With the recent news of the Numark NV controller launching with built-in screens, many DJs were left wondering why Numark was the first manufacturer to innovate in the market. Perhaps that’s the power of InMusic (Numark’s parent company) in full effect. Today we’re speculating on what the other major manufacturers might be brewing up in their labs – and what their DJ controllers might look like if they added LCD screens.
PIONEER’S DDJ-SZ MK2
Many DJs have been referring to Pioneer’s most recent flagship controller (watch our review of it here) as the “winner” of the all-in-one DJ controller wars – but the Numark NV is a clear challenge to Pioneer’s throne. Pioneer seems to have intentionally segmented their CDJ lines and controller lines to be very different markets – but what if the two crossed over?
The (purely hypothetical) DDJ-SZ MK2 might rock a pair of CDJ-2000 Nexus style full-color screens, with colored waveforms and the ability to interact heavily with the recently-updated Rekordbox 3.0 software. Our photoshopped version is above – but we also got sent this mockup of the DDJ-SX getting the same treatment while preparing this article. One important thing to note is that in both of these versions the effect controls at the top of each deck have been hacked away in favor of the screens. Worth it?
VESTAX VCI-400 MK2
We tried making screens fit on a more budget-conscious controller from Vestax like the older VCI-100s or -300s, but it just looked pretty cramped no matter how things were rearranged. The VCI-400 has tons of extra room on it to drop a set of screens in, so it was a great match. Vestax has been pretty quiet recently on the DJ controller front, so there’s a decent chance that they are working on a new generation of controllers.
ABLETON PUSH WITH FLEX-BUTTON SCREENS
Ableton’s controller already has a OLED screen at the top of the unit that does a pretty good job of letting the producers and live performers ignore the computer screen entirely. But here at DJTT’s Photoshop Lab, we wondered why we couldn’t take things a step further and embed flexible LED screens on each of the buttons? There’s probably a few engineers who are shaking their heads at the complexity involved with this concept, but think of how awesome it might be to have buttons that actually tell you what they’re triggering right on the button?
Here’s a roughly mocked-up Push with overlaid labels for the drum rack:
NATIVE INSTRUMENTS S4 MK3
The Native Instruments S4 has already had a few “if only” Photoshop design jobs done to it – probably one of the first of which was this one by DJTT reader Grev Axel who integrated CDJ-style displays and a Rekordbox library selector at the top:
Then last year when Native Instruments released the Maschine Studio with dual LCD screens, it seemed like they were begging to get dropped into a Kontrol S4 – so we made our own new version of the S4 MK3 that incorporated Traktor displays and the touch strips from the Kontrol X1 MK2.
PHOTOSHOP CONTEST: DESIGN YOUR OWN
We wanted to let our whole community get involved in this pretty-enjoyable process of trying to hack and slash controllers in Photoshop and fit displays into them, so we’re opening up this process to you all. What controllers would you want to see with integrated screens? You can download a few of the screen assets in this ZIP file (right-click > “Save as..”) to use in your designs – or make your own!
- Post your design in the comments section below
- Upvote the ones that you like
- The top 3 voted designs will get $20 DJTT store credit
- Please don’t try to fake additional votes on your own design (we can see your IP address and will potentially disqualify you)
[…] What If Other DJ Controllers (Pioneer, … – DJ TechTools The largest community for DJ and producer techniques, tutorials, and tips. Traktor secrets, controller reviews, a massive MIDI mapping library … […]
DDJ-ZZ, All in One Standalone CD/DVD/USB/SD Standalone Deck, Compatible with Serato.
DDJ-ZZ, All in One Standalone DVD/USB/SD Standalone Deck, Compatible with Serato.
This is how I’d set it up.
DDJ-ZZ, All in One Standalone DVD/USB/SD Standalone Deck, Compatible with Serato.
This is how I’d want it set up if I was designing one for personal use.
-Native Instruments “L1”, Controller/ Mixer/ Interface that fits along side a 1200, QFO Style.
-DJ Tech-FO.. They have all the pieces to make it happen..
The L1. Scratch DJ’s dream.. QFO, Midi, Traktor Interface..
