Clubbing9 Blog

Digital DJ mixing continues to move forward as more creative DJ equipment and live performance tools enter the mix. The Novation Launchpad controller, codeveloped by Novation and Ableton, looks like an interesting entry into the growing range of MIDI controllers geared towards digital DJ mixes and live sets. At RM600++, it’s well below the cost of other MIDI controllers, although obviously it also lacks much of the functionality of more advanced DJ equipment.

Essentially, the Ableton Launchpad is made up of a grid of 64 buttons which can be mapped by DJs to individual clips in Ableton Live. There are also eight “scene-launch” buttons which can be used to trigger different scenes while mixing a live set. The buttons receive input from the DJ mix software (i.e., Ableton Live) as well as sending it so the DJ can see tracks that are loaded, playing, and being recorded. One of the most interesting aspects is that DJs can switch to a “Mixer Mode,” where the rows and columns of the Launchpad can be set to act as sliders or faders allowing the Launchpad to control volume, pan, effects, etc (you can see how this works in the demo video from Ableton below). Also, up to 6 Launchpads can be combined and input into the same machine for even more control over the DJ mix or live performance.

Although it’s intended as a dedicated controller for Ableton’s Live music performance and DJ mix software (the controller will ship with a special new ‘Launchpad edition’ of Ableton’s Live software 8), the Launchpad can control almost any other DJ mix or audio program using Novation’s ‘Automap’ control software. Overall, the Launchpad looks to be an interesting product, and there’s no doubt Ableton will be selling a lot of them. In some ways, it’s almost a simplified, mass market version of JazzMutant’s more full-functioned (and far more expensive) Lemur, which was used by Daft Punk on their last tour. It’s definitely great to see companies experimenting with new tools for mixing, and seeing product designers step up to the challenge after seeing so much innovation in the DJ software space.

Vestax VCI-100

Vestax VCI-100 a professional MIDI controller with two jog wheels builtin with sensor and control technology. With additional features found on VCI-100 is the curve generator that controls the crossfader curve that gave true DJ professional mixer features. For more info about VCI-100, logon to official website at Vestax Corporation

FEATURES

• 90 parameters of various software are assignable to the VCI-100’s control section via USB transmitted MIDI signals.
• The JOG wheel is constructed with a high-resolution pulse sensor; touch sensor and acrylic platter mechanism. With this combination, operations such as pitch bending, scanning and scratching can be performed with speed and accuracy.
• Every crossfader motion of the VCI-100 is digitally converted and sent to the software. Curve settings are generated with the built-in CPU, which allows you to adjust the crossfader curve to your preference whether or not the software you use has curve control.
• The DATA SEND LED and JOG wheel SENSOR LED provides clear visual of the current status to assist in an authentic play mode in real time.
• Operates both with USB bus-power and an exclusive power adaptor. (For best performance and stable operation, please use the power adaptor if the computer’s power capacity is low or if using a USB hub)
• There are no issues if you don’t have software to operate. TRAKTOR LE (Native Instrument Inc.) is bundled to the VCI-100 with exclusive control assignment files.
• The VCI-100 provides simple plug & play working with Apple and Windows operating system computers.
• Compatible with all software that allows MIDI control assignment. Samples of MIDI control assignment files for each software will be available at www.vestax.com.
• The metal body is almost the same size as a standard Laptop, thin but highly durable, compact and convenient for transportation.
• DIMENSIONS: 360(W) x 35(H) x 252(D) mm (Excluding knob height)