What controller should I buy?

Scubadevils · 19-02-2010 10:30pm

electrogrimey wrote: »

The Xone 1Ds don't have soundcards, they're just a midi controller, so you would need a souncard like the Audio 2 DJ, or the Audio 8 DJ. You don't need the uc33e if you're going for 2 Xone 1Ds. Here are your options:

Don't use (/sell) your existing mixer, get a VCI-100 and an Audio 2 DJ.

Use your existing mixer, get a UC33e and an Audio 2 DJ.

Don't use (/sell) your existing mixer, get a UC33e, a Xone:1D/Kontrol X1 and an Audio 2 DJ.

*Use your existing mixer, get a Xone:1D/Kontrol X1 and an Audio 2 DJ.

*Use your existing mixer, get 2 Xone:1Ds/2 Kontrol X1s and an Audio 8 DJ.

The two marked with * are the two I'd say are best, whether you want to use 2 or 4 channels is up to you.

If only for home use, a VCI-100 is still definitely an option, they look like great fun, but if you want to get into DJing out I'd say go with the other ones.

Cool, cheers. So 1 x Xone1D/Kontrol X1 along with Audio 2 DJ will give control over 2 channels. I thought I'd have to buy two of them to control 2 channels

Not so bad then in terms of cost.

Oh and Traktor Lite does come with the Xone too?

ED E · 19-02-2010 10:30pm

garthv wrote: »

The Stealth doesnt have a soundcard. Only the Omni Control does.

As for recommending a controller...go for the Omni Control! Its a bloody great piece of kit. I had a Hercules RMX which I ditched because the sound card in it is a pile of ****. Been playing gigs with my Omni Control now for months and I wouldnt change it for the world!

Ooops:p

eeloe · 19-02-2010 10:38pm

I haven't read the whole thread, so I'm sorry if it's already been covered!

I'd highly reccomed the m-audio xponent along with torq. It's pretty solid of you've a decent laptop! It's what I've been using for the last year and it's served me well!

Scubadevils · 19-02-2010 11:29pm

I want the DX, several youtube videos and some drooling over pictures on the web have me completely sold. It can also take phono inputs so my 1210s can remain in operation too!

1155 euro though :eek:

http://www.thomann.de/ie/allenheath_xone_dx.htm

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LnLfQ6ieX8c&feature=related

Seriously tempted.

eeloe · 20-02-2010 12:40am

The xone3d/4d will always be a dream of mine!

electrogrimey · 20-02-2010 2:11am

Felixdhc wrote: »

Cool, cheers. So 1 x Xone1D/Kontrol X1 along with Audio 2 DJ will give control over 2 channels. I thought I'd have to buy two of them to control 2 channels Not so bad then in terms of cost.

Oh and Traktor Lite does come with the Xone too?

Yep, The Xone:1D can be mapped to control 2 channels, even 4 channels is possible. The Kontrol X1 is pre-mapped for two channels, but I suppose it could be mapped for 4, but it wouldn't be ideal, same as the Xone:1D.

Traktor LE is awful, you'll definitely need the €129 upgrade. AFAIK the Xones don't, only the X1 does. But, it comes with the Audio 8, so you'd still get it even using Xones.

That Xone:DX is more or less the same as a 4 channel mixer with two Xone:1Ds attached, I don't think it'd be worth it if you already have a mixer.

Scubadevils · 20-02-2010 3:52pm

electrogrimey wrote: »

Yep, The Xone:1D can be mapped to control 2 channels, even 4 channels is possible. The Kontrol X1 is pre-mapped for two channels, but I suppose it could be mapped for 4, but it wouldn't be ideal, same as the Xone:1D.

Traktor LE is awful, you'll definitely need the €129 upgrade. AFAIK the Xones don't, only the X1 does. But, it comes with the Audio 8, so you'd still get it even using Xones.

That Xone:DX is more or less the same as a 4 channel mixer with two Xone:1Ds attached, I don't think it'd be worth it if you already have a mixer.

Spent a lot of this morning watching further youtube vids on the various Xone options - much and all as I want the DX it probably doesn't make sense in the fact I already have a mixer but it would be nice to have an all in one solution too so in that respect I'm still a bit torn.

I'm defo ruling out the like of the VCI-100 etc though as I do want to keep the option to play vinyl.

electrogrimey · 20-02-2010 5:21pm

What mixer do you have by the way? And do you have vinyl decks too?