Pioneer ddj sz + LCD touchscreens = No need to buy anymore controllers after this one
Ableton Push Studio
Such a good article, I’ve always dreamt of this being a reality. My perfect controller would have some high resolution led screens, perhaps an integrated removable hard drive, integrated wifi and bluetooth so you can just zap songs over to it or use it as a wireless controller (or to even add people’s phones if they want to play a specific song), no silly colours on the buttons, and a couple of slots for usb sticks/hard drives and sd cards. No need for CDs either as it would probably bulk up considerably and with all the storage and connectivity functionality anyway, it would probably be under-used.
Such a good article, I’ve always dreamt of this being a reality. My perfect controller would have some high resolution led screens, perhaps a removable hard drive, integrated wifi and bluetooth, no silly colours on the buttons, and a couple of slots for usb sticks and sd cards. No need for cds either as it would probably bulk up considerably and with all the storage and connectivity functionality anyway, it would probably be under-used.
[…] http://www.djtechtools.com/2014/07/17/what-if-other-dj-controllers-pioneer-native-instruments-vestax… […]
Instead people are going to look down instead of ahead. A glance is all your need.
Traktor S4 with dual iPods
To maintain its modular character
(standalone & computer mode) you can connect 2 iPods or iPhones or
iPads and with a new app from native instruments (that is similar but
different to traktor DJ, the user can see the waveforms of the track (or
2 tracks in 4deck mode), some basic controls (play, deck focus, track
advanced info, advanced controls(loop, beat move, edit beat sync).
In traktor s4 mk3 dual, the extra controls are;
• Above each fx a tiny display that shows the selected fx with 2 arrow buttons for fx selection.
• Extra knobs and buttons for advanced controls
Extra features:
• track libraries are interchangeable between left and right controls by
incorporating an extra internal controller and ram so the user can
upload the two iDevices with different libraries and take advantage of
the combined storage of the iDevices.
• can load a track from usb key
• in the package two beautifully aluminium crafted stands are included for securing the iDevices in the desired user angle.
Traktor S4 with dual iPods
To maintain its modular character (standalone & computer mode) you can connect 2 iPods or iPhones or iPads and with a new app from native instruments (that is similar but different to traktor DJ, the user can see the waveforms of the track (or 2 tracks in 4deck mode), some basic controls (play, deck focus, track advanced info, advanced controls(loop, beat move, edit beat sync).
In traktor s4 mk3 dual, the extra controls are;
• Above each fx a tiny display that shows the selected fx with 2 arrow buttons for fx selection.
• Extra knobs and buttons for advanced controls
Extra features:
• track libraries are interchangeable between left and right controls by incorporating an extra internal controller and ram so the user can upload the two iDevices with different libraries and take advantage of the combined storage of the iDevices.
• can load a track from usb key
• in the package two beautifully aluminium crafted stands are included for securing the iDevices in the desired user angle.
I would love for this baby to be true… my conept
Although designed to be used on a turntable, the display could be integrated into the jog wheels directly and display the same information.
BTW, the turntable picture is not photoshopped but an actual picture of DiskPlay http://hci.rwth-aachen.de/diskplay
Although designed to be used on a turntable, the display could be integrated into the jog wheels directly and display the same information.
Sorry, here are the pictures
Here are the pictures
Traktor HAL 9000
As long as I have my ears, I need no screens….
machine with touchscreen
I’m actually looking into building something like this myself, I have adapted and written control surface code for a dual midifighter style unit and have built a simple prototype:
32 buttons
6 faders/knobs
rotary encoder support
precision 11-bit pitch fader
addressable RGB leds via midi
code for storing settings and led colours in eeprom
It uses an arduino mega2560, coded using the arduino IDE and mocolufa + an adafruit breakout for the ADC for the precision pitch fader, it works great in traktor as a USB-Midi device.
I’m now looking to use something like a friendlyarm tiny4412 board (quad core samsung 4412 exynos chip, mali gpu) running a slimmed down linux and mixxx.
Imho this can be done for a fraction of the money that the big companies are selling them for and all open-source. Resistive touchscreens are cheap, 3.5″, 4.3″, 5″ and 7″.
