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Forum: General Discussion

Topic: Hardware Help Please

This topic is old and might contain outdated or incorrect information.

I'm new to the DJ world but have played at a few small family events and receptions. I use my MacBook Pro with Virtual DJ Pro and my Numark Mixtrack Pro. Playing around with the software I've noticed there is a "Samples" tab along with the effects and record tabs below. As you may know if you are familiar with the Mixtrack Pro, I only see knobs and button for controlling effects but see no possible way to trigger and/or control the included "Samples" within the software. I've had to manually trigger them through my laptop during the mix which has forced me to use less samples than I'd like.

My question is this:

1) Can I trigger and control the Samples from the software using my Mixtrack Pro? If so, how can I add/download other samples and/or loops to my software?

2) If my Mixtrack Pro can't do all that, what device/controller would you best recommend for me to accomplish this? Something that is affordable and doesn't have too many extra features I realistically won't need as a part time Mobile DJ but at the same time does have enough features for me to play around with.

I appreciate any help you guys can give! Thank you!

Lori
 
Posted Tue 26 Nov 13 @ 5:35 pm
Try using your computer keys, f1 - f12 if I remember correctly.
 
Thanks Timmyg1978. Will try as soon as I get home. Either way though, would I be able to use another control just for triggering samples along with my Mixtrack Pro? If so, how would I configure that to work with the software and what control would you recommend?
 
You could use another controller, I personally use the Novation Launchpad S as a side controller with the OPD mapper. However, you'll need to buy Virtual DJ Pro Full inorder to use it as your LE copy is locked to your Mixtrack.

edit: just saw you have pro, d'oh lol. But yeah the Launchpad S is an excellent side controller;^]
 
Thanks Timmy! :-D I'll let you know how it goes.
 
you could use stand alone apps for that free or otherwise

you might be able to use a phone app also and connect the phone to the mixer.....

i haven't tried that yet myself but there's a phone app for everything
 
 
I've been reading up reviews on Midi Controllers and read good reviews on the Vestax Pad One Controller. Would I be able to use both the Vestax Pad One and my Mixtrack Pro controller to DJ? Would anyone recommend any other Midi controller instead?
 
Timmy, I was looking into the Launchpad and it looked too complex for what I really need. Nice controller though! But I think something like the Vestax Pad One would be more what I need.

As I said previously, if anyone else has a better recommendation similar to the Vestax Pad One but perhaps better quality please let me know.
 
Chuck, I don't feel as comfortable using an app on my phone while mixing live. I'd rather have an actual device with pads to feel more comfortable during a gig. Thank you though!
 
Timmy, the Function keys do work to trigger the samples but I'd rather have a separate controller with sturdy pads to tap on rather than my delicate keys on my keyboard lol. I get really into the music and don't want to be applying all that pressure onto my keys.
 
There's no problem using two controllers at once.

I see there's a Vestax Pad One mapping available for download, so you're OK there.

Consider the Launchpad Mini at around the same price if you fancy a few extra buttons. I use an Akai LPD8 which has knobs too - useful for controlling sample volume.

There's also the Korg Nano PAD 2, PadKontrol and the Akai MPD units.
 
It's not as complicated as you think, with the OPD mapper it's pretty simple. But you might wanna check out the Korg Nanopad 2, little bit cheaper than the Vestax & basically does the same thing;^]
 


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