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USB MIDI MIXER
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EtherealMotive
IsraTrance Full Member
Started Topics :
56
Posts :
186
Posted : Jul 5, 2009 07:55:33
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Hi, im looking to buy a high quality USB Midi Mixer for Ableton, Traktor and programs like them? What are some suggested products? |
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Axis Mundi
Axis Mundi
Started Topics :
75
Posts :
1848
Posted : Jul 5, 2009 11:35
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EtherealMotive
IsraTrance Full Member
Started Topics :
56
Posts :
186
Posted : Jul 5, 2009 19:57
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Thanks for your response. I looked at the link, but I'm looking for something I can learn how to properly mix with, like for MIDI beat matching and such. I don't want to use software to find the tempo and beat match for me. I want to learn how to use a controller like using decks. Any suggestions? |
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Axis Mundi
Axis Mundi
Started Topics :
75
Posts :
1848
Posted : Jul 6, 2009 00:37
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So wait, you want a USB mixer, but don't want to use software? I don't understand.
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EtherealMotive
IsraTrance Full Member
Started Topics :
56
Posts :
186
Posted : Jul 6, 2009 05:27
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Axis Mundi
Axis Mundi
Started Topics :
75
Posts :
1848
Posted : Jul 6, 2009 09:38
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Well, for only $100 more than the Vestax you linked, you could buy this one:
http://keyboards-midi.musiciansfriend.com/product/MAudio-Torq-Xponent?sku=241136#new
... which has multiple audio outs, MIDI I/O, acts as an external sound card, pedal I/O, and can be self-powered (and lights up to be easier to see in a club-like setting. I'd recommend this one. (With that Vestax you're still going to have to drop more money on a sound card.)
Just to provide an alternative viewpoint to your opinion, though, if I may...
First, it's great that you want to learn to beatmatch. Every good DJ should know how to do it. Regarding your ideas of what mixing is... that's different. Mixing is about adjusting your levels so sounds fit together smoothly as well as selecting your tracks accordingly well for the task. The computer and programs like Ableton don't do that. Even when Ableton auto-detects BPMs, it isn't reliable on its own and if you did rely on it 100% you would get very very sloppy mixes. Programs like Torq and Traktor are fine and good for strictly DJing, but limiting, in that if you ever want to start creating your own beats (even small bits from scratch for DJ mixing purposes) you can't do that with those programs whereas programs like Ableton make it very easy to integrate the things you make with the things you mix. You'd end up spending roughly the same amount of money also to get you started. Later on down the road you may wish to start making your own beats and if you do then you'll quickly grow bored with a Torq- or Traktor-based setup. Maybe one day you'll get your hands on a hardware synth, also, and you'll have a much easier time with it with an Ableton setup (and that mixer I linked in this thread) than Torq/Traktor and that Vestax. (Torq/Traktor-like software are basically one-trick ponies).
Just trying to offer you an alternative suggestion since you said you're learning. Definitely pursue it, but try to remember that you'll learn the most if you drop your preconceptions and engage the broader task with a more open mind to what's out there and the possibilities you can follow.
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n.t.t
IsraTrance Junior Member
Started Topics :
14
Posts :
2151
Posted : Jul 6, 2009 11:27
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i've worked with numark's total control as a controler and it has the options that u want & it works fine but, it's just a controler & has no sound cards so u can't hear tracks sepratley for beatmatching. in this case u need a sound card with multiple outputs (at least 2). i'm using a Native Instruments audio 8 dj & it has more options like 4 separate stereo in/outputs and midi ports + mic.
in the other hand there are some controlers that have built in sound card like M-Audio xponent etc.
but just like Axis said i prefer having a soundcard + a good controler separateley. it's more flexible in production & of course you have more options to combine things 
 http://www.2to6.net
http://www.merkabamusic.com/
https://www.mixcloud.com/CommonTense/
https://soundcloud.com/tranquilogen |
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EtherealMotive
IsraTrance Full Member
Started Topics :
56
Posts :
186
Posted : Jul 7, 2009 23:40
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thank you for your help. Actually, I've been producing music for almost 2 years now, but I've never learned how to dj. I started backwards as many would say. Learned how to produce before djing. Its time to learn the other part now  |
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