wscot
Okay so I know that this is a broad topic and that if I spent 5 days searching this forum maybe I'd find the answers to some of my questions. But part of this is me looking for an UPDATE to where things are right now, and when I do searches for my issues, it brings up 12 page discussions from a year ago or more that generally relate the first 6 months of troubleshooting. So please forgive me any redundancy in these ponderings and questions.
Brief history: I am more of a DJ enthusiast right now, but I get a few gigs here and there and that made me want to up my game this past year, hardware-wise. I was a radio DJ only for many years and wanted to go mobile. I've done the multi CD deck thing and I've done the multi iPod thing. I get by, and since I'm not a turntabilist or anything - ANY hardware controller was going to be a step up for me. So this year I bought the Mixtrack Pro. I like Numark. I loved the unit. Out of the box it worked right (as far as I could tell) and I LOVED the VDJ software. It gave me no problems, worked fine with my PC laptop and all was well. I really enjoyed and understood Sync, the effects, the looping, all that. Great.
But I realized that it was thought of as "toy-like" amongst professionals and I figured - okay, I liked that so I'm going to LOVE the next step up. So I did some research and decided to take a shot with a Mixdeck, which I just received yesterday. I often get clients handing me CD's and iPods and I use an iPod as a backup system so it seemed like a perfect fit for me for an all-in-one unit. I got it and tried setting it up yesterday. So far - I cannot get the Native Traktor software that it comes with to work or function at all without freezing up my PC and crashing everything. No problem. I don't care because I want to use VDJ, right? Well - then I found out (too late) that the mixer is not midi-mapped and that this may present some problems with VDJ. And that I have to self-tweak VDJ mapping and do this and that to get the Sync function to work etc. On top of that - my LE VDJ license has run out and I can't get that to recognize the Mixdeck without opening the software which it will not do because it doesn't see the controller when I plug in the MixDeck! What a freaking mess and a complete opposite experience.
So on to the questions. I expect some of this whining can be solved by simply upgrading and buying the pro or home level version of VDJ. I'm eager and ready to do that, HOWEVER - before I do (because it isn't free and we're in a recession) I'd like to be able to try it with the Mixdeck. Pro. So:
1. It's MY copy of LE as I purchased it with my Mixtrack, is it kosher to try to upgrade that version to then run with my Mixdeck?
2. You guys have been using these for months or years. Seriously - is it going to be easy enough to do some simple steps and get my MixDeck functioning similarly to my MixTrack Pro? Are the bugs fixed? Mostly? Is there an updated list/sequence of what I need to do, software and firmware update-wise?
3. Or should I just revert back to the MixTrack Pro?
4. I know about MixDeck Quad coming out, but it loses the cool and easy and centrally located iPod deck, and again - it isn't coming out with VDJ natively mapped either.
I am just so surprised at how easy it was to get the Mixtrackk pro up and running smoothly compared to this "better" and more expensive unit. I have hope that it will work, but it looks like a ton of tweaking which I HATE the idea of. I guess I am looking for some positive reinforcement or guidance to see it through (and some tips) or to bail and go back to the "toy" which - while not being perfect for my set-up, still worked great.
Awaiting your responses.
Thanks.
Brief history: I am more of a DJ enthusiast right now, but I get a few gigs here and there and that made me want to up my game this past year, hardware-wise. I was a radio DJ only for many years and wanted to go mobile. I've done the multi CD deck thing and I've done the multi iPod thing. I get by, and since I'm not a turntabilist or anything - ANY hardware controller was going to be a step up for me. So this year I bought the Mixtrack Pro. I like Numark. I loved the unit. Out of the box it worked right (as far as I could tell) and I LOVED the VDJ software. It gave me no problems, worked fine with my PC laptop and all was well. I really enjoyed and understood Sync, the effects, the looping, all that. Great.
But I realized that it was thought of as "toy-like" amongst professionals and I figured - okay, I liked that so I'm going to LOVE the next step up. So I did some research and decided to take a shot with a Mixdeck, which I just received yesterday. I often get clients handing me CD's and iPods and I use an iPod as a backup system so it seemed like a perfect fit for me for an all-in-one unit. I got it and tried setting it up yesterday. So far - I cannot get the Native Traktor software that it comes with to work or function at all without freezing up my PC and crashing everything. No problem. I don't care because I want to use VDJ, right? Well - then I found out (too late) that the mixer is not midi-mapped and that this may present some problems with VDJ. And that I have to self-tweak VDJ mapping and do this and that to get the Sync function to work etc. On top of that - my LE VDJ license has run out and I can't get that to recognize the Mixdeck without opening the software which it will not do because it doesn't see the controller when I plug in the MixDeck! What a freaking mess and a complete opposite experience.
So on to the questions. I expect some of this whining can be solved by simply upgrading and buying the pro or home level version of VDJ. I'm eager and ready to do that, HOWEVER - before I do (because it isn't free and we're in a recession) I'd like to be able to try it with the Mixdeck. Pro. So:
1. It's MY copy of LE as I purchased it with my Mixtrack, is it kosher to try to upgrade that version to then run with my Mixdeck?
2. You guys have been using these for months or years. Seriously - is it going to be easy enough to do some simple steps and get my MixDeck functioning similarly to my MixTrack Pro? Are the bugs fixed? Mostly? Is there an updated list/sequence of what I need to do, software and firmware update-wise?
