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Midi controller question--???

 
 


tangoman
Novice

Jun 17, 2008, 10:31 PM

Post #1 of 14 (3787 views)
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Midi controller question--??? Can't Post
Hi everyone: I'm looking to add a midi-controller to my rig and have looked at a million different devices but am curious about this one (and similar DJ-oriented usb-midi controllers):

http://www.m-audio.com/...SessionPro-main.html

What worries me is this: "works with any software that supports MIDI Learn"

I haven't been able to ascertain what that means exactly - my local retailer (who didn't have one in stock for me to try out and who wasn't overly knowledgeable about midi issues) says it means that it means the unit is midi-learn compatible but should interface just fine with Izz; I just don't want to get stuck with a unit that won't interface with the control-watcher actor in Izz.

Anyone know anything about this, or have any recommendations for external controllers? I have been happy to design my own guis for Izz, but I'm getting carpal tunnel from track padding and have to rethink my performance rig.Crazy

Cheers and Aloha!
Aloha from nearer than far
www.nicholaschase.net


skulpture
User


Jun 18, 2008, 6:58 AM

Post #2 of 14 (3756 views)
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Re: [tangoman] Midi controller question--??? [In reply to] Can't Post
I use lots of Midi interfaces.

I have not found 1 interface that has not worked with Izzy. By using the control watcher and mapping everything it will work fine I'm sure. Just takes a little time.

All midi learn lets you do is really click on a dial/slider/button etc in the software, turn the dial/slider/button etc and it automatically 'learns' and 'stores' the port number, channel, control number etc.

The only thing Izzy can not do is do controller feedback, but the session-pro does not have that so you should be fine.


An instant without duration....

www.grahamthorne.co.uk


tangoman
Novice

Jun 18, 2008, 11:50 AM

Post #3 of 14 (3740 views)
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Re: [skulpture] Midi controller question--??? [In reply to] Can't Post
That's helpful and logical - I sort of imagined that to be the case, but was stunned by the verbage in the M-Audio explanation, which makes it sound exclusive. I only want to be cautious as I just finished a project where I dealt with a lot of trial and error, purchasing and returning gear. What a hassle!

I'm adept at the step-by-step programming in Izz, which I prefer to other programs anyway because I can customize like crazy.

Thank-you for the response, that's helpful and assuring - I have also contacted M-Audio to see what they have to say, but I'm certain you are right.
Aloha from nearer than far
www.nicholaschase.net


michel
User


Jun 18, 2008, 1:35 PM

Post #4 of 14 (3732 views)
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Re: [tangoman] Midi controller question--??? [In reply to] Can't Post
I am very happy with this one:
KORG microKONTROL
http://korg.com/...ol&category_id=8

Michel

----------------------------------------------------------------------------
"It happens every day: information overload! Time for a reboot..."
(traditional haiku poem)

film:projekt ------------------- autodidakten


skulpture
User


Jun 18, 2008, 2:22 PM

Post #5 of 14 (3728 views)
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Re: [michel] Midi controller question--??? [In reply to] Can't Post
yea korg rock.

Also faderfox stuff is brill. Check this little company out.

http://www.faderfox.de/

£100 - easy peasy! Tongue


An instant without duration....

www.grahamthorne.co.uk


tangoman
Novice

Jun 18, 2008, 2:30 PM

Post #6 of 14 (3725 views)
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Re: [michel] Midi controller question--??? [In reply to] Can't Post
Actually, it's an earlier post of yours that got me on this whole outboard controller quest! I have tried to come up with a Korg microKontroller within my budget range, but Korg doesn't produce them any more and they are rare and pricey commodities on the used market, considering all the alternatives.

I'm looking at some other options, but the thing that specifically interested me about the X-Session is its similarity to DJ devices (which I am used to having DJd many years) and its size compared to other devices. Sure, I'd love a larger mixer, but I'm about to tour internationally and I did that last year with large, heavy gear- I'm not doing it again if I can help it. I know that I probably won't exceed the limitations of a smaller device, so if I can shove it in my backpack, I'm all for it. For larger gigs where I'm not traveling across borders, I would certainly consider something more advanced and sizable.

oh yeah - other, small controllers all offer knobs; I like the faders and again, the X-Sessions sports 5 faders and 12 knobs, a decent combination for its size!

