Midi crossfader that is cuts like a DJ mixer

ShrimpUSA · Post by **ShrimpUSA** » Sun Oct 28, 2007 3:04 pm

The Edirol PCR500 49-Key Controller has a sluggish crossfader. So disappointing as this would be the ultimate controller. I have a turntable running into Ableton and the only reason I have a mixer is so I can cut using the crossfader. Seems silly to bring out such a hugh piece of gear for this one thing. I would prefer to not get a DJ midi controller. Any thoughts on gear? Anybody know if the Bitstream 3X cuts like a normal DJ mixer?

WaveRider · Post by **WaveRider** » Sun Oct 28, 2007 3:13 pm

I use an X-Session, I like it but I am no dj...

rikhyray · Post by **rikhyray** » Sun Oct 28, 2007 4:18 pm

I dont think you will find any that would satisfy you, Edirol is even one of the best of the lot. You want real cut, sharp precise- route outs separately and use hardware, Live corssfader is OK, could be better but there is no way to make midi/software crossfade so exact as hardware, already midi latency (USB and Firewire) screws things enough, could be better if you use RME with PCMCIA or Express card, still hardware solution is, and probably always be better.

darren · Post by **darren** » Sun Oct 28, 2007 6:21 pm

I have an x-session pro - the x fader is ok but nothing like real hardare - I use it for slow to medium x-fades and if I want a fast cut I use keystrokes on the qwerty keyboard - its a good compromise.
Darren

dancing Ray · Post by **dancing Ray** » Sun Oct 28, 2007 8:53 pm

ShrimpUSA wrote: Anybody know if the Bitstream 3X cuts like a normal DJ mixer?

Mine doesn´t.

Robert Henke · Post by **Robert Henke** » Sun Oct 28, 2007 10:02 pm

Maybe give the different crossfade curves in Live a try...
They can be reached via the context menu of the crossfader.

But by nature MIDI has more latency and is less accurate then
a real physical fader so the experience will never be 100% the same.

Robert

dCross · Post by **dCross** » Sun Oct 28, 2007 10:58 pm

Robert Henke wrote:Maybe give the different crossfade curves in Live a try...
They can be reached via the context menu of the crossfader.

But by nature MIDI has more latency and is less accurate then
a real physical fader so the experience will never be 100% the same.

Robert

Agreed - for a turntablist, MIDI will be too slow for cuts, crabs, flares, etc. You could 'cheat' by making transform switches out of Track on/offs or Crossfader left/middle/right, but that doesn't fit for everyone.

Patch · Post by **Patch** » Mon Oct 29, 2007 9:06 am

The only way I've found to do this is to route the Live output to a DJ mixer, and route the mixer back into live for recording (on a seperate track...).

This also frees-up your midi controller for other uses, seeing as volume + EQ are now handled by the DJ mixer.

ShrimpUSA · Post by **ShrimpUSA** » Tue Oct 30, 2007 4:07 am

Robert Henke wrote:Maybe give the different crossfade curves in Live a try...
They can be reached via the context menu of the crossfader.

But by nature MIDI has more latency and is less accurate then
a real physical fader so the experience will never be 100% the same.

Robert

Well...shit. Then how about a midi controller that has a dedicated section for analog inputs routed to a crossfader? I KNOW I'm not the only DJ/Prouder/Pianist hybrid out there looking for Live to solve all my problems, do my laundry and make me dinner.

ytsek · Post by **ytsek** » Tue Oct 30, 2007 9:08 am

ShrimpUSA wrote:
Well...shit. Then how about a midi controller that has a dedicated section for analog inputs routed to a crossfader? I KNOW I'm not the only DJ/Prouder/Pianist hybrid out there looking for Live to solve all my problems, do my laundry and make me dinner.

Korg Zero4 or 8.

Midi crossfader that is cuts like a DJ mixer

Midi crossfader that is cuts like a DJ mixer

Re: Midi crossfader that is cuts like a DJ mixer