3. Or should I just revert back to the MixTrack Pro?
4. I know about MixDeck Quad coming out, but it loses the cool and easy and centrally located iPod deck, and again - it isn't coming out with VDJ natively mapped either.
I am just so surprised at how easy it was to get the Mixtrackk pro up and running smoothly compared to this "better" and more expensive unit. I have hope that it will work, but it looks like a ton of tweaking which I HATE the idea of. I guess I am looking for some positive reinforcement or guidance to see it through (and some tips) or to bail and go back to the "toy" which - while not being perfect for my set-up, still worked great.
Awaiting your responses.
Thanks.
Posté Sat 30 Jul 11 @ 10:18 am
synthet1c
LE only works with the controller it came with, so yeah you have to upgrade to pro, I think it's only $150 with the mixtrack serial. You are able to use vdj home unlocked to pro for a month to test it out with your controller before you buy, If you have already used the trial from le and home, you can contact support and request more time to try your new controller.
Finally I'm pretty sure the mixdeck is natively supported in pro, but if it isn't, there are various mappers that the community has created that you could install, but mapping basic commands is as easy as hitting key learn in the mapper, moving the control you want to map. then press action learn, and click on the screen what you want the controller to do... easy
Finally I'm pretty sure the mixdeck is natively supported in pro, but if it isn't, there are various mappers that the community has created that you could install, but mapping basic commands is as easy as hitting key learn in the mapper, moving the control you want to map. then press action learn, and click on the screen what you want the controller to do... easy
Posté Sat 30 Jul 11 @ 10:31 am
the SOUND INSURGENT
I'm sitting in my car waiting for a train, Lmao!! But you'll love the Mixdeck WAY more then the Mixtrack. Give me 30 minutes and when I get get home ill help you out, in the meantime click on my name and it'll take you to my homepage. Scroll down and you'll see what the Mixdeck can do. I think if you download the free home version you can try it out for 10 minutes at a time.
Be back soon
Huey
Be back soon
Huey
Posté Sat 30 Jul 11 @ 10:41 am
wscot
Thanks for the info. Can't I DL the Home version to test the Mixdeck with before upping to Pro? Or won't it allow me to map?
Posté Sat 30 Jul 11 @ 12:22 pm
the SOUND INSURGENT
I don't think you can map things with the Home version but here's how you set it up,
If you need anymore help feel free to hit me up
Huey
Support staff wrote :
Please install the latest drivers and firmware from: http://www.numark.com/mixdeck (This is important.)
Then register your Pro serial number on the page http://www.virtualdj.com/download/updates.html and download the latest Pro v7.0.4 from http://www.virtualdj.com/download/updates.html
Once you have done this, start VirtualDJ, go to CONFIG -> Sound Setup and set your sound as follows:
Inputs: None
Outputs: External Mixer
Sound card: Numark
Click APPLY.
Make sure that the channels on the mixer section of the MixDeck are set to PC.
If the left deck is controlling the right deck on VirtualDJ and vice-versa, simply press the EJECT button on one of the decks to toggle them back to the correct order.
Or go to CONFIG -> Mappers and choose the MixDeck in the drop-down list. Click the button to the right of the drop-down box and choose the option to assign controllers. You can then assign the MixDeck to the appropriate decks of your choice.
Please note that the mixer section of the MixDeck is a real hardware audio mixer and is not MIDI capable. It cannot control the on-screen software mixer (Volume sliders, EQ's, gain, etc.) or the video crossfader in VirtualDJ or any other software. Only the CD players are MIDI enabled.
Please install the latest drivers and firmware from: http://www.numark.com/mixdeck (This is important.)
Then register your Pro serial number on the page http://www.virtualdj.com/download/updates.html and download the latest Pro v7.0.4 from http://www.virtualdj.com/download/updates.html
Once you have done this, start VirtualDJ, go to CONFIG -> Sound Setup and set your sound as follows:
Inputs: None
Outputs: External Mixer
Sound card: Numark
Click APPLY.
Make sure that the channels on the mixer section of the MixDeck are set to PC.
If the left deck is controlling the right deck on VirtualDJ and vice-versa, simply press the EJECT button on one of the decks to toggle them back to the correct order.
Or go to CONFIG -> Mappers and choose the MixDeck in the drop-down list. Click the button to the right of the drop-down box and choose the option to assign controllers. You can then assign the MixDeck to the appropriate decks of your choice.
Please note that the mixer section of the MixDeck is a real hardware audio mixer and is not MIDI capable. It cannot control the on-screen software mixer (Volume sliders, EQ's, gain, etc.) or the video crossfader in VirtualDJ or any other software. Only the CD players are MIDI enabled.
If you need anymore help feel free to hit me up
Huey
Posté Sat 30 Jul 11 @ 1:44 pm
wscot
Just updated firmware and drivers from Numark. What's the best way to "hit you up" Huey? Via your wall on here? Or via email?
Thx.
Thx.
Posté Sat 30 Jul 11 @ 2:01 pm
the SOUND INSURGENT
Here is good, I'm always on, lol, via my phone, lmao!
By the way I think I saw you posted on a Mixdeck review video, if that was you I'd stay away from that guy. His advice is bad and he hates VDJ. I've had to correct him a few times on the advice or comments hes giving people.
Huey
By the way I think I saw you posted on a Mixdeck review video, if that was you I'd stay away from that guy. His advice is bad and he hates VDJ. I've had to correct him a few times on the advice or comments hes giving people.
Huey
Posté Sat 30 Jul 11 @ 2:57 pm