Clearly it’s not going to be a simple process, there are undoubtedly some challenges to solve and the board I have chosen to develop on isn’t the cheapest but it’s what I’ve got access to right now and I know there are cheaper development boards that use the same samsung chips.
Imho the issues I have left to solve are a decent board design for the control surface (my prototype uses off the shelf parts, and simple ‘rainbow’ dupont female connectors and crimp connectors for the sanwa buttons), getting mixxx running with opengl es support and whether the onboard codec chip is up to the job.
That should’ve said 16 faders/knobs, not 6, + support for 4 precision pitch faders, so 20 analog faders/knobs in total.
Some more ideas.
PIONEER DDJ SZ MK2, MOTORIZED FOLD OUT SCREEN
NI’s S2 & S4 version of the NV would be SUPER killer. I’d really suck for me if they dropped jog wheels though. I also think losing the pc would be great. USB attachment similar to CDJ’s would be sweet. I’d say for a first run by looks Numark may have almost aced the NV. I guess we’ll have to wait and see some demo action and a DJTT review
. Ean?
why do we need a screen in a controller when we still need the pc ??
(with a bigger screen ) . It makes sence ONLY if they do them with usb reader A.k.a. NO PC needed
What if Controllers had screens….
And then you realize that the CDJ2000 Nexus has a screen and displays the waveform. *mindblown*
TECHNICS GOLD EDITION SRN-1200…ALSO AVAILABLE IN BATTLE MODE EDITION
Last attempt: Kontrol X1 with build in screens (9 small screens indicated by zeros, similar to Ableton Push screen).
“many DJs were left wondering why Numark was the first manufacturer to innovate in the market” – why wouldn’t they be?
Numark has a history of innovating: NS7, V7, HDX, iDJ Pro – these were all pretty innovative products.
Not saying it should have been any brand over any other brand, by the way, but as far as controller innovation goes, Numark are certainly amongst the market leaders.
I’ll be impressed when they remove the laptop from the mix entirely. That is, in some fashion of a performance mode, you don’t need to have a laptop connected, much like the Maschine. The laptop is a major point of failure. It infinitely complicates the signal chain and is extremely difficult to troubleshoot. Not to mention these controller’s reliance on software with planned obsolescence ultimately diminishes their value long term.
TRAKTOR KONTROLLER 2L
4 channel Mixer with dual touch sensitive displays.
The TRAKTOR KONTROL 2L
Dual touch screens
4 channel mixer
Enough said! 😉
Woops…
The TRAKTOR KONTROL 2L
Dual touch screens
4 channel mixer
Enough said! 🙂
Woops….
S1 concept with screen
This is my take on a improved Kontrol S4.
As an electronic music DJ with all my music properly gridded and set cue points, jogwheels are nothing but a pointless waste of space so they (and the tempo faders) were the first to go. I also moved around a few controls to more intuitive positions. Finally I added two full Kontrol F1’s to the mix. (Pun intended.)
The result is a four channel controller suitable for live-remixing and sample/loops juggling.
Looks like something that might happen if Livid and NI teamed up!
Something like this
Something like Novation Twitch
Except the fact that it is two channel controller only, rendering it fairly useless for advanced live-remixing and sample/loops juggling.
Sure, you could use it in a 2+2 fashion but that is not the same thing as have 4 separate, dedicated channels.
Second attempt: Kontrol X1 with build in screens (9 small screens indicated by zeros, similar to Ableton Push screen).
Kontrol X1 with build in screens (9 small screens indicated by zeros, similar to Ableton Push screen).
KONTROL X1 MK3
Concept Design by Kosta X
http://www.kosta-x.com
All functionality from the X1 MK2 remains the same except for the following:
Touch Screen Display
• The touch strip has been removed in place of a full color touch-screen display.
Touch Sensitive Encoders
• All 3 endless rotary encoders are now “touch sensitive” and are directly linked to trigger specific on-screen display modes. The active display mode is based on which endless encoder was last touched. Touching the Browse Encoder displays Browser & Track Navigation information. Touching the Left/Right Loop Encoders will display Deck A/C or B/D’s loaded track name, time, BPM, and waveform.
Touch Screen Deck Mode
• When the display is in “Deck Mode” with a track loaded and paused, you can swipe the waveform left/right to set your cue point. If a track is actively playing, swiping left or right will tempo bend your track.
