Stop it! Get your eyes off that screen!
We all know the problem: DJing with computers isn’t terribly practical without looking at the computer – a lot. Native Instruments’ Traktor S8, like Maschine before it, promised to liberate laptop users from that vacant computer stare. But it, and rival offerings, have a big problem: they’re back-breaking, checked luggage-triggering, tech rider-rewriting huge.
Well, you probably already worked out the S8 “flagship” wasn’t going to be the only hardware from NI to play with this concept. The question was, what would a “half-S8” / “S8 mikro” / “S8 deck” look like.
If you happen to be a big fan of the artist Uner, and were staring at your screen to watch the NI live stream, you just got a glimpse of exactly what it’ll look like. Native Instruments handed over the new hardware to some of their artists with the cameras rolling live to the Web.
We grabbed some images from the live feed overnight. It actually provides a fairly clear view of the layout and sense of approximate size of the controller. (NI’s design guides for knob clearance and so are so particular that you should assume dimensions here are what they look like on the S8.)
We also know, via Uner’s Facebook, that the box is called the D2. (Logical name. D for deck. 2 for… well, it’s the size of the Z2, and less than the S8. Also, you can see two decks at once, even if there are four controllable.)
NI has also provided us, and a “handful” of outlets (TMZ, maybe?), with some details. What we know:
- It’s portable – and you can see in the screenshots, it appears smaller than even half an S8. So it’s larger than the narrower F1/X1/Z1, but most usable setups with those required two our three units – this appears to do what you need in a single unit.
- There’s a big color display, so you get your tangible control via touch strip, pads/triggers, and knobs and faders, but never have to stare at your computer
- You get four-channel control over a Remix Deck, with four faders and four knobs – as seen on the F1 I mentioned early this week
- There are 8 RGB pads, which work for sampling, cueing, looping, and triggering – again, something that works nicely on the F1 with the right mappings (there 4×4 instead of 4×2), but here much easier to use with an internal screen.
- There’s a touch strip, as on the S8, which can be used to position tracks (not quite as precise I find as a wheel, but usable and more compact), but also for pitch bend (or whatever you might assign)
- And you get the usual effects, filter, and bpm/key controls
- Check out the height – you can get it at the level of other DJ gear, which is ideal for a DJ booth where it’s alongside a mixer (and in contrast to the much shallower gear we looked at this week, though NI will happily sell you a stand for those)
(Earlier this week: These Are The DJ Controllers You Want When Space is Limited. This looks wider, but might easily supplant those others while still remaining compact.)
If the build is anything as solid as the S8, it should be a winner on the road. And unlike the S8, you probably already have a bag that fits it. I’ll be keen to try it out physically and see the final dimensions and weight.
The Kontrol S8, introduced in fall. Now, once again – but smaller. Photo courtesy Native Instruments.
I’ve been playing with the S8, and while I was skeptical about some aspects of it, using it has really impressed me. You can absolutely play without ever seeing the computer, certainly – and it is spectacularly good when it comes to things like playing with loops and sampling, even if you don’t get deep into Remix Decks. Now, having been looking at it and pondering what would come next, it’s also clear that you can’t just lop off a part of it and make usable hardware. NI also tells me that whatever they’re working on here is more sophisticated than just taking a hacksaw to an S8 prototype – and that’s a good thing.
So they’ve built something at least slightly different. Let’s read between the lines to work out what it might be. Some key takeaways here:
Mainly, you do get a display – so the key advantage of the S8, without an S8.
You also get all of the mixing, effects, cueing, looping, sampling, and Remix Deck controls. This also eliminates the need for the F1/Z1 combo I talked about earlier this week. That’s great.
Okay, so it’s basically this. Note that what’s missing if you lop off this part of the S8 is the upper right-hand corner — there you have new color-backlit deck controls A, B, C, and D.
It really is part of the S8, repackaged. All the right-hand controls on the S8 are clearly visible – in our new close-up, you can even read the print on the pads. It’s the same layout – as it should be; NI is pretty consistent with their industrial design.
