DJTechTools has just announced a new MIDI controller inspired by classic video game systems, MidiFighter.

MidiFighter is an ready-to-assemble MIDI controller that features 16 game-style buttons and 16 programmable LEDs. It can be customized and expanded, too.

MidiFighter MIDI Controller Details:

• Release Date: November 30th
• Price: TBA
• Plug and Play compatible device compliant midi controller
• USB powered
• Must be assembled (no expertise required)
• 16 programable buttons
• 16 programable LEDS
• Expandable to 20 programmable buttons and 4 analogue controls
• Limited Edition 200 piece run in this configuration (black PCB with white LEDS)

This thing looks like it’s going to be pretty insanely fun.

MidiFighter is a DIY kit – but it’s not hardcore DIY – it’s funcore DIY:

The Midifighter kit comes in a flat box that can be personally assembled in 5 minutes. Entry level moders can select the arcade button colors they want when ordering and assemble the kit into a custom configuration that fits their personal style or mapping. The arcade buttons snap into place thanks to our hand made clips that require zero soldering. Just screw together the frame using a simple allen wrench, snap in the arcade buttons and your custom controller is assembled and finished.

The finished controller is plug and play with super high quality low latency drivers and will work with all midi compatible software.

Because it’s a kit, you can customize it. Use color-coded buttons. Use the extra analog and digital input ports toadd mod wheels, joysticks, sliders and knobs. And if you want to get hardcore, the kit is totally open source so you can hack the firmware.

Pricing is TBA, but we should know soon, because they plan to release this November 30th.

Anybody interested? Leave a comment!

NI’s new Traktor Kontrol X1, up close and personal….

Native Instruments today announced Traktor Kontrol X1, a performance controller designed by the team behind Traktor DJ.

Description:

Traktor Kontrol X1 provides DJs of all styles and genres with a way to control loop, cue, effect, track selection and transport functions of their system. The unit accommodates the two most common digital DJing paradigms – it complements a typical timecode-controlled Traktor Scratch setup consisting of a hardware mixer, turntables or CD decks, and also works as a self-contained controller for DJs who play beat-gridded tracks with Traktor software and mix externally.

Two X1 units can also be combined into a four-deck setup that controls all decks and effect units of Traktor Pro or Traktor Scratch Pro simultaneously.

Traktor Kontrol X1 is equipped with precise buttons, knobs and encoders, complemented by dynamic colored backlighting for additional visual feedback. The X1 integrates with the Traktor software through a dedicated high-resolution protocol, resulting in a level of precision and responsiveness beyond what regular MIDI-based controllers can provide, and allowing for true plug-and-play operation with no setup or specific configuration required.

Traktor Kontrol X1 has been specifically designed for usage in performance environments. Its compact casing is both robust and lightweight for high portability, and the special vertical form factor makes the unit fit seamlessly within a typical club setup. The optional carrying bag for the X1 doubles as a stand that raises the controller surface to match the height of typical DJ mixers.

Traktor Kontrol X1 can be used to control any MIDI-compatible DVS, DJ software or music performance application. The optional MIDI mode of the controller can be engaged on the fly via a dedicated button on the unit.

The X1 also comes with a carefully designed set of parameter assignments for the Serato Scratch Live system, matching the relevant features of the software to the controller without any setup effort. A special Serato Scratch Live overlay for the X1 is also available.

Traktor Kontrol X1 also ships with Traktor LE, software that provides two decks with essential looping, effects and mixing features, turning X1 into an entry-level solution for digital DJing.

Traktor Kontrol X1 will be available in February 2010 for a suggested price of $229 / 199 EUR. The carrying bag / stand for Traktor Kontrol X1 will be available for $49 / 39 EUR.

Vestax, in collaboration with Hiroshi Watanabe, have introduced the Vestax TR-1 DJ controller.

Description:

The TR-1 is a collaboration of Vestax and DJ HIROSHI WATANABE, one of the pioneers who established laptop based DJing in Japan.This radical MIDI controller has been designed from a professional’s point of view, making it compact and extremely useful when you’re in the mix.

