This post has been a long time coming. My sincere apologies to Vilhelm to whom I promised this post and then got delayed two weeks over what I said. Anyway, better late than than never I guess!

So the idea for this post and inspiration was given to me by a reader called Vilhelm. He brought up the topic saying that there really wasn't that much info on the internet about which audio interfaces/sound cards can be used with MIDI Controllers that lack built-in sound.

Now theoretically, you can actually go ahead and use any damn audio interface you want. Anything that floats your boat that gets the job done is the right one to use. But there are some that work better than others and in this post I am going to focus on the the controllers I would choose for working live.

The reason why I am choosing live situations is because – a)That's what got me in to MIDI Controllers in the first place and b)It is often the situation where people want to know which ones are the most suitable.

If you are solo performer things will be that much simpler. However, if you decide to hook up for some live PA action – that is where problems begin. DJs do not have this problem though. They will just plug in to the same Mixer and be done with. But if you are a modern DJ who uses a laptop and a controller, hooking up might be confusing. For this, I find the best solution is to either hook up to the same analogue mixer and output from their or use an audio interface that has robust I/O and routing capabilities.

For now, here are some of the smaller audio interfaces that can used in Live situations (i.e. with laptops). Most of them are meant for recording situations but they have the requisite I/Os and dedicated monitoring capabilities to work for live situations. All of the images link to their product pages where you can get more detailed information about them and also find some user reviews and ratings.




My first option would be the Apogee Duet for simple and high quality audio interface. Although it is meant for recording, it can be translated in to live performance. It has balanced and unbalanced inputs. Two outputs for powered speakers and also headphone monitoring. You will be losing out on the functionality of the knob but you have your MIDI Controller for those works. This is a FireWire 400 audio interface and should be used with a Mac. For new MacBooks, Apogee has a FW800 to FW400 adapter.



Next are the purpose built audio 8 and audio 4 Dj audio interfaces from Native Instruments. These are made for DJs and performers who want pro quality sound. With switchable inputs and cool number of outputs, you will have all your bases covered.




This here is the Presonus Inspire 1394 FireWire audio interface. I am deliberately choosing smaller interfaces so that they are easier to carry (and okay to keep in public view). Presonus has a name for making good quality audio interfaces and this one is a favorite for small start up home and project studios. It has separate headphone and line outs. Works on both OS X and Windows. It has balanced mic inputs as well so you can have someone MC-ing along. This boxes can be daisy-chained, so you can have up to 16 inputs and proportionate outputs with multiple Presonus Inspire boxes.




If you want a USB interface for REALLY cheap, you have the Behnringer UControl UCA202 USB audio interface at your disposal. At only $30, you cannot be asking for more than what it already provides. It gives you a pair in and a pair out with separate headphone monitoring (1/4") and it even has digital audio out via the optical S/PDIF out.




This piece from Mackie has been on my radar for quite some time now. Even though Mackie is not primarily known for making audio interfaces, this is a great little piece that will serve double purposes. The Mackie Onyx Satellite is a FireWire Interface that has two parts. The pod and the dock. The idea here is that the pod can be carried along for location work and the dock will stay attached to your studio back home. Why this appeals to me is because for under $200 I can get something that will essentially act as two separate audio interfaces. Once I am done with my live work, I can easily come back to my studio and plug the pod back in, without having to worry about rewiring the entire thing. After all, I do not have the budget to buy two audio interfaces! I am just a poor musician.




Since this is the Control MIDI blog and this post is about audio interfaces, I cannot help but mention this nifty little piece from Native Instruments. This is another purpose built audio interface meant for working with software and it incorporates MIDI functionality. So this can act as your secondary controller. It is meant to be used with a few specific apps but since there's MIDI, it is as good as a second MIDI controller waiting to be mapped to your favorite software. It is a FireWire device and works on both Mac and Windows.




Stanton brings this piece of audio interface goodie that has all the I/Os a digital DJ can ever need. The Stanton Final Scratch Scratchamp is a FireWire Interface and has 2 pairs of output and 2 pairs of input along with 1 pair of auxiliary input and one balanced mic input. That's everything you will ever need onstage. Further more, Stanton advertises this as a system meant for audio apps like Live and MixVibes.




