Controller Dilemma - Advice

[inov8]

Hi All,

I want to add a second controller to my existing setup. I already have a Faderfox DJ3 (http://goo.gl/Evnnx) which is perfect for mixing internally in Traktor but too small to use exclusively... an inevitable trade-off between size and ease of use. As a result, I make less use of cue points and FX, which is a shame.

I've now narrowed my choices down to these three controllers:

1. Maschine
2. Custom Midi Fighter
3. Faderfox FX3

The large pads and extra buttons/knobs of the Maschine are appealing but it is not as portable as the other two options (nor as cheap). I'd probably use it to make my own beats/loops but it's main function would be as a MIDI controller for Traktor. How well-suited is it to this purpose? Opinion seems divided on this.

The Midi Fighter, on the other hand, would be great for jumping around a track. Not only are the buttons ergonomic and fast, they can also take a real pounding. I'd opt for a custom unit – four extra buttons and knobs (or joysticks) would open up a whole range of mapping options, albeit at over twice the price!

The Faderfox FX3 unit (http://goo.gl/yVsYQ) was almost an afterthought. Yes, the small buttons make it a poor choice for triggering cue points and loops, but what about easy access to all four FX slots?. Useful. Mapping it to the new Sample Decks in Traktor 2 could also work.

If anyone has any suggestions or advice that might help, it would greatly appreciated.

Thank you

[deco]

hmm, make a list of what you want to control with this new controller, then have a look at each unit and see how you'd map each one. which one will provide the best workflow for you?
maschine - by far the most expensive but you get to make beats and it comes with a HUGE library of dope sounds.
midifighter - looks dope, fun to use and one of a kind if you get a custom dealy. lots of control and mappings from Ean himself.
FX3 - same size as your other faderfox unit, looks good together, built to work with Traktors effects, most portable.

Wildcard - Kontrol X1. unsure why it's not on your list - would give you FX and cue points - as well as browse/load and looping. lots of potential and very good quality.

[DJ no name]

this wasnt on your list.....but for what you want, i recommend the M-audio trigger finger.
Most underrated controller ever

[deviantdigi]

It sucks you have to make life decisions just adding a new controller.

THE RENT IT TOO DAMN HIGH!

[itskindahot]

hmm, make a list of what you want to control with this new controller

I'm replying in similar spirit. You gotta ascertain what are your priorities. For example, if your top priority is cue-point juggling, the FX3 is out. (However, I don't think the FX3 is necessarily the best choice if you wanna play with effects a lot.)

In any case, you gotta come clear about what's important to you. Personally, I find effects relatively boring and I'm perfectly content with just one or two effects slots. On the other hand, I really like to have all eight of Traktors hotcues at my disposal without needing shift/modifiers. Which means I want a bunch of buttons. But your preferences may be entirely different

[inov8]

Thanks all. I've taken your advice and looked at my needs. I think cue-points are my main priority.

FX are fine when used sparingly. I don't use them too much. You have to be really creative with them otherwise I question the DJ's mixing skills. OK, so I'll forget about the FX3.

I hear good things about the X1. It isn't on my list simply because it replicates too many features of my DJ3. In fact, if it had line faders, I would have chosen it over the DJ3. Now, I need a controller which does something the Faderfox is no good for.

A lot of people swear by the Trigger Finger. It doesn't look like they're made any more. How would an Akai MPD compare? If I'm not going to use a Maschine for audio, a dumb controller would save money.

That said, the Maschine gives me a load of mapping options. I just wonder how different it is from the the Midi Fighter for triggering cue points. Does anyone have experience of both?

Midi Fighter vs Maschine is the choice now. I suspect either would work well. I wish I could have a hands-on with a MF before choosing. Never mind.

Thanks again everyone for the useful pointers

[jimbob5000]

If it's maschine vs. midi fighter, go for the midi fighter.
Maschine is great and all, in fact I had one. Sold it again though, because as a production helper, it was fun but didn't meet my personal workflow, and as an extra midi controller, it is HUGE, and also hugely expensive for that purpose.

[StuC]

go for the midifighter (custom)

i think this is the best solution for you, maschine is cool (but just as MidiController ???)

[inov8]

Thanks guys. OK, I'm sold on the Midi Fighter. The only remaining question I have is whether it is worth the extra $$$ getting a custom one.

I guess I should devise some possible mappings and see. What do you think?

[StuC]

The only remaining question I have is whether it is worth the extra $$$ getting a custom one.

Well, you should know exactly what you will do with the Midifighter, then you could decide if you need Fader's or Knob's....
but hey...
Fader's & Knob's