I’m of two minds on this,
As a working DJ, I don’t have time to futz around trying to implement and troubleshoot a workng solution for a piece of $1000 hardware. I need something that just plain works and no, I’m not interested in LE or ‘lite’ versions of software. I’m a grownup. I do my research, weigh any tradeoffs or comprimises and make my decision.
Sometimes it works out, sometimes it doesn’t.
I can accept that.
The way I see it, there is a market for both proprietary controllers and a more open approach. Both have a place in the current landscape.
For gear like the S4 or NS6, both pieces would be comprimised considerably if they weren’t mapped 1:1 to a piece of highly functional software – for various reasons. Jog wheel response for one thing.
The layouts, ergonomics and functionality of those devices are designed to create the best workflow possible for a DJ using a specific piece of software. That is what makes them great products. Doing away with the tight integration of these products would make them less functional for a DJ who has to get on with the business of playing the music.
For DIYers and Hackers who prefer the flexibility of a more open-source approach, there are options out there. And of course, most new controlers can be mapped to just about any software. Just don’t expect the implementations to be as usable as those originally intended by the manufacturers.
The bottom line is this: There may come a time when companies like Rane, NI, Numark etc. offer ‘bare bones’ MIDI controllers without the price burden of proprietary software, but that day is a long, long way off.
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