Tag Archive: Controller
Traktor Kontrol X1- First ‘hands on’ video
by Paul Dakeyne, in DJ Gear, No Comments
It can occasionally be a bit of a bummer living a considerable distance away from our great metropolis, proven by the fact that I sometimes miss ‘exclusive debuts’ of gear such as the super cool Traktor Kontrol X1 which was premiered in London yesterday. Ben Scully of DV’s Synergy Music Computer team however, didn’t and took down a video camera to film Traktor Pro being stroked and teased by the Kontrol X1 - and thence followed the ‘oohs and arr’s’ from the assembled masses. A quick email quote from ‘Synergy Ben’ describes … continue reading ‘Traktor Kontrol X1- First ‘hands on’ video’
Guitar Hero Gets Kicks From Kasabian
by Paul Dakeyne, in Broadcast, Digital & New Media, No Comments
In our seemingly never ending search for the next weird and wacky ‘controller’, here’s another we get a kick out of… (sorry). Here comes my shortest DV Blog post, and probably the longest sentence, therein: Ladies and, well probably just gentlemen actually, we combine your favourite Saturday afternoon recreation of ‘Footy’ with (mosh pit, ‘geezer’ fave, stadium rockers) Kasabian and round it off with … continue reading ‘Guitar Hero Gets Kicks From Kasabian’
Lava Lamp controls Propellerhead Reason
As a 60’s child, I’ve always been a fan of Mathmos lava lamps. In fact I have one sat next to my studio monitor offering aesthetically pleasing good karma to oil the wheels of creativity. Imagine my surprise when I saw this video showing one pulsing MIDI control messages to Propellerhead Reason?
This bizarre method of fluidic control (or is that un-control?) brought to mind the weird and wonderful experimental sound creations as highlighted in BBC4’s ‘Krautrock’ documentary recently. Bands such as Tangerine Dream, Neu!, Can and Faust … continue reading ‘Lava Lamp controls Propellerhead Reason’
Novation Launchpad vs Akai APC40
by David Bell, in Music Computers & Hardware, No Comments
The Akai APC40 control surface was only released in May 2009, but now just five months later Novation has stormed in with the release of the Novation Launchpad. It’s an exciting time to be an Ableton user, but what do you do when confronted with two specially designed, multi-button, multi-colour hardware Ableton controllers? Well you put them to the test, naturally…
This is the enviable job of DV247 production guru Paul Dakeyne, who will soon be sitting down with the Novation Launch pad to see just how impressive it is, before reporting back to this blog. In his own words: “I’m looking forward to spending a couple of days in front of Ableton Live Suite, Launchpad and the new Nocturn Keyboard. I wanna see how … continue reading ‘Novation Launchpad vs Akai APC40’
Novation Launchpad Launched
by Paul Dakeyne, in Music Computers & Hardware, No Comments
Novation Launchpad - Those pesky Pro-Audio company’s are releasing products that become almost essential on the day of release. And here’s today’s BIG news, a new Ableton Live controller, Novation Launchpad. “Sigh, not ‘another’ Ableton controller” I hear you mutter.. well yes, but this ‘lil gem is not only coming at the game from a much different angle, it’s ridiculously affordable too.
Jointly designed by Novation alongside Ableton, the device offers … continue reading ‘Novation Launchpad Launched’
New Native Instruments Traktor Controller?
by Paul Dakeyne, in DJ Gear, No Comments
Aha! Naughty Native Instruments, slipping this teaser video out and not telling us anything about it. Richie Hawtin is your DJ, and what’s that he’s using with DJ mixing software Traktor Pro in his latest live gig? Well, the innovative Maschine for sure, and we know all about that thanks very much.. But wait, there’s a pair of controllers with the NI badge on. Don’t they look the ‘dogs’ B’s?! … continue reading ‘New Native Instruments Traktor Controller?’
Akai MPK25 - Battery Powered Beats!
by Paul Dakeyne, in Music Computers & Hardware, No Comments
Back in the 90’s, the management company who ran the studio’s I spent most of my time in, started to represent a few notable American DJ/Producers. Although I was a seasoned advocate of Akai S1000 samplers at the time, when these guys walked in with their MPC’s under their arms and started to lay down some beats, I watched and listened.. and was impressed with what I heard. This was my introduction to the ‘feel’ and flexibility of MPC beats. … continue reading ‘Akai MPK25 - Battery Powered Beats!’
Akai APC40 - Total ‘Live’ Control
by Paul Dakeyne, in Music Computers & Hardware, No Comments
It’s just over a week away ’til the highly anticipated public launch of Akai’s new Ableton Live controller, the APC40. At last, all those eager to see, feel and play with this dedicated hardware will now have their chance. That maestro of all things Akai and ‘techy’, Andy Mac will be around too, demonstrating the power of this baby!
So what exactly has the APC40 got to offer Live users? … continue reading ‘Akai APC40 - Total ‘Live’ Control’
M-Audio Hypercontrol Heaven
by Paul Dakeyne, in Music Software, 1 Comment
Literally ‘mouse free’, full DAW transport integration, flexible control over mute, pan and solo’s, easy track selection with non-jump volume sliders… selection, launch and full parameter adjustment of plug-ins and virtual instruments, rotary manipulation and responsive drum pads.. shall I go on?
My previous post here was highly anticipating the … continue reading ‘M-Audio Hypercontrol Heaven’
Livin’ In a Box
by Paul Dakeyne, in Studio Technique, 1 Comment
To mix ‘in the box’, or ‘out the box’, that is the question? (well, more precisely, to track, record, comp, route, apply dynamics & effects, mixdown and monitor etc..) This is the usual quandary of recording and production noobs who have managed to do at least some research, and from seasoned players who may be considering trading in older gear for a spanking new system and workflow. So, what’s right? Doing every production task within the digital realm of a computer DAW (digital audio workstation), or bringing all that signal routing to the outside world for some ‘hands-on’ manipulation? Fact of the matter is, … continue reading ‘Livin’ In a Box’
Euphonix MC - affordable luxury transport
by Paul Dakeyne, in Music Computers & Hardware, No Comments
Launch of the day so far for me at ’09’s Musikmesse is this luscious new controller from Euphonix. The MC Transport brings that incredible speed, resolution and software integration of their higher range controllers to an affordable, project studio environment.
I was turned on to the Euphonix hardware after finding out how useful it was to our good friends, The Freemasons when integrated into their Logic and Pro Tools set-up. It was only budget restrictions that halted me in my tracks for an investment. But now, well, here’s the answer to a few … continue reading ‘Euphonix MC - affordable luxury transport’
Ableton Live 8 - upgraded and controlled
by Paul Dakeyne, in Music Software, No Comments
Just checked a fab collection of differing packages to purchase Ableton’s Live 7, Live 8 & Suite with a FREE Korg NanoKontrol Also, there’s been some interesting web chat about the forthcoming release of Live 8 and the NanoKontrol and there’s certainly lots to look forward to when Live 8 finally lands: … continue reading ‘Ableton Live 8 - upgraded and controlled’