You could get a timecode set-up instead of 2 1Ds for the same price if you wanted to?

copeyhagen · 20-02-2010 5:48pm

electrogrimey wrote: »

Yep, The Xone:1D can be mapped to control 2 channels, even 4 channels is possible. The Kontrol X1 is pre-mapped for two channels, but I suppose it could be mapped for 4, but it wouldn't be ideal, same as the Xone:1D.

i have the 1d set up for 4 channels and its perfect. i just wanna use the upfaders on the 1d for effect parameters and remap it so im not using any eq functions on the 1d, and map them to the uc33

the xone dx is amazin lookin alright. if you could afford it then its deffo a serious option.

Scubadevils · 20-02-2010 8:33pm

electrogrimey wrote: »

What mixer do you have by the way? And do you have vinyl decks too?

You could get a timecode set-up instead of 2 1Ds for the same price if you wanted to?

I have a Vestax PCV-275, several years old now but still a good mixer... I see its still available too...

http://www.htfr.com/more-info/MR65697

Yeah I was looking at that timecode solution, also looks tempting - decisions, decisions. My heart is going for the Xone DX it has to be said!

What is that Serato Itch like that comes bundled with the DX? - Is that more focused towards scratching?

electrogrimey · 20-02-2010 9:33pm

Felixdhc wrote: »

What is that Serato Itch like that comes bundled with the DX? - Is that more focused towards scratching?

Wouldn't be anywhere close to Traktor. Most people seem to use the Xone series for Ableton, and others for Traktor.

Scubadevils · 20-02-2010 11:39pm

electrogrimey wrote: »

Wouldn't be anywhere close to Traktor. Most people seem to use the Xone series for Ableton, and others for Traktor.

Yeah I had thought that alright, kinda knocks the DX really then as I'd have to go and buy Traktor also - the DX seems to be made for Serato Itch.

copeyhagen · 21-02-2010 3:31pm

you dont have to "buy" anything mate

and all the xone series comes pre mapped for traktor too

Scubadevils · 21-02-2010 4:21pm

copeyhagen wrote: »

you dont have to "buy" anything mate

and all the xone series comes pre mapped for traktor too

Well I defo have to buy the hardware unfortunately!

I take it I don't need that Audio 8dj thing if I get the DX?

electrogrimey · 21-02-2010 5:34pm

Felixdhc wrote: »

Well I defo have to buy the hardware unfortunately!

I take it I don't need that Audio 8dj thing if I get the DX?

As far as I can see, the DX is a soundcard in itself. Just found this video of Ean Golden reviewing it, he doesn't like it that much. I'd say you'd do a lot better with a real analog mixer, and two midi controllers.

Scubadevils · 21-02-2010 7:19pm

electrogrimey wrote: »

As far as I can see, the DX is a soundcard in itself. Just found this video of Ean Golden reviewing it, he doesn't like it that much. I'd say you'd do a lot better with a real analog mixer, and two midi controllers.

Yeah I saw that too today - I'm 100% not getting the DX now mainly due to the fact that an analogue source needs to route back through the software on the DX. Not the case with the Xone 4D which I definitely cannot stretch to. Also as you say I don't need it given that I have a mixer I can use with either the Xone 1D or the X1 - the DX just looks very sexy and was getting me on that basis

- plus the all-in-one aspect is nice.

I wasn't sure either what the main difference was between the 1D and 2D but from what I read today its the soundcard in the 2D along with a BPM counter and some additional midi controls.

So my conclusion seems to be to get most likely the 1D along with Audio8DJ - I still don't see why I would need an additional 1D when 1 x 1D can control up to four channels? Is the 2nd 1D for more effects control etc?

electrogrimey · 21-02-2010 7:34pm

If you can afford it, I'd say go for the second 1D. It's not ideal to control 4 channels with one controller, and have the two would make it much easier, and make a lot more things possible.

Scubadevils · 21-02-2010 7:42pm

I can't really afford it but might try and stretch to it. I had set out on the quest for a move into digital with a budget of about 600! But I would hate to have bought something like the VCI-100 and then find that spending more would have allowed me to incorporate my 1210s.

I suppose I could always start with 1 x 1D and add another when funds allow.

electrogrimey · 21-02-2010 7:47pm

Felixdhc wrote: »

I suppose I could always start with 1 x 1D and add another when funds allow.

Exactly, that's what I was going to suggest.

If you're tight on funds you could consider the X1. Used it properly in a club for the first time last night, and it was perfect. Lovely little feature on it is a little hole in the back so you can clip it onto a vinyl deck if you're tight on room in the booth, which I was.

Scubadevils · 21-02-2010 8:30pm

Yeah I was looking more at the X1 today also and there is about 100 quid in the difference alright. Is there much difference between them in terms of features/performance etc?

electrogrimey · 21-02-2010 8:37pm

I haven't had the chance to try a Xone:1D, but just by comparing images, the Kontrol X1 seems to have more buttons, but the Xone has faders, although I can't really see a use for faders on a midi controller.