However, in the area silkscreened “FX” on the S8, you’ll see additional deck select controls. This is obviously necessary to allow the D2 to control all four decks.
And you probably need to BYO audio interface. Also, I’m betting against any onboard audio. It’s a no-brainer: you can’t see any controls that would allow you to set volume. Anyway, that’s no huge problem: you’d simply pair the D2 with another audio interface.
As Thierry Henri Côté notes in comments, you can see a Traktor A10 interface.
My guess as far as strategy (especially as DJ TechTools is at least feigning ignorance):
The Z1/X1/F1 remain entry-level, low-cost, ultra-compact controllers. They’re also logical to pair with an iPad.
Expect the D2 to clock in with a mid-range price. A Z2 is $/€800, an S8 is $/€1200. I’d expect the D2 for less than the Z2 (given that you get two of these, plus a mix control surface, plus a multi-channel audio interface in the S8) – but not too much less.
The D2 is obviously a choice for anyone wanting to pair deck controls with their own mixer. That could include people who already own Native Instruments’ own Traktor Kontrol Z2 (which comes with a nice mixer), or the many DJs who prefer to work with their own Allen & Heath mixer (for instance). A Z2 with a D2 also gives you the control of the S8 but in sort of three quarters the space, and the option to go modular.
But don’t estimate DJs who want to use their own mixer. You can bet there are lot of NI’s high-profile artists who won’t touch the S8 mixer because they’re already set on their own.
Also, for someone with a truly large table in their tech rider and, I don’t know, a Cadillac Escalade as their tour vehicle, I imagine someone could use a couple of D2s to add to the S8 for dedicated control of four decks. Ludicrous, yes, but – someone will.
CDM Compact Rig Prediction! Take the D2. Add a Z1 (two-channel but… you’ll live). Put the Z1 on a stand for more height. Result: the EQ and mix controls are on the Z1, and you get everything else on two or four decks on the D2. You still have room in your luggage for a Maschine and a Push, so you can basically head out on your tour with live PA and DJ gigs booked and you won’t even need to bring along a Sherpa.
But this is, of course, what a lot of us were waiting for: basically, a portable, control-everything device with a screen that frees us from the computer’s eerie glowing rectangle. I was surprised by already loving the S8, and immediately thought, if I had this in a smaller size, it’d become my main DJ controller. Well, here we go.
We’ll watch for pricing and availability, of course, and report back once we have one to test.
Now, the remaining questions are what updated Traktor software might go along with the hardware release, and if we’ll see things like tighter Traktor/Maschine integration – which would be a huge boon to hybrid live/DJ sets. Below, you can see the polite and measured way that NI customers typically ask for such things.
But here’s the bottom line: I imagine anyone reading this could play the set you see at WMC with the brightness on the laptop turned off. And I’m actually frankly disappointed that he didn’t do just that. Take the leap of faith.
Updated: it seems someone on social media managed to photograph the setup by daylight. (The sun has just come up in Miami.) And sure enough, you can see that this is really the right-hand deck control side of an S8 with deck controls in the upper right-hand corner. Even more telling about this shot: this is what a lot of artists are likely to do. They’ll use the D2 as a compact solution when they go to a club. Or if their tech rider specifies, say, an Allen & Heath mixer (or they carry their own), they’ll plug into that.
In event photos you can get a better look. Connections at the back for USB but also USB link between devices. Plastic flip-up feet that elevate the height – without the need for a stand. (See also: Maschine Studio.) Requires power. And clearly no audio, but… that’s fine.
Rival DJ makers don’t have anything like this.
At the same time, I see why some readers are clamoring for a standalone unit without a computer. Imagine this up against Pioneer’s vaunted CDJ. That’s not in the cards yet, however.
Same, same, but different. Wake me when NI is ready to drop the need of computer.
That’d be an interesting direction, no doubt. On the other hand, lots of people are comfortably using computers. Let’s see what happens there, if anyone other than Pioneer goes to standalone digital.
I expect some change with the new appletv (with appstore) which could fill the gap between ipad and mac mini. Ipad pro could be another option.