Dynamic Cue Point Section
• The cue point section is also linked to the touch-sensitive Loop encoders. Touching the Loop Encoder on the left enables cue points 1-4 for Deck A/C, and touching the Loop Encoder on the right enables cue points 1-4 for Deck B/D. RGB back-lit LED’s allow further customization.
Image
DDJ SZ with screens
PUSH IT REAL GOOD
The best piece of hardware would be a triple screen that could connect to any controller…
I can easily see that becoming a industry standard…
Vestax VCI-180 with deck-assignable scratch platter!
Sharing the fun! Great for education purposes!
Nice concept mate.
This is my controller concept,
Enjoy
This is my controller concept,
Enjoy!
Oops, I’m a newbie here, and it seems I had some problems with my keyboard, and i messed it by pressing to vote once myself when i was trying to see upload the picture, so I’m sending this again with the collage-photograph of a suppossed dream team, hope it works now!:
Explanation: this is a sort of a possible dream-team i would love to have one
day, i only own the tablet. And by saying this I mean I like more the
modular thing, with screens you can replace.
The idea is following:
Any screen could be plugged into, with 4 windows for 4 decks, plus a
lights controller at the top. If you plug a small screen as the one from
a smartphone, you’ll not see anything, or at least you can make the
screen info size to the minimum and in text mode, depending on what you
connect on. Ideally you would connect it through USB or wireless.
Consist of:
–
any tablet/smartphone/screen that can be adapted to its size to see 2
or 4 decks at the same time, as well as a lights controller to see it
all.
-Allen & Heath Xone:DX Professional ITCH Controller With MIDI
-Launchpad S
-LaunchControl
The launchpad and launchcontrol are there if you need more buttons galore!
Hi, this is a sort of a possible dream-team i would love to have one
day, i only own the tablet. And by saying this I mean I like more the
modular thing, with screens you can replace.
The idea is following:
Any screen could be plugged into, with 4 windows for 4 decks, plus a
lights controller at the top. If you plug a small screen as the one from
a smartphone, you’ll not see anything, or at least you can make the
screen info size to the minimum and in text mode, depending on what you
connect on. Ideally you would connect it through USB or wireless.
Consist of:
–
any tablet/smartphone/screen that can be adapted to its size to see 2
or 4 decks at the same time, as well as a lights controller to see it
all.
-Allen & Heath Xone:DX Professional ITCH Controller With MIDI
-Launchpad S
-LaunchControl
The launchpad and launchcontrol are there if you need more buttons galore!
DJTECHTOOLS 3D MK2 – NOW WITH ARCADE SCREEN!
lol!
This could be a limited edition…
You could make a slot to fit an iPhone or iPod touch as the screen on something ;like this. Just add Pac-Mac marquee’s to the sides and you have a potential client lol!
OH MY GOSH THIS IS AWESOME! I WANT ONE
How about a controller with an internal hard drive or USB reader to a pioneer CDJ? NO more stupid computers with audio latency issues!
My idea of a built-in screen will take advantage of the touchscreen technology. It will try to emulate a vinyl surface, in such way that it is relevant for the user. The display will show only a part of the vinyl, like shown in the drawing. It is useless to put a full size platter, because it will reduce the resolution of the needle display, shown as a red dot in the picture. The yellow and red areas are pitch nudge zones, that work by swiping the screen. Left is for increasing the nudge, right is for decreasing the nudge, just like real vinyl. If you hold the rightest of leftest of edges the pitch bend will be minimum, increasing as you swipe in the opposite direction. The pitch fader will be oversize, for ease of use (if a controller doesn’t have a physical pitch slider). The colored grooves (hues of blue and green) represent the beatgrid, just like a real vinyl DJ will see it when he looks at a record: blue for beats, green for breaks in a track. Any color scheme can be used. Because we are talking of touchscreens, anything is possible, so we can add zoom buttons for precise beatgridding, queing, looping and so on. Also, we can change the screen from perform to file browsing or the classic stripe view (like in Traktor). The cyan circle can be used like a strobe light, in order to see at a glance the pitch of the track.