I imagine the 1D might be slightly better build quality, although the X1 is great quality itself.

Scubadevils · 21-02-2010 10:02pm

electrogrimey wrote: »

I haven't had the chance to try a Xone:1D, but just by comparing images, the Kontrol X1 seems to have more buttons, but the Xone has faders, although I can't really see a use for faders on a midi controller.

I imagine the 1D might be slightly better build quality, although the X1 is great quality itself.

Debates on other forums seem to vary a lot from various people in terms of their preference... which you would expect really, not likely to be a definitive answer for something like this... silly really but I prefer the look of the 1D.

paddy1993 · 21-02-2010 10:05pm

ahh, you mean dj controller? i thought you meant MIDI when i saw the Topic title !

electrogrimey · 21-02-2010 10:12pm

Felixdhc wrote: »

Debates on other forums seem to vary a lot from various people in terms of their preference... which you would expect really, not likely to be a definitive answer for something like this... silly really but I prefer the look of the 1D.

Look is one thing, but there are features on both you don't realise until you use both, like the lights on the X1, they're brilliant in a dark club, making it really easy to see what you're doing. AFAIK the 1D doesn't have that.

I'd say your best bet would be to actually have a go of both, and see which you prefer, if that's at all possible.

Scubadevils · 21-02-2010 10:37pm

electrogrimey wrote: »

Look is one thing, but there are features on both you don't realise until you use both, like the lights on the X1, they're brilliant in a dark club, making it really easy to see what you're doing. AFAIK the 1D doesn't have that.

I'd say your best bet would be to actually have a go of both, and see which you prefer, if that's at all possible.

Yeah I did read that elsewhere alright in relation to the fact of there being no lights on the 1D versus the X1.

Trying them both not an option so I'll have to just weigh up the pros and cons of each and make a decision.

Cheers for the help with the decisions, at least I know now the route I am going - just need to decide which unit now. I'll defo buy the audio8dj and having used the demo of Traktor I know that is the software I want.

copeyhagen · 22-02-2010 10:12pm

yeh, no lights on the 1d.

1d does have a better build quality look to it.

has the faders which at the moment im usin as upfaders but will be re routed to effects like hawtin was using on his old setup.

electrogrimey · 22-02-2010 10:14pm

Great post here from DJ Tech Tools, maybe a mod could stick it to the first post. It's a round-up of all the most popular controllers under $200, and it's really informative. A bit biased towards Vestax, the Oxygen 8, and the Midi Fighter, controllers that they love over at TechTools, but still very useful.

http://www.djtechtools.com/2010/01/31/compare-low-cost-controllers-best/#more-4697

ED E · 27-02-2010 2:06pm

Just a quick slightly OT question here, do any of you use two virtual systems? AKA two laptops. Was at an 18th last night and the DJ was using two Dells and a Yamaha 16X. Was something I hadn't considered before, I've always thought of CD decks for the backup, but doing it that way makes a lot of sense.

Maserati23 · 27-02-2010 2:52pm

I have read back thrugh the above posts as best I can. What is the most cost-effective controller without jog wheel, I can purchase! This must include sound card.

I require it for a small pub gig twice a week.

Also do I wait and buy what you suggest on the web or wait for adverts, or whatever.

Thanks.

Sorry a bit new to the technology, compared to my citronic decks back in the 80's

electrogrimey · 27-02-2010 5:36pm

Lethal_Bullet wrote: »

Just a quick slightly OT question here, do any of you use two virtual systems? AKA two laptops. Was at an 18th last night and the DJ was using two Dells and a Yamaha 16X. Was something I hadn't considered before, I've always thought of CD decks for the backup, but doing it that way makes a lot of sense.

Well you'd definitely need a backup laptop if you were using a Dell :pac: But, buying a second Macbook (there's no point having a PC as a backup for a Mac, because the PC would be more likely to crash) and a second copy of Traktor is a lot more expensive than just burning a few CDs.

Maserati23 wrote: »

I have read back thrugh the above posts as best I can. What is the most cost-effective controller without jog wheel, I can purchase! This must include sound card.

I require it for a small pub gig twice a week.

Also do I wait and buy what you suggest on the web or wait for adverts, or whatever.

Thanks.

Sorry a bit new to the technology, compared to my citronic decks back in the 80's

What's your budget? You're best off buying the best quality you can afford - is you're using good quality equipment you'll sound better, and make the money back quicker from gigs.

Why must it have an internal soundcard? Buying simply a MIDI controller and an external soundcard would give you better latency and sound quality.

Here's a round-up of controller without jogwheels for under $200:

But, I think these are what you're looking for, and it shows which ones have built-in soundcards.

What controller should I buy?

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