That’s the missing piece in this puzzle.
Algoriddim might take advantage of that. I don’t see how that’s really a pro-ready solution yet, though.
Well a new atv with new arm chip between actual ipad air and mac mni with rumoured new iOSx could run an improved traktor dj version too.
Same, same, but different. Wake me when NI is ready to drop the need of computer.
That’d be an interesting direction, no doubt. On the other hand, lots of people are comfortably using computers. Let’s see what happens there, if anyone other than Pioneer goes to standalone digital.
I expect some change with the new appletv (with appstore) which could fill the gap between ipad and mac mini. Ipad pro could be another option.
That’s the missing piece in this puzzle.
Algoriddim might take advantage of that. I don’t see how that’s really a pro-ready solution yet, though.
Well a new atv with new arm chip between actual ipad air and mac mni with rumoured new iOSx could run an improved traktor dj version too.
Same, same, but different. Wake me when NI is ready to drop the need of computer.
That’d be an interesting direction, no doubt. On the other hand, lots of people are comfortably using computers. Let’s see what happens there, if anyone other than Pioneer goes to standalone digital.
I expect some change with the new appletv (with appstore) which could fill the gap between ipad and mac mini. Ipad pro could be another option.
That’s the missing piece in this puzzle.
Algoriddim might take advantage of that. I don’t see how that’s really a pro-ready solution yet, though.
Well a new atv with new arm chip between actual ipad air and mac mni with rumoured new iOSx could run an improved traktor dj version too.
Sweet… Any guesses when Next maschine versions come out ?
Nope. 🙂 You can bet we’ll have a report on that, though. And fingers crossed for Maschine/Traktor integration.
Sweet… Any guesses when Next maschine versions come out ?
Nope. 🙂 You can bet we’ll have a report on that, though. And fingers crossed for Maschine/Traktor integration.
Sweet… Any guesses when Next maschine versions come out ?
Nope. 🙂 You can bet we’ll have a report on that, though. And fingers crossed for Maschine/Traktor integration.
Actually, on the shot I seen over @ djtechtools, you can see a Traktor A10 behind the controller, so i think we can presume there will be no audio interface.
Yeah, I agree. Also, frankly, there’s no room to have something like cue mix. So you’d want to pair this with your own audio interface.
Having two of them with audio interfaces would get kinda clunky.also, the price should be better without an interface. I’m glad I won’t have to sell my A10.
Remember, you don’t *really* need two. 🙂
Yes, you can use two. But the heads-up display on the S8 already works well with two tracks. One D2 would be enough… use external mixing or say the Z1 with internal mix controls.
Actually, on the shot I seen over @ djtechtools, you can see a Traktor A10 behind the controller, so i think we can presume there will be no audio interface.
Yeah, I agree. Also, frankly, there’s no room to have something like cue mix. So you’d want to pair this with your own audio interface.
Having two of them with audio interfaces would get kinda clunky.also, the price should be better without an interface. I’m glad I won’t have to sell my A10.
Remember, you don’t *really* need two. 🙂
Yes, you can use two. But the heads-up display on the S8 already works well with two tracks. One D2 would be enough… use external mixing or say the Z1 with internal mix controls.
Actually, on the shot I seen over @ djtechtools, you can see a Traktor A10 behind the controller, so i think we can presume there will be no audio interface.
Yeah, I agree. Also, frankly, there’s no room to have something like cue mix. So you’d want to pair this with your own audio interface.
Having two of them with audio interfaces would get kinda clunky.also, the price should be better without an interface. I’m glad I won’t have to sell my A10.
Remember, you don’t *really* need two. 🙂
Yes, you can use two. But the heads-up display on the S8 already works well with two tracks. One D2 would be enough… use external mixing or say the Z1 with internal mix controls.
I won’t get my hopes up but Traktor DJ compatibility would be nice. Even closed, the laptop still takes up a lot of space.
That’s interesting. I don’t think so – the S8 isn’t capable of that. But yes, you have to find somewhere to stash the laptop. So I understand the desire for all-in-one hardware.