What if my car could turn into a helicopter?
Reloop stand alone DJ controller. CD, USB, DJ controller, Software incorporate. Ready to use RTU 01 with spearker, just plug and play
Reloop RTU 01. Stand alone. CD, USB, DJ controller, with speakers ready to use. Just plug ans play
Hi, Reloop stand alone dj controller
Here goes the Nexus MKII
Wow, that RMX-1000 FX knob in the middle.
arent these watches intended to mirror the phone? so they could mirror the laptop to?
The Denon sc3900 mk2 concept:
the pic 😉
so i guess everyone is anxiously waiting for me to point them in the right direction on this, so
http://youtu.be/DNs3EifbabE
kids, please save your money and don’t waste it on controllers with built in screens, you’ll only be disappointed.
im trying to upload it for the 3rd time hopefully it works this time
this is S4, F1 and X1 mashed up together with touch screen, stand alone player
you can plug disk on key. i removed the jog wheel because i think it takes too much space that can be used for other stuff, instead i put X1-like touch strip, its more compact and you can fast forward with a touch of a finger also pitch bend. instead of F1’s volume faders you use the knobs and if you want to use filter you press shift, i also replaced keylock with reloop
i personally dont use it so i didint bother adding it but there is enough space for it. you can access fx 3/4 if you wish. if you want to load a new song you press the “browse” button at the top right side and use the touch screen or the small knob at the middle right side.
It took me a lot of time to plan and design the controller
I mashed up S4 with F1 and a little bit of X1 as well.
It took me a lot of time to plan and design the controller,
I took S4 player part and mashed it up with F1 and X1 touch strip.
Also classic deck and remix deck both can fit in the screen as you can see in the image.
Just a quick comment on the Ableton Push idea. It’s feasible – look no further than the Optimus Keyboard, it would just be ‘pricey’ if you will, but its doable.
Sorry for the wall of text 🙂
DJ “Deck” player concept concieved by Carl-Johan Linell and drawn in Solidworks.
Feautes high quality playable of lossy and lossless audio files in three distinct modes; Deck, Tape and Step.
The first details a regular vinyl emulation, playing one file of up to an hours length, capable of advanced loops as well as up to eight cue points.
The second plays four shorter files at the same time, minicing a four-track recorder, but updated with inspiration drawn from Ableton Live and STEMZ.
The third plays short audio “one shots”, using the sixteen pads to sequence four individual tracks.
All of these share common loop and browse control, and can be linked to other similar players to share audio files, tempo and key lock.
EDIT: Sorry for the messy post, my internet is being unfriendly.
DJ “Deck” player concept concieved by Carl-Johan Linell and drawn in Solidworks.
Feautes high quality playable of lossy and lossless audio files in three distinct modes; Deck, Tape and Step.
The first details a regular vinyl emulation, playing one file of up to an hours length, capable of advanced loops as well as up to eight cue points.
The second plays four shorter files at the same time, minicing a four-track recorder, but updated with inspiration drawn from Ableton Live and STEMZ.
The third plays short audio “one shots”, using the sixteen pads to sequence four individual tracks.
All of these share common loop and browse control, and can be linked to other similar players to share audio files, tempo and key lock.
Here it is… the Pioneer DDJ-TR (the TRAKTOR version)!
can someone design one with a browser so i can watch redtube please?
Hi, all!
My concept dj-controller Novation Twitch mkII. 😉
Hi, all!
My concept dj-controller Novation Twitch mkII.
Nice work on that. I’d still be keen on 2 channels personally, but I like all the other improvements your made!
That’s a tall controller!
3D model pics my concept dj-controller Novation Twitch mkII.
MC-6000 MK2. Optimized for Traktor. 4 FX Knobs for more effect control and smoothness, rather than an encoder. Screen in the middle where the extra parameters (Filters) go.
MC-6000 MK2. Optimized for Traktor with 4 knobs and 4 buttons for FX. Filter paremeters removed for the screen in the middle.
if only pioneer had done this with the plx 1000….
