DJing Need a suggestion for a midi controller

[Jayson]

Looking for something wit a LOT of knobs and buttons, doesn't need faders though but if it does have faders post anyways.

Cheers and thanks a lot!

[kingpin7714]

Re: Need a suggestion for a midi controller

Looking for something wit a LOT of knobs and buttons, doesn't need faders though but if it does have faders post anyways.

Cheers and thanks a lot!

There's a lot out there. The new hot thing is the apc40:

http://www.akaipro.com/apc40

Also, faderfox makes smaller controllers, in a wide variety of configurations, this one might be right up your ally:

http://faderfox.de/html/dx2_product_page.html

[Jayson]

Re: Need a suggestion for a midi controller

I know of Faderfox and the APC40, but I'm talking about a LOT of knobs and buttons.

Something like a monome, but with knobs as well.

[DJansen]

Re: Need a suggestion for a midi controller

I asume u need it to mix mp3's?

I'm about to purchase the Vestax VCI300 controller/audio interface which ships with Serrato's Itch software, very nice dj-controller

[Jayson]

Re: Need a suggestion for a midi controller

I already have a some Faderfox's to use for Traktor, but I'm looking for a controller to use with Ableton.

Need something with lots of buttons so I can launch clips at a moments notice, and a lot of knobs so I can control parameters on each channel.

All without having to cycle through "banks"

[superchibisan]

Re: Need a suggestion for a midi controller

everything is banked. only way to get what you are asking for is to build your own

[Jayson]

Re: Need a suggestion for a midi controller

Liking the monome controllers, but thinking the APC40, and possible another controller with a lot of knobs like a BCR2000

[panoulix]

Re: Need a suggestion for a midi controller

Liking the monome controllers, but thinking the APC40, and possible another controller with a lot of knobs like a BCR2000

Try to avoid Behringers... They have a very much compromise in manufacturing quality, you won't be happy with them after a while, trust me on this.

[i!!ustrious]

Re: Need a suggestion for a midi controller

just go with the apc40. i recently just copped one actually; it gets 'er done quite sufficiently imo.

[pr0ficient]

Re: Need a suggestion for a midi controller

Have you looked at the 'Evolution UC-33'?

It's got lots of knobs, buttons, and faders. Quite inexpensive too

[dj_macgyver]

Re: Need a suggestion for a midi controller

your post had me think of the doepfer drehbank immediately (http://www.doepfer.de/db.htm). unfortunately, they don't build them any more. but maybe you can get one off ebay.

[Krystyan]

Re: Need a suggestion for a midi controller

Have you looked at the 'Evolution UC-33'?

It's got lots of knobs, buttons, and faders. Quite inexpensive too

it's the one i use. and i'm not planning on changing it. it's easy to use, has everything i need. i definitely recommend it.

it has 16 + 4 triggers, 9 faders, and i think 24 knobs.

[scifi pi]

Re: Need a suggestion for a midi controller

The Evolution UC-33 is the affordable hardware controller, designed to be used with any computer music / MIDI setup. In fact, the UC-33 allows instant and simultaneous control of up to 47 different parameters, and with 33 memory locations, changing its setup is fast and easy. With its compact and intuitive design, the UC-33 fits into any studio, regardless of size.

Features

24 fully assignable rotary knobs

Selector buttons provide one button access to the 4 most frequently used program setups

Multi-purpose LCD display shows Controller assignments

9 full-size assignable faders with light indicators

4 assignable buttons provide fingertip control over

Transport and other sequencer functions

Drawbar mode reverses the polarity of the 9 assignable faders. Great for realistic control of those classic organ sounds

Select any of the 33 memory locations, reassign a controller to a different parameter or simply check how the existing setup is configured via the programming keypad

10 button numeric keypad which is also fully assignable

Snap Shot sends out current controller position data and sets your synths controls to the current UC-33 setting

The UC-33 puts the power of music software in your hands. Connecting the UC-33 couldn't be easier. The included USB cable not only connects the unit to your Mac or PC, it also provides the power so you don't have to worry about a power adaptor. Also, to keep cable runs to an absolute minimum, the built-in MIDI interface allows you to connect your MIDI keyboard straight to the UC-33. So, forget that old MIDI interface, you don't need it anymore!

