Hardware, software, your local grocery store- everything is going open source! Why not a dj midi controller? That’s what the guys at Aurora mixers thought, so they have created an open source mixer which you can build on or modify yourself.
Dj TechTools spoke with the Aurora Team last week about this new concept and this is what they had to say about the project:
A word from the creators
aurora is an open source USB midi controller with user controlled
ambient RGB illumination. It combines a standard DJ mixer with 18
effects knobs and 6 toggle switches in a form factor of only 7 x 10
inches. We envision the device as an alternative to bulkier, less
affordable, less ergonomic commerical MIDI devices. Currently, many
commerical controllers are designed with a wide range of applications
in mind. For aurora, we wanted to return to the basics.Many of us have asked for a controller with “two channels and and a
cross fader.” These familiar features are included, along with
additional knobs and buttons for enhanced control. We believe this
arrangement enhances the artist’s creativity and allows for greater
control of the software.We believe in open source. aurora is designed with this in mind, so
essentially anyone can participate in writing firmware or software, or
even create their own hardware. In fact, we encourage it, and hope to
create a community of users that support this device.
Cool idea, I’m interested to see where the “community” will go with it. And how much and when?
so how do you build on it? what makes it different from how ean hacked his vci? does it come with, like, a bag of parts that u can swap and remove like an erector set?
Really looking forward to getting a kit for this one. Give us the source code, point out the programming header on the motherboard and away we go!
I went to the Aurora and I got this msg:
“Bandwidth Limit Exceeded
The server is temporarily unable to service your request due to the site owner reaching his/her bandwidth limit. Please try again later.
Apache/1.3.37 Server at http://www.auroramixer.com Port 80″
I’ll check it out on friday to see if it up.
Thanks for the info!
IDD… Also can’t wait to find out what this kit will cost me. ;)
:-)
Thats what happens when CDM, Skratchworx and DjTT all write about the same company in the same day.
I am sooo exited about the long term possibilities of such a company and community. It could essentially create a service where people interested in controllerism can get into a custom controller fitting there exact artistic needs. I for one do not have the technical expertise (yet) to truly make my own controller, so I have been planning to buy a bunch of different pieces to create one system that will give me the control I need. While I may still need to get a few bells and whistles, I feel like this could help streamline the over all core of my system. I am VARY exited. Kudos to all
This very pretty and I can see they have put a lot of thought into making it just that, and at the lowest cost and a high level of scalability in manufacturing, but for me assides from that I dont see this as being that different to what else is already out there, but with a somewhat cramped layout.
In saying that there is some level of advantage in having something with flashy lights to dj on, especially at smaller parties,Im sure anyone who has played out with a vci can testify to the questions and interest it generates even from those with no interest in DJing.
I think the most interesting that will come out of this project is when people take the PCB and wire that to their own personalised faceplate / layout / controls all in a robust enclosure which isnt begging for a liquid death.
Dont take this as a negative response though, I like pretty toys & Im sure we will see some exiting developments from these guys in the future.
Personally I think that there is way to many controllers that looks like a mixer. Don’t almost everyone use a “normal” mixer when you play out?
Please give me a killer controller just for the transport section and the effects and without a jog-wheel. Are for the moment using akai mpd-24 plus the keyboard for controlling traktor. I have a good layout, but it’s way to easy to press the wrong buttons, especial after a couple of beers.
thats what I have always said. A real mixer will beat out the digital one any day but most people seem to want an all in one device. having all of your controls centralized is also a big help.