What controller should I buy?

jtsuited

did you get the drivers zascar??

oh the benefits of mac! (on macs EVERYTHING you plug in works automatically - printers, soundcards, midi stuff, everything ....well almost everything).

Zascar

I did the 'Find these drivers automatically' and it did so and said ' your hardware is installed correctly and now ready to use'. But I found proper drivers just now so i'll give them a whirl too

Quiggers

are you using the demo version?
Often software demos are save disabled and the midi mapping can be
turned off. maybe find a "flexible version" of traktor 3 and see if
it will play ball with ya.

gsparx

i'm using the traktor demo at the moment and all my midi mappings are being saved and stored.

Zascar

OK I've been playing with it a little this morning and I'm sure the install of the uc33 is the problem.

I have watched the youtube tutorials on Midi Mapping: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IQjJsi2nPJ0 - looks pretty simple but I cannot get it to work.

When Traktor is open, I thought that when I move any of the sliders etc, the little Icon for MIDI in the top of the window should light up to show a MIDI signal being received, but it does not.

I used the drivers from the M-Audio site: http://www.m-audio.com/index.php?do=support.drivers&f=751 - and it says it installed properly - however when I go into my 'Davice Manager' in Control Panel, there is a yellow "!" on Other Devices / Multimedia Audio Controller. Tried a few different things but still the same

Any ideas what i should do to fix this?
Thanks

Zascar

Right, I just transferred everything over and gave it a go installing etc on my other laptop. It worked fine and I have stared mapping.

Dam windows! Jeff you might be right on the whole Mac thing there, can solve a lot of problems

Might have to do a dam reinstall on my pc now.

jtsuited

told you it was simple!!

I'm rubbish with windows stuff so can't help you out there. Unfortunately, there's a billion and one reasons it's not working.

Zascar

Well I have Traktor working grand on my pc, having fun here mixing with a mouse and just getting used to it, trying a few tricks etc. Will defo do a full reinstall so I can start afresh without problems and then start mapping the uc33 and see how it works. I should get my Audio2 DJ next week and will prob order the vestax soon too - get both of them working and I'll be happy as a DJ in ****.

Quiggers

in the device manager, right click on the device, choose update driver,
click no not this time,
click install from a list or specific location
click dont search, i will choose the driver to install,
a list of drivers will appear, select the m-audio driver,
you'll be warned that its not digitally signed, click continue,
you'll probably be warned again, but keep going, the uc33 should appear as a uc33 in the device manager when you're done.

then in traktor you'll have to activate the midi input in the preferences and settings menu.
now the midi light should light when you slide or tweek

Zascar

Quiggers wrote: »

in the device manager, right click on the device, choose update driver,
click no not this time,
click install from a list or specific location
click dont search, i will choose the driver to install,
a list of drivers will appear, select the m-audio driver,
you'll be warned that its not digitally signed, click continue,
you'll probably be warned again, but keep going, the uc33 should appear as a uc33 in the device manager when you're done.

then in traktor you'll have to activate the midi input in the preferences and settings menu.
now the midi light should light when you slide or tweek

Thanks man. I tried that but I get to this screen and can't find the right Driver. devices.jpg

I looked in loads of the categories I thought it could be in, but none seem to be the right one.
If I click Show All Devices there is still no M-Audio there either.

Is there a way to extract the driver into a folder so I can do the 'Have Disk thing? Any other suggestions of ways around it?
Cheers

run_Forrest_run

I wonder [at this point] are the vinyl purists and the CDJ fans having a little snigger. The problem with midi controllers is that we add a new layer (at least one) of dependency into the mix (pardon the pun).
And when it comes to depending on a Windows based solution I get a little scared (especially if doing live performances in a club).

I suppose that's why the big guns stick to macs eh? It doesn't bother me, if my software freezes up or the midi controller stops sending signals I just re-start the device, whatever dust mites are in the room with me won't mind too much!

jtsuited

jaysus the thought of ever using a windows machine in a club gives me shivers.

probably a bad thing to say but.... i've only ever seen a computer crash twice in a club and both times they weren't macs (which is rare - as in it's rare to see someone using a windows machine in clubs).

