Showing posts with label midi controller. Show all posts
Showing posts with label midi controller. Show all posts

Saturday, October 6, 2012

Numark OmniControl Professional Computer-DJ Controller Review

Numark OmniControl Professional Computer-DJ Controller
Average Reviews:

(More customer reviews)
The first thing you will notice is that the Omni Control is built like a tank. If you are doing mobile gigs construction quality is a must. Numark does not exactly make the best quality gear, but they certainly try to keep up with new features. The omni control is great for the bedroom DJ and those wanting to see if they will like this hobby and don't want to make an investment with traditional gear. If you try to start with two CDJs and a normal mixer, expect to pay twice as much. If you get Pioneer equipment expect to pay over a thousand for just a basic setup!
I already have Traktor DJS 3.4 so I was able to change the midi map, but the included Traktor LE should be fine for beginners. My only complaint is that the jog wheel is too close to the line faders, but this is also a problem with the Vestax controller. And by the way, the Vestax VCI is $500 but the quality of the build is not that much better. Knobs and caps are plastic but what do you expect at this price point.


Click Here to see more reviews about: Numark OmniControl Professional Computer-DJ Controller

A complete, professional computer-DJ system consisting of a hardware controller with built-in audio I/O, the Numark Omni Control offers a heavyweight, sturdy feel thanks to its high-quality controls and rugged metal housing--it'll stay in place even when your fast-scratch technique gets aggressive. The Omni Control contains everything you need to plug into any sound system and perform.
This complete professional computer-DJ package consists of a hardware controller with built-in audio interface and two software titles: Native Instruments Traktor LE and MixMeister Fusion Live. Firm, reliable knobs, faders, and buttons are high quality, delivering solid and precision performance. An extremely clean, built-in 24-bit professional high-quality computer audio interface feeds pristine audio signal to two stereo outputs and your headphones. Ultra-low latency 44.1kHz and 88.2kHz audio ASIO drivers deliver solid sound. You can even plug in a microphone and talk over your mix.

Key Features
Complete professional computer-DJ package
Hardware controller with built-in audio I/O
Includes Native Instruments Traktor LE and MixMeister Fusion Live software; mapped for Traktor Pro
Heavyweight, sturdy feel in a steel housing
Extremely clean, high-quality sound card
Firm, reliable knobs, faders, and buttons
Supports MIDI over USB

Included Software Native Instruments Traktor LE software, based on Traktor Pro gives you four optional layouts, including cover art. You'll enjoy new Beatgrid Editing and saving with locked sync for precise performance. New in Traktor LE is manual looping and selectable loop length for flexible loop integration. Additionally, Traktor LE gives you a choice of effects per deck including filter, delay, reverb and flanger.
Omni Control comes factory mapped for use with Traktor Pro or LE for out-of-the-box performance. It's compatible with Mac and PC, and works with nearly any audio format. MixMeister Fusion Live is the DJ software for performers who want to perfect the production of their performances. Because Omni Control supports MIDI over USB, it is the ultimate choice for controlling your favorite MIDI-mappable software.
Specifications
Inputs
Mic: 1/4-inch TS

Outputs
Master: RCA stereo pair
Cue: RCA stereo pair
+2dBU
Headphones: 1/4" TRS
Signal-to-Noise Ratio: > 97dB (max output; JIS-A Weighted)
Frequency Response: ± 1dB (20Hz – 20kHz)

Dimensions: 12.5 x 10-5/8 x 2.5 inches (WxDxH)
Weight: 7 pounds
System Requirements:
Windows XP Vista (32-Bit or 64-Bit)
Mac OS 10.4.11 or higher
Available USB 2.0 port for both Master and Cue output support or an available USB 1.1 port for Master output support only



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Wednesday, May 16, 2012

M-Audio Audiophile 2496 MIDI Digital Recording Interface Review

M-Audio Audiophile 2496 MIDI Digital Recording Interface
Average Reviews:

