Best Budget Friendly MIDI Controller Keyboards

Music Radar has put together a great list of what they believe to be the 12 best MIDI controller keyboards under $150. To be honest, I can't say I disagree with any of their recommendations when it comes to this class of controller.

They've done a fantastic job of presenting the reader with a great resource when it comes to making music on a budget. We all know playing MIDI notes with the home row of our keyboard is frustrating, spend a little time with this article plus a few bucks and you'll be tickling the ivories (errr plastics) in no time.

The 12 Best Budget MIDI Controller Keyboards

RMS755 Super Stereo Compressor from Roll Music Systems

Looking for your first piece of analog gear?  Tired of the brittle sound digital mix bus compressors provide over your mix downs?  An affordable & high quality stereo mix-bus compressor might be your ticket to turning your lifeless digital mixes into something quite fantastic.

World Exclusive! The All New Blue Spark: Cardiod Solid-State Condenser Microphone

Here's a world exclusive look at the all new project studio perfect Condenser Microphone from Blue Microphones they've dubbed the Spark. I was at West LA Music's Recording expo when I got a look at what the Blue Rep said was the only Spark currently available in the world. Revel in it my friends, this is after all my first World Exclusive/Sneak Peak featured @ ZeSoundSuite.

Blue's all new Spark is a cardioid solid-state condenser microphone featuring a custom capsule with the typical flare & build quality you're used to from Blue. The Spark features all Class A discrete electronics, the high-end components used in Blue's products facilitate the Spark's uncolored, detailed response that's perfect for use on just about anything you can record in your project studio.  There's no doubt the Spark would be right at home capturing just about anything natural; vocals, acoustic guitars, drums, brass, woodwinds, pianos can all be accurately transduced by the Spark.

A very useful and proprietary feature to the Spark is Blue's Focus Control.  Focus Control is essentially two separate roll off filters set by Blue for easy control via a button on the rear of the microphone. If you're using normal mode (dis-engaged) the Spark's has a much deeper low end response for capturing impact heavy yet still defined and natural material.  IE: Snare Drum, Trumpet, etc.  The Spark's "Focus Mode" (engaged) rolls off low & high end frequencies to provide even more clarity and detail to whatever it is your recording.  Focus mode would be ideal for recording vocals in your home. Furthermore, focus mode would be a great feature to engage on a pair of Sparks being utilized as over heads when tracking drums. If you had two you could use both on practically anything; one with focus mode engaged and one without, after tracking you could blend the two recordings for a beautifully balanced representation of real world sounds.

There isn't much detail from 3rd party sources as to how the Spark sounds yet because it's not yet available to the public.  However, I feel like this is a great microphone for those of you looking to enter the project studio tracking world.  Blue is a trusted brand with a legendary reputation. They produce everything from desktop USB microphones perfect for podcasts to world class microphones used in the worlds top recording studios.  Give the Spark at look at Blue's website. The Spark can be pre-ordered now for $199.99 from any authorized Blue dealer.

Best,

Nick

Rodec MX2200 Professional Performance Mixer

Pioneer...  It's fantastic gear for DJ's.  But, is it the best?  If you ask the guys at Guitar Center they will tell you it is, while their standing in front of the massive Pioneer display.  Fact is, it probably isn't.  Yeah all the pro's use it but it's not the only gear the pro's use.  Professional DJ's & Performers use gear from Allen & Heath, Korg, & even Dennon (sometimes).  Have you ever heard of a Rodec Mixer?  I hadn't heard of them until just a couple months ago, I came across their EFX unit while doing some digging for new ways for DJ's & Performers to make their show one of a kind.

Rodec products are all designed and manufactured in Belgium, and they've been doing it this way since 1954!  Their MX2200 DJ Mixer is one of their newest products from their Progressive Line and I must say that it might just be the ultimate analog DJ mixer out there.  The MX2200 is a 6 channel 12 1/2" professional analog DJ mixer.  All of Rodec's products have been made famous due to their ultra high quality studio ready analog sound.  Nothing sounds like a Rodec... Period.  Now that we've got the "amazing sound" aspect covered we can move on to the specifications of the Rodec MX2200.  The MX2200 features 5 multiple input channels which can handle; balanced XLR inputs, Phono inputs, & 2 stereo RCA inputs.  Channels 1 & 5 also include a digital S/PDIF input as well as an option for a USB audio I/O signal from your computer.  Each of the 5 input channels feature a mic pre with gain adjustment, Pan, EQ, Crossfader routing, PFL Solo for cues & an analog fader for level control.  The 6th input channel doesn't feature RCA or digital inputs but, it does have the same balanced microphone input with pre, gain settings, and PFL functions as the other 5 channels.

