Hey guys, I’ve been using my midi fighter with Ableton Live for a while now, posting my soundpacks here, but I’m looking to try out some more DJ stuff.
This is what I do now,
I want to be able to do things like this but still “traditionally” DJ with it as well.
I’m looking for spend around $400 max on a new controller or two and need something small yet powerful. I like the idea of small and modular so using some of the NI controllers like the X1 comes to mind. Problem is, I have no idea where to even start. Thought maybe a MF Twister but not sure how well those play with tractor so any advice is appreciated.
I have a MF Twister. In Traktor I use it as the step sequencer for a remix deck. I like the MF Twister in that role. The accents that can be added to a mix are really nice. I pair it with a S2 for most of my gigs. That gives me control of two decks + a remix deck (the 4th deck just sits idle) in a format that I’m REALLY comfortable using.
In Ableton, I have experimented with a Mad Zach mapping that makes it a “super controller” for whatever knobs are highlighted at the moment. It’s interesting, but I have not gotten familiar enough with it to really take advantage of the capability.
I presume you have seen Ean’s “How I Play” video, with how he incorporates a MF 3D, MF Twister, and a pair of X1s into his setup.
Do you have a mixer or will you need one? I know its a bit out of your price range, but a used s4 mk2 with the TP2 serial might be a nice option for you.
It’ll give you Traktor pro and a nice controller you can dj with.
My advice is to take it so do lots of research or you can wind up being a gear whore. You may wind up with stuff you’ll never use that you thought you would. I have a couple of simple items in my collection, a few controllers an a deck with jog wheels just in case I get the urge to spin the wheels of steel lol which I do. Im also a software slut with two DJ programs because I like being able to have an option. My rational for having all this stuff is that one will be portable (although they are both portable) and the other setup is strictly for home practice. Being here on DJTT is the best thing you could do hopefully we’ll save you lots of money and pain. What are you using for a laptop Mac or PC is it up to specs for new hardware that you want to get. BTW nice video I’m liking your tunes. Edit I see youre using a Mac so I guess yore good in that dept
Why not simply just get a mixer, you can get some sweet deals on a used xone. or go with the “simply functional” behringers, I would not invest too much seeing as you may not like that setup down the road.
you can always have the MF wired to a channel in the mixer and use the other channels for DJing.
An S2 would be any easy way to get deck control and a mixer. I found a really good price on eBay on an s4 as well. I’ve been pretty happy with it. I was originally going to go with an s2 and use an f1 for remix deck control. I find I almost never use more than 2 channels.
For my backup and travel setup, I have an X1 and z1 that I use. This is super easy to just throw in my Dj packpack when I’m going on a trip or know I’m going to just need something simple for a gig. This setup cost under 400 on eBay as well. If I had gotten this setup first, I might not have even gotten the S4.
I use the S2 because I had one on hand…and I’ve been using it (and the VCI-100 before that) for years.
As a potential mate to the X1’s, look at the A&H Xone K1 or K2 as a potentially portable “mixer.” There are four channel faders, with a ton of buttons and knobs. Sound interface is optional, depending on the model you get.
The k2 looks really cool. If you were to map it right, it would be a great 4 channel mini mixer that you could add to your traktor setup. After seeing that, I would go with a k2 and an X1. I also mix with the volume faders and never use the cross fader.
Thank you guys so much for all the great feed back. I’ve been doing a ton of research and think I am going to just end up going with a S2 simply for the fact thats its the easiest choice, with the most mappings, and general resources.
So, now the real question is what do I pair with my Midi Fighter 3D? I really want to use a Midi Fighter Twister and use it as either a sequencer or an effects bay controller and Midi Fighter 3D on the other remix deck but the F1 as caught my attention. What would prove more useful, a Midi Fighter Twister + MF3D or an F1 + MF3D?