This is the second most expensive piece that I am going to mention on this post. This is the Stanton SCS.1m Digital Mix Controller. This amazing piece that has scribble strips, infinite rotary knobs and a four channel setup for one helluva digital DJ-ing experience. It is also a great FireWire audio interface that has been designed for DJs and live performers. This one retails for about $600-800 depending on where you are buying it form.




And this is just for kicks because most of us mere mortals do not need this kind of power. This by far the most expensive piece on this post. It has amazing Allen&Heath audio quality. The name speaks for itself. It is an interface that has a lot of MIDI control, everything glows under UV and a lot of them are backlit. All in all, if you want to blow about $2800 on some fantastic audio and MIDI gear – this beast is it.

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When it comes to using audio interfaces at home with your MIDI controllers, your choice is completely your choice. It is only restricted by the laptop/desktop that you are using and the amount that you are willing to spend on it. If you any of you guys and gals have suggestions, do drop a line. I will add the thing on the list. Till next time, keep 'em fingers busy! And if you are planning to buy something in the mean time, it is a good time to head over to MusiciansFriend.com. They are are having a grand sale, look below:

Save Up to 90% on Almost Everything at MusiciansFriend.com (exp: 8/31)

Yes folks, the wait is finally over. The dream controller for laptop dj-ing has arrived. Well the dream controller for those who are looking for a twin turntable-mixer setup. This would be the bomb to scratch with.

Comes with a high quaity 24bit/96Khz inbuilt soundcard, The platter is a high torque, low spin up type platter. The spinup can actually be changed between classic (slower) and modern (faster) feels.

They also have what they call the 'Strip Search', which is basically a touch sensitive strip which allows you to move through the track, achieving a digital equivalent of needle dropping, of sorts.

And the thing is actually a beast, with solid metal construction, heavy duty crossfader which is replaceable. Was built for Serato's Itch in mind. It gives off Hi-resolution MIDI for more precision control. Of course scratch DJs have not passed a judgement yet (i would like to see someone move them from their Vinyl).

With everythin going for it, this is really a mind blosing MIDI controller. Folks have been drooling over it for a long time now. And now it is finally here! Go grab it!

note: if you have just crawled out from underneath a rock - NS7 is the latest MIDI Controller from Numark, that is built with Serato's latest - Itch in mind. It is an Itch Co-branded product but will work with other Softwares as well (read Traktor Pro, which recently updated to include hi-Res MIDI), if you can map it properly. You don;t have to hold your breath. Custom maps would be available soon, no doubt

Numark NS7 DJ Turntable Controller with Serato ITCH Software

Starting with this post, I am going take certain key areas and talk in great length about what is available for that area. I am going to start with what is closest to me - MIDI Controllers for DJs or DJ MIDI controllers. (and that is the mammoth Xone 4D under UV lights in the picture)

Now DJs are a specialised bunch of performers and they have specific needs from their MIDI Controllers. The main requirements are - realiability, sturdy-ness and ease of use in a dark environment of a Dj booth.

Now of course, when it comes to MIDI Controllers, the software being used is also important. For DJs using controllers, the software is usually Traktor or Ableton Live. There are some who use Virtual DJ, MixVibes and MixMeister, but most DJs use the first two softwares. Those who use timecode, go for Serato. But with Itch, even serato has gone into MIDI Controller territory. More on that as we move along.

Here, we come to a divide. Live and Traktor are two completely different beasts and have completely different approaches to the idea of live performace. Live is more of a 'make music on the fly' type software where you can really play around with music. Traktor represents the traditional approach to DJ-ing - 2-4 decks and a mixer and fx sections.

So, let's just talk about the traditional approach and I will handle Live in a separate post altogether.

For Traktor, Virtual DJ, Mixvibes, etc. we need a MIDI Controller that emulates at least two decks - complete with transport controls (play/pause, cue buttons), pitch faders, etc. And we can choose between using an external mixer or we can use the virtual mixer within the software. Now there are pros and cons of doing either. So let's talk about them.

