Your Ideal Controller – What features would it have ?

For me it’s actually software that’s most important… or rather, the way the hardware and software communicate and integrate. I don’t want to feel there’s a laptop, software and controller going on – just a tightly integrated DJ setup overall.

My ideal controller has a button for each function in T2 Scratch Pro
and 12″ motorized platters that has native support for T2SP.
Also no bigger than my MC6000 🙂
Not fysically possible and NI will never have support for moving joggs
So the next best thing is
A: 2x S3700 (motorized 9″ platters with hybrid MIDI) + 1700 mixer = – Big
B: MC6000 = – Not motorized platters.

Also I would like a software that has all functions that is in T2SP + Abletons gridding system so that all tracks automaiticly gets constant BPM. And a gridsystem that is not 99,9% wrong like it is now. And also included MIK, Platinum notes and a good taggprogram so that you would not have to buy and run 5 different programs like now.

And eros, Thank you for the greatest laugh this year!:D

//DJ Hessler

A pair of D-Beams!
If you’ve played on any roland keyboards, you may have noticed these – they are infrared sensors that are generally used to control some parameter or the “solo synth,” which makes cool sounds as you wave your hand over it. It’s very expressive and would be good as a filter or FX control.

TStef, post: 8472 wrote: Bring the kill buttons back! Maybe integrate them in the EQ knobs – have the rotary function AND push the knob = kills that frequency.

Like the numark omni control :o???

1) That the included software are light versions. I use Torq. I like Torq. I’m not paying loads of money for a full version of a software (Traktor, Serato ITCH, or VDJ) that I won’t ever use. I think the ideal is to include light versions and the companies offer a discount on a full version for the DJ who buys said controller. You can shave $200 off the price easily when you don’t include “pro” software.

2) Realistic price. I don’t care who wants to say that a $1000 controller is still less money than two 1200s with mixer and needles. I think the ideal price point should be $100-$500 with $500 being the “pro top of the line” and $100 as the “hobbyist/starter”.

3) Just give me the basics. Two decks with play/pause, looping, and hot cues. A mixer with four volume faders, crossfader, and full EQs/Kills. I’d rather buy a second controller to control effects and/or sampler. When you try to put it all into one, then you end up making everything cramped or you end up with a layout that doesn’t work for everyone.

4) Overlays and the means to make my own. If I want to design up an overlay in Photoshop, print it, and put it on my controller, then there should be a template for me to do that.

5) Basic mappings to the known software titles. Either included or downloadable online.

6) Built-in soundcard. So I don’t need to put a separate one on the computer.

7) No analog audio needs. I don’t need to be able to hook up turntables or CDJs or anything other than my laptop. I never understood the fascination with wanting to put old tech with new tech. IMHO you’re just paying for more stuff one doesn’t need, especially if you’re only gigging with the controller.

8) Included power cable. I don’t do USB powered. I like plugging in my controller to an outlet so it’s one less thing taxing my laptop.

9) Full outputs needed. Main, booth, perhaps record, and XLR outputs.

I still really don’t worry about the “image”. I’ve heard plenty claim the Xponent looks like a toy, but I still rock on it. I think too many bells and whistles can make it look strange, but I simply care that it works. I don’t really worry or care if I’ve impressed the DJs in the room. Haters will hate, no matter what…and if they want to hate me because I’m not on what they define as “industry standard”, then let them have one more reason then to hate me.

I agree in some instances, like the NS7. However, I see how Traktor Pro costs $229. So let’s say the LE version costs $29…that’s $200 you can shave off the cost of a controller.

I always liked how Ableton Controllers do it by giving you a LE version to keep the price lower and then offering you a discount on buying a full version. Thus one can spend less and then invest more later for a pro version.

So imagine a controller like the S4 came out for $700 with copies of Serato Intro, VDJ Home, Traktor LE, and a 30-day demo of Torq 2.0 (or some LE version they come up with). You can try it with all the titles, and then if you really like one particular title, you then go pay the $100-$200 to update it.

$100 IMHO is for an actual “toy”. Something you buy a kid or a beginner to play with. $500-$700 is more for the controllers that are more professional-grade, with $700 being the metal build ones or the big ones like the NS7.

I’m glad right now though there is a flush of hobbyist controllers with some quality attached to them coming out.

D-Jam, post: 8494 wrote: I agree in some instances, like the NS7. However, I see how Traktor Pro costs $229. So let’s say the LE version costs $29…that’s $200 you can shave off the cost of a controller.

I always liked how Ableton Controllers do it by giving you a LE version to keep the price lower and then offering you a discount on buying a full version. Thus one can spend less and then invest more later for a pro version.

So imagine a controller like the S4 came out for $700 with copies of Serato Intro, VDJ Home, Traktor LE, and a 30-day demo of Torq 2.0 (or some LE version they come up with). You can try it with all the titles, and then if you really like one particular title, you then go pay the $100-$200 to update it.

$100 IMHO is for an actual “toy”. Something you buy a kid or a beginner to play with. $500-$700 is more for the controllers that are more professional-grade, with $700 being the metal build ones or the big ones like the NS7.

I’m glad right now though there is a flush of hobbyist controllers with some quality attached to them coming out.

My “toy” controller was the hercules mp3e2 and I still get use out of it, that is a dedicated fx controller for mysetup so upgrading doesnt always mean disgarding the last product you bought. If I play a club I bring my omni control, hercules controller and nano pad and that has control over everything (some things twice or three times like cue points, Its nice to be able to access this no matter where my hands are) people say its stupid to have too much control but at the end of the day it depends on your style, I use all my controls I have a knob mapped as a second cross fader just incase I was to do a really slow blend (much easier).

mr stifffy, post: 8497 wrote: My “toy” controller was the hercules mp3e2 and I still get use out of it, that is a dedicated fx controller for mysetup so upgrading doesnt always mean disgarding the last product you bought. If I play a club I bring my omni control, hercules controller and nano pad and that has control over everything (some things twice or three times like cue points, Its nice to be able to access this no matter where my hands are) people say its stupid to have too much control but at the end of the day it depends on your style, I use all my controls I have a knob mapped as a second cross fader just incase I was to do a really slow blend (much easier).

I actually agree with you. I personally like things to be more modular so you can bring as little or as much as you need. My setup can get as small as an X-Session Pro to as big as an Xponent with MPD24 and Midi-Fighter. I like having versatility.