I won’t get my hopes up but Traktor DJ compatibility would be nice. Even closed, the laptop still takes up a lot of space.
That’s interesting. I don’t think so – the S8 isn’t capable of that. But yes, you have to find somewhere to stash the laptop. So I understand the desire for all-in-one hardware.
I won’t get my hopes up but Traktor DJ compatibility would be nice. Even closed, the laptop still takes up a lot of space.
That’s interesting. I don’t think so – the S8 isn’t capable of that. But yes, you have to find somewhere to stash the laptop. So I understand the desire for all-in-one hardware.
I wait for the next real game changer : a computer INSIDE a S8, i don’t want to buy and travel with a laptop just for Traktor.
I wait for the next real game changer : a computer INSIDE a S8, i don’t want to buy and travel with a laptop just for Traktor.
I wait for the next real game changer : a computer INSIDE a S8, i don’t want to buy and travel with a laptop just for Traktor.
Im actually waiting for a s8 looking controller laptop integrated device. Imagine an s8 that has a built in computer to run traktor and that has an hdmi output to hook up a screen when youre in the studio setting things up and then you just haqve the table screens showing the information for playing live…. That,s my dream. I guess i could build it, but i dont have the money at all
Mac mini until new appletv come. Anai will not develop a better computer than apple.
How would the apple tv replace a computer?
http://www.macrumors.com/roundup/apple-tv/
http://www.macrumors.com/roundup/ipad-pro/
I actually gig with mac mini and ipad 3rd gen as screen, mouse and keyboard (splashtop 2 and old phone as router) and if appletv (next gen of course) comes with appstore and 32 gb of internal memory (the alternative could be djay with spotify support) and the new bluetooth lte (which is targeted to audio (beats) and game controllers (which is the basis for most of the controllers we use today for djing (hid)) then I will keep my mini at home and bring the appletv.
I’m not taking in consideration new input interfaces such kinects, iwatches or whatever apple could implement (due has the coders, the patents and the money), only with the “common sense” technology to “crack’em all” (the 70’s tv model) it could be “amazing” and fix some actual issues like connector evolution (docks), standalone hardware (Did you remeber the Ns7mk3 or mpc next gen mockup with win10? There is no need… iOS could perform most of the task and is still growing… An ipad 1 could run djplayer with dvs so why not will be cappable a updated appletv with A8 (or A9) arm chip?
So an appletv is coming more than ” a hobbie” for apple… To me is clear all the hints point at…
In June (estimated prevision but it was ready since year ago) says appletv releases. The movements in hbo and other channels seem point it too.
Interesting! Yeah, well, and NI already has Traktor on iOS – with a more modern UI framework than the desktop version. So I agree, this is one to watch. I hope NI and others are watching it, too.
Yay for Mini giggers. I love having my Mini be my workhorse. I am using a 10″ adafruit screen with everything shoehorned into a 10″ Mixer flight case.
Becoming something between mac mini and ipad pro. New Arm chipset, appstore and some many things coming… Check my answer to Peter with full details about rumouring.
Im actually waiting for a s8 looking controller laptop integrated device. Imagine an s8 that has a built in computer to run traktor and that has an hdmi output to hook up a screen when youre in the studio setting things up and then you just haqve the table screens showing the information for playing live…. That,s my dream. I guess i could build it, but i dont have the money at all
Mac mini until new appletv come. NI will not develop a better computer than apple.
How would the apple tv replace a computer?
http://www.macrumors.com/roundup/apple-tv/
http://www.macrumors.com/roundup/ipad-pro/
I actually gig with mac mini and ipad 3rd gen as screen, mouse and keyboard (splashtop 2 and old phone as router) and if appletv (next gen of course) comes with appstore and 32 gb of internal memory (the alternative could be djay with spotify support) and the new bluetooth lte (which is targeted to audio (beats) and game controllers (which is the basis for most of the controllers we use today for djing (hid)) then I will keep my mini at home and bring the appletv.