Features:

• New soft push switches for tireless mixing.
• Smooth 60mm slide input faders or high-precision mixing.
• Selectable deck control (Max 4channels. A&C controlled by PGM1, B&D controlled by PGM2).
• New SHIFT switch feature to customize deck control functions.
• Adjustable LED light volume.
• Can control up to more than 160 parameters of compatible software.
• A compact, durable and easy-to-operate body design that ensures excellent reliability on tour .
• Traditional Vestax white gold face plate and knobs.
• Bundled software: Native Instruments Traktor LE.

The DJ Machine – a “Finger Orchestra For The DJ” is a design prototype dj controller that features Playstation-style joystick controls:

If spinning music is your hobby (or job), then the DJ Machine is quite an intriguing prospect for you. The system features seven, 360° rotatable joysticks similar to a synthesizer that modify music in a “haptic and playful way.” Each of the joysticks can be personalized with individual sound effects and can transmit the sound to a receiver via Bluetooth. Sporting bright LED displays, the entire unit looks pretty jazzed up, but the honest confession of Sony-PS-controllers-inspired-tech-for-joysticks is quite heartening!

More images at the design blog Yanko Design.

via peetz155

Andre Cato explains the Stanton SCS3d DaScratch.

Stanton’s StanTouch technology allows you to use traditional DJ-style motions and gestures on a touch-pad style surface to control Traktor DJ Studio, Traktor Scratch, Ableton Live, Serato Scratch Live or any other MIDI compatible software.

via SCSystem

This video demonstrates a custom arcade-style DJ controller for Ableton Live, inpired by the monome project.

Details are available at the DJTechTools site.

Numark has announced that its NS7 premium performance controller will be available worldwide on March 24, 2009. Numark and Serato have jointly developed NS7 to deliver deep DJ software and hardware-control integration.

Numark has also launched a Web site dedicated to NS7 at NS7controller.com.

More details below. If you’ve used the Numark NS7, leave a comment with your thoughts!

The NS7 features two seven-inch motorized, adjustable-torque, aluminum turntable platter controls complete with vinyl, slipmats and 45 RPM adapters. Separating the two turntable decks is a premium DJ mixer with replaceable, digital VCA crossfader and line faders; firm, rubberized knobs; rugged switches and buttons; Strip Search (patent pending) virtual-needle drop controls; and host of other innovative features.

Numark and Serato developed a protocol for communication between NS7 and the computer that sends MIDI data over a single USB cable at more than twice the standard speed. The result is extremely high-resolution control with full MIDI compliance.

NS7 contains a high-quality, 24-bit digital audio interface with mic/line input and headphone and system outputs. A single USB cable carries all audio and control data between NS7 and the computer for simplicity of system configuration and minimal setup time.

The controller carries a U.S. retail price of $1,599.00, and a street price of approximately $1,299.95.

For more information, visit their web site at www.numark.com.

Livid has announced that they will be giving away a limited edition of their Ohm DJ/VJ controller:

In celebration of the great response we have had this past year for the Ohm controller with hundreds of users now in over 35 countries, we are giving away an Special Edition Ohm package. This one-of-a-kind Ohm is made of Jelutong wood with a light blue stain and will be the only one of its kind in circulation. This Ohm is being made custom for this drawing as an appreciation to the community. The drawing will take place on March 16th.

The entire package is worth $930 USD and includes an Ohm, a copy of Union and Cell VJ softwares, a Livid T-Shirt, and shipping. All purchases made from the Livid Instruments website (refills, T-shirts, hardware, software etc…) will be automatically entered in the giveaway, additionally you can enter the giveaway by entering your information on the form here. The winner will be randomly picked on the 16th of March and we will also announce the winner on the lividinstruments website.

You can enter here.

Note: By entering, it looks like you’re signing up for the Livid email newsletter.

NAMM 2009 Numark NS7 Demo

via agiprodj:

Michael from Numark gives us a run through on the newly released Serato Itch controller the NS7.