Useless in battle mode
really? turntables cannot have any innovation unless its battle mode friendly? last time i checked the technic 1200 is the most popular turntable whether the turntable is properly oriented or used in “battle mode”, do what all turntablists have done, adapt! besides, judging from what i’ve seen of most “battle mode” dj’s, they wouldnt even make use of a CDJ style USB module anyway… club dj’s have relished the ability to be able to plug into a set of CDJ’s with just a flash drive and odds are people would go back to primarily using turntables if one was available that had a usb module and enough brain power to read timecode without the need for a laptop or other external device… but apparently manufacturers think the only people using decks are turntablists… sigh
No reason it couldn’t have an orientation setting with vertical waveforms (similar to how Serato has different choices for waveforms)
How exactly are you planning to ‘adapt’ to normal mode, while the tonearms are still in the way? There was a very good reason why turntablists changed from normal to battle mode 25 years ago, and stayed like that.
traktor s4
Second attempt – image upload not working … My modified Akai APC40 features a small LCD screen for the active clip, with one additional Loop activate button + 4 rotaries for clip / loop control – Adds about 3″ of depth, might not fit in a standard backpack –
Just because it has so many pretty lights doesn’t mean the music is any deeper.
My modified Akai APC40 features a small LCD screen for the active clip, with one additional Loop activate button + 4 rotaries for clip / loop control – Adds about 3″ of depth, might not fit in a standard backpack –
I really dont get the hype of the NV because the Stanton SCS.4dj has been around
SHHHHHH… We dont like to talk about this one
Wait, doesn’t NuMark own Stanton now? Maybe this *IS* the new Stanton controller?
wow, you know a lot of inside info and very opinionated, you must be someone special.
Nope, Stanton is owned by Gibson
how are you these days?
Staying true to my own brand. I was torn between purchasing an S4 and the 4trak. Decided on the 4trak in the end, never regretted it. Here is my inbuilt screen update 🙂
I also think, that midi fighters can become even better with small screens. Here’s how i see it:
1. The screen on classic Midi Fighter can display remix decks (all 16 slots and playing samples). So you may no longer look on the laptop screen – all you need to know about remix deck is on the midi fighter;
2. The screen on Midi Fighter Twister can also display remix decks (if it used as sequencer) or filters (like in picture below).
Gonna need a long table and two guys for this one lol…
lol wow
Only thing that could make this better would be to use the big Traktor Logo space above the mixer for Track Selection (File Browser)
This thing would be a BEAST! Love it!
You’re totally right! Forgot to add that lol..
I want ALL IN ONE thing. Feck controllers. Gimme stand alone unit with software running inside. No more PC!
Until then… I am not interested…
maybe something like that?
I’d prefer to see Pioneer take a turn toward modular. What I have here are driveless CDJ-style platters that can either control software or operate as standalone units. Each comes with a detachable, rotatable gooseneck display that can support customized views either in software control mode (left) or standalone mode (right). In the upper left hand side of the platter unit you’ll see USB and SD card inputs. Each platter has the ability to control and output audio for two decks simultaneously in standalone mode. I would also feature LAN in/outs on each unit so everything can be chained together. The mixer mimics the style and functionality of the SZ (complete with dual USB soundcard capabilities), but as a standalone unit offers a smaller, more streamlined workspace. That’s it!
very creative!
I think you’re right, if for no other reason than to make sure you can replace the most fragile part of the controller when you need to. Obviously, you’d want to make different sizes available, and the option for more than one to be used at a time. You’d probably want the ability to hang these off the sides of the controller as well for things like FX pads, song lists, whatever you need. I see no reason why this could not (tecnically) be done with smart phones or tablets right now.
And, if them integrate touch enabled embeded screens (like nexus), make them apple carplay compatible will be the most useful direction (like latest Denon ipad integration but one step so far…)
😉
Clever post
With the V7s being compatible with Serato DJ now, I could imagine this being somewhat realistic in the future. When it comes to scratching, it would be nice to not have to look at a computer screen for the song’s current position. I’m sure there would be other benefits as well.
KLJ
With the V7s being compatible with Serato DJ now, I could imagine this being somewhat realistic in the future. When it comes to scratching, it would be nice to not have to look at a computer screen for the song’s current position.
KLJ
Sorry for post again but the previous something was wrong and doesn’t show my profile.
Hello everyone!