I’m not taking in consideration new input interfaces such kinects, iwatches or whatever apple could implement (due has the coders, the patents and the money), only with the “common sense” technology to “crack’em all” (the 70’s tv model) it could be “amazing” and fix some actual issues like connector evolution (docks), standalone hardware (Did you remeber the Ns7mk3 or mpc next gen mockup with win10? There is no need… iOS could perform most of the task and is still growing…) An ipad 1st gen could run djplayer with dvs so why not will be cappable an updated appletv with A8 (or A9) arm chip?
So an appletv is coming more than ” a hobbie” for apple… To me is clear all the hints point at…
In June (estimated prevision but it was ready since year ago) says appletv releases. The movements in hbo and other channels seem point it too.
Interesting! Yeah, well, and NI already has Traktor on iOS – with a more modern UI framework than the desktop version. So I agree, this is one to watch. I hope NI and others are watching it, too.
Yay for Mini giggers. I love having my Mini be my workhorse. I am using a 10″ adafruit screen with everything shoehorned into a 10″ Mixer flight case.
Becoming something between mac mini and ipad pro. New Arm chipset, appstore and some many things coming… Check my answer to Peter with full details about rumouring.
Im actually waiting for a s8 looking controller laptop integrated device. Imagine an s8 that has a built in computer to run traktor and that has an hdmi output to hook up a screen when youre in the studio setting things up and then you just haqve the table screens showing the information for playing live…. That,s my dream. I guess i could build it, but i dont have the money at all
Mac mini until new appletv come. NI will not develop a better computer than apple.
How would the apple tv replace a computer?
http://www.macrumors.com/roundup/apple-tv/
http://www.macrumors.com/roundup/ipad-pro/
I actually gig with mac mini and ipad 3rd gen as screen, mouse and keyboard (splashtop 2 and old phone as router) and if appletv (next gen of course) comes with appstore and 32 gb of internal memory (the alternative could be djay with spotify support) and the new bluetooth lte (which is targeted to audio (beats) and game controllers (which is the basis for most of the controllers we use today for djing (hid)) then I will keep my mini at home and bring the appletv.
I’m not taking in consideration new input interfaces such kinects, iwatches or whatever apple could implement (due has the coders, the patents and the money), only with the “common sense” technology to “crack’em all” (the 70’s tv model) it could be “amazing” and fix some actual issues like connector evolution (docks), standalone hardware (Did you remeber the Ns7mk3 or mpc next gen mockup with win10? There is no need… iOS could perform most of the task and is still growing…) An ipad 1st gen could run djplayer with dvs so why not will be cappable an updated appletv with A8 (or A9) arm chip?
So an appletv is coming more than ” a hobbie” for apple… To me is clear all the hints point at…
In June (estimated prevision but it was ready since year ago) says appletv releases. The movements in hbo and other channels seem point it too.
Interesting! Yeah, well, and NI already has Traktor on iOS – with a more modern UI framework than the desktop version. So I agree, this is one to watch. I hope NI and others are watching it, too.
Yay for Mini giggers. I love having my Mini be my workhorse. I am using a 10″ adafruit screen with everything shoehorned into a 10″ Mixer flight case.
Becoming something between mac mini and ipad pro. New Arm chipset, appstore and some many things coming… Check my answer to Peter with full details about rumouring.
its interesting that all these controllers talk about “getting away from the computer”. but the only ones actually do that for real is Elektron, Aleph and modular developers. its exactly why i still use an MPC 1000. i had Maschine and gave it away. i have been inches close to getting Push but have not pulled the trigger. it’s like apple’s marketing that their products keep people connected while it really keeps people looking at their phone instead of paying attention to the people they’re with. sorry, kind of a rant but the marketing, kind of talking crap about being connected to the computer while you actually need that computer to run your software is kind of contradicting. i’ve DJ’d a few parties with Traktor standalone on my laptop with no controllers and had a pretty good time.
