What should the best controller have... and why isent it built already?!?

[the_bastet]

Isnt it annoying as hell having to put the APC40 in dumb mode every time tho to use midi?

[Deejaesnafu]

No, it only takes a second and having all that midi real estate plus innofader is unmatched b any device out there IMO.

[the_bastet]

How does it only take you a second? Is there a way to do it without opening Ableton?

[Deejaesnafu]

No but my computer opens ableton in about 15 seconds ,and I usually run both anyway.. It's just not that inconvenient considering how awesome the mixer/controller feels to use ��

[the_bastet]

Ah. Mine does too. Just got tired of one more step before deejayin so got rid of my 20 and 40. On side not, do you happen to know Producer SNAFU?

[Notanon]

Something like an expanded X1 Mk2 with additional features and controls like a screen and proper pitch fader, and optional mixer controls that are switchable with the FX control units via a toggle button or separate dedicated controls, instead of having to dick around with custom remapping. Pair two of those up with a similar module that deals with miscellaneous functions like the master volume output and MIDI clock syncing (mostly for live performance situations which I'm looking at doing with a couple of mates) and I'd be happy.

While I wouldn't say no to a S4 or S8, the aim of the above would be for something that would more easily fit in a desk in a club without necessarily needing a controller stand or doing a Paris Hilton and placing them on turntables.

[sarasin]

No, it only takes a second and having all that midi real estate plus innofader is unmatched b any device out there IMO.

I was about to put an innofader into my APC80.....but it entailed too much fiddling at the end of the day. Got a Xone22 and put it in there.

[djcoops75]

Why not develop a modular controller? That way the user could customise it to what they wanted.
The central part would be a mixer that would also act as a hub. You could buy various "sub-controllers" so you could have pads, turntables, cdj decks or whatever else there was demand for. Also a great way for people just starting out to buy one piece at a time.
What would really set it apart is if the individual components attached together in some way so it became one unit (semi permanent midi/HID connections as well as actual attachment) rather than individual pieces. Cases would be a pain but surely there is a way around it.
Coops

[Panotaker]

I'm not going to talk about club DJing since I don't DJ in clubs any more. So for the house, the best controller is no controller. If you have the room, the best solution is to go all separate components. Mixer, sound card, turntables or CDJ's, and some kind of midi device to control your cue points and effects. This will give you the most flexibility, and you can expand and set it up to your liking. With a controller, you are stuck with whatever the manufacturer gives you. When a new feature comes out, it is usually just a simple matter of just downloading a software update, or programming another button.

[DJRhino1287]

For Traktor,

I think the S4 is the best option for controlling the software & yet sized for a carryon item for fly-out gigs. However, I wish there was a few changes that I believe would make it more pro-level. The platters aren't the best, so I'd want platters that are more like Pioneer's DDJ-SX. I would also add stereo XLR outputs and maybe an XLR in for a mic. I'd change the current grounding post to a more robust one and add a second one for connecting turntables better/easier. The headphone jack could use a 1/8" input as well as the 1/4" input. I would add a dual USB input hub (ala Z2) on the back. I'd change the power supply to a standard 3-pin removeable one. I would like all 8 potential cue pad buttons to be RGB backlit instead of the 4 cue + 4 remix slots. Of course this would increase the size, which is fine if it's no larger than the DDJ-SX which can still be sneaked on as a carry-on item.

For Serato,

I haven't used Serato since SDJ's introduction. My addition would be more of a software one. If the Ableton Bridge was revisted and have an incorporation of it w/ Serato in a way that stems could be used similar to Traktor's Remixed Decks, it'd be monsterous.