F1 Query?!

Do I need more than one F1 to control all 4 decks in Traktor pro 3? Thanks

 

The Kontrol F1 is a controller mainly dedicated to control remix decks. It has no transport controls for example.
If your question is can I control 4 remix decks with a kontrol F1, yeah in theory you can (as long as you have an additional controller to control mixer functions and all the rest). Is it a good idea: clearly no, it's just not very practical in real use even if switching decks is easy on the F1. Having reliable, consistent visual feedback is important and you'll partly loose that for the exact position of a deck's faders and knobs (ie slots volume and filters) if you consistently switch decks . Unless you're checking all the time where they are on your computer.

So may be you need to redefine your exact question if you want a better answer.

 

Hi...Thanks. I’m a complete novice when it comes to digital music production and Djing, but am interested in building a set up. I’m researching like mad and am considering two routes! A: The Traktor S4 Mk3 plus Traktor pro 3 software....seems fairly straightforward, however I like the idea of controlling the 4 decks via an anologue mixer....So B: Traktor pro 3 software and an Allen and heath 43c mixer....This is where the controller question comes from.....With set up B would it make sense to have 1 or 2 controllers if the aim was to control each deck in pro 3 independently through the mixer? If what I’m saying doesn’t make sense please say.........I’m not competely new to Djing having had vinyl( which I still have)and decks( which I don’t) ‘back in the day’.....However I’ve been out of the loop for years!!

 

Sure no prob, I understand.

You can't go really wrong with the S4. It's a simple choice, offering you plenty of tools to have fun too. And in some months you'll still be able to sell it well if you want to go for a modular set-up.

In your second option, you probably may want to have a look at two Kontrol X1 or may be two A&H Xone K2 (that's only the obvious choices, there are plenty of controllers that could do the job).
That would give you control of 4 decks without having to switch control layers between decks. Each X1 being designed to control 2 decks each.
But if you're really into remix decks, you'll need at a point a Kontrol F1 or any other controller that gives you access to at least a 4x4 grid/buttons.

Now that said, with a new range of products just released would I recommend to buy an X1 now? May be not new. Personally I would find a pair second hand of MK1 (,not MK2, that touch strip is ....different... but it's a personal opinion). That shouldn't cost you that much and if a new X1 like controller is released in some weeks or months, you'll upgrade then.

The K2 is a bit different, as it's an "empty" canvas you'll have to fill in. You'll find easily mappings for it but I would go that route only if you're a bit of a tech head ready to see what's under the hood and gets your hands a bit dirty as it's obviously a bit way less straightforward than having a NI's Traktor controller when it comes to integration.

As for the mixer, isn't the 43C a dedicated serato mixer? I don't know I'm not familiar with it. Check the 43, not the 43C, if that's the model you're looking for.
For the mixer and inside your price range and having 4 channels, you don't have many choices anyway it's either the 43, the reloop remix 80, what else? There are not that many actually I think.

Last thing to have in mind is the soundcard. If you're going for the modular path, will you move also your gear from time to time to play outside of your place? In that case, will you move your mixer? If that doesn't make sense to you then you need an external sound card (the K2 does have one but I don't know if it's any good). Also think about your software license, depending if you're buying hardware, second hand, etc...


With set up B would it make sense to have 1 or 2 controllers if the aim was to control each deck in pro 3 independently through the mixer?
Depends on the controller(s) and depends on the number of decks. But yes, and probably two.
When it comes to controllers, everything is a matter of compromises. Because there are so many functions inside the djing softwares (and application of those functions) than no controller can feature all of them so you have to make choices at a point or another when it comes to what you want to control exactly and how convenient and practical to use your choices are.

Hope it makes a bit of sense? Hope someone else will give you his/her two cents to answer with a different point of view that mine.

 

Brilliant!! Thank you.....I feel like I’m barking up the right tree!! From the bit of research I’ve done the 43c will support Traktor.....The fact it has an internal sound card was what drew me to it, the zone 96 would be nice but it’s a little over budget! I may yet still just opt for simplicity with the S4 Mk3.....Decisions. Thanks again for your help, I’ll keep you posted as to the route I take!