The controller I wish I had...

[Semuta]

http://www.semuta.com/wp-content/galler ... /apcdj.jpg

So here's a mockup of what I think would be a better ableton dj controller... The APC is so unwieldy and the 20 kept the wrong controls...

Whaddaya think?

S

[beats me]

I don't think you can consider it a Live controller without a grid matrix. Have no idea how you would launch clips with that.

[Semuta]

So, how about this:

http://www.semuta.com/wp-content/galler ... apcdj2.jpg

I'm imagining having two boxes on the screen that can be moved around independently...

S

[beats me]

So, how about this:

http://www.semuta.com/wp-content/galler ... apcdj2.jpg

I'm imagining having two boxes on the screen that can be moved around independently...

S

Better I suppose, but personally I don't like Live as DJ software. But if I had to use it as such it would be all about at least an 8X8 grid matrix. There's the conundrum. Your ideal controller is removing the one thing that makes Live unique from other software options.

[Semuta]

Fair enough... For myself when djing with live, I don't find myself launching clips all that often, and certainly not 8 across. I usually only work with 2 tracks playing at a time. More is not better for me...

I actually prefer the 2 turntables paradigm, but don't want to be haulling two turntables everywhere...

FWIW, I have an APC and have dj'd a good bit with it, so at this point it's working for me... I don't use the grid so much though.

Hanz over at

http://forum.ableton.com/viewtopic.php?f=1&t=142659

is doing some amazing stuff which sort of caused me to visualize something more along these lines.

S

[the_antagonist]

[MacGuffin]

there are many DJ controllers like this, not official Live ones, but you could do the exact same thing.
Maybe there's even one with remote scripts to make it more neato.


+ what beats me said, sums up my opinion.

Your ideal controller is removing the one thing that makes Live unique from other software options.

[Semuta]

There are lots of dj controllers... granted. Which ones are you thinking of? Maybe I'm missing my ultimate controller somewhere!

S

[flippo]

I actually prefer the 2 turntables paradigm, but don't want to be haulling two turntables everywhere...

just use the clubs/promoters mate

[MacGuffin]

maybe something like the Numark Total Control. About 16 knobs, the eqs also act as buttons/switches (to assign kills), crossfader, jog wheels... bunch of other switches.

pretty much like what you wanted in your first picture.

[Mudo]

...

ie:

http://www.mixfoundation.co.nz/images/s ... 00-web.jpg


...

[the_antagonist]

[MacGuffin]

Yes the Vestax one is very nice, especially if you want something with an integrated audio interface.

[beats me]

Fair enough... For myself when djing with live, I don't find myself launching clips all that often, and certainly not 8 across. I usually only work with 2 tracks playing at a time. More is not better for me...

I actually prefer the 2 turntables paradigm, but don't want to be haulling two turntables everywhere...

FWIW, I have an APC and have dj'd a good bit with it, so at this point it's working for me... I don't use the grid so much though.

Hanz over at

http://forum.ableton.com/viewtopic.php?f=1&t=142659

is doing some amazing stuff which sort of caused me to visualize something more along these lines.

S

Really if you're just running 2 tracks most of the time then I think Traktor or Serato would be the better option. Between your ideal controller and the 2 track preference I think you're missing the point of Live. But whatever works for you.

[Semuta]

Well, I own Serato and Traktor both... and I love Serato! I suppose what I mean when I say 2 deck paradigm has more to do with how many tracks I'm mashing together and effecting at a time... My Ableton dj setup actually has 4 channels, and I'm usually flipping back and forth between pairs. Mixing my mixes...

I love Ableton primarily for the flexibility in fx and routing. I also use the mouse to improvise cues on the fly in the clips.

When I dj with Ableton, I do way more with the knobs than clip launch... hence this controller mockup.

I like the vestax devices, but there's no automapping (LED rings anyway). Also, the layout is not friendly towards the 8 knob groups that Ableton prefers. I started thinking of this layout after trying a nocturn. The encoders were dreadful... I returned it.

I like and very much use the ability to have the knobs follow track focus. I want to have two groups of knobs (and buttons in my second mockup) that have independent track focus... That's why I included a D-pad on each side of the controller. Picture 2 1X4 red boxes that can be moved about independently. So many of the things I do when dj'ing revolve around eq'ing in both tracks at the same time. I've done setups with user mapping in Ableton, but they are inflexible once all mapped up...

I have 0 expectations that Akai or Ableton would introduce up a design like this... I suspect the closest I'll get will be with TouchOSC or something like it.

S