This is an promo video from Numark demonstrating the NS7 Controller – a dedicated controller for Serato ITCH. It ships with Serato ITCH and comes ready to control the DJ software of your choice, including Serato ITCH and Numark’s CUE DJ software.

Two high-torque, motorized 7″ standard platters with a genuine vinyl interface provide pinpoint response with the look and feel of standard turntables. Illuminated controls let you perform in any lighting conditions.

Hercules has introduced DJ Control Steel, a USB mixing console that targets the pro DJ market.

Description:

• Dual mixing decks on a steel surface
• Dual-deck DJ controller with equaliser and volume controls
• Track reading controls (jog wheels, effects, pitch etc.)
• Track mixing controls (cross-fader, volume faders, kill etc.)
• A wide mixing deck designed for mixing without compromise
• Size: 350 x 252 x 68 mm (13″ x 9.7″ x 2.6″)
• Ample space under the DJ’s fingers allows precise mixing.
• Portable controller
• Ideal for mobile DJing, the device connects to and is supplied through the computer’s USB port (whether PC or Mac, laptop or desktop)
• Supplied with a carry bag, the controller can be carried over the shoulder.
• Controls suited to every kind of mix
• 2 decks, 6 sliders, 13 rotary knobs and 46 push-buttons
• Controls allow for easy mixing and offer access to advanced features
• Dedicated software included
• VirtualDJ DJC 5 version for PC & Mac, featuring a dedicated skin

Technical Specifications:

• Mixing controller for PC & Mac
• Dual mixing decks
• Connects to the USB port
• Supplied with a carry bag and dedicated mixing software
• Powered via the USB port
• MIDI controls
• Made for Mixing
• 35 x 25cm / 13″ x 9.7″
• Mix without feeling cramped.
• Metal Mixing Deck
• Steel plate on top and base.
• Offer the same “feel” as traditional mixing decks.
• 2 Jog Wheels
• Enhanced precision (over 3 times DJ Console Mk1 & Mk2’s jog wheels precision).
• Adjustable resistance.
• 6 Faders
• 3 volume faders
• 2 pitch faders
• 1 cross fader
• 13 Rotary Knobs
• 6 equaliser knobs
• 2 gain knobs
• 2 effects knobs
• 2 preview knobs
• 1 balance knob
• 46 Push-Buttons
• 15 effects buttons
• 6 kill (EQ) buttons
• 6 read/cue buttons
• 4 pitch bend buttons
• 4 menu buttons
• 4 fast forward/fast rewind buttons
• 2 track loading buttons
• 2 preview buttons
• 2 synch buttons
• 1 scratch mode button

Hardware Requirements:

• PC minimum requirements

1 GHz or greater CPU

MS Windows

• Mac minimum requirements

Mac OS 10.4 / 10.5

1 GB RAM or more

This video does a nice Mr Rogers on the manufacturing of the Livid Ohm MIDI control surface, by Livid Instruments.

This controller is made and designed in the Austin manufacturing shop of Livid Industry. Edit by Jason Senk.

DJ Richard Devine goes over the features of Stanton’s DaScratch (SCS.3d) – a touch sensitive software controller.

Here are the details on Stanton’s new controller:

Stanton’s StanTouch technology allows you to use traditional DJ-style motions and gestures on a touch-pad style surface to take full control over music and software applications such as Traktor DJ Studio, Traktor Scratch, Ableton Live, Serato Scratch Live or any other MIDI compatible software. Minimal moving parts ensure durability from gig to gig.

Highlights:

• The StanTouch interface can be used for scratching, scrubbing, and navigating through digital audio. The tactile buttons, triggers, and virtual faders can also control samples, pitch, effects, cue and loop points, and other mappable functions. Multiple finger touches can even prompt quick kills on EQ’s or transform effects on volume.
• Magnect connection system allows multiple DaScratch units to securely snap together, creating a larger control surface with increased performance options.
•  DaRouter software gives DaScratch a little brain of its own, allowing customized support for a variety of applications. DaRouter runs on Mac / PC and will automatically load presets that are tailored towards the application the SCS.3d is controlling. A generic preset is also provided for mapping to any application that supports MIDI learn. 
• USB connection for easy plug and play connection to your software. Class compliant with Windows XP, Vista and Mac OSX to ensure that drivers are never needed. Bus powered by design to ensure that no external power or batteries need to be used.