The feedback and input is really helpful guys, thanks for responding! Next I will look at the Faderfox...
Aloha from nearer than far
www.nicholaschase.net

(This post was edited by tangoman on Jun 18, 2008, 2:31 PM)


tangoman
Novice

Jun 18, 2008, 2:41 PM

Post #7 of 14 (3722 views)
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Re: [skulpture] Midi controller question--??? [In reply to] Can't Post
This is great (Faderfox), pretty much exactly what I'm looking for - but it seems the midi connection requires an additional midi-usb converter mod..? Hmm...
Aloha from nearer than far
www.nicholaschase.net

(This post was edited by tangoman on Jun 18, 2008, 2:42 PM)


michel
User


Jun 18, 2008, 3:08 PM

Post #8 of 14 (3718 views)
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Re: [tangoman] Midi controller question--??? [In reply to] Can't Post
What about this here:
http://www.akaipro.com/mpd32

----------------------------------------------------------------------------
"It happens every day: information overload! Time for a reboot..."
(traditional haiku poem)

film:projekt ------------------- autodidakten


skulpture
User


Jun 19, 2008, 8:40 AM

Post #9 of 14 (3673 views)
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Re: [tangoman] Midi controller question--??? [In reply to] Can't Post
In Reply To
This is great (Faderfox), pretty much exactly what I'm looking for - but it seems the midi connection requires an additional midi-usb converter mod..? Hmm...

Yea but you can get one of them for about £15.00!


An instant without duration....

www.grahamthorne.co.uk


tangoman
Novice

Jun 19, 2008, 9:54 AM

Post #10 of 14 (3668 views)
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Re: [skulpture] Midi controller question--??? [In reply to] Can't Post
Actually, I remembered that I have one; but I wonder if the extra conversion doesn't cause some latency?

I'm also curious about the design- knowing that it's going to interface with USB, why isn't it just built in?

The units go for nearly $400 US, which is steep by any standard Frown; the X-Session goes for under $100 and doesn't require the additional midi-converter box (less to carry, less to buy!)

I looked at the Akai pro as per Michel's recommendation, but no faders; and it's large. If I were going that large I'd spring for a Behringer BCF 2000, which is basically a small mixing board; again the attraction to the X-Session is the size as well as the DJ-friendly layout. The FoxFader LV2 is even more ideal, being equal in size and offering one more fader (or two, depending on how you look at it) and a layout that is small-mixer/DJ-mixer hybrid.

I'm still shopping, but will have to make a decision in the next few days.
Aloha from nearer than far
www.nicholaschase.net


michel
User


Jun 19, 2008, 3:10 PM

Post #11 of 14 (3642 views)
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Re: [tangoman] Midi controller question--??? [In reply to] Can't Post
The Akai MPD32 does have 8 faders and it is not really large, much smaller than the korg microKontrol, but definitely larger than the faderfox. It seems you are looking for something really small.

----------------------------------------------------------------------------
"It happens every day: information overload! Time for a reboot..."
(traditional haiku poem)

film:projekt ------------------- autodidakten


tangoman
Novice

Jun 19, 2008, 3:57 PM

Post #12 of 14 (3635 views)
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Re: [michel] Midi controller question--??? [In reply to] Can't Post
Yes, it's true - the Akai looks good for the most part; I'm not sure what I'd do with the pads (although several possibilities spring to mind), but you are right, I'm looking for something truly compact: I'm already traveling with 2 laptops, a sound card and possibly an external drive and/or a video surveillance system (includes 5" TV monitor). As I said, I did this last year and simply had too much large gear. The less I have to carry the faster, better, more easily I can travel. Shopping is tough..!
Aloha from nearer than far
www.nicholaschase.net


michel
User


Jun 20, 2008, 12:54 AM

Post #13 of 14 (3608 views)
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Re: [tangoman] Midi controller question--??? [In reply to] Can't Post
I use the pads and the joystick of the korg to control the canon communication cameras, the barco beamers and to trigger the cues, like a Go button of a lighting controller. I made a overlay for it.

Maybe you can find something at http://www.doepfer.de, there you can find lots of midi stuff you can build together for yourself: http://www.doepfer.de/usb64.htm

Good luck, finding something covering your needs.

----------------------------------------------------------------------------
"It happens every day: information overload! Time for a reboot..."
(traditional haiku poem)

film:projekt ------------------- autodidakten
Attachments: Overlay.jpg (57.8 KB)


tangoman
Novice

Jun 20, 2008, 1:10 AM

Post #14 of 14 (3605 views)
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Re: [michel] Midi controller question--??? [In reply to] Can't Post
Wow, these are terrific tips and resources, many, many thanks!

Even if I don't go that route this time around, I will when I upgrade (as my show gets more elaborate).

Cheers!Wink
Aloha from nearer than far
www.nicholaschase.net

 
 
 


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