NAMM 2008 News'n'Rumours

What's up in 2008? Last there had been lots of news and rumours around NYE.
What about this year's NAMM?

Are we expecting the "perfect" midi-controller? (I know that there will never be THE ONE for all of us.)

What other news are already available?

 

Not sure, but I'd bet at least one company will respond to the VCI-100. Should be interesting to see if NI drops the ball on em D). In my own dreamland, I'd like to see either Behringer making a big brother to the BCD-3000, or have Numark step up and irk out a major overhaul on the Total Control (perhaps Ultra Control? Killer Control?).

Will keep an eye on the proceedings.

 

I usually end up there somehow or other. I'll take pix & report if there's anything interesting. Last year was the big one for new controllers; the Zero4 & Zero8 were the standouts to me.

 

Apparently Ecler's going to have 2 Evo 5's there along with 3 other new products, anyone have any clue what those products might be?...wish I could make it out there

http://sl-dz1200.com/cms/content/view/21/2/

 

I know of a sexy new controller that will drop at NAMM. If all works as planned, I will be able to give you guys not only a hands on review right after, but also a series of videos showing different functionalities.

Stay tuned for details...

 

Ohh you underground stealth agent you! Looking forward to this. Outside of N.I. I know of two products that may be announced there, I won't say more, should absolutely not steal their thunder...

So here's a question... if you could have EITHER some whizzy new software that raises the bar on digital DJing possibilities by a LOT!, OR a controller that goes a good ways to working well with Traktor, which would you go for?

How about a fairly simple controller that had 4 jog wheels and a few buttons to control master and slave tempo switching per deck as well as Sync and CuePlay + 4 full FX sections that was all either Midi and or keyboard Hotkeys. What if all that was doable for under $600.00? What would be your no-brainer-must-buy price point for such a beast? "Be real here" please... We all know what controllers cost today so asking for such an animal for $99 we all know is wasted words, the components and casing alone will COST more than that.

Now something else... for those that want an FX controller... What are your thoughts on a simple but high function controller that provides focus deck functions for FX and looping and has 4 deck select buttons built in as well. A lot of guys wanting controllers really want better more complete control of FX per deck and a simple small footprint controller is all they need since they use an external mixer. How important would adding transport and loop jump control be to you? Remember this controller would be focus deck and lower cost, but still pro-grade.

Phil

 

I hate the idea of jog wheel controllers because right now they're all so toyish. CD sized wheels with coarse MIDI resolution and barely enough room for all your fingers. And if you're running 4 decks at the same time, you're probably going to be making heavy use of beat grids and master clock, so "jog wheel mixing" is made kind of pointless (it would be like having jog wheels for Ableton). That's an opinion of course, but I personally don't get it.

A specialized effects controller for Traktor is a nice idea, but I would like to see it expanded to cover more of the commonly used widgets (like beat jump, cue functions, and deck key). If it had a formfactor similar to the Vestax VCM-100 it would be downright hot.

Traktor still needs some work though if it's going to be ready for the next crop of controllers. We need a better and more accurate way of controlling decks via a platter, we need better control over track key. wider implementation of MIDI feedback, etc.

 

Yeah I hear ya my personal preference is for jog wheels the soze of the BCD wheels. I don'r want or need em for scratching but rather for Transport position control Using modifiers you could do everything from fine phase sync adjustments roight up to end to end track position seeking. Flip modes and you can reposition beat markers flip again ad adjust track BPM, flip again and adjust deck key. I don't wanna scratch with it I have have traktor scratch to do that, but the value of jog wheels for transport control should not be discounted.

Yeah a VCM like controller without the soundcard would definitely rock. Imagine the power of the Kore controller if it could do midi out for all its controllers its would totally rock.

Yes we do, we'll have to see what 2008 brings.

Phil

 

Out of all the NAMM rumors I've heard so far, Nemonic's hint about this new MIDI controller is the most awesome thing I've heard yet. I'm excited to see it.

I'd also like Ecler to come out with a MIDI controller. How hot would that be?

 

I'd preferer a Nuo 4 with 4 channels of midi control to a dedicated midi controller, the Evo 5 is amazing but way more than I need, want or can afford. From what Johnny has said I wouldn't expect a dedicated midi controller from Ecler, they're in the business of making mixers....of course I'm sure they could blow Vestax and M-audio out of the water in that department if they did.

 

This was originally supposed to come out last year, so I've been waiting on it for over a year. But it's a sure thing now, and I personally think it will be the harbinger for new and much needed development in the DJ controller market. It's so sexy I can't stand it.

It's not going to be the answer for every application, but in my eyes it's the first serious attempt by a major company to build a real usable MIDI controller for DJs.

 

Very interesting. Do you know if it's just a controller or it has an integrated sound card? Will it be designed for Traktor or a general use controller?

 

I don't think you'll see anything released by Stanton be designed specifically for Traktor. Otherwise you'll have to wait for those answers. 10 more days isn't that long.

 

So it's the Pacemaker, then. yah?

 

Now that, I wanna try out!


Phil

 

I'm on the list for teh Pacemaker as well, but I don't know if I can justify $700 for an iPod replacement and mix toy. Sure looks cool, though.

 

i am on the list too. got an email for the beta software a couple of weeks ago. i think it is a little pricey and sorta toyish

 

I'm just trying to picture standing in front of 1500 people at Spundae with nothing but that thing. People would be like, I just dropped $25 to watch this dude play on his Wii?

 

ha ha that is funny. then you could do the wiimote bluetooth thing and really look like a joker

 

I'm think I'm gonna wait for the 4 deck version with DVS and MIDI support. either that or the Nintendo DS Version of it.

Phil