[linux-audio-user] Re: dj-ing hardware under Linux

[Loki Davison]

On 3/14/06, cdr <ix at replic.net> wrote:
> > I believe the ergonomics of a DJ mixer are good for those who need to make
> very fast cuts in realtime, but not necessarily any different for simple
> crossfades or EQ tweaks on a number of channels. The other advantage of
> using an external controller talking to software is you can keep the quality
> of your D/A converter if you like the way it sounds, rather than using the
> electronics in an analog DJ mixer.
>
>  the nice dj mixers do have a good signal path and adjustable crossover
> curves but nothing that cant be done easily with software, but i really
> doubt the fader in a UC-17 or something is any good, at that price point. i
> have a behringer, and opened it up and lubricated the faders with mineral
> oil which helped quite a bit but they still slide nowhere near as smooth as
> a RANE dj mixer.. i noticed you can buy replacement RANE faders for like $50
> a piece or so, it might make sense to just get some of thos and plug into a
> multio to convert the CV into controller data...
>
>

As cdr mentions smoothness is the real issue in non-hiphop style
mixing. So anything that has nice rane / penny & gilles / ecler /
vestax etc faders should be okay. Midi gear usually has very heavy
chunky faders. I really wouldn't swap my ecler or any decent mixer for
a midi controller, thus why i was giving this advice. With any
instrument feel is what is really important, and in djing your hands
are mostly on the mixer and the pitch slider, so having those 2 feel
good is important. Cheap / crappy mixers have lots of features, good
mixers feel good.

Loki