simplest, most direct hardware interface with the popular software, yet still allows advanced users to assign the board’s 40 buttons, knobs and fader controls to any virtual controls in the software.

Each control on the APC40 lights up in a different color to give users an instant indication of clip state. Likewise, the 16 knobs are lined by a ring of LED rings that perform the same functions. Akai points out the APC40 makes controlling music at live events much quicker and easier, taking the connected source, most often a notebook or desktop PC or Mac, out of the equation.

Numark Stealth Spotted at NAMM

djnth — Mon, 19 Jan 2009 00:24:28 +0000

Numark has announced at NAMM that it’s displaying Stealth Control, a professional DJ controller that comes with Native Instruments Traktor LE and MixMeister Fusion Live software. With a design based around Numark’s previous control devices, it provides the same two decks and a mixer layout that allows users to jog, scrub, or scratch. Stealth Control sends MIDI information to control the software and can be used with any application that supports MIDI. A USB cable is used to connect the controller to the computer.

Traktor LE 3 is a dual-deck DJ application that provides features such as auto-sync, beat-accurate loops, and a variety of effects, while Mix Meister Fusion delivers timeline-based mixing capabilities. Stealth Control is available now and has been priced by the company at $400 with an estimated street price of $300.

The Flashy New Eks Otus Controls 2 Decks with 1 Controller

djnth — Thu, 18 Dec 2008 23:48:18 +0000

The Otus from Eks is another new DJ Controller to enter the game, but this one definitely has some features I’d like to try out in person if we can get a test unit in here. A few features that really stand out to me are the ability to control 2 decks with just the one controller and the touch sensitive pitch ribbon. This sleek new DJ controller can be had for 649.00 € via the Eks Website.

From the Eks website:

Functional Design
To meet the needs of professional artists, all the controls are of the absolute best quality. The placement of each control has been optimized for usability and for show factor. All of the key functions are placed closest to the DJ, while effect orientated controls are placed further away. Otus is also designed to fit on top of a standard vinyl turntable. This makes it easy to fit it in any DJ booth. Otus weights 2kg, so it’s firm and sturdy but still retains its portable nature.

Future Proof Control Layout
10 control knobs, 17 low travel buttons and 6 touch sensitive buttons – all controls freely assignable to suit the artists’ personal needs. No mouse or keyboard is needed to perform. The controls are specially designed to meet the needs of the present digital world as well as the challenges of the future.

7,5” Jog Wheel
The heart of Otus is its illuminated, high resolution 7.5” jog wheel with both physical and virtual sensitivity adjustments. The touch sensitive top part of the wheel functions like a vinyl turntable, allowing you to scratch or cue the track by rotating the wheel. The outer rim of the wheel functions as a pitch bender. The LED illumination around the wheel enables two way communication with MIDI software in a configurable manner.

Dual Layer Control Surface
Otus features two layers of controls, which can be easily swapped by pressing the switch button. This enables operating two virtual decks with just one controller. Layer changes are indicated by the change of the LED colour.

Touch Sensitive Pitch Ribbon
The 80mm touch sensitive relative pitch slider with LED visualization enables highly accurate pitch adjustments. The amount of pitch is altered by sliding a finger on the slider, and the accuracy of the slider can be chosen on the fly by pressing the scale button, for example 1x/5x/10x. The LED indicates the pitch value, which is recalled as the user swaps the virtual deck.

Integrated Soundcard with Dual Outputs and A Headphone Jack
Individual professional level analog and digital outputs for both virtual decks. The headphone output enables direct headphone preview.

Touchpad
A touchpad for mouse or user definable X/Y effect control. This makes touching computer while playing unnecessary.

Four Selector Jog Wheels
Each corner of Otus features an assignable jog wheel controller with an integrated select button in the middle – created for optimal file browsing or selecting effects and other features.

LED Illumination
All controls are backlit by colour changing LED’s for easy utilization in a club environment and other poorly illuminated situations.

Works with Your Favorite DJ/VJ/MIDI Software
The advanced MIDI mapper and ASIO drivers make creating configurations for your favourite DJ/VJ software easy and intuitive. The EKS support pages contain downloads and instructions for setting Otus up with different software.

via: Eks Website

Build a Rotary DJ Controller Out of an Old Hard Drive

djnth — Thu, 13 Nov 2008 05:46:02 +0000

Another cool instructable for turning an old hard drive into a rotary controller that can then be mapped to MIDI to contol some DJ software or some other bit of virtual gear. If anyone technically gifted enough to build one of these does so please post some photos and let us know how it works out.

Full instructions here.

Korg Nano Digital Music Controllers

djnth — Thu, 13 Nov 2008 05:25:02 +0000

Here’s a nice bit of kit to take along with you on your next flight when you’ve just got to finish that next remix on the go. :)

Snip snip…

Now that the laptop has become the new desktop it’s tempting to do everything on the go. But try composing or editing music while enjoying a latte at Starbucks and you’ll find yourself seriously lacking in the tactile input department. There’s a reason why musicians generally need racks of equipment at their disposal… you just cant play music so well with a keyboard and mouse. The new Korg Nano Digital Music Controllers aim to remedy this musical dilemma by providing three different portable USB versions of common musical input devices that fit perfectly with your laptop. The nanoKEY gives you a mini velocity sensitive keyboard. The nanoPAD provides you with velocity sensitive drum-pads and a Kaossilator style x-y control pad while the nanoKONTROL gives you nine faders, nine knobs and eighteen switches for your mixing pleasure.

Basically all three Nano Controllers are USB MIDI devices that can work with various music software that supports MIDI. The nanoKEY comes with a free download for Korgs nice M1 Le synthesizer software with some great classic Korg synth sounds. The nanoPAD has a free download for EZDrummer 1.14 to get you started with some rockin’ beats and the nanoKONTROL gives you a $50 off coupon for Ableton Live music editing software.

Included with all of the models is Korg’s Kontrol Editor software which allows you to customize the exact MIDI commands sent by each key, slider and button.

nanoKEY

* Keyboard: 25-key with velocity and 4 velocity curves
* CC MODE button
* Octave Shift up/down buttons
* Pitch up/down buttons
* Modulation button
* Dimensions: 320(W) x 83(D) x 14(H) mm/ 12.60”(W) x 3.27”(D) x 0.55”(H)
* Includes free download for Korg M1 Le Synthesizer software and Korg’s Kontrol Editor software

nanoPAD

* 12 trigger pads with velocity and 4 velocity curves
* X-Y pad (Like the Kaossilator!)
* ROLL button
* FLAM button
* HOLD button
* 4 SCENE buttons (Allows 4 different MIDI configurations to be recalled instantly)
* Dimensions: 320(W) x 82(D) x 16.5(H) mm/ 12.60”(W) x 3.23”(D) x 00.65”(H)
* Includes free download for EZDrummer 1.14 software and Korg’s Kontrol Editor software

nanoKONTROL

* 9 knobs
* 9 sliders
* 18 buttons
* Transport buttons: REW/PLAY/FF/LOOP/STOP/REC
* 4 SCENE buttons (Allows 4 different MIDI configurations to be recalled instantly)
* Dimensions: 320(W) x 82(D) x 29.5(H) mm/ 12.60”(W) x 3.23”(D) x 1.16”(H)
* Includes $50 off coupon for Ableton Live software and free download of Korg’s Kontrol Editor software

PC Requirements

* Mac OS X 10.3.9, or Mac OS X 10.4.7 or later
* Microsoft Windows XP SP2 or later, or Microsoft Windows Vista SP1
* Available USB Port

via: thinkgeek