“But the only ones that actually do that for real are Elektron…” Ha, yes, and what is Elektron about to release? (I decided to start a modular (not only) to get away from the compute, and; now I spend my days on Muffwiggler (and here, making OT comments in a Traktor-post). Maybe the best way to get away from the computer is to… not hava a computer?
point taken. 😉
its interesting that all these controllers talk about “getting away from the computer”. but the only ones actually do that for real is Elektron, Aleph and modular developers. its exactly why i still use an MPC 1000. i had Maschine and gave it away. i have been inches close to getting Push but have not pulled the trigger. it’s like apple’s marketing that their products keep people connected while it really keeps people looking at their phone instead of paying attention to the people they’re with. sorry, kind of a rant but the marketing, kind of talking crap about being connected to the computer while you actually need that computer to run your software is kind of contradicting. i’ve DJ’d a few parties with Traktor standalone on my laptop with no controllers and had a pretty good time.
“But the only ones that actually do that for real are Elektron…” Ha, yes, and what is Elektron about to release? (I decided to start a modular (not only) to get away from the compute, and; now I spend my days on Muffwiggler (and here, making OT comments in a Traktor-post). Maybe the best way to get away from the computer is to… not hava a computer?
point taken. 😉
its interesting that all these controllers talk about “getting away from the computer”. but the only ones actually do that for real is Elektron, Aleph and modular developers. its exactly why i still use an MPC 1000. i had Maschine and gave it away. i have been inches close to getting Push but have not pulled the trigger. it’s like apple’s marketing that their products keep people connected while it really keeps people looking at their phone instead of paying attention to the people they’re with. sorry, kind of a rant but the marketing, kind of talking crap about being connected to the computer while you actually need that computer to run your software is kind of contradicting. i’ve DJ’d a few parties with Traktor standalone on my laptop with no controllers and had a pretty good time.
“But the only ones that actually do that for real are Elektron…” Ha, yes, and what is Elektron about to release? (I decided to start a modular (not only) to get away from the compute, and; now I spend my days on Muffwiggler (and here, making OT comments in a Traktor-post). Maybe the best way to get away from the computer is to… not hava a computer?
point taken. 😉
I really can’t see the problem “that we all know of” with looking at a computer screen – what exactly IS the problem ?! Just look at the screen, problem solved.
You have to have a laptop with you anyway with these kind of controllers so why not take advantage of the bigger screen ?
I mean, it’s *bigger* afterall, which for me translates to “easier”, “makes more sense” etc.
Really, these artificial “problems” are just constructed marketing ploys by the manufacturers to sell more units of stuff.
you articulated what i was trying to say in a much better way.
Well, that’s a good question.
I’m not opposed to using the computer screen. However, the scale of the display is generally such that it assumes you are focused on using the keyboard and trackpad as input and have your focus entirely on the screen.
Now, the need to add controllers is obvious – better tactile feedback for what you’re doing.
In a performance situation, then, the problem is that you have to become overly focused on the display and thus distracted from the controllers. (And also the audience, if you want to connect with them.)
That’s why I know as a DJ or performer I’m generally happier when I can shut the display off entirely.
This doesn’t mean the display has to be evil. For instance, Apple’s MainStage (and years ago, a Plasq product named Rax) has a heads-up display that’s actually designed to be viewed at a glance or at a longer distance, as you might while playing an instrument.
But, no, I don’t think it’s just a “marketing ploy” or a gimmick; it’s intrinsic to the design and functionality. Not to say you can’t use a laptop and controllers to DJ – that’s how I played my last Traktor gig. But I do think this is more rewarding to use.
“This doesn’t mean the display has to be evil. For instance, Apple’s
MainStage (and years ago, a Plasq product named Rax) has a heads-up
display that’s actually designed to be viewed at a glance or at a longer
distance, as you might while playing an instrument.”
I would love it if Ableton or a third party came up with a scheme that would be intelligible from 6-8 feet away. So your laptop could be near the floor and you could stand playing an instrument. That would be cool.
I agree with you fully on this that the artificial problem of the laptop are constructed marketing ploys.