Going for an external Mixer is usually a good idea, but not if you are low on space in your booth. Sometimes, going for the software mixer is a good idea because you save space by mixing out of one single device (or two, if you are using an external sound card or audio interface). But when it comes to certain techniques, you are best off with a hardware mixer and that would obviously include scratching. Now I am not saying that you can't scratch with just MIDI controllers (heck, I scratch on my BCD3000 sometimes) but for finer controls and complex techniques, you are better off with a hi-res controller and a hardware mixer with a good quaity audio interface.

Going mixer-less will also free up controls on your MIDI controller, which you can then assign to other things, like assign chanel EQ controls to the FX section or the up-faders to some other parameter (get creative with this one!).

Going mixerless is a good idea for mobile DJs and DJs who travel a lot. With a good controller and audio interface, a club Dj can easily play gigs with just 3 items (laptop, controller, sound card/audio interface). It is easier to carry, less items to check at airports and many more. It might be limiting at times, but you can always add small secondary/auxiliary controllers to your set up to give you more freedom. I will write a separate post on that one. So don't worry, I am here to share right ideas with you. Just keep on coming back.

Anyway, so now that you now what you are going to do, you can choose between a MDI Controller with no soundcard or one with built-in soundcard. For controllers with built in sound, you go for the following: -

• 
  Behringer B-Control DeeJay BCD3000
  - a cheaper option, but sould last you for some time, given the price. Decent for beginners, casual and semi-prfessional djs.
• 
  Numark OMNI CONTROL DJ Control Surface
  - Good built quality, quite sturdy, metal casing.
• 
  M-Audio Torq Xponent
  - One of the first controllers to have a touch sensitive feature. It is tied with the Torq software, although it can be hacked into working with other softwares. You just need to find out the correct MIDI outputs to make the LEDs work.
• 
  Hercules DJ Console Rmx Controller
  - Hercules were the makers of one of the first MIDI Controllers for DJs. This one is their second generation offering.
• 
  Stanton SCS.1m Digital Mix Controller
  - Stanton's offering for professional DJs, the high quality SC System combo (SCS.3D notwithstanding). This one emulates a 4 channel mixer, with assignable controls. It features a hi quality firewire audio interface.
• 
  Numark NS7 DJ Turntable Controller with Serato ITCH Software
  - This gigantic Controller features twin spinning platter decks, integrated full fledged mixer section and builtin audio I/O's. It is a dedicated, Hi-res MIDI controller for Serato's Itch software.
• 
  Denon DN-S3700
  and DN s3700 - These are actually DJ table top players with MIDI capabilites. They also act as sound cards and have spinning platters. Pretty cool (and expensive to a point).
• Allen & Heath Xone 4D - If you've ever felt like robbing a bank, you will feel like it now for sure. This is the big daddy, the overkill of a controller. It features the sound quality of Allen & Heath mixers and is as expensive as lemurs (okay, bit less than the Lemur).
• EKS Otus - Touch sensitive Dj deck style controller. Do have a loot at it. Very futuristic.
  

If you are looking for controllers without built-in sound , you are options are many: -

• 
  Numark MixMeister Control
  dedicated controllers - The Dedicated Controller for the Mixmeister software.
• 
  Numark Total Computer DJ In A Box
  - Not the sharpest tool in the shade.
  
• 
  Numark STEALTH CONTROL
  - The soundcard-less version of the Omni controller.
• 
  Vestax VCI-100
  - Both are ruling the roost of digital DJs using controllers. Especially the VCI-100. The 300 is a Hi-res MIDI Controller tied to Serato's Itch software. The VCI-100 also has a special MixVibes Edition and an SE (Special Edition).
• 
  Vestax VCM-100
  and
  Vestax VCM-600
  - The 600 looks like it is meant for controlling Live. VCM100 on the other hand is a perfect space saving controller and perfect for mobile DJs. It also comes with a rack (optional of course) for mounting your laptop.
• 
  M-Audio X-Session Pro
  , this is just the controls that emulate a mixer. Very basic and very popular.
• 
  Stanton SCS.1d Control System Deck
  - This is really the next level by now. It is a highly sophisticated MIDI controller with an adjustable torque spinning platter, with the lowest spin up time in the market (adjustable, as mentioned) and assignable controllers. My only per peeve is that they left out a soundcard to makes us buy the SCS.1m. But obviously, most will go for an audio interface coupled with a hardware mixer.

