EKS Otus has a little brother? (Updated)
EKS, the creators of the Otus, have told us about their plans for another version called the EKS Otus Raw. While the devices are very similar there are some notable differences you might be interested in. EKS has also released a series of videos that take a closer look at the EKS Otus than the original video Ean shot which introduced this space age controller to the world. Baring any un-foreseen obstacles, you might be able to try one out as soon as September.
The last time we looked at the Otus it was still very much in development and the final controls were still not decided upon. Now everything is in place so lets look at the what the Otus will look like and then how the RAW will differ.
Update: EKS Otus in action Video, the fate of HD-midi for the Otus and production status !
EKS Otus Specs:
- High resolution 7.5″ wheel with touch sense (position/speed LED indicated) – non motorized.
- 4 jog dial type controls with switch.
- 17 low travel buttons
- 6 touch buttons
- 10 assignable control knobs
- Built-in touchpad/assignable X/Y control surface for mouse or effect control
- 80mm touch sensitive pitch slider (ribbon control), with position LEDs
- All controls LED backlit
- 4 Rubberized feet reduce unwanted vibrations.
- USB powered.
- Built in soundcard:
EKS Otus Raw:
EKS has not released a official specification for the EKS Otus Raw, however from our conversations with them Dj TechTools has gotten the inside scoop. Overall this is intended to be a lower cost controller without a sound card and fewer controls. Here are a few of the specific differences:
- Physical slider rather than a touch sensor
- 4 large round buttons with pressure sensitivity (cue juggling nod?) replace 6 touch sensor buttons
- 6 less knobs than the Otus
- the corner switches may not have the same jog action as the first Otus
There is no specific release date for the Otus RAW but chances are it will be at least 2 months after the release of Otus. Hopefully they wont take too much time, as this configuration looks like a promising one.
Last minute exciting updates!:
We just received an EKS Otus video in live testing at the last second ! check it out here:
We have also discovered that EKS is planning to support HD-midi on the Otus as soon as it has been standardized. This will reduce latency and the precision of the device dramatically, this is truly some fantastic news for anyone looking to buy one of these devices.
However EKS also stated that
Unfortunately the standardization process is slow and it will take long time before HD-midi is in common use.
This is no fault of EKS, however its great to see that their “Future-proof” concept actually has some substance behind it!
Another piece of great news is that the EKS Otus is now fully operational and is now going to production ! DJTT will be getting our hands on the Otus immediately when available.
Until then I leave you with these videos that give you the best look yet at the EKS Otus’ design. – BentoSan
EKS Otus – Setup 1 – Basic
EKS Otus – Setup 2 – All in 1
EKS Otus – Setup 3 – MIDI Only
EKS Otus – Tutorial 1 – The Design
EKS Otus – Tutorial 2 – Future proof concept
EKS Otus – Tutorial 3 – The Jog Wheel
EKS Otus – Tutorial 4 – Dual Layer Control
EKS Otus – Tutorial 5 – The Pitch Ribbon
EKS Otus – Tutorial 6 – The Touch Pad
EKS Otus – Tutorial 7 – Selector Wheels
August 25th, 2008 at 5:03 am Quote
wow the raw really has my interest
nice work Bento!
August 25th, 2008 at 7:50 am Quote
it is very nice, but when can we HEAR what it can do? for now it does not looks like it is operational
August 25th, 2008 at 9:22 am Quote
Still waiting for that too.
But can’t deny: “Damn! These look feisty!”
August 25th, 2008 at 11:28 am Quote
w00t! Finally some screens of it actually being operated! *\o/*
August 25th, 2008 at 11:54 am Quote
Highlighting the updates made:
*Live Video Demonstration
*EKS soundcard is self made
*DJTT will be getting our hands on the unit
*Plans for high-definition midi support.
To be honest with you guys i thought the future proof concept was a bit of a joke until i got the information about the HD midi support. Even if its going to take a while for the specification to be finalized and software to support it – its great to know that your not going to have to buy a new device when HD midi receives support across the board.
August 25th, 2008 at 12:53 pm Quote
Damn, will we even be able to make up our minds regarding this article, or will it keep on updating as we type?
*~site updates again XD ~*
August 25th, 2008 at 1:10 pm Quote
“tekki
Aug 25th, 2008 at 12:53 pm Edit
Damn, will we even be able to make up our minds regarding this article, or will it keep on updating as we type?
*~site updates again XD ~*”
Lol, nah thats it, your updated with the latest news out :) Feel free to finish making your mind up.
August 25th, 2008 at 1:19 pm Quote
Mind was already made up before reading. Still not changed!
Need a unit NOW!!!!!!!
August 25th, 2008 at 2:19 pm Quote
It is pricey enough. What would be relly nice to see is a otus pair in every club(like everyone have 1012). It seems to me that with Otus, it is (finally) time to set up some new standards.
Too bad that the live-usage video is so lo-fi.
August 25th, 2008 at 4:00 pm Quote
Is number one dj controller in all of Kazakhstan. Made of superior potassium, very nice.
August 25th, 2008 at 5:02 pm Quote
nice article.. good to see a sense of humour in the videos and not take themselves too seriously.
nice controller.. definately think you would want 2 but maybe only need 1… I am happy with the vci-100 se for a long while… the idea of hd midi is well sexy though and can’t wait to see what it can do.
August 26th, 2008 at 12:33 am Quote
Bout to put my CDJ’s on Ebay!
August 26th, 2008 at 12:48 am Quote
Sexiest Piece of DJ equipment known to man but will the touch sensitive interaction feel as natural as sliding an actual slider?
we will have to wait and see! anyone know of an EstimatedRetailPrice on one of these puppys?
guy was hilarious too was a nice touch to the corporate vids
August 26th, 2008 at 12:51 am Quote
just saw around 700euros as a price range.. not as bad as I thought but still over my budget for now
August 26th, 2008 at 2:03 am Quote
i could see me going from my xp10s to a couple of RAWs EASILY :D
in a couple of years though :o
August 26th, 2008 at 3:25 am Quote
Anonymous was right, the EKS Otus will be released at around 700 Euro.
August 26th, 2008 at 12:32 pm Quote
damn! its cheaper than the vci-300! this means i have to wait a couple weeks again till i finally decided which controller to buy. but its worth to wait. yyyayyy
August 26th, 2008 at 1:06 pm Quote
We will see on the release date the final price, that numbers been floating around on the web for a while now.
August 26th, 2008 at 6:10 pm Quote
Well.. What would you guess the little brother be worth then Bento?
August 27th, 2008 at 8:26 am Quote
It was rumoured to go for 5-600 euros.
November 9th, 2008 at 12:16 pm Quote
November 20th, 2008 at 4:48 pm Quote
Otus raw release date has been quietly pushed back to “during the year 2009″.
November 20th, 2008 at 8:04 pm Quote
Thanks for that sad bit of info :(
January 1st, 2009 at 5:59 am Quote
I’m using one with Traktor Pro. Works like a charm out of the box, sounds great, the combination feels very much like a CDJ1000. The thing is light but sturdy, buttons and knobs feel good, the touch buttons and ribbons take some getting used to. I’m looking forward to getting the proper carrying case, it’s a little awkward carrying it with me in the box it came in… ;)
Ville/Darude