I don’t think a laptop is in anyway more distracting for an audience than the current star ship enterprise dj setups, in fact I think they are a lot more imposing and detracting.
As for people looking at the screen, DJs also spend a lot of time looking down at the controller hardware, turning their back to dig though record bags, bending down to have a sneaky smoke of a joint, chatting to their friends or entourage…it’s a long list.
Well, except I said that, not NI. NI left the laptop on in full view with the brightness jacked up. And NI are selling software primarily for laptops.
So, no, I don’t see how this is a “marketing ploy.” I can tell you there’s a substantial difference in how I felt about performing or DJing when I was staring at a screen and those times when I was able to turn it off. And I think those of us who have been using Maschine and Push (and custom controller mappings) for this purpose for years also recognize it isn’t about just buying some new gadget to make it work. It’s a difference of approach.
Nothing against DJs looking at laptops — again, my own *personal* pleasure level is different. I still do shows where I’m looking at a screen, for whatever reason, but I sure am happy when I can get away.
“And NI are selling software primarily for laptops”
I’m not sure this is true. Their turn over was listed in the financial times last year, it was 120 million, jumping from 20 million in 2008, this jump is due to them selling hardware. They also state that their goal is to have the laptop acting as a screen-less external processor for their hardware.
I think it is important to identify a marketing narrative ( and this is one for sure ) and critic if it is really the reality of a situation.
I really can’t see the problem “that we all know of” with looking at a computer screen – what exactly IS the problem ?! Just look at the screen, problem solved.
You have to have a laptop with you anyway with these kind of controllers so why not take advantage of the bigger screen ?
I mean, it’s *bigger* afterall, which for me translates to “easier”, “makes more sense” etc.
Really, these artificial “problems” are just constructed marketing ploys by the manufacturers to sell more units of stuff.
you articulated what i was trying to say in a much better way.
Well, that’s a good question.
I’m not opposed to using the computer screen. However, the scale of the display is generally such that it assumes you are focused on using the keyboard and trackpad as input and have your focus entirely on the screen.
Now, the need to add controllers is obvious – better tactile feedback for what you’re doing.
In a performance situation, then, the problem is that you have to become overly focused on the display and thus distracted from the controllers. (And also the audience, if you want to connect with them.)
That’s why I know as a DJ or performer I’m generally happier when I can shut the display off entirely.
This doesn’t mean the display has to be evil. For instance, Apple’s MainStage (and years ago, a Plasq product named Rax) has a heads-up display that’s actually designed to be viewed at a glance or at a longer distance, as you might while playing an instrument.
But, no, I don’t think it’s just a “marketing ploy” or a gimmick; it’s intrinsic to the design and functionality. Not to say you can’t use a laptop and controllers to DJ – that’s how I played my last Traktor gig. But I do think this is more rewarding to use.
“This doesn’t mean the display has to be evil. For instance, Apple’s
MainStage (and years ago, a Plasq product named Rax) has a heads-up
display that’s actually designed to be viewed at a glance or at a longer
distance, as you might while playing an instrument.”
I would love it if Ableton or a third party came up with a scheme that would be intelligible from 6-8 feet away. So your laptop could be near the floor and you could stand playing an instrument. That would be cool.
I agree with you fully on this that the artificial problem of the laptop are constructed marketing ploys.
I don’t think a laptop is in anyway more distracting for an audience than the current star ship enterprise dj setups, in fact I think they are a lot more imposing and detracting.
As for people looking at the screen, DJs also spend a lot of time looking down at the controller hardware, turning their back to dig though record bags, bending down to have a sneaky smoke of a joint, chatting to their friends or entourage…it’s a long list.
Well, except I said that, not NI. NI left the laptop on in full view with the brightness jacked up. And NI are selling software primarily for laptops.
So, no, I don’t see how this is a “marketing ploy.” I can tell you there’s a substantial difference in how I felt about performing or DJing when I was staring at a screen and those times when I was able to turn it off. And I think those of us who have been using Maschine and Push (and custom controller mappings) for this purpose for years also recognize it isn’t about just buying some new gadget to make it work. It’s a difference of approach.
