So…I like my X1s. I've been using them for a while for basically all deck/effects controls, and I'm sold on DJing that way for a while.
I've been having more issues with finding a mixer I'm happy with. I own a xone:62 that's fine…I typically use it when I'm anywhere but home. I also have a VCM-600 from when I was on Ableton that works.
The weird thing is that the "mixer" that I enjoy using the most is my LPD8 mapped to control Traktor's internal mixer in the simplest way possible: 4 pads for cue, 4 pads for master tempo controls, a 3-band master EQ, a cue/mix blend control, and 4 level controls.
I think it's brilliant. I use the knobs on my X1s as EQs most of the time because I just don't use effects that much (plus the K2 seems perfect for that), but I really don't need EQs that much for the type of mixing that I really enjoy.
The only problem with the lpd8 is that it feels really cheap (I mean…I paid like $30 for it, so I'm not complaining). Like…I feel like I'm going to break it every time I touch it.
I really like mixing on rotary mixers…I never slam faders and–in Traktor–run my gains pretty hot so I can just use the level controls the way you would on an old rotary.
So…does anyone have any suggestions for a rotary mixer-like controller that could replace it? Budget isn't really a concern within reason.
Ideally, I'd just ditch it being a controller and buy an SL4 or Audio 8 and one of these:
…but they're expensive, hard to come by, and impossible to get serviced in the US. I've also wanted one since I first saw it a few years ago…I just can't justify what they cost.
Needs:
- 4 Big, chunky, smooth, fairly tight rotary pots without center detents in a horizontal row. (level)
- 4-6 other rotary pots, though they can be smaller and neither detents nor feel (other than "not cheap") matter very much. (cue/mix, 3 for master EQ, master level, cue level)
- 4 buttons of some kind, ideally with feedback lights. (cue/pfl)
- Smaller than 19". Ideally about 10-12" wide. (height/depth don't matter)
I've thought about using my Maschine for it, but the vast majority of the device would be unused and the knobs are in the wrong place, too close together, not laid out correctly, and too small. Plus…it just looks wrong for that to me. I guess I could map the pads for IG or something…but I'd never use it and would wonder WTF was happening when I bumped them.
My xone has been packed in its travel case for a few months…I only take it out for house parties and really only use it then because it has balanced outputs and more than enough inputs to accomodate other DJs, but it's not really simpler than running an FOH mixer and tends to confuse people because it was painted and none of the controls are labeled.
My VCM-600 works fine at home, but of the 150 or so controls on the thing…I have 9 mapped (same as the LPD 8 but without a master EQ…it's cool but not that necessary). It seems like a complete waste, and it's too big to carry around just for that.
If you guys don't have any other suggestions, I'm seriously considering building one from scratch based on the Livid Brain. I have access to a hacker space that would help me fabricate the case, which is really the only part that I'm worried about. You know…that and something I built catastrophically failing in the middle of a set…but I could always throw the LPD8 in my bag as a backup.
So, yeah…you guys know this sh*t better than me…any suggestions, or do I start buying components?
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