I am looking to add to my current setup. Now I am more comfortable with controller basics, I want to take things to the next level.
Having started of with a Faderfox DJ3, I have now ordered a Midi Fighter to give me more control over cue points and loops. However, while waiting for it to arrive, I decided that the addition of some more knobs would give me greater creative freedom.
I am very interested in Livid’s Code (Code MIDI Controller). It looks almost perfect for the extra level of control I need. My only concern is the resolution/ speed of the knobs. Ideally, I’d like to be able to make fine adjustments to certain parameters (FX, filters, pitch…) but I am unsure whether I would bump up against the 128-step limit of standard MIDI messages.
The Code uses endless encoders which I believe can send both absolute values and incremental/decremental ones. If I used increments with very low values (when used with a modifier, for example) would I be able to emulate the action of higher resolution devices? I am guessing I could but I can’t be certain. Would the endless encoders give me fine control?
I also spotted a Monome knobby thing (http://goo.gl/w0tOo) which they allege is high resolution and might pair well with the MIDI Fighter. It looks interesting. The only problem is it uses OSC. It also seems very expensive for two, admittedly stylish, encoders stuck in a piece of wood. Does it offer any tangible benefits over the Code?
Any suggestions or advice would be greatly appreciated!
I have a Livid Instruments Ohm64 and the editor for this is makes their units really quite customiseable.
Ask a question on the Livid Instruments forum, they are really very supportive of thier products (they have made custom chages to their software for me in the past), it is possible to flash the unit itself and completely change its function:eek:.
Yeah , I’ve just been reading the software manual. Some great features. The addition of fast and slow blinking LED feedback is very appealing. I’ll ask the same question on the Livid forum but it’s less about Code and more about the way that Traktor handles the input from endless encoders.
The Ohm64 looks sweet. I’m guessing it has pots rather than encoders, though? How does it compare to your VCM-600?
The APC40 looks like a serious bit of kit. Wow. Rotary encoders too. For some reason, I thought it was way more expensive. Especially with the extra buttons and faders. Impressive. The Livid does seem overpriced in comparison.
Behringer? People complain about them but I love my FCB1010. It is more versatile than foot controllers that are twice it’s price. I need to properly integrate it into my Traktor workflow.
Thanks for the useful advice. I am leaning towards that Akai now
I own an APC40 and an Ohm64 and I can assure you that the Ohm64 is far more flexible than the APC40…
If you want to be told how to use Ableton then the APC40 is for you, if you want to do something different and flexible then the Ohm64 is a winner!
You do know that it’s just a standard midi device premapped to ableton, you can map it to anything that allows midi
I guess midi chains are lost on the apc but if you dont plan on hooking up stuff that needs it then it’s fine on how it is. Honestly I would be lost in a huge setup with multiple controllers on different software
From what I understand, there’s no problem with the build quality of the APC40. Still, the more I compare it to the Code, the more I favour the Livid device.
As I see it, the APC40 offers a load of encoders, faders and buttons at a very competitive price point. It also has those great multicolour LEDs. That said, I have no real interest in Live (at present, if ever) and, in many ways, I prefer the cleaner, more intuitive layout of the Code. The APC40 looks kinda busy to me.
The Code also has more encoders which is what I want. I have a MIDI Fighter so I don’t need the extra buttons on the Akai. Lastly, the APC40 is also far from compact. Lugging it around would be a pain.
No, I don’t think the Livid is overpriced for what it is. Though, neither is the Akai. They’re both impressive devices. I just feel the Livid is a better fit with me. It has open-source credentials too. I like.
Hmmmm… that SoftStep MIDI pedal looks the business. How many parameters does it control. Hell, the misery of choice :eek:
Yes but you cannot change the midi message that each button sends, you cannot change the midi note value for each press. On the APC 40 the top left button will only ever be Note F2 midi Channel 1.
Every buton on the ohm is programmable to be either a CC or note and how to react on each pressing of that note.
Not too sure what you mean there, each of the rotary pots (encoders) puts out 0-127 values and can be mapped to anything in Traktor. The only problem with The ohm is that it is shipped with some f**king amazing VJ software that I use all the time and have got solid work VJ-ing and made my dj performance far more sought after!
about the softstep, i think its an overkill on a single thing. The ohm64 is surely the way to go; if u have the bucks n a powerful lappy to run 2 or softwares at a time.
