Reloop Contour?

[punkpc]

Bump...

Looking for people who own this unit. see above post....

I just got one of these yesterday. I can tell you it is build super solid and has lots of controls. Granted I have only been playing with it for a couple of days, but I would be glad to give you a quick(ish) review.

Here Is The Good...
You can control 4 decks with one controller.
The jog wheel is super responsive and the buttons are solid and have a nice clicky feel. The knobs have a nice grippy surface that are easy to tweak. The effect section can be controlled by either the top 4 rows of knobs or the top 4 faders. so your more flexible in creating different types of tweaks.
The "shift" button is internal and not in the software so it creates a different note when combined with which ever button or knob you are using. So mapping is a bit easier as far as not having to mess with modifiers that much.

Ok Now For The Bad...
No 4 Deck Mapping for Traktor Pro 2.0!
The only 4 Deck mapping from Reloop is for Traktor Pro 1.0. Had to make my own mapping for 4 Decks for Traktor Pro 2.1. Default mapping from Reloop is only for when running the unit in default midi Ch 1-4. Which conflicts with my S2 and Midi Fighter. So if you have this issue you would have to make your own mapping to work with what ever channels you change it to. (I'm using midi Ch 13-16 and I'm finishing up a mapping for 4 Decks to solve all these issues.)
The way the effects are set up is as followed.
When on Deck A you control FX 1, and when on Deck B you control FX 2 and so on. So you have to switch deck control to get to other effects. The encoder knobs are very slow transitions, so fast effects tweaks with them aren't easy. The FX Faders are short throw so accurate tweaks are difficult. (Good thing you have both faders and knobs)
Chances are you will have to do a firmware update the second you open the box to get it to work correctly with Traktor 2.0. (It easy enough to do, but you have to go to the forum just to find this out.)

Side Note... Personal Issues... Things for me to fix
The default mapping has it set up so when the jog wheel in not in a mode it controls the volume on a track. I personally didn't like this. It would be to easy to bump the wheel and effect the volume on your track. (I'm disabling it from my mapping)
The default mapping for Traktor Pro 2.1 is 2 Decks and 2 Sample Decks. (This is fine if you run Traktor this way, but I prefer 4 Decks and use cue sampling. I will fix this in my mapping as well)
The "Loop In" and "Loop Out" are a Shift modifier. Where "Beat Loop" and "Reloop" are the main buttons. These should be reversed.
(Again will fix in my mapping)


All in all this is a great little controller that I feel has been over looked because it was way over priced when it came out, But with the recent price drops it a real deal. Once I finish up the mapping for it I will post it.

Hope that helps

[Eizhauz]

Wow... this is MOST appreciated!

Your mapping sounds like it would be most worthwhile as eventually 4-decks is the intended use.

Quick question:
If applying a 2nd set of FX, from what I understand then, I would have to 'shift' to a different layer to access that effect? So for Channel A I will have one set of FX at my disposal, but a 2nd if I dip into a 2nd layer? Do you find this inconvenient, just tedious, or no a problem?

My dilemma:
I am in need of upgrading my gear with the intent of getting my feet water in the digital arean. I could remain in the CDJ/DJM workflow as I have a massive CD library, and simply upgrade to midi-cappable CDJ and mixer (A&E preferred). OR I can break in slowly into the digital by getting a dirt cheap single modular controller like the Contour interface version, and run through the mixer, adding to the current workflow. Going digital will require a laptop I can trust MBP, so money would need be spent there, as well as the controller and the TP2 upgrade.

[punkpc]

Quick question:
If applying a 2nd set of FX, from what I understand then, I would have to 'shift' to a different layer to access that effect? So for Channel A I will have one set of FX at my disposal, but a 2nd if I dip into a 2nd layer? Do you find this inconvenient, just tedious, or no a problem?

It's really not that bad... just a little annoying, but it completely workable. It gives you access to all 4 effects which most little controllers don't. So its worth the little bit of extra button pushes.

My dilemma:
I am in need of upgrading my gear with the intent of getting my feet water in the digital arean. I could remain in the CDJ/DJM workflow as I have a massive CD library, and simply upgrade to midi-cappable CDJ and mixer (A&E preferred). OR I can break in slowly into the digital by getting a dirt cheap single modular controller like the Contour interface version, and run through the mixer, adding to the current workflow. Going digital will require a laptop I can trust MBP, so money would need be spent there, as well as the controller and the TP2 upgrade.

