Hey Guys,
Really interested in the Xone DX, but wondering if there are any other solid 4 channel MIDI controllers out there?
I know the VSM4 comes out in July, curious to see how people respond to it. There’s always the 4D, but that thing is huge (price as well) and just seems like too much to me.
Any other recommendations?
I’m probably going to go with the DX when I can get my hands on an updated one over here in the US, but want to make sure I’ve looked at all the options.
Thanks again!
For what the DX offers - I don’t think there is anything else out there like it. Maybe the VSM4 will offer it competition - but A&H is a solid company. You also get the luxury of using Itch or mapping Traktor to it and I think its laid our great for both. Much better than anything else out, especially with an integrated soundcard.
I’ve got the Xone 3D, which you can rig up to do 4 channels if you’re clever about it. I think A&H has a tutorial up to make it work, actually.
The 3/4D is huge and expensive, but completely worth it, in my opinion. The DX looks pretty good too, and if I didn’t already have and love my 3D, I’d consider it strongly.
Like Haze said, the VSM4 might be pretty awesome, but Allen and Heath is awesome for sure.
Wow that looks amazing! Thanks for the link, definitely gonna check it out, definitely looks like a DX competitor.
Thanks for the other suggestions guys, however some of these mixers aren’t the “all-in-one” functionality that I’m looking for (and that I find very appealing with the DX).
@pilmat: Not sure I understand your question on “expecting an upgrade from A&H”. What you said: the sound card, build quality and overall reputation of A&H also make the DX really desirable.
I had actually won an Ebay auction on an updated (no tapping issue) one, but the guy decided to keep it.
Also, for you Xone 4D users, how you liking the controller?
I feel it may be just too much to use it only with Traktor Pro (for myself at least). Just toooooo many buttons!
I’ve got the 3D, so same layout as the 4D, and I love it. You’d be surprised how many buttons you can take up doing simple things, Like making a loop menu for each deck, and then routing FX into/through decks and such. It fills up fast. And then all the knobs at the top map easily into the four FX banks, with easy selection of the FX. Faders go to any of Key, Pitch, Gain, FX ‘Super Faders,’ or even ‘Preset Scrollers’ if you’re ambitious.
And then on top of that, I have a midifighter for cue juggling, “beat mashering” and cue mashering. (I put up this mapping in the midiFighter section, check it out) And quick toggling FX on/offs.
It’s a /really/ nice set up. Wish I had the 4D, though, if only because it is so goddamn pretty.
OT:
I hope you complained about the seller.
Sick of folk putting stuff on ebay for 99p and pulling the auction if it looks like they aren’t getting enough money.
or suddenly they no longer have it for sale.
Oh, the fairies came in the night and took it did they.
And don’t get me started on concert/festival tickets… calming breaths
No, I don’t really use for Traktor. I had a go with it, but to be honest I really like Itch and I’m working with it that way. Did try both the Traktor Bible and MixArchitect mappings just to try, but I’m so used to the VCI-100 and DJTT mapping that I actually found it a little lacking (I hadn’t realized how much I used that dedicated knob!).
Bottom line is I use Itch on the DX and Traktor with the VCI-100. DX/Itch for more straight mixing with lots of layers, and Traktor/VCI for tricks and effects.
Whichever way you like to work, you will not be disappointed with the DX’s quality or sound. I don’t have the tapping issue (it does stop the deck or flip the layer if I hit it REALLY hard, but that level of hit would damage the unit quickly!) so would have no hesitation recommending the unit right away.
Oh, and this may be slightly OT but still relevant to you DX users.
I want to invest in one turntable for listening purposes. Would running through one of the DX’s channels work? (I know it’s a midi controller, but with the output ins?)
If so, could I turn the controller on and not have software running to get sound out of it?
Thanks!
No, it’s midi only. The good news is that it does have phono pre-amps on two inputs. But you will have to run it through software to get anything through the master outs.
