MP3 Suite Review

While software like Serato is very stripped down, it allows a DJ to quickly and easily perform his/her primary task – beatmatching and mixing music. The first time ever using Serato I quickly figured out how to use it with no instructions. The first time I looked at the user interface for Torq it made me want to cry. This interface is easily the most hideous looking thing I have seen in DJ Software market hands down! Even if M-Audio sent me a free copy I wouldn’t install this on my computer. I’m only reporting this new version of the software for those of you that do use it. I would love to hear some first hand comments about how great this software is so I can learn not to judge the software by the GUI, but I doubt I will hear any. Please let us know if you use this.

From the M-Audio Website

• cue, beat-match and mix digital files > leave your cumbersome records and CDs safe at home
• works instantly and seamlessly with compatible M-Audio hardware > no complex set-ups or conflicts
• organizes digital audio files (including iTunes) into easily searchable database >instant access to your entire digital library
• supports optional third-party VST effects > add your own signature sound
• 16-cell tempo-synced sampler > trigger loops and samples on the fly
• ReWire support > take your performance to the studio
• transmits and receives MIDI beat clock >flexible synchronization with external devices
• compatible with control vinyl/CDs >easily integrates with traditional DJ hardware

The Otus from Eks is another new DJ Controller to enter the game, but this one definitely has some features I’d like to try out in person if we can get a test unit in here. A few features that really stand out to me are the ability to control 2 decks with just the one controller and the touch sensitive pitch ribbon. This sleek new DJ controller can be had for 649.00 € via the Eks Website.

From the Eks website:

Functional Design
To meet the needs of professional artists, all the controls are of the absolute best quality. The placement of each control has been optimized for usability and for show factor. All of the key functions are placed closest to the DJ, while effect orientated controls are placed further away. Otus is also designed to fit on top of a standard vinyl turntable. This makes it easy to fit it in any DJ booth. Otus weights 2kg, so it’s firm and sturdy but still retains its portable nature.

Future Proof Control Layout
10 control knobs, 17 low travel buttons and 6 touch sensitive buttons – all controls freely assignable to suit the artists’ personal needs. No mouse or keyboard is needed to perform. The controls are specially designed to meet the needs of the present digital world as well as the challenges of the future.

7,5” Jog Wheel
The heart of Otus is its illuminated, high resolution 7.5” jog wheel with both physical and virtual sensitivity adjustments. The touch sensitive top part of the wheel functions like a vinyl turntable, allowing you to scratch or cue the track by rotating the wheel. The outer rim of the wheel functions as a pitch bender. The LED illumination around the wheel enables two way communication with MIDI software in a configurable manner.

Dual Layer Control Surface
Otus features two layers of controls, which can be easily swapped by pressing the switch button. This enables operating two virtual decks with just one controller. Layer changes are indicated by the change of the LED colour.

Touch Sensitive Pitch Ribbon
The 80mm touch sensitive relative pitch slider with LED visualization enables highly accurate pitch adjustments. The amount of pitch is altered by sliding a finger on the slider, and the accuracy of the slider can be chosen on the fly by pressing the scale button, for example 1x/5x/10x. The LED indicates the pitch value, which is recalled as the user swaps the virtual deck.

Integrated Soundcard with Dual Outputs and A Headphone Jack
Individual professional level analog and digital outputs for both virtual decks. The headphone output enables direct headphone preview.

Touchpad
A touchpad for mouse or user definable X/Y effect control. This makes touching computer while playing unnecessary.

Four Selector Jog Wheels
Each corner of Otus features an assignable jog wheel controller with an integrated select button in the middle – created for optimal file browsing or selecting effects and other features.

LED Illumination
All controls are backlit by colour changing LED’s for easy utilization in a club environment and other poorly illuminated situations.

Works with Your Favorite DJ/VJ/MIDI Software
The advanced MIDI mapper and ASIO drivers make creating configurations for your favourite DJ/VJ software easy and intuitive. The EKS support pages contain downloads and instructions for setting Otus up with different software.

via: Eks Website