hello all,
I've got a pretty simple request. I'm looking to buy a controller for traktor that will fit what I need. I've done my research (Novation zero SL, UC33e, Vestax VCI-100 being the main contenders so far), but I still don't have an answer. I'd appreciate it if someone on this (very useful!) site could help.
I've been playing around in Traktor Pro for several months and have reached the limits of what I can do with hotkeys and my MacBook's mouse. I think the program is amazingly well designed & easy to use. (shameless self promotion: I did a twenty minute dubstep mix you can listen to here, [hotkeys and mouse only!]: http://www.zshare.net/download/52608858d30ab02e/ . Critique at will!) I will play mostly minimal, tech/house, and some electro and dubstep.
Basically, I'd say I just want to take what's on the main traktor screen and create a palpable version of that.
Specifically, here's what I need:
1) I am a HUGE fan of a) TPro's effects and b) looping, especially in tandem, and especially using two or more effects simultaneously. So I think I'd need lots of knobs (the UC33 has been recommended in this regard, but doesn't meet some of my other criteria, I don't think).
2) I only want to touch my computer keyboard to search and/or load a track into a deck.
3) I often use more than two decks.
4) A cross-fader would be NICE but is not required-- mostly I use the filter and/or gain buttons to "eliminate" a track. I also prefer four EQs (mid-hi, mid-lo) to three, but this is a relatively minor issue (as I understand it, I could just program a knob to be the missing EQ, right?).
5) I need the ability to prelisten to tracks. I know this can be done via external soundcard, which I am open to using if necessary, though I can't say it's preferable.
7) What I don't need: scratching ability, or a bpm counter really. Frankly, I am LEAST concerned about beat-matching (am I preaching to the choir?); for you purists out there, I am decent, though far from perfect, on real vinyl, and I refer anyone who is offended by this to Mr. Hawtin's views on the matter.
8) Less important things: I kind of suck when it comes to anything approaching computer programming, so if the controller were easily mapped to Traktor, that'd be nice. Also, if the controller were somehow useful for producing music in addition to mixing, that'd just be the cherry on top.
9) My price range peaks at about $700.
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Ok so maybe I lied in the title. Basically, every option recommended by people didn't seem to meet one of the necessary criteria (1) lots of FX/Looping flexibility (2) multiple decks (3) [(<) V (~)] $700
One thing I'm especially concerned about is the "FX ON 1" and "FX ON 2" buttons found right under Key control in traktor, because from my observations, it doesn't seem like some of hte controllers would allow to apply two effects (or perhaps more?) at a single time. Of course, I'm a relative noob at this, so feel free to tell me I'm wrong. (Also, I'm wondering if .vst's can be downloaded and used as new effects? But that's neither here nor there)
MANY Thanks to anyone who can help me out. And I realize the tone of this post is a little dry, but I'm actually pretty friendly, I just wanted to be as accurate as possible in my description. My apologies for the length.
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