There's one more feature to each channel that's a world exclusive, and that's Rodec's FX wet/dry selection potentiometer. (potentiometer= geek speak for knob)  The Rodec doesn't feature an on board FX section, instead they have two FX inserts on the rear of the unit for connection to outboard FX units.  IE: Korg's Kaoss Pad, Rodec's Restyler, Kalediloop.  With the Rodec mixer you have dual wet/dry control over both effects units for each individual channel.  Do you understand how cool that is?  Forget standard and tired Pioneer DJ EFX everyone's heard, you can use a Rodec with two EFX units to create totally original and unique EFX for your sets.  You could even hook a computer up to one of these FX inserts and use EFX plug-ins as one of your inserts on the Rodec.  Then imagine a Kaoss Pad on the other insert.  You could then be rocking a set whilst using the Kaoss Pad EFX blended with any number of EFX from your computer to create truly insane sounds.

Rodec build their mixers in a modular fashion and you can even make changes to the mixer to suit your style.  You can add USB audio I/O to the mixer or Digital Faders (I'm not sure if the digital faders can send midi info though)  Looking at this modular concept it's no wonder they didn't add an EFX unit to their Progressive Line of DJ Mixers.  Rodec has definietly taken the "build your own" setup idea to heart.

The MX2200 has multiple outputs for performance and tracking in the studio.  Their is one standard balanced XLR output, and then a second balanced XLR output with an EQ that allows you to control the high and low end of your master channel. (great for adjusting your overall sound to meet the acoustic specifications of where ever you're playing.) The master channel features Rodec's exclusive dual wet/dry EFX control.  For live recording the mixer features 3 RCA & 2 digital S/PDIF outputs.

The bottom line is... Rodec Mixers are built like tanks in Belgium (not china) with quality materials by passionate craftsmen.  They have a reputation of sound that can't really be rivaled in the DJ Mixer world and their products allow the end user to get something that will suit their needs perfectly regardless of how insane their current setup might be.  I hope this has been a decent introduction into the world of Rodec DJ & Sound products.  Maybe one of you looking into some Pioneer of Allen & Heath gear might give Rodec a look.  I highly doubt you'll be displeased.

I had a hell of a time finding a video of the MX2200 but, I did find one of Rodec's Restyler analog EFX units.  Be sure to give Rodec's Website a look so you can check out all of their products!

Allen & Heath Xone DX ZeSoundSuite Review!

A couple weeks ago I was lucky enough to have an Allen & Heath Xone DX in my possession.  Naturally I knew I'd be writing a little review up on it so I tried to master the controller as best as possible in the short time I had it.  I used the Xone DX with Traktor Pro because to be honest Serato's Itch is just not appealing to me whatsoever.  Itch's GUI just instantly turns me off to it.  I don't care what anyone says, a solid looking pleasant GUI is beyond important.  Serato is for Turn Table DJ's not Controller DJ's.  GUI stands for graphical user interface by the way, it's essentially just a fancy & nerdy way of describing how the software looks on your screen.  Enough of talking about the crumby bundled software, lets get down to the grit.  

Allen & Heath created a special .tsi file for Traktor (4 different mappings to be exact) that allows the Xone DX to be instantly MIDI mapped to Traktor without any fuss.  Once the Xone DX .tsi file is loaded you literally don't have to touch your computer again.  The browsing section controls located on the Xone DX is fantastic and makes selecting and loading songs from your library a breeze, all without ever having to touch your track pad.  Keep in mind the Xone DX was not built in collaboration with Native Instruments.  Allen & Heath just did the MIDI mapping perfectly and certainly had Traktor Pro in mind when they designed and built the Xone DX.

I'll keep this review as short as possible whilst still remaining concise, I'll explain to you all what I really liked about the Xone DX and also the features I think they could improve on.  Let's start with the sweet stuff first though, this should also tell you right off the bat my overall impression of the Xone DX.  My favorite feature hands down is the build quality, this thing is built like a tank! Not much to say about this to be truthful, it's no secret the DJ MIDI Controller market is flooded with a bunch of garbage that feels like a playschool speak & spell.  Allen & Heath left this idea in the dust when they built the Xone DX.

The knobs feel absolutely beautiful and you would swear you're touching an actual analog mixer.  The faders are equally as sweet, they're smooth yet feel quite solid.  You don't have to worry about breaking these beasts while slamming tracks together they can surely handle it.  They didn't build a pitch fader into the DX, instead you control pitch with a click able knob.  I'm sure this will no doubt turn some DJ's off but if you want to be smashing 4 tracks at once together you're not beat matching anyway.  Let's all be honest, the audience has no idea and you can give them 50 times the show if you're using an auto sync feature.  Not to say beat matching isn't an important skill and art, it's just that it's the future now and using auto sync to create a more interesting set will take over.  I could still be using a rotary telephone because it's "classic" but, I don't.  Allen & Heath definitely thought about this when they built the DX and it's quite evident seeing as how the DX lacks pitch faders.