Using controllers should be easy but it often isn't. Even just setting up patches that actually work can be complicated and frustrating, not to mention the headache of having to remember which knob controls which parameter. These problems experienced with many controllers can actually defeat the whole purpose of using one in the first place! In an ideal world, using a controller should require zero effort. With the UC-33, it really is that simple. The UC-33 comes with 33 pre-configured presets allowing instant control of the most popular virtual instruments and host applications, ranging from Cubase SX to Propellerhead Reason to Native Instruments B4. Overlay templates are included allowing you to quickly transform the UC-33 from a synth controller to a mixer.

All Evolution controllers are Class compliant, so there's no need to waste time installing drivers when using Windows XP or Mac OS X. Simply plug and play. It's also possible to gain real-time access to parameters beyond immediate reach on XG and GM/GS compatible soundcards due to the UC-33's pre-programmed Sys-Ex and RPN/NRPN messages. Try one of the factory patches and experience how the UC-33 breathes new life into your soundcard.

Creating your own Setups
All assignable real-time controllers are easily programmed with the numerical keypad. Select a controller, type in a MIDI CC number and the job is done. Each of the UC-33's 47 controllers can also be programmed to transmit on individual MIDI channels and even transmit pre-programmed Sys-Ex messages. Once completed, your setup can of course be stored in any of the 33 memory locations for recall whenever you need it.

1. Factory Presets Cubase - multi-channel mixing (1-
2. Native Instruments B4
3. Native Instruments Pro-53
4. Reason Mixer
5. Reason Malstrom
6. Reason Subtractor
7. Reason NN-19
8. Reason Dr. Rex
9. Reason ReDrum
10. Cubase - multi-channel mixing (9-16)
11. Cubase - Channel strip
12. Sound Studio Pro II 1-8 mixer
13. Sound Studio Pro II 9-16 mixer
14. Sonar preset
15. Steinberg Model-E
16. Steinberg Halion
17. Waldorf Attack
18. Waldorf PPG Wave2V
19. Native Instruments FM7
20. Rebirth - Master controls and Synths
21. Rebirth drum Modules
22. AAS Lounge Lizard
23. CM DS-404
24. CM SR-202
25. CM 101
26. TC-Works Mercury-1
27. Big Tick Audio Rainbow Synth
28. GS/XG/GM2 Synth control
29. GS/XG drum mixer
30. SoundBlaster cards synth control
31. User preset1 Channel mixer (1-
32. User Preset2 Channel Mixer (9-16)
33. User Preset3 Undefined controllers to global channel

The UC-33 Live
The UC-33 can of course also be used with a conventional MIDI setup, for live performances or as a remote controller for your existing studio rack. The MIDI Out not only acts as an output for data from your computer system, but used stand-alone the UC-33 sends MIDI controller data straight from the MIDI Out to your MIDI rack. Even complex live setups are easy to control from a single unit due to the UC-33's powerful programming features.

USB and MIDI Interfacing
The UC-33 can also be used as a USB MIDI interface. The MIDI input and output interfaces directly with your host application adding an extra MIDI interface to your setup. For live applications, simply connect the MIDI Out directly to the device you want to control and power the UC-33 with an optional power supply.

Multiple U-Controls
In some cases, it makes sense to use multiple UC-33's. For instance, you can have one unit controlling your mixer environment and one controlling your instruments. The UC-33 has been designed to operate perfectly alongside itself or any other Evolution controller.Audio software package on CD-ROM
Technical Info
Specifications

Connections USB

MIDI IN, 5-pin DIN type

MIDI OUT, 5-pin DIN type

D.C. Power socket

Control Interface 24 x Rotary Dials

9 x 60mm Faders

4 x buttons

12-key data entry key pad(number keys double as assignable buttons)

Back lit LCD display with

7-segment digital display

Power on/off switch

4 x fast-access preset buttons

Memory 33 User assignable Memory locations

Non-volatile memory for storing settings even when switched off

Accessories User Manual

USB cable

Power supply DC 9V, 250-300mA Centre positive (not included)

Dimensions 32 x 21 x 7 (cm) (approx. 12.61 x 8.3 x 2.76 in.)

[jeffrey collins]

Re: Need a suggestion for a midi controller

You can use two controllers at the same time when using Ableton. You just have them both plugged into the USB ports.

[Jayson]

Re: Need a suggestion for a midi controller

your post had me think of the doepfer drehbank immediately (http://www.doepfer.de/db.htm). unfortunately, they don't build them any more. but maybe you can get one off ebay.

Nice! Good Call, just need to find one now