Behringer DDM 4000 vs a custom built midi controller

[MiL0]

I've been looking into building my own midi controller (UMC32 or similar) recently. When you spec all the parts it turns into quite an expensive project - particularly if you want something that gives you a similar experience to the VCI-100.

Now, looking at the DDM 4000, it seems that this mixer would more than cover my midi needs. It's missing two jog wheels but that's nothing two EKS XP5's wouldn't fix.

So... what are the pros and cons?

[bumtsch]

Pros - lots of buttons, leds and knobs to play with. Pick what sections you want to use as midi controls (irrelevant when used in full midi, you'll enable everything that can be).

Cons - you will probably want to change the buttons, they feel kinda stiff and plasticky (well.. they ARE plastic). They are certainly not for cuepoint mashing or any sort of intricate button action due to the feeling, the size and how close they are to things.