I could actually go on and on with DJ MIDI controllers, there are so many of them around. But i have to stop somewhere ( to eat, sleep, etc.). So I will stop here. For more information, drop me a line via the comments area and I will reply, either with a full post or a comment.

And remember to subscribe for your daily updates on MIDI Controllers! Available in two exciting flavors - Atom and RSS! :)

So till next time, keep on controlling! (is that better?) :P

In this basic MIDI Controller information series, I aim to answer basic questions which invariably pop up during a hunt for a MIDI Controller. Most experienced users will know that there is no real answer to this question.

Although, that does not necessarily mean that you are in an ocean without a lifeboat. The answer to this question actually involves a lot of factors. So without knowing specific details, it is hard to give a proper answer.

So will do the classic thing of answering your question with more questions. But don't worry, these questions will help you understand how to purchase a MIDI Controller that is just right for you.

• What is your budget? - In the current economy, money is at the top of everybody's mind. It should be at the top of your mind too when you are looking for MIDI Controllers. The best way to set a budget while hunting for a controller, is to do a comparative search of items on offer. Just go over the various online stores selling controllers. Note down the prices of the controllers you would like to buy. Then see what the average and the highest price is. Fix your budget somewhere in the middle of these two. But to do all this, you need to know the answer to the next question.
• What is the purpose of the MIDI Controller? - This is a critical question and must be answered correctly. This is determine what type of controller you will be looking at. This will also, partially decide your budget. Because when it comes to certain categories, the average is higher than others. For example, if you are looking for a simple and decent MIDI keyboard controller, you can get away with a budget of $200. But if you want one that seamlessly integrates with your software (probably a co-branded one like the VCI-300), you will have to spend more than that. It is best to write down a list of things you want to do with your MIDI controller and then order them according to their priority. For example, if your main need is to trigger samples, then that should on top and the rest will follow based on how important they are to you. This way, you will end up with the perfect compromise between utility and price.
• How much time do you want to spend setting it up? - This is also another important question. Some of the MIDI controllers out there wil have native support in the software you are using. Some will not have this and you will have to map them manually. Some special controllers need specific setup procedures to work with certain softwares. From practical experience i can tell you that the standard mapping will not take you far. You will have to custom map your controller almost always to get a setup that is more suitable to your style.
• Which software will you using it with? - Making sure that your controller works well for your software is important (although, theoretically, all standard MIDI devices will work on standard MIDI applications). This compatibility should be both at the level of communication and design. The latter brings us to our next question.
• What kind of layout are you looking for? - Even in similar MIDI controllers, the layout will differ. Sometimes there is a standard layout (like for MIDI Keyboards, DJ MIDI Controllers), but each product will have its own layout, which will be a variation on the standard layout. Think of the various MIDI keyboards in the market. They all have some basic common features but they vary a lot. So choose what you think will work the best for you.
• Is it for live use or studio use? - Live use would include on and off-stage, some amount of travel at the least and some other things. Studio use or home use would mean that time is not limited (usually), a mistake can be fixed without too much damage, there is not much traveling with the equipment. Typically, for live use, you should choose a sturdy and good quality controller, that can survive traveling. Also, it helps to have the option for changing settings on the fly, in case of an emergency and having just the controls you need. No more and certainly no less. In the case of a studio, sometimes a less sturdy controller, with more controls might workout. But make sure that it won't fail after prolonged use.
• Expandability - This is very important when it comes to your future plans. If you are planning to buy more controllers in the future and using them all together, make sure that your controllers support being connected to other controllers.

After you answer all these questions, you should be able to zero in on the controller that suits your needs perfectly. When looking for budget controllers, you can always use your priority list to see what you can and cannot live without. Best of luck and check back soon for more info on MIDI Controllers.

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