If your planing on going hybrid to start. I would recommend the Reloop Contour with the Audio I/O. This unit would just plug right into your DJM along with your CDJ. The unit comes with Traktor LE which is upgradeable for free to Traktor 2.1.1 LE from Reloop's support/forum page. That would be enough for you to get started and you could upgrade later. As for the Laptop... This is important, unless what you have is way out of date you can start with what you have and upgrade later. I use a desktop at the moment cause I haven't upgraded my laptop yet. I'm just mixing at home right now so a desktop will do.

This is my second time of moving to Digital mixing. I started out with just vinyl back in 1995, started using Final Scratch in 2003, quit DJing in 2007 after the "Rave Act" made finding a gig impossible. Started getting back into it last year after seeing what guys like Ean were doing. This time I'm going completely controller. The flexibility and creativity of what you can do with Traktor and controllers is what I have always tried to do from the start. I have used every piece of equipment you can think of, from Turntables, to CDJ. I was even using Guitar effects before Pioneer came out with their effect mixers. The old ways do have there advantages like when you go to a gig you just need your Records and CD's because the gear is already there. But being able to bring your entire library, and having the flexibility of Traktor (or something like it) in one bag. Trust me you would leave the old way behind too.

But to make a long story short :P... Try out the Contour with your current setup and see if it flows for you. It will give you a chance to get your feet wet in Traktor without spending to much and in a environment that your already comfortable with.

[Eizhauz]

It's really not that bad... just a little annoying, but it completely workable. It gives you access to all 4 effects which most little controllers don't. So its worth the little bit of extra button pushes.



If your planing on going hybrid to start. I would recommend the Reloop Contour with the Audio I/O. This unit would just plug right into your DJM along with your CDJ. The unit comes with Traktor LE which is upgradeable for free to Traktor 2.1.1 LE from Reloop's support/forum page. That would be enough for you to get started and you could upgrade later. As for the Laptop... This is important, unless what you have is way out of date you can start with what you have and upgrade later. I use a desktop at the moment cause I haven't upgraded my laptop yet. I'm just mixing at home right now so a desktop will do.

This is my second time of moving to Digital mixing. I started out with just vinyl back in 1995, started using Final Scratch in 2003, quit DJing in 2007 after the "Rave Act" made finding a gig impossible. Started getting back into it last year after seeing what guys like Ean were doing. This time I'm going completely controller. The flexibility and creativity of what you can do with Traktor and controllers is what I have always tried to do from the start. I have used every piece of equipment you can think of, from Turntables, to CDJ. I was even using Guitar effects before Pioneer came out with their effect mixers. The old ways do have there advantages like when you go to a gig you just need your Records and CD's because the gear is already there. But being able to bring your entire library, and having the flexibility of Traktor (or something like it) in one bag. Trust me you would leave the old way behind too.

But to make a long story short :P... Try out the Contour with your current setup and see if it flows for you. It will give you a chance to get your feet wet in Traktor without spending to much and in a environment that your already comfortable with.

Thanks again for the advice. I agree the simplicity of an I/O controller into my DJM will be the simpliest way to introduce the 'new era'. I am not sure my laptop will be sufficient, so I am looking into the MBP 15".

Now the tough decisions....
With the cost of the controller and upgrade to TP2, you are now looking at the same price if not more than the currently slashed price on the Kontrol S2 (with full TP2). Bloody hell!!! LOL.

What I don't want to happen is to buy something that will not be usefully integrated down the road in my setup. I am going multiple directions with my thinking from upgrading my current setup to midi-mappable CDJ/mixer route for future versatility (CDJ350/Xone DB2) to pure controller/laptop route (S4, VCI-400, Xone DX - presently dirt cheap) to even just upgrading my mixer to some like a Xone:92 but adding the Contour I/O controller to get the Traktor FX/looping/cue pts while utilizing A&H sound quality and filters.

It is pure hell, I tell you! Especially with new gear coming out all the time (damn you Behringer modular system!).


Summary: I don't want a toy to play with for only a couple months only to upgrade to something else. The Xone K2 would be another choice if it were available, as I could really see using that in future setups.