Nothing against DJs looking at laptops — again, my own *personal* pleasure level is different. I still do shows where I’m looking at a screen, for whatever reason, but I sure am happy when I can get away.
“And NI are selling software primarily for laptops”
I’m not sure this is true. Their turn over was listed in the financial times last year, it was 120 million, jumping from 20 million in 2008, this jump is due to them selling hardware. They also state that their goal is to have the laptop acting as a screen-less external processor for their hardware.
I think it is important to identify a marketing narrative ( and this is one for sure ) and critic if it is really the reality of a situation.
I really can’t see the problem “that we all know of” with looking at a computer screen – what exactly IS the problem ?! Just look at the screen, problem solved.
You have to have a laptop with you anyway with these kind of controllers so why not take advantage of the bigger screen ?
I mean, it’s *bigger* afterall, which for me translates to “easier”, “makes more sense” etc.
Really, these artificial “problems” are just constructed marketing ploys by the manufacturers to sell more units of stuff.
you articulated what i was trying to say in a much better way.
Well, that’s a good question.
I’m not opposed to using the computer screen. However, the scale of the display is generally such that it assumes you are focused on using the keyboard and trackpad as input and have your focus entirely on the screen.
Now, the need to add controllers is obvious – better tactile feedback for what you’re doing.
In a performance situation, then, the problem is that you have to become overly focused on the display and thus distracted from the controllers. (And also the audience, if you want to connect with them.)
That’s why I know as a DJ or performer I’m generally happier when I can shut the display off entirely.
This doesn’t mean the display has to be evil. For instance, Apple’s MainStage (and years ago, a Plasq product named Rax) has a heads-up display that’s actually designed to be viewed at a glance or at a longer distance, as you might while playing an instrument.
But, no, I don’t think it’s just a “marketing ploy” or a gimmick; it’s intrinsic to the design and functionality. Not to say you can’t use a laptop and controllers to DJ – that’s how I played my last Traktor gig. But I do think this is more rewarding to use.
“This doesn’t mean the display has to be evil. For instance, Apple’s
MainStage (and years ago, a Plasq product named Rax) has a heads-up
display that’s actually designed to be viewed at a glance or at a longer
distance, as you might while playing an instrument.”
I would love it if Ableton or a third party came up with a scheme that would be intelligible from 6-8 feet away. So your laptop could be near the floor and you could stand playing an instrument. That would be cool.
I agree with you fully on this that the artificial problem of the laptop are constructed marketing ploys.
I don’t think a laptop is in anyway more distracting for an audience than the current star ship enterprise dj setups, in fact I think they are a lot more imposing and detracting.
As for people looking at the screen, DJs also spend a lot of time looking down at the controller hardware, turning their back to dig though record bags, bending down to have a sneaky smoke of a joint, chatting to their friends or entourage…it’s a long list.
Well, except I said that, not NI. NI left the laptop on in full view with the brightness jacked up. And NI are selling software primarily for laptops.
So, no, I don’t see how this is a “marketing ploy.” I can tell you there’s a substantial difference in how I felt about performing or DJing when I was staring at a screen and those times when I was able to turn it off. And I think those of us who have been using Maschine and Push (and custom controller mappings) for this purpose for years also recognize it isn’t about just buying some new gadget to make it work. It’s a difference of approach.
Nothing against DJs looking at laptops — again, my own *personal* pleasure level is different. I still do shows where I’m looking at a screen, for whatever reason, but I sure am happy when I can get away.
“And NI are selling software primarily for laptops”
I’m not sure this is true. Their turn over was listed in the financial times last year, it was 120 million, jumping from 20 million in 2008, this jump is due to them selling hardware. They also state that their goal is to have the laptop acting as a screen-less external processor for their hardware.
I think it is important to identify a marketing narrative ( and this is one for sure ) and critic if it is really the reality of a situation.
TouchOSC and ipad mini near the instrument 😉
AppleTv come and there is a lot of room for developers… Time to ask them Peter?