Ableton Forum

So, I am saving up for a high-end MIDI controller. My initial thoughts were a Lemur, but I am not sure I'll really get the most out of it and ultimately I like knobs and sliders that you can grab hold of!

I like the look of the new Vestax controller, and like the mixer-style layout. However I have started considering the Korg Zero 8 and wondered what people's experience of it is with Live.

Part of me thinks that the Zero 8 would be overkill. I wont be using it to record anything, but I am guessing you can send the individual tracks from Live to the seperate channels on the Zero 8 for mixing? The other benefits I'd see of the Zero 8 over the Vestax is the onboard effects and the ability to use external porcessors, should I wish.

What do you reckon? Am I missing anything else that would be useful on the Zero 8, or is it a bit like overkill for my needs?

Man, the Zero 8 just looks sick. If money were no object, I would buy 2!!!

The zero 8 is like the hot chick in the class.

Not really the same animal...the Vestax needs a soundcard, is much lighter, has a shitload more buttons, and is much cheaper.

If you can afford it, get it. The Zero 8 really is the best option on the market right now.

How about this?

http://www.allen-heath.com/UK/xone3D.asp

I like the idea of having external EQ before the signal reaches the PA

see the light wrote:How about this?

http://www.allen-heath.com/UK/xone3D.asp

I like the idea of having external EQ before the signal reaches the PA

Hello Mr Light - fancy seeing you here

Yeah, have seen the Xone but think that is a bit too traditional DJ style for what I would need.

Like you, the idea of having external EQ - and some external FX - is appealing. Hence why I was looking at the Zero 8. Thing is, the new Vestax thing is just SO perfectly laid out for me.

I have one, but almost right after i bought it live 7's midi sync went to hell and so i didn't work with it a whole lot. Now the sync issue is fixed i plan to spend some quality time with the Z8 and live. Right now i'm using it as a sound card and quick and dirty midi controller. The sound card aspect is okay,, its a little noisy but not so bad. The midi mapping is as good as any thing else on the market, the FX are very cool and are also able to sync to lives clock. My latest sex wee dream is to be able to attach two kaoss pads to the sends..

Down sides are..
If you have any hard ware attached to the inputs, then you can't use that channel as a return from live.
There is no dedicated return channel.
The built in EQ is just okay...

The way i see using it is as a production tool where by it is primarily a sound card and interface so the control surface is used as an audio based mixing environment (lit up in orange).
Then as a performance tool using live and my laptop with all of the controls mapped to functions in live (the surface lit up in blue), and stems sent to 8 groups in live, and then sent to the faders on the Z8.

If you can get one for a good price i would say go for it.
I got mine second hand for about a third off the shop price.

Cheers Homebelly for the in depth reply. That's explained a lot. I think I'm going to have to try and find a shop where I can demo it with Live before I decide.

I got one and as a midi controller it really rocks,
but according to me the audio side is one of the worst ever:
cheap eq, fx passable, summing sound numeric and very low noise sig/ratio.
Info and updates from korg are banned till one year already....

So i you plan more using it as a midi controller, go for it, faders are just so fast, tons of pots and buttons, but be aware the audio side leaks a bit....

six_o_clock_crow wrote:

see the light wrote:How about this?

http://www.allen-heath.com/UK/xone3D.asp

I like the idea of having external EQ before the signal reaches the PA

Hello Mr Light - fancy seeing you here

Yeah, have seen the Xone but think that is a bit too traditional DJ style for what I would need.

What are you smoking over there? If you put the Zero 8 next to a Pioneer DJ mixer they pretty much look exactly the same with more channels. The Xone 3D is a hybrid studio/DJ mixer and has A LOT more mappable options. Are you just being confused the jog wheels?

Don't make me post pictures on here...

beats me wrote:What are you smoking over there? If you put the Zero 8 next to a Pioneer DJ mixer they pretty much look exactly the same with more channels. The Xone 3D is a hybrid studio/DJ mixer and has A LOT more mappable options. Are you just being confused the jog wheels?

Don't make me post pictures on here...

I probably am being by the jog wheels .

But on the Xone there are only 4 audio channels, where as the Zero 8 has 8 channels that can be assigned to either audio or MIDI. That seems a bit more flexible to me, for example if I was thinking of later adding some other gear to the set up.

Or am I completely barking up the wrong tree?

Don't make me post pictures on here...[/quote]

Post some pictures damn it!

Don't make me post pictures on here...[/quote]

Post some pictures damn it!

Behold!



I see.....dear God....can it be?? 12 faders! Count em' . And just an irresponsible amount of assignable knobs and buttons.

Sure it's not 72 virgins, but....