[punkpc]

I understand your pain. I'm currently running the S2 controller... (bought it Last month at full price... dang it) Its a great controller but a little limited. I wanted something super portable, but that wouldn't fell like a toy. After playing on it a bit I realized I wanted more controls. So I added a Midi Fighter, and now a Contour. Next will be a MPK-Mini, and I'm guessing the Behringer CMD gear when it comes out. Modular is a good way to go if you plan on both hybrid and digital. That way the gear can be used with both setups. One thing to keep in mind is that the NI soundcards (Including ones in S2/S4) are really great sound quality. So if you were just digital your would still have great sound.
By the way...
what kind of DJing are you doing? Clubs, Mobile, Bedroom? This can help shape the kind of gear best for you as well.

[Eizhauz]

what kind of DJing are you doing? Clubs, Mobile, Bedroom? This can help shape the kind of gear best for you as well.

Thanks for the run down on your setup. I like the S2 but also like that everything tied to the software is mapped with hardware controls on the S4. Personally, I am not a fan of the plastic build quality and missing booths on the S4, and thus the VCI-400 is spot on. I have always like the Xone DX simply due to A&E's reputation on sound quality, and wish the filters they are known for were added as well. While I found a place blowing them out at $470, adding the TP2 software (full version) brings that price back up to $600. The S2 is looking better all the time at this price for an all-in-one.

To answer your question:
I am mostly a dad now (LOL!) but realistically I do the occasional house party and other random gigs, so 'basement' would be the best way to describe unless you prefer 'hobbiest'. I know that I am not in a market for some gear, but I love versatility, the ability to plug in anything and play whether it be CD, Ipod, Memory stick, or Computer/software. I play anything with a beat that the crowd likes to hear, any genre, but if I was say asked to be a resident DJ at some place my genre of choice would be the deep house/minimal/tech house avenue.

[punkpc]

Thanks for the run down on your setup. I like the S2 but also like that everything tied to the software is mapped with hardware controls on the S4. Personally, I am not a fan of the plastic build quality and missing booths on the S4, and thus the VCI-400 is spot on. I have always like the Xone DX simply due to A&E's reputation on sound quality, and wish the filters they are known for were added as well. While I found a place blowing them out at $470, adding the TP2 software (full version) brings that price back up to $600. The S2 is looking better all the time at this price for an all-in-one.

This sounds a lot like my thinking. I love the VCI-400 (but doesn't come with TP2) and didn't want to spend the money on the S4 because it wasn't a rugged. That's why I bought the S2. It's smaller and less features, but it comes with TP2. I figured it would be nice to have a smaller portable rig just in case I didn't want to lug all my other gear. Plus its small enough to add other gear with. (like the Contour, Midi Fighter, and now a launchpad... hehe) With the new price point it would be like buying TP2 and getting a extra controller for like $200. So you can go wrong.
As for the Xone gear... that's defiantly your call. There gear is some of the best sounding I have ever played one. I even used to own a Xone 62 back in the day.

To answer your question:
I am mostly a dad now (LOL!) but realistically I do the occasional house party and other random gigs, so 'basement' would be the best way to describe unless you prefer 'hobbiest'. I know that I am not in a market for some gear, but I love versatility, the ability to plug in anything and play whether it be CD, Ipod, Memory stick, or Computer/software. I play anything with a beat that the crowd likes to hear, any genre, but if I was say asked to be a resident DJ at some place my genre of choice would be the deep house/minimal/tech house avenue.

Sounds like me (with out the kid... just older... hehe) "Basement" would be fine, never cared for "Hobbiest" (Not if you spend the money we do... hehe)
I played Jungle, Hardcore, and Turntablism for years. As I'm getting back into things I've been playing Hard House/Hard Dance/Hard Style and taking a stab at Controllerism.

Well whatever you decide to go with I sure it will work out. Just remember the only true way to know if it will work for you is to just play on it for awhile. If it doesn't fit your needs there is always the "Buy and Sell" section and E-Bay

[Eizhauz]

I will PM you some questions about your S2, so as to not derail this thread.

[Timmyboy]

Hi,

I have just ordered the contour interface edition and wanted to ask the guys who have got one of these a few questions.

- How easy is it to mix 2 or 3 decks with this & and external mixer and not get confused between switching layers all the time? Also how easy is it to mix without using sync?

- How well does it perform as a stand alone controller for 2 deck mixing with just this and a laptop? Does this require extensive remapping?

Thanks

Tim

[Eizhauz]

Great questions. Look forward to the answers...

How satisfied are you with the rubber buttons? Built Quality?