ED E

jtsuited wrote: »

jaysus the thought of ever using a windows machine in a club gives me shivers.

probably a bad thing to say but.... i've only ever seen a computer crash twice in a club and both times they weren't macs (which is rare - as in it's rare to see someone using a windows machine in clubs).

From what I've heard 7 is stable enough, I'd be comfortable using that if I ever got to that level. The trick is to kill the fluff. There is no need for networking, anti-virus, indexing or defragging tools to be running. The less there is going the more available to your app and the less there is to f#ck up.

Zascar

Hahaha, yes, vinyl and CDJ fans may snigger :pac:, however realistically no one is 100% immune to problems at the end of the day. I was at a gig a few weeks ago where they had problems with a CDJ where the pitch was drifting and the DJ's were really struggling, few mixes went wobbly - so it does happen - vinyl has its weaknesses too!

Yes I'd have to agree with all points made above really. Macs are probably a much smarter choice - and I would generally advise someone to go get a mac if they are starting out, but I've been a big PC man for too long and any time I've used Macs I don't particularly like them. However, for Djing all you have to do is have a basic version of windows installed with nothing on there, and you'll be fairly safe. It used to be the case years ago that it was the software that crashed and caused problems - nowadays DJ software is lot more reliable - any crashes are usually caused by an unstable computer.

I'm having these problems cause this is my home desktop PC and is jam packed full with random crap - my start menu is pages long with different types of software, including many different types of audio software and drivers from different setups etc. What actually surprises me is that Traktor works fine and its the uc33 that won't install.

I usually format and reinstall every 6 months or so but its been over a year so definitely time for a refresh in time for all my new gear I recokon.

run_Forrest_run

Zascar wrote: »

Hahaha, yes, vinyl and CDJ fans may snigger :pac:, however realistically no one is 100% immune to problems at the end of the day. I was at a gig a few weeks ago where they had problems with a CDJ where the pitch was drifting and the DJ's were really struggling, few mixes went wobbly - so it does happen - vinyl has its weaknesses too!

don't get me wrong, I'm all for the laptop & midi controller solution.

Zascar

Course not mate - I'm usually just honest to admit the digital route has its weaknesses - as does anything..

BaZmO*

Zascar wrote: »

vinyl has its weaknesses too!

Post reported

Zascar

LOL!
:pac:

acman

Funny how most of these "technical setup" threads end up in a Mac VS Windows debate.

Bottom line is that if you use Windows for live performances, you are skating on thin ice, no matter how clean your system is. God help you if you system crashes and your employer finds out you are using Windows!

For those of you wanting to move over to MAC but haven't cos it's just "not for me"...have you honestly tried using a Mac for more than 10 mins? You really do need to give it some time before giving up on it...trust me, it's worth a week's learning curve!

jtsuited

yeah while i normally say that for production stuff it's a personal preference, I would not fcukin dream of recommending a windows machine for live performance.

Zascar

I should probably give it the week to see, cause honestly any time I've used mac's or seen them used I just do not get the hype at all.

acman

Zascar wrote: »

I should probably give it the week to see, cause honestly any time I've used mac's or seen them used I just do not get the hype at all.

Yeah, you should really give Mac OS a fair shot before deciding it's "not really for me"...I'm willing to bet that once you overcome the learning curve of the different interface, you will never go back to windows!

Now that you have a decent setup (traktor and wotnot) but still using a windows system, its like owning a scumbags car - great interior, loads of gadgets, quality sound system but it's still only a ford escort!

Only when you move over to Mac will you have a Ferrari to run your setup :cool:

ED E

acman wrote: »

Funny how most of these "technical setup" threads end up in a Mac VS Windows debate.

Bottom line is that if you use Windows for live performances, you are skating on thin ice, no matter how clean your system is. God help you if you system crashes and your employer finds out you are using Windows!