(More customer reviews)
This is TRULY an audiophile 2-channel card. I purchased it to transfer some music on vinyl to digital format from a high-end turntable, and it has done that remarkably well. Another pleasant surprise is the quality of playback on the computer - the subwoofer really 'came to life'. Even my 128k i-tunes stuff sounds TOTALLY different even on my [high-end] computer speakers.
That being said, here's some tips:
1) Get & install latest drivers for your OS from the M-Audio website before doing ANYTHING else - then shut down & unplug PC and install the card.
2) Feel free to ignore ALL software in the package - I'm recording & playing back fine without it. Everyone should check out the free "Audacity" recording/editing package.
3) For best results, use good cables. I'm using Audioquest Mini-1 to go from card to computer speakers, and Audioquest G-Snake to go from turntable phono box to the card. These 2 cables (in 2-meter lengths) cost about the same as the card. :-(
4) Can probably co-exist with your previous sound setup - just make sure you go through the various Windows Control Panel areas and define which to use for what. Same is true for most applications - check the preferences to use the right card/audio system.
Also, I'd like to address some 'negative' comments I've seen here & elsewhere:
A) Comes with old manuals & drivers: TRUE - but website is very complete & up-to-date - they had all Windows variants covered pretty well, except maybe 64-bit Vista.
B) Takes over (removes) Windows volume controls: TRUE - and good riddance! All playback apps have volume controls, plus theres the physical knob on most speakers - who needs more of them interacting and complicating things?
C) No 1/8" (3.5mm) jacks: TRUE - that connection is for "toys" - this card has gold-plated stereo RCA connectors - plus MIDI & S/PDIF connectors!
D) No surround/gaming modes: TRUE, but can co-exist with another consumer sound card or (as I'm doing) on-board audio (see my tip 4 above).
Bottom line - if 2-channel stereo is your 1st priority - check the website for the drivers you need and, if they have you covered, BUY THIS CARD!! :-)

Click Here to see more reviews about: M-Audio Audiophile 2496 MIDI Digital Recording Interface

The Audiophile 2496 embodies a quantum leap in computer audio fidelity and performance unequaled by other audio cards in its price range. This critically acclaimed PCI card features premium digital audio converters, elegant board design, and ultra-stable drivers just like the rest of the Delta line, but with a simpler I/O configuration. As a member of the Delta family, the Audiophile 2496 supports all computer platforms and major software programs, ensuring seamless integration and rock-solid performance. See why the Audiophile 2496 is one of the best-selling digital audio cards in the industry.

36-bit Embedded DSP All Delta cards contain a 36-bit embedded DSP enabling a software-driven patchbay/router for all analog and digital I/O--all with extremely fast throughput for low-latency software monitoring. A single unified control panel provides settings for clock and sample rates, buffer sizes, individual signal levels for every input and output, adjustable +4dBu/-10dBV pad controls and digital I/O control on up to four installed Delta cards. All controls are also easily accessible through most professional audio software applications for seamless integration and operation.
2 x 2 Analog I/O Accepts common unbalanced audio on gold-plated RCA jacks.
24-bit/96kHz Fidelity The 2496 features 24-bit/96kHz converters with a 100dB dynamic range.
S/PDIF Digital I/O with 2-channel PCM Get CD-quality sound from devices with S/PDIF outputs.
SCMS copy protection control Allows a recording device to successfully record the audio data.
AC-3 and DTS Pass-Through The S/PDIF digital I/O supports surround-encoded audio, for sending surround sound to your home theater.
1 x 1 MIDI I/O The 2496's break-out cable features 1 x 1 (16-channel) MIDI operation.
Zero-Latency Monitoring Monitor your audio signals without delay.
Ableton Live Lite Included Ableton Live Lite delivers much of the functionality of Ableton Live--the revolutionary, multi-award winning music production solution that allows you to spontaneously compose, record, remix, improvise and edit your musical ideas in a seamless audio/MIDI environment. Live brings your acoustic, electronic and virtual instruments--as well as your digital audio recordings and MIDI sequences--together in a single interface with unparalleled ease of use.
What's in the Box Audiophile 2496 PCI adapter card, Break-out cable for S/PDIF and MIDI connections, Software CD, User's Manual

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Click here for more information about M-Audio Audiophile 2496 MIDI Digital Recording Interface

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