Designing my own MIDI controller, could use some feedback from other DJs

Traincrossin · 2012-05-22T00:05:09.918788+00:00

I just thought it would be fun. I'm a DJ and an engineering student so I just wanted to design a controller and see what I could come up with. I wanted it to be a good controller for both DJs and producers along with being semi-customizable so it could be used in a variety of different ways so it would match numerous needs and functions. I mean yea, it's probably not going to get built, especially by me since I know very little about electronics and circuitry, but I just thought it would be a fun idea and I contacted someone just to see how feasible it would be.

I don't understand the S4/Xponent knockoff idea though. I mean yea, you could say that it's a S4 with some added features, but come on, couldn't you say a S4 was another controller with some added features? I mean there's not much else you can add to a DJ controller, but the smallest difference can go a long way in terms of how you actually use the thing. In this case I think that new feature would be the special pads that could function in three different ways and the icing on the cake is you'd actually be able to change how they function.

So yea, you could probably get the job done with a couple other controllers, I just wanted it all in one and have options for other people to customize it a bit as well to fit their needs.

Traincrossin · 2012-05-21T20:07:31.796045+00:00

Thanks for your input! You've pointed out some problems that I was really questioning so far. Just wanted to clarify the FX/sampler section for you. There are going to be different MIDI banks, but in some banks FX and samples are combined into the same bank so you don't have to switch between them. And if it's possible, you'd be able to customize the banks so they match the functions you'd want them to perform.

Traincrossin · 2012-05-21T19:57:26.797054+00:00

Right now i'm just trying to figure out the design and seeing how feasible the actual ideas are. I've gotten in touch with someone who designs MIDI controllers and he's going to help me build it if it's possible.

Traincrossin · 2012-05-21T19:56:57.358654+00:00

Right now i'm just trying to figure out the design and seeing how feasible the actual ideas are. I've gotten in touch with someone who designs MIDI controllers and he's going to help me build it if it's possible.

Traincrossin · 1 day

I use a Xponent where the platter is at the top and i've never bumped another knob or button. I just don't use it as much as other effects so I didn't think having it closest to the user would be very beneficial.

Traincrossin · 1 day

Hmm, CDJs would be laid out in this configuration, but I can see how symmetry would be nice too.

Traincrossin · 1 day

I just wanted a semi-customizable unit that matched both DJ and producer's needs. For example, the FX section could be mapped in numerous different ways because it functions in multiple ways with the pads. Or if you don't need a platter you could swap it out with faders to control individual tracks. Those extra knobs at the top are there to be mapped to any functions not already included such as track browsing like you suggested or loop recording. And that's not a bad idea, separating the controller even further into individual units.

KABLAMO17 · 3 days

I feel like any DJ should have some kind of backup prepared in case a worst case scenario happens. If a laptop craps out on you, you should have brought some CDs or a couple USB drives.

KABLAMO17 · 3 days

Just wondering what cool new stuff is coming out?

noizerebel · 4 days

It's going to be a fun night, i'll be sure to crank up the Aqua. -DJ PJ

theempires · 4 days

Was DJing a jungle themed college party and thought i'd play some jungle related songs like Eye of the Tiger, Welcome to the Jungle, and my favorite Tarzan and Jane by Toy Box. Also played King of Africa, someone grabbed a stuffed lion and did the whole Lion King over the crowd, it was hilarious. Earlier in the night people weren't really in the mood to dance so I was just playing some random tunes and to my surprise they went crazy for moombah, I was in disbelief. That party later got busted by the cops.

At one of my first gigs I brought along my Xponent since I didn't know how to use CDJs. I was thinking since it was a music venue that would have a bunch of collapsible tables for me to set up my gear on. They did not, so I was rushing around the place trying to find a freakin table so I wouldn't have to DJ on my knees. Luckily some merch guys had a spare one I used.

Tastygroove · 5 days

Oh we understood the Qbert thing was sarcasm, you're just a dick to everyone.

Tastygroove · 6 days

Ok, why are you obsessed with DJ Blend and trying to get us to like him?

dispozableusername · 6 days

Best of luck to her, but I don't see this ending well.

entertanus · 6 days

Best of luck to her, but I don't see this ending well.

Tastygroove · 6 days

Yup, I do, because I do way more than just straight fades and cuts.

Tastygroove · 7 days

The only reason he's popular on YouTube is because he's semi-entertaining and that's the point of videos, to be entertaining. People watching videos don't care about true DJing or if he is mixing because that's boring. One time a promotion group invited me to see Bl3nd through an event on Facebook, that event page was full of people saying how much he sucks, so all hope isn't lost.

hackett33 · 8 days

What's the Curse side of the story? I always like hearing both sides instead of making a rash judgement. The whole "lies lies lies" thing though doesn't make me support your side any more than his.

DJBLADERUNNER · 10 days

I'll try to help out, might even Fraps the thing and post it online. IGN is Nadastorm

theempires · 10 days

Yea, mini-xlr to 1/4 inch. Not hard to replace, just saying Pioneer doesn't always help you out. Happy for you though that you got an upgrade.

theempires · 10 days

The cable on my HDJ 2000s started acting up, was just outside my one year warranty. They said they wouldn't repair. Sooo I guess you got lucky?

sil3ntki11 · 11 days

While Google Drive might be cheaper, read their terms of use. Anything you upload can be used and re-distributed by Google without your permission. Dropbox and other sites don't do this.

KABLAMO17 · 13 days

A S4, 2 Stanton ST-150 turntables, and a Akai APC40 running Ableton. Perfect combination of mixing and production.

Cabana · 13 days

Here's a video of X-Flight testing during opening day if anyone is interested. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=k0x1wc88fys

Traincrossin

TROPHY CASE

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