I’m user of Traktor F1 and I was thinking that
could be nice to have a screen for see the samples all the time without
look at the laptop. I removed the volume fader and I moved to the knobs.
What do you think about?
Since you can use traktor on an iPad, it would be sweet if they just built in a mount to integrate it with the Kontrol. That way you could use the screen to do effects or the controller as you see fit. You could also move it around as needed.
I dunno why its not showing my image, but Im trying to attach it here again.
This would take up quite a bit of room if it were to be stable as well
Since you can use Traktor on an iPad, it would be sweet if they just built in a mount to integrate it with the Kontrol. That way you could use the screen to do effects or the controller as you see fit. You could also move it around as needed.
Other than the ableton push, I see little to no use in adding a screen to my controller? I already have a laptop with a screen that has a better song selection ui (keyboard thank you) why pay more for another screen? I get the not wanting to interact with your computer cause it makes you look like less of a “Dj” but does screens on your controller really help with that? The ableton push or APC 40 have each trigger labeled is helpful and awesome but your s4 or cdj like midi controller the buttons don’t customize that much on the fly. Maybe I am missing something but this feels like arguing a smart watch gives you loads of utility for those moments you are sitting at your desk with your smartphone already out and in plain view
Since you can use traktor on an iPad, it would be sweet if they just built in a mount to integrate it with the Kontrol. That way you could use the screen to do effects or the controller as you see fit. You could also move it around as needed.
I think this is the next logical step for Native Instruments… they’ve probably been working on this in their “secret labs.”
On the same wave length, not an S4 but all the modular with an ipad with full on 4 channel mixing courtesy of the ipad, touchosc one awesome dude called Beaubrtye who created the mapping.
Now if someone can get me the waveforms, track browser ontot he ipad (outside of traktor DJ) then I’m sorted.
You say “full on 4 channel mixing” yet there are only two sets of EQ and channel faders…
Yep 4 channel. I have the Z1 mapped to switch between channels. A/C B/D using the Filter FX button. However on the ipad I also have access to those channels too. Having the extra controls would be nice but 2x Z1’s does not work due to some technicalities that only NI can explain I think it has something to do with the crossfader. I would dearly love a 4 channel HID / midi mixer module and a single jog module from NI. I guess I’m just a control freak.
Waveforms in lemur are technically possible (and there is an example in the canvas addon)
Check for Traxus too for a full Traktor control (including remixdeck sequencing and slicing)
😉
Thanks Mutis Mayfield. I will take a look at that one. As for Traxus I have been trying to get hold of Nico at Traxus for the last month to see if I can demo and review the total control, but so far he is not responding to me. I really ant that product.
Hello everyone!
I’m user of Traktor F1 and I was thinking that could be nice to have a screen for see the samples all the time without look at the laptop. I removed the volume fader and I moved to the knobs.
What do you think about?
Traktor Kontrol X1 MkII with single deck screen.
The concept is it employs a multi-touch screen that can change similar to the x1 mkII’s touch pad. (i.e. used to control effects, browse library.)
One thing is certain, they’d all cost more.
I question why I need something, and how I can make best use of whatever I get. Sometimes I’ve speculated and missed the mark, but I think that’s part of trying new things.
So… if we treated new, add-on features like we do the rest of our equipment, we might find that “add-on” screens are a lot more flexible than their built-in counterparts.
Pioneer DDJ SZ, And Displays
Wow, that’s terrible. Just a poor VDJ skin, really poor one.
Pioneer DDJ-SZ Whit Scratch Wave, Rhymth wave, song Pos, And Display Dates.
https://www.facebook.com/JavierNexusBeats/photos/pb.1421925924728504.-2207520000.1405707450./1447489965505433/?type=3&src=https%3A%2F%2Fscontent-a-atl.xx.fbcdn.net%2Fhphotos-xfa1%2Ft31.0-8%2F1836850_1447489965505433_3389332425383736419_o.jpg&smallsrc=https%3A%2F%2Fscontent-a-atl.xx.fbcdn.net%2Fhphotos-xpf1%2Ft1.0-9%2F10464294_1447489965505433_3389332425383736419_n.jpg&size=1600%2C900&fbid=1447489965505433
My version of the Pioneer DDJ-SZ: + the middle section of the DJM 2000nexus. Pioneer already has both sides in production. Combining them is just a matter of industrial scaling.
