Best MIDI controller for DJ-ing

[gerard]

ok, a new item into my list:

BITSTREAM 3X

gerard, please tell me more about the AKAY, i saw a picture and i wondered why so many pads are necesarry...

I use the pads the launch/stop clips, to change Channel view and to launch/stop different fx.
For EQing I use a knob filter on every channel and the other faders and knobs are to control the amount/volume of fx used.

[Minimal Justice System]

I personally wouldn't use just a controller for mixing but this is personal choice and based on the style of mixing I do. I would suggest firstly investing in a good quality mixer such as a Pioneer (DJM 400, 600, 800) as the EQ's and effects on these are great at what they do (they have been developed over many years for the specific purpose of DJing). With a mixer taking care of most of the hard work (The DJM 800 is midi assignable and works great with Ableton) I would go for some Faderfox products (LD2 and LX2) to give you a sufficient number of buttons for launching clips and knobs to assign to whatever functions in Ableton you intend on using while in the mix.

Hope this helps

[Salty P]

ok, a new item into my list:

BITSTREAM 3X

I've got a bitstream, the body is metal, so very solid. The pots are really nice but the faders could be smoother. It's a good controller for performance or DJ-ing.

I've also got a Novation SL37 and personally think the range is better suited to performance rather than DJ-ing. Oh and check your prices before paying 200 euros for a second hand one. I found one for 220 euros in 30 secs on google http://www.dv247.com/invt/33544/

I personally wouldn't use just a controller for mixing

Have to agree with Minimal on this one, there's just nothing to compete with a top quality mixer, you've just got to be prepared to pay for all the toys


All the products mentioned are good, what I would advise is that you get a controller based on the type of set you want to do and not to base your set around the limits of a controller.

[trevorc]

I personally wouldn't use just a controller for mixing but this is personal choice and based on the style of mixing I do. I would suggest firstly investing in a good quality mixer such as a Pioneer (DJM 400, 600, 800) as the EQ's and effects on these are great at what they do (they have been developed over many years for the specific purpose of DJing). With a mixer taking care of most of the hard work (The DJM 800 is midi assignable and works great with Ableton) I would go for some Faderfox products (LD2 and LX2) to give you a sufficient number of buttons for launching clips and knobs to assign to whatever functions in Ableton you intend on using while in the mix.

Hope this helps

this sums it up pretty nicely, but also raises difficulties about mixing out of the box when you're playing out sandwiched between other djs and climbing over them trying to connect to multiple channels whilst they're trying to finish their set

i used to play out with traktor mixing 2 channels externally, and it wasn't too much trouble to change over. i decided to learn cdjs as well so i wouldn't have issues with the tittier djs - i could just take over and then reconnect whilst i was playing my own set. i haven't really got over this issue with live - i usually play four channels and use a djm800 at home for mixing in and out of the box, but i wouldn't cart it out and try to set it up in a booth. i've only played private parties in the last couple of years so it's not been a problem to take my own kit, but i'm still looking for the right portable controller so it would be easier to play out again.

[TRS80]

http://www.mackie.com/products/d4pro/

It's awesome. Everything EXCEPT the transport controls. You'll still need CD players or turntables.

Another alternative is the Xponent. Not great build quality if you're looking for a rugged piece of roadworthy gear. However, it does combine all the controls you'll need- for a very attractive price.

[Kenshin]

http://www.mackie.com/products/d4pro/

It's awesome. Everything EXCEPT the transport controls. You'll still need CD players or turntables.

Another alternative is the Xponent. Not great build quality if you're looking for a rugged piece of roadworthy gear. However, it does combine all the controls you'll need- for a very attractive price.

it is superb, but it ha a price tag of 1000 $