Another Namm Controller
We missed one small controller from namm that’s worth mentioning. As usual everyone in the forum was super on top of the latest news and discovered that Dj Tech worked with Kontrol Dj to build an interesting deck controller that is easy on the wallet. I know you may be thinking Dj Tech? Who is that? They are a Chinese manufacturer that basically reproduces other companies designs in more affordable packages but lower quality. This year they changed gears a little bit though and introduced a controller that is fairly unique in its layout and design so its worth taking a closer look at.
Essentially, Dj Tech is selling a 2 controller/ hardware mixer package, which at $799 with a case, might actually be a good value for many people. For everyone else one of the decks might work as a low cost auxiliary controller. There is no released price for a single deck. Lets take a closer look and see what works and what might not.
Kontrol One
One of our own, B33SON, was at the namm show performing at their booth so he got the inside scoop for us on how the Hybrid 202 works. Instead of the low end molded plastic usually found on a dj Tech controller, this one comes in a higher quality metal casing. The jog wheels are the same kind found on their other Dj Tech models, which quite frankly feel better than you would expect for this price range.
Some Features include:
- a hardware level shift button
- 4 endless encoders with LED status feedback and a push state
- 4 deck switch (hardware switches between midi channels for multi deck control)
- “touch sensitive” and “high resolution” jog wheel
- 22 push buttons – 20 back illuminated
- 60mm fader
- 160 mm. (W) x 289 mm. (D) x 107.5 mm. (H)
- Weight 1.4 kg
- usb powered
The Full Monty
For those that want everything in one box then the full package is a decent value for starting out. They don’t list the price but our man B33SON tells us that its going to be $799 so I imagine a single deck controller might go for as little as $200?
Digital DJ Mixer with Twin USB Audio Interface + 2 x Midi Controller
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HYBRID 202 includes:
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1 x Digital DJ mixer with 2 USB Soundcard ref: DJM-202
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2 x Midi controller with access to 272 Midi messages ref: KONTROL ONE
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1 x Flight case
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4 x USB cables + 1 Hub
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2 x Power supply for KONTROL ONE
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2 x DJ software: TRAKTOR 3 LE and Deckadance LE
January 21st, 2009 at 7:53 pm Quote
I was also told that they’re coming out with a four channel version of the mixer very shortly. If you’re like me and like direct fader/eq control over all decks you’ll want to wait for that one.
January 21st, 2009 at 7:57 pm Quote
January 21st, 2009 at 7:58 pm Quote
How much does this sell for? If I was thinking of getting a CDJ-400 and only use it as a midi controller would this be a better deal?
Steve
January 21st, 2009 at 8:35 pm Quote
I believe the CDJ-400 (one unit) is about $600-$700 US. So I would say that the DJ Tech set is a better bargain.
January 21st, 2009 at 10:00 pm Quote
plus this one is really set up for a multi deck, traktor paradigm where the CDJ is just not built with that in mind. They are still coming from the CD model instead of the software model.
January 22nd, 2009 at 4:13 am Quote
I got to play with that mixer for quite a bit at the Image Line booth. The problem with it is that each “side” of the mixer has a totally separate USB soundcard (yes, there’s 2 USB connections on the back). The user is supposed to use the operating system to aggregate those 2 separate soundcards into one interface. They also carry the same device ID, so only one will be seen at a time (the last one to initialize) unless you do this aggregation. So really, only OSX users are going to have anything approaching elegant performance with this mixer. The crossfader based effects are kind of cool, but the USB issue is problematic for many reasons (driver issues aside, it’s using up 2 ports before you factor controllers into the mix).
I think a better “CDJ type” MIDI controller was the American Audio offering. I heard it’s going to run about $200, and the CDJ it’s based on is pretty solid.
January 22nd, 2009 at 7:59 am Quote
i’m really excited about the Kontrol One, could be just the controller I’ve been waiting for. good lookin out, fellas
January 22nd, 2009 at 2:14 pm Quote
I am going to get the AA Radius 1000, which is the Radius MIDI with a CD player also. $400, but I think it may be worth it, as a back up if my computer goes out during a gig.
None the less, this DJ-Tech package is still such a good bundle for the money and B33SON said it is sturdy.
January 22nd, 2009 at 2:29 pm Quote
is it possible to scratch with one of these?
January 22nd, 2009 at 3:43 pm Quote
have this mixer EQ-Kill Buttons ?
January 22nd, 2009 at 6:56 pm Quote
Thanks for the info Ean.
In the waiting line for 2 Kontrol Ones if they sell them at 200$ as you guessed!
January 22nd, 2009 at 7:30 pm Quote
Four channels? Neato! Once again thanks on the inside tip.
[size=1]*~pads on own shoulder, great job on spotting this one~*[/size]
January 22nd, 2009 at 7:43 pm Quote
So, how does it “feel”(the kontrol one)?
Like a pioneer, Numark or like a toy?
January 22nd, 2009 at 10:39 pm Quote
Yes, it is possible to scratch with these… Although I’m not the best scratch dj out there… my friend Alessio from Italy was tearing it up on there.
January 23rd, 2009 at 3:49 am Quote
So If I only use midi controllers, and want to replace the turntable to start the tracks and beat match should I get 1. the new Kontrol, 2 the cdj 400 or 3 the AA radius 1000…
Honest opinion please :-)
Steve
January 23rd, 2009 at 7:50 am Quote
which software do you use ?
January 23rd, 2009 at 8:02 am Quote
I was interested in getting another product by DJ-Tech , the i-Mix Reload MKII, but I couldn’t find any sales information on where to buy. Any leads?
When I google it, most of the websites list that its supported by ImageLine Deckadance, but little else.
January 23rd, 2009 at 12:42 pm Quote
Robinspace, I use traktor pro 3 this is what I would mainly use it with but I also use a lot Virtual DJ because I am a resident DJ on radio.virtualdj.com so I need this weekly with those 2 softwares.
With VDJ now I use time code with an SL1200 but I think it is time to retire the goooooddd old sl1200 turn table.
Steve
January 23rd, 2009 at 12:44 pm Quote
I have googled the Kontrol one and I can’t find the price for it. I often hit the native instrument kontrol one an other device…
Steve
January 23rd, 2009 at 1:32 pm Quote
Seems to be 199 € for Europe and I guess 199$ for USA…
http://kontrolprodj.com/forum/index.php?topic=706.0
I have to try it but the price is REALLY GOOD!