A sneak peek at Stanton’s all new MIDI controller, aimed at making DVS systems a lot easier to use.

via Scratchworx

Numark is now shipping the MixMeister Control DJ system, designed to let you focus less on the computer screen and more on your performance.

Numark partnered with the MixMeister to create a hardware control surface specifically designed for interaction with and control of MixMeister software. 

MixMeister Control contains 94 pre-mapped hardware controls laid out in identical fashion to the software it controls. No configuration or setup is needed, and the single-cable USB connection carries both control data and power from DJs’ Mac or PCs to MixMeister Control.

The software enables DJs to mix complete sets from full-length songs, integrate and edit loops, mix, and produce performance mixes with full Digital Audio Workstation functionality.

“MixMeister Control transforms DJs,” said Mark Frederick, VP Sales and Marketing. “Rather than spending their time focused on getting the beat-matching and song transitions right, MixMeister Control empowers DJs to produce their performances in real time. The result is great performances by great performers who feed off the energy they get from their audience.”

Omni Control is not only a hardware controller for performing with the included software, it also houses a professional digital-audio interface to feed headphones and the sound system.

Features:

• Complete professional computer-DJ package
• Hardware controller with built-in audio I/O
• Includes Native Instruments Traktor 3 LE and MixMeister Fusion Live software
• Heavyweight, sturdy feel
• Extremely clean, high-quality sound card
• Stiff, reliable knobs, faders, and buttons

Includes:

• Omni ControL control surface
• Software CD
• USB cable
• Owners manual

D.St-Amand has created some very cool looking designs for DIY MIDI controllers and is documenting his designs and work building them on Flickr.

“I think that this is my very best channel layout! No wire, no front panel screw. Only one PCB will be made for the number of channel required, 2, 4 , 6 or 8 channels. Every control are leds illuminated. The enclosure total thickness is ~16 mm !! (knobs not included).

The ledrings use single color leds and when all the leds are turned off, they are white. Buttons use dual color leds that generates 3 colors; red, green and orange.

The encoder ledrings adaptor is made of anodized aluminum.”

Check out the link above to see a more designs and some build pictures for his prototype.

via Hackaday

Last year, we covered the introduction of the Livid Instruments Ohm DJ/VJ controller, and asked “Is this the coolest DJ controller yet?”.

It looks like the answer is yes, at least for VJs. This month’s Remix magazine has a review of the Livid Ohm, and they call it a “one-stop shop for trigger-happy VJs”:

“The Ohm/Union combo addresses an artist’s need to get down to the business of live visual performance without having to reinvent the wheel. Its developers recognized the desire for more spontaneity in video art and were determined to put the “real” back in “real time.”

The beauty of the Ohm/Union setup is once you get past the threshold of basic operation, the process of creating art becomes more physical and performance oriented rather than analytical or laborious. You feel more connected to the tools. For people wanting to jump in and make sweet-looking visuals, this hardware/software combo is equipped with enough bells and whistles to entertain for hours on end and at a reasonable price (try the demo available at Livid’s site). But with the ability to expand its capabilities, for example through Elements and FreeFrame plug-ins, as well as sophisticated sound–triggering and infinitely adaptable effects, the Ohm/Union combo will go as far as your imagination takes you.”

The Ohm is a high-quality MIDI instrument designed for real-time audio and video performance. It’s backlit for use in any environment, and comes in rugged rackmount metal or handcrafted mahogany. It’s priced at $790, which is reasonable for the combination of a high-end control surface plus software.

More details here and at the Livid site.

A video guide to building your own dj controller from scratch using a few simple tools.

via djtechtools.co