Looking for no-jogwheel controllers with crossfader etc

Just wondering what the current state of play is on non-jogwheel controllers for internal mixing. I use a couple of Faderfoxes now and love them but there's still redundancy with dupe buttons etc...that and gear-curious to get it all in one unit really.
What would I like? Simply something that's laid out like a dj mixer for Traktor people. Crossfader, channel fader, phones mix, per channel labeled cue, eq, sync button, pitch encoder, phase push/pull, list/load encoder, fx controls, loops on/off, transport and a few spare buttons and a couple of extra encoders. Far as I can see these are the core functions and remix and sample decks etc etc are easily assigned to a sidecar kind of unit.
Anything fit this kind of idea?

 

You are absolutely right, there's not a million of these kind of devices out there. I'm with you, I don't use jogwheels either.

Behringer (I can't believe I'm actually mentioning that name in with a positive connotation) demoed their modular CMD-line of controllers (do a google image search) which I liked very much form a concept point of view.. Very cheap, all internal, nice customizeable layout... But they haven't released them so far.

Here's a few things to look at, although I don't think any of these matches your requirements fully.

- MIDI-Fighter
- Xone K2
- NI X1 / F1

.. I think the only one really matching your specs is the 4MIDILOOP.. Which is built on the faderfox idea, but taking it to the next level. Hard to get your hands on one though.

http://www.4midiloop.com/__/frontend/handler/image.php?id=649&width=1024&height=768

 

Have a look at the Novation Twitch, that might be exactly what you want.

 

Thanks folks....probably the closest is a pair of the Behringer ones.

Twitch is...OK-ish but some weird design stuff too
K2 is...no crossfader and not enough encoders for fx etc...just unfriendly layout too...
The 4midiloop looks on the right lines but redundant 4 channels, I'd end up using ch 1/4 mostly for pitch, filter etc.

You know what I'm saying though? A full 2 channels plus core functions, no jogs, no soundcard. Might have to drop Matthias at Faderfox a line....

 

Electrix Tweaker is way cool!

 

Kontrol Z2!

 

Cool for sure but dowens't have enough control ie no per channel fx pots etc

Z2, very nice, def. getting close, but no fx control, and too big to be carrying around in a bag/setup. A non-audio I/O version w/fx would do it for sure.

 

It has nice mapping outta box. You can control effects via big pads which are velocity sensitive or via EQ encoder knobs by switching mapping banks. Check yt for videos, there are few nice ones!

 

Z2 + X1 gives you total control over effects... footprint really isn't that big. I use the same bag I used for my S4 to transport my Z2 and X1. Slides easily into any booth.

 

Having a look at the Z2 dimensions and weight, it certainly is a beautiful piece of kit but it's a full-size mixer and audio I/O. While you can carry it, I don't think it's designed as something you carry round on planes with your laptop and other carry-on in one hand and your kid in the other. As it is 2 Faderfoxes and a KA6 and I'm basically set, surprised there isn't more in this kind of format though.

 

Akai apc40 is my jogwheel less controller of choice. You could also look into Touchosc if you have an ipad or iphone. You can make your own custom layouts if you go that route. If you really have the money to spend look into Smithson Marton Emulator and thier line of products.

 

Ok #1 contender so far, Vestax tr-1, basically exactly what I was looking for. Could be time for a ride down to the Vestax showroom to check one out in the flesh before I get too excited though!