Missing knobs can be replaced by the 3 knobs (encoders) in the middle, plus certain functions on the touch screen. That way the overall size of the unit remains the same.
ABLETON PUSH WITH FLEX-BUTTON SCREENS
Wouldn’t that just have keys similar to the Optimus Maximus Keyboard? That thing is expensive but not TOO expensive to not be a possibility:
http://www.artlebedev.com/everything/optimus/maximus/demo/
Yeah that was my inspiration actually. 😉
Oh, the Midas Pro 2 has bitmap assignable buttons, but they’re not built like drum pad buttons… maybe someday…
[…] Desde DJ TechTools han comenzado un concurso para que quien quiera, presente un diseño sobre los controladores que se ofrecen, la verdad es que no dan mucho dinero, apenas un descuento en su tienda, pero creo que es una buena forma de darse a conocer y, quien sabe, ser el autor del próximo controlador inteligente del mercado. […]
The Ultimate Kontroller! Enough said!
That is sick!!!
Thanks
Get rid of the jog wheels, add another bank of effect knobs to each side and gimme fullsized remix deck screens.
if it would have an usb slot, sure
Hey DJ’s!
In stead of doing the obvious by mashing a DDJ with a CDJ, I chose to just modify the DDJ-SZ so that it looks more like the vertical view in Serato.
I don’t think there is much more to explain, besides that the display over the platters could possibly also be used to display FX-settings when you touch shift.
I hope you like it 🙂
Much Love,
DJ Duus
sorry i’m having a little trouble with the comments, i posted the ddj ergo with the screens only my name doesnt show up and now i cant edit them.
……. i also have a small penis
DDJ ergo K with built on screens.
DDJ ergo with built-on screens.
I’ma mashup Threes Company with The Jeffersons….hold my beer…
hahaha lol! no hate towards techtools tho! you guys are awesome!
Give him the price, biggest troll ever lolololol
that the music is on screen, i loved it. *so many colors – he he*
image upload doesn’t seem to be working
Personally I think a more modular option would work better however I think removing USB and CDs from the CDJ line would alienate too many users and would remove back-up options. Ever since I started using the CDJ-2000s in HID mode with traktor I’ve wanted a CDJ with DDJ style performance pads so here’s just that. I based the design off the DDJ-SZ because it was easier than doing it the other way around.
oh crap, I’m in the top three and I forgot to put my name on my paper
Hi music lovers!, here is my entry
I named it the MidiFighter Touch Pro. I used the midi fighter pro as inspiration and i added a big touch screen.
The user could:
– Control multiple effects in real time using the touchpad (Hardware or Software)
– Swipe to change Effects
I would do it open source, in that way, users could do their own effects or custom sounds creating a new personal and dynamic way of playing live music.
I think its quite cool, what do you think!
that’s pretty damn cool – those midi fighter guys should make it!
Would be sick with a special-made decksaver to keep that screen safe when not in use.
Captain foresight to the rescue!
+1 for CDJ without CD player, just USB stick and USB connection with Dj software laptop. Perhaps CDJ new line, after the classic, after the Nexus, the CDJ One or CDJ WCD (Without CD) series 😉
+2, I would buy that if it hit the market. Hopefully if Pioneer ever release something of the sorts it will be sub 1000$$
[…] the recent news of the Numark NV controller launching with built-in screens, many DJs were left wondering why Numark was the first manufacturer to innovate in the market. […]
Jogwheels are taking a lot of space in a controller, but you can’t leave them out in my opinion. So I thought, wouldn’t be nice to put the screens in the jogwheels (if that’s even possible).
I’m not that good with photoshop so decided to just comment the idea.
It is possible.
nice insight
There’s also this http://www.digitaldjtips.com/2014/07/technology-preview-add-touchscreens-dj-controller/
I think this is soon available. I would find it better if you would also bring Modular / add-on controller on the market, something like an X1 or K2 with display. The Pioneers look great too but I think it would make more sense to develop a controller like a CDJ without CD and without USB Stick just USB only for the laptop.