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Topic: DIY Midi Controller - Page: 1

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Any DIY midi controller builders out there?
 

Posted Sat 07 Nov 20 @ 5:20 am
 

Posted Sat 07 Nov 20 @ 10:08 am
I was looking at that, but once I configured it to be a Stems controller I was up to like $500.
 

Posted Sat 07 Nov 20 @ 5:51 pm
locoDogPRO InfinityModeratorMember since 2013
$500, go for a midi fighter twister as an auxiliary controller,
LED ringed encoders are better than standard dials
I went for faderfox EC4, same type of thing [16 push encoders, with multiple groups&sets [256 presets] but being German made and no US import tax it was a better deal.
I still need to do the long term review on it [EC4] [it's good, well built but not perfect]
 

Posted Sat 07 Nov 20 @ 6:54 pm
Where I hit a problem is I want 4independant 5stem controls for 4 decks plus bleed controls without any shift-type actions. The controllers that come close i would have to buy 4 to achieve my idea.
 

Posted Sat 07 Nov 20 @ 7:52 pm
If the bleed can be assigned to a pot, the Faderfox PC4 has enough.
 

Posted Sat 07 Nov 20 @ 8:12 pm
locoDogPRO InfinityModeratorMember since 2013
@groovin good call @ 170 euros [because USA doesn't pay our VAT] + US import tax, exactly the right amount of dials.
And while not flashy to look at I've been inside my faderfox unit [because geek porn] and all the money is spent on the circuit board & components, ALPS pots, thicc circuit tracks, the provided usb lead is nothing to write home about but it's not bottom of the barrel that lesser devices come with.
maybe upgrade the dial caps for visibility.
http://www.faderfox.de/pc4.html
 

Posted Sat 07 Nov 20 @ 9:10 pm
groovindj wrote :
If the bleed can be assigned to a pot, the Faderfox PC4 has enough.


I see what you mean but it would be so much better if they were push-button encoders.
 

Posted Sat 07 Nov 20 @ 9:27 pm
Faderfox do custom work too...
 

Posted Sat 07 Nov 20 @ 10:56 pm

quick idea still thinking about it,,,,but this would work.
 

Posted Sat 07 Nov 20 @ 11:33 pm
What about this??

 

Posted Sun 08 Nov 20 @ 2:55 am
faders not needed.
 

Posted Sun 08 Nov 20 @ 5:31 am
Well then just don't use them. [facepalm]

You'll either have to compromise on something that's not 100% to your requirements, or pay through the nose for something custom.
 

Posted Sun 08 Nov 20 @ 10:49 am
Djratedxxx919 wrote :
faders not needed.


Use the faders as the bleed
 

Posted Sun 08 Nov 20 @ 5:01 pm
But he wants buttons for the bleed. Been there, done that (see earlier post).
 

Posted Sun 08 Nov 20 @ 5:06 pm
Hi

Love this thread,

Wanted to get your thoughts/experience with the difference between using Encoders as in the Faderfox EC4 (and Midi Fighter Twister), or Pots with the Faderfox PC4?

Or if building a configuration with the SpecialWaves, would you choose the Encoder Modules or the Pot Modules, for controlling the 5 stems ?

Pros or Cons ?



--------------------------------

@locodog Why did you choose the Faderfox EC4 over the less expensive Faderfox PC4?


-------------------------------

Seems that the Faderfox EC4 allows control of 256 parameters with 16 setups for total of 4096 knobs, and the encoders work as high resolution 14bit controllers

where the Faderfox PC4 is 24 standard pots with 16 setups for total of 384 , with standard midi resolution of 7bit?
 

Posted Sun 08 Nov 20 @ 8:22 pm


Maybe this one ☝️
 

Posted Tue 10 Nov 20 @ 7:52 pm
locoDogPRO InfinityModeratorMember since 2013
IIDEEJAYII wrote :
....
@locodog Why did you choose the Faderfox EC4 over the less expensive Faderfox PC4?
Seems that the Faderfox EC4 allows control of 256 parameters with 16 setups for total of 4096 knobs, and the encoders work as high resolution 14bit controllers
where the Faderfox PC4 is 24 standard pots with 16 setups for total of 384 , with standard midi resolution of 7bit?


Correct in assumptions on the EC4 [4096 dials @14b], I picked EC4 because it's encoders [with push buttons], I have an excess of buttons, even with my launchpad & 2 * reloop neons the Z line on my keyboard is still my goto for calling my usual 20ish fx, so one moment dial 1 on the EC4 might be echo strength but another moment it could be a vst dial like turnado.
Dials you have to deal with take-over mode, encoders you don't, still have to do a bit of a dial update script so the LED display is correct before being touched, [it's this extra scripting that makes it less than perfect as I alluded to before]
My primary use idea was fx, I got this just before stems were a thing, but for stem use the push buttons are a bonus, I have solo as standard push & mute called by keyboard setting a shift variable [a bit of a dance pressing 2 buttons on 2 devices at the same time but I like to dance, part of the show for the trainspotters]

truth be told midi twister still looks interesting, RGB LED ringed encoders might be better than OLED display, but cost was a factor, despite the same cost [on paper ~ 240 quid] import tax & shipping for the twister jacked the price to £400. [despite it being made in china, just send it the other way guys] but I still have some reservations over the midi twister that the sales monkeys couldn't answer but they're not as informed to vdj as I am. also it has buttons on the sides of the unit [ I think for setupSwitching/HWshift] that's awkward.

bottom line, if you can find a 2nd hand midi twister, I'd say it's worth a punt, no matter what side of the Atlantic, 2nd hand faderfox EC4 they're like hen's teeth [rare] , buying new; if you're US twister, if Euro faderfox.
 

Posted Tue 10 Nov 20 @ 9:39 pm
the SOUND INSURGENT wrote :
Maybe this one ☝️


Wow

I looked for 4midiLoop DJ Controller

227 controls:

» 47 Potentiometers
» 9 Push-Button Encoders
» 152 LED's
» 166 Push buttons
» 5 Eclectic Breaks Pro X Faders

Here is review I came across https://futuremusic.com/news/testdrive/4midiloop-review.html
from 2011

the 4Midiloop.com website is is now a placeholder, seems company may not around anymore,

Love it, if only it was available and around $500


 

Posted Tue 10 Nov 20 @ 9:54 pm
locoDogPRO InfinityModeratorMember since 2013
 

Posted Tue 10 Nov 20 @ 10:04 pm
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