Looking for a midi controller... - TranceAddict Forums

TranceAddict Forums (www.tranceaddict.com/forums)
- DJ Booth
-- Looking for a midi controller...

Posted by Stu Cox on Nov-06-2009 12:28:

Looking for a midi controller...

My turn to ask for gear advice

I'm looking for a midi controller to use with Traktor, but I guess my requirements are slightly different from your average.

Firstly, it must be fairly small and portable so I can take it with me to gigs easily. The plan is to just plug into the install mixer and use that to mix, so I don't need controls for levels, EQ etc as that'll all be done externally.

Secondly, I need to be able to control up to 4 decks with it - play, cue, loop in, loop out, seeking... I essentially want to be able to do everything I can with CDJs at the moment, but playing off the laptop. A slider available for pitch control would also be useful, as I may well decide to do it manually rather than relying on Traktor getting it right.

For now I'm not too fussed about controlling the FX etc in Traktor, but it'd be nice if whatever I get has some scope for expansion so I could get involved with that in the future.

I also don't want it to be toooo tied to Traktor, in case I decide to switch to Ableton or something at a later date

Any thoughts?

My current thinking is a Xone 2D, as it seems to meet the spec, isn't too big and has a built-in soundcard so I'd just have to take laptop, 2D and cables and that's it. Plus it's got BPM detection, so if I do go down the syncing route I can sync it to CD decks playing etc.

Has anyone here used a 2D (particularly with Traktor) and have any comments on it? Quality of soundcard/BPM detection, suitability for Traktor etc.

Thanks hombres!

Posted by Cro_Addict on Nov-06-2009 14:55:

I think 2D would be a good choice. I have been using the Xone 2D with traktor for about 3 months now, after selling my cdj-800's. So far I am very pleased with this controller. I can control everything I need, and I love the fact that the soundcard is integrated. It is just one thing less that I have to plug-in/worry about/carry. One thing to remember is that if you want a DVS setup, this soundcard is not Traktor certified and it won't work.

Posted by Forbes on Nov-06-2009 21:55:

i've got a 2D and love it.

i noticed when i first got it that there was a few crackles with the soundcard, but its seems fine now.

i don't use the bpm counter so can't comment.

i use it with Ableton not Traktor but it is a good solid unit. there is no slider for pitch control but you can use a rotary instead.

Posted by Zak McKracken on Nov-07-2009 01:11:

some say 2d has buggy drivers.

Posted by The Minister on Nov-07-2009 20:31:

Native Instruments has come out with a new controller specifically for Traktor. It might be what you're looking for. It's quite
similar to the 2D from what I saw. Go to www.native-instruments.com and check it out!

I personally used the Korg Pads, (there's 3 different ones), and
am now using a BCD3000 Behringer Controller.

The Minister
www.ministryofedm.com

Posted by Forbes on Nov-08-2009 22:09:

quote:
Originally posted by palm
some say 2d has buggy drivers.

I couldn't install the driver when i first got mine as it kept crashing my comp but using a program called blue screen viewer. I found out it was conflicting with my built in webcam, so i uninstalled the driver for it and no problems since.

Posted by Zak McKracken on Nov-08-2009 23:13:

so u had to do wizardry to get it to work? damn, proves alot of my previous statements in other threads
btw i use uc33e in ableton but i dont think its working that good.

Posted by Stu Cox on Nov-09-2009 12:03:

Thanks for all the comments.

Decided to go with the 2D.

I'm not too fussed if I have to fiddle around a bit to install it (I'm fairly computer literate) as long as it does what I want it to once it's set up. It's going to be running on a laptop with just a really stripped down version of XP, Traktor and nothing else, so there shouldn't be any clashes.

I did look at the Kontrol X1 (the new NI one), but felt it was a little bit too targeted at Traktor - if I decided to switch to Ableton, I'd find it weird having all the buttons labelled to do Traktor things but having them assigned to do something else. Plus I'd need 2 of them + a soundcard (Audio8 or something) to get my 4 decks, which is just more stuff to take with me to gigs, more time setting up etc

Posted by Zak McKracken on Nov-09-2009 16:18:

let me know how it goes man, ive been looking at 2d myself but after reading about the driver-issues i didnt dare getting it. let me know what dj software ur using too when u have it all set up and running.