The 4 decks can be independtly controlled with a simple button that allows you to switch between two decks for each side of the DX.  I had decks 1 & 3 on the left side and decks 2 & 4 on the right, the different MIDI maps Allen & Heath created allow you to set this up in any way you'd like however.  Another feature I was really pleased with were the cue buttons.  I honestly wish there was more of them, they bounce back fantastically and make bumping between cues to create cool jumps and loops inside of tracks incredibly easy.  This is a great feature and allows you to unlock all kinds of creativity you didn't knew you had inside of you.  It's a controller so as expected, the XD doesn't have nice & solid large jog wheels.  But, neither does it's big brother the 4D, and the 4D is good enough for the biggest names in EDM Production & DJing so... yeah, you could say they most likely get the job done regardless. The next thing I'll touch on are the 2 groups of 4 effect knobs located at the top of the DX.  The first 3 knobs are all fantastic, the 4th knob is another click-able knob and while it is very useful for selecting and browsing between effects, it doubles as the 4th MIDI knob for Traktor's EFX section and it's a tad difficult to turn quickly and efficiently unlike the first 3 knobs are.  If you're familiar with Traktor you'll know this 4th knob is beyond important in the control and sync of your effects.  I wish they would've added a 5th knob that was click able for browsing and left the 4 you turn for your effects all the same.

Lets talk about looping... Allen & Heath nailed it! The looping creation and selection section on the Xone DX is beyond fantastic.  Creating your loops is painless and you can do it manually In/Out old school style or select a bar length and just turn the loop on & off with a single button.  Loop length can then be adjusted with a knob which makes creating those epic breakdowns building up to 1/16th tripping loops quite simple.  The looping section is yet another very usable and practical feature on the DX.

Alright so we know it feels great, we know the features make operating Traktor a breeze.  But.... How does it sound?  Well seeing as how that's pretty much all I care about you can be assured you're about to have an answer to that question in a few sentences.  Before I tell you I'll explain the interface on the back of the DX.  The DX sports a 10in/10out, 24bit/96kbps audio interface with your main outs being fed by XLR of RCA.  This is all fed via USB 2.0 from your computer.  If you buy one of these, be sure to spend a little extra money on a high quality USB 2.0 cable.  The DX will be sending a tremendous amount of audio plus MIDI info down the same pipe between itself and your computer.  Get a good cable to ensure audio quality is maintained from the beginning of your signal flow. (Your computer's USB O/P)  All of the inputs on the DX are RCA and so are the other outputs.  You do however have a mic preamp built into the front of the DX however that allows to connect any dynamic mic for yourself or your emcee.  This input also features a high freq. & low freq. EQ so you can dial back any unwanted frequencies that might be causing feedback.  It's always a good idea to just kill the highs & lows when you're talking through a mic while DJing anyways just to prevent the possibility of some nasty vibe killing feedback destroying your audiences ears.  That's all cool in all but... How does it sound??? IT SOUNDS FANTASTIC!  Unfortunately I didn't have a nice Pioneer or Dennon mixer to compare it to but I did have my M-Box (this contest wasn't even fair) The DX crushed the M-box on both my studio monitors and my Mackie SRM 450.  When I played a show with it through a system with some low end I was more than impressed.  Bass response was beyond thick and the highs were nice and sparkly without being ear piercing. (especially important if you're a heavy filter fan)  I'll put it this way... I'm not sure if it sounds as good as a Pioneer of even a Xone 4D sound wise but, it sure smashes any other controller's soundcards into the ground.  This actually has that analog mixer vibe in the sound, that's something that is honestly priceless in a controller.

So that pretty much sums it up without explaining every feature in detail, if you're really interested in buying one you should do that research on your own anyways, don't take my word for it.  Before I let you all go do your own digging I will tell you some of things I think Allen & Heath could improve on.  First off, yes the glitch you've seen in youtube videos is true.  If you tap in between the play & cue buttons the controller will sometimes send a midi message to computer activating the play/pause button.  It should be noted that it usually takes a pretty hard tap though.  This could still be  a problem though especially when playing on massive systems as the low end from these could also aggravate and create this pause glitch in the middle of your set.  Hopefully Allen & Heath will address this issue and fix it quickly.  Secondly it's a little small, my hands are fat but I feel like the size is still a bit of an issue. I understand them wanting it to be compact but if it had an extra 6 to 12 inches of width this this would be perfect size wise. (insert dick joke here)  Finally my last bit of advice to Allen & Heath regards the mixer section of the controller.  They should strip all the MIDI functionality of these and make it a true analog mixer.  That way your DJ software would run more smoothly not having to function as a mixer & EQ plus you'd have true analog faders & knobs creating what would truly be the dopest DJ Controller/Mixer hybrid on the planet.

Overall though I give the Allen & Heath Xone DX 3.5 out of 5 stars.  It could have a 4 if they fix that tap glitch and the only reason it can never get a 5 is because the Allen & Heath Xone 4D is the only true 5 star beast.  The Xone DX is hands down the best MIDI DJ Controller/Interface available on the market for the price.  It can't be beat!  Don't waste your time & money with Numark garbage, save your money and buy a DX.  You'll thank me later.  It feels like a real analog mixer, sounds like a analog mixer and controls DJ software with the greatest of ease.  Allen & Heath smashed it when they built the DX and I can't wait to see what the future holds for the DJ MIDI Controller market.