For those of you wanting to move over to MAC but haven't cos it's just "not for me"...have you honestly tried using a Mac for more than 10 mins? You really do need to give it some time before giving up on it...trust me, it's worth a week's learning curve!

And a months wages...

Zascar

Just did a reinstall of xp and everything now works perfectly

VinylJunkie

Zascar wrote: »

VJ out of interest what is your setup?

Pics from my phone I took a few weeks ago, I have since got some new monitor speakers.

Two Technics 1210's, a CDJ-200, a CDJ-400, a DJM-600 and Torq 1.5.1 although I don't use Torq.

Oh and a lovely table and couch from Ikea.

Zascar

Not out yet, but this looks pretty cool:

Vestax TR1



http://ci.vestax.com/en/products/tr1_01.html
http://www.digitaljockey.it/dij/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=524:vestax-tr-1-la-recensione&catid=101&Itemid=56&lang=en

acman

Zascar wrote: »

Not out yet, but this looks pretty cool:

Vestax TR1

[IMG][/IMG]

http://ci.vestax.com/en/products/tr1_01.html
http://www.digitaljockey.it/dij/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=524:vestax-tr-1-la-recensione&catid=101&Itemid=56&lang=en

Holy monkey Jesus....£429.00 for a midi controller? :eek:

Zascar

acman wrote: »

Holy monkey Jesus....£429.00 for a midi controller? :eek:

Midi controllers get a lot more expensive than that!!

How much did your CDJ's and DJM800 costs you mate???

acman

Zascar wrote: »

Midi controllers get a lot more expensive than that!!

How much did your CDJ's and DJM800 costs you mate???

You are comparing apples and oranges. If you want to go down that route, how much did you pay for the laptop and DJing software too then?

MIDI controllers are nothing more than a few buttons that allow you to control a device. A glorified mouse if you will...just because this particular controller has a few "DJ Friendly" buttons on it doesn't justify the money. There are much cheaper alternatives out there that do the same job.

Zascar

I know I'm only teasing dude!

As I said, its personal preference. If money was no object I'd probably have a similar setup to your own with decks, mixer and serato/traktor etc etc - but personally I like the dj specific all in one's - just what I'm used to really. I have the uc33 set up with traktor right now - dirt cheap piece of kit and can do most of what you need it to on Traktor but I just won't enjoy mixing on it as much as my last one which is why I opted to go another route.

VinylJunkie

Is there any sand left on the beaches at all, Gentlemen put down your handbags

acman

VinylJunkie wrote: »

Is there any sand left on the beaches at all, Gentlemen put down your handbags

?

VinylJunkie

acman wrote: »

?

Never mind

milltown

acman wrote: »

Holy monkey Jesus....£429.00 for a midi controller? :eek:

And no jogs?
Surely if you're sticking to your DJ specific guns you may as well have a pair of wheels to nudge and cue with.

Zascar

No but it does have the little pitch bend buttons...

brianc27

jog wheels are horrible, dj specific midi controllers in general are horrible, they are what turned me off switching to traktor originally until i learned a bit more about midi and traktor and realised you dont actualy need these monstrosities

jtsuited

brianc27 wrote: »

jog wheels are horrible, dj specific midi controllers in general are horrible, they are what turned me off switching to traktor originally until i learned a bit more about midi and traktor and realised you dont actualy need these monstrosities

agreed. awful awful things. have never seen a serious dj use one once. they all remind of that hercules thingy you could get in argos.

electrogrimey

Zascar wrote: »

I should probably give it the week to see, cause honestly any time I've used mac's or seen them used I just do not get the hype at all.

Used to use my PC for Traktor and had serious problems, loadsa lag and shít sound, then I switched to my Macbook and it runs clean as a whistle. Couldn't imagine anyone using a Windows in a club.

acman wrote: »

Holy monkey Jesus....£429.00 for a midi controller? :eek:

http://www.thomann.de/gb/allenheath_xone4d.htm

Zascar

electrogrimey wrote: »

http://www.thomann.de/gb/allenheath_xone4d.htm

In fairness that is a LOT more than just a Midi Controller - it is an unbelievable piece of kit, but seriously expensive. However, A&H are bringing out the Xone DX which is just a Midi Controller which comes with Serato Itch, and it will be about €1500!

