Using effects hardware with controllers

DJ Life & Community General Discussion
1

Using effects hardware with controllers

Can anybody tell me if its possible to connect effects hardware to a controller? I know this sounds counter intuitive because software has all the effects I will need. However, I have a denon MCX-8000 and ive been using the standalone two channel section. This does not require a computer and I think imm going to just stick with that for now.

So im not going to be using a computer with this controller. There are three effects that i can choose from and they are pretty much shit. So i would like to connect effects hardware. I have been looking at some hardware but im unsure if they will even work with it. below is a list of hardware that ive been looking at any advice would be awesome.

Pioneer EFX 500 and 1000

Pioneer fx 500

Any kaoss pad.

Also, is there any other hardware out there that i can connect that im not aware of? Im trying not to spend an arm and a leg …like the pioneer fx 1000..shits like 800 bucks. I just cant see spending tht kind of money just for effects.

Thanks guys and gals

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What software?

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The Denon uses engine. But it’s internal. I’m not using a computer, just thumb drives. It’s a four channel, has master in and out but no FX send

4

You can use absolutely any h/w fx with controllers.

Connect the fx unit between your controller and your amp/speakers.

5

Oh ok! So I’m not going to have to worry about a sound issue? Like it being too loud or quite?

6

You won’t know until you try. But you’ll have volume controls in your software, on your controller, the fx unit, and the amp/speakers.

Read up on Gain Staging.

7

You just can’t preview the effects in your headphones doing it that way. Does the MCX8000 have an aux out/in or FX send/return?

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It doesn’t… Just four channels, and a mic input. I’m thinking I would have to get two units, one for each channel.
The pioneer efx 500 is going for $150 at the moment. It’s an old unit in dj years, and replaced by the RMX 1000 back in 2006 (give or take a few years) BUT it’s an extremely good kit. I would consider buying two if I know it will work AND not sound like ass.

What do you think?

9

If you’re not using your booth out and can route audio to it separately from the mains then you could possibly use it’s output to the outboard FX and route the FX back into a channel on the mixer. Kinda kludgy but you’d have your FX on a channel fader independent of the clean signal which would be pretty sweet.

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Not sure how you’d use 2 FX units if you’re playing your music from a drive or USBs. If you were using outboard decks into the line inputs then conceivably, you could put the FX units inline before hitting the line inputs but that makes for an awful lot of gear.