Advice Please – Novation Twitch or ???

think about american audio vms 4 , however it is a more traditional setup

Hi Markkloud

I just bought a Twitch as a second controller. I use different controllers for different styles and functions. I’ll use it as a DJ controller and like you, with Ableton and a MacBook Pro. When it arrived got it unpacked and everything ready it was faulty (outputs were dead). I’m sure this is just a one-off. Novation technical support are really helpful. Despite this, I’m willing to wait a week for a replacement. The reason for this, what the Twitch can do and how easy it is to use. It’s very intuitive and works seamlessly with the Serato Itch. The slicer function is incredible and allows remixing on the fly. So if you’re playing with a drummer, the possibilities are endless. The only thing I’d say is that if you’re going to use Ableton Live, the Push will be released next year. It’s more expensive and only comes with Live 9 Intro. For the same price as the Push, you could buy a Twitch and also a Akai APC 20 at present. Two great pieces of kit. Just a few ideas for you.
Derek

Hi Bunyip. That’s a good idea for anyone not sure about a Twitch buying a second hand one. As you say someone doesn’t like it, move it on. I liked the control strip and rotary knobs. As for the pads, you can really do some amazing thing with the slicer. Throw two tracks in and then start mixing them on the fly. Mind you, make sure you’re beatgridding is spot on.

I’d say for the beginner, the Twitch is a so easy and intuitive to use and for the money, a bargain. With the added bonus of the free upgrade to Serato’s new software which is worth about £150 or $199 then you could say the Twitch is costing about £140-150. It’s interesting you mapped it to Djay, which is an underrated piece of software.For the money, it’s better than say something like the overrated Virtual DJ LE which ships with too many controllers. For a newcomer to DJing, Djay has everything they need and I’d recommend it.

Hi Bunyip. i’ve been enjoying the Twitch since I got it and really getting into what it can do. At the start it’s strange having rotaries for pitch control, but I actually prefer it now. I’ve just got to be careful not to mix up the browse rotary. It’s interesting you’ve got it mapped to Djay as I’ve a copy. I used it with my other controller the Reloop Digital IE 2, which runs with Traktor 2.5. It’s a really underrated piece of software and perfect for anyone moving from vinyl or CDJs. I agree it would be great if it worked as a standalone mixer, as I’m thinking of adding a turntable as much of the music I like never made it onto CD, never mind MP3. I can’t wait for the Serato software to be available for the Twitch. I read Phil’s review and I’m excited about it. I checked out your FB page-great setup.

Hi Bunnyip, I had a look at the VCI-380 and will look at turntables too. Maybe a Vestax or Stanton. I’ve really been enjoying exploring what the Twitch can do. Every time I use it, I discover something new. It’s the best piece of equipment I’ve bought in ages. Once the new version of Serato comes out for Twitch, it’ll be even better. By then, any teething problems will be ironed out in the software. There’s a Serato Itch group on Facebook if you’re interested and one for Twitch. Im a member of both and and can send you a link.

Hi Bunyip, Here are the links: https://www.facebook.com/groups/39294238190/ is the Serato Itch group and the Novation Twitch Club is https://www.facebook.com/twitch.controller?fref=ts hope they’re helpful. Hope they help you.

Sorry to hear that mark – I guess it’s just one of those rare and random things which happens to gear now and then. But what a bummer that happened so close to the gig, especially when you were looking forward to using it. I can’t really answer your question about repair times, but hope it gets sorted with Novation and you stick with it. I fired mine up for a gig over Christmas – havn’t used it much since I got my VCI-380 – and had a blast with it. Let us know how you go.

Cheers.