I chose my setup for a number of reasons - personal preference cause of what i am used to - and flexibility. I can now do exactly as jt recommended and use the UC33 with the House Mixer when in a club - and when at home I have the vestax along with the UC33 for effects or multiple decks etc. Joker gave me a demo of his Vestax and I really like it. The vestax, uc33 & soundcard cost me less than the price of one CDJ-800 - which I think is pretty good. This obviously excludes the laptop which I already have - but I will prob get a Mac in time if I'm going to be gigging out more.

electrogrimey

Zascar wrote: »

I will prob get a Mac in time if I'm going to be gigging out more.

Just some advice if you're getting a mac, get it from the refurbished store. They're 100% guaranteed to be exactly the same as a first hand one, 'cept with a few hundred off, I got mine there and it was perfect. http://store.apple.com/ie-business/browse/home/specialdeals/mac?mco=MTA4MzMxOTI

Zascar

Cheers, yeah someone else suggested even getting a second hand one for cheap, any basic Mac would do the job I'm sure - I don't need it for doing anything else really anyway.

electrogrimey

You'd have some snobs in the crowd tutting if you didn't get a Pro though. :rolleyes:

electrogrimey

Just wondering how limited Traktor LE is? Will I end up having to buy the full Traktor Pro after a week? Thinking of ordering that Audio 2 DJ in the next few days, looks like the best one out there, isn't it? It comes with LE, is that decent enough to use?

ED E

electrogrimey wrote: »

Just wondering how limited Traktor LE is? Will I end up having to buy the full Traktor Pro after a week? Thinking of ordering that Audio 2 DJ in the next few days, looks like the best one out there, isn't it? It comes with LE, is that decent enough to use?

I have 3 LE, its its pretty much the basic package of whats essential. You loose the effects, samplers etc etc.

LE (IMO) is just a giveaway with controllers to try and get people interested, then they can upgrade to full when they realise how it limits them.

Zascar

Give Traktor Pro a go, its very impressive - way more comprehensive. There is a demo available here: http://co.native-instruments.com/index.php?id=tprodemoversion

ED E

Zascar wrote: »

Give Traktor Pro a go, its very impressive - way more comprehensive. There is a demo available I'm sure

There is

electrogrimey

I've tried a version of Pro ripped from the internet, just to try it out, but if I was gonna be using it live I'd want a real version, was just wondering how different LE was. I suppose one could just use the effects on the club mixer...

electrogrimey

Just saw this: http://www.native-instruments.com/#/en/products/dj/traktor-le/?page=662

So basically all LE is missing is extra effects and the quantize feature, which begs the question of whether the €129 upgrade is worth it? (Ordered my Audio 2 DJ last night by the way, which comes with LE, hence the discussion)

electrogrimey

It might be an idea to use this thread as a place for asking questions about controller set-ups, maybe you could change the name and sticky it Colly? I'm always linking people to this, seeing as it has so much information.

I've a wee question actually, what's the best/easiest way to upgrade from a 2 channel soundcard to a 4 channel soundcard? I've an Audio 2 DJ, and in future I'm going to want to be able to use all 4 channels on Traktor, is buying an Audio 8 DJ the only option? You can't have 2 seperate soundcards can you? €400 for an Audio 8 is not really something I can afford ATM, especially just for a soundcard. If I was to get a cheaper one, would clubs be likely to have a Audio 8 as standard, or will we have to wait a few years for that? Just say this, the NIO 2/4, seems to be the only other option I can see, anyone have any experience of the quality of it's use with Traktor?

romarr

i have the wee little Novation Nio fella ... its a good option for the price. never used it with traktor, ableton only. the sound is good, never really had any problems with it (some driver issues on win 7, went mac havent looked back)