Lookout FS & Serato!...
As one of DC's few jungle producers that use vinyl/laptop interfaces in his live sets- I feel it's my duty to introduce a new kid on da block...A new, big, deformed, powerhouse of a kid called Conectiv by M-Audio featuring Torq DJ software and time coded vinyl.
M-Audio’s Conectiv w/control Vinyl/CDs ad Torq Dj software…
I got it as an early Christmas gift and hadn't opened the box yet.
Well yesterday, I finally decided to get this thing hooked up, installed and running so I can get started on customizing a set for the Digital Conspiracy Takeover or Antics @Club Hell, December 28th, $5! (hint-hint)
First off, let me say installation was super simple. The hardware seems pretty damn sturdy and non-intrusive in a DJ set-up.
The hardware also only takes up 2 line inputs in the DJ Mixer (Finals Scratch and Serato take up both two phono and two line jacks). You just plug the tables into the hardware's inputs and plug the hardware's outs into your mixer line inputs. (This leaves your phono ins open- for 2 more turntables if need be).
This also makes it less of a mess for a DJ who arrives DURING a show and has to come on after a traditional DJ's set.
The software is very straight forward. And while I DID have some trouble with it crashing at first- once I defragged, cleaned disc, and checked drive for errors, (which I hadn’t done in like forever!) the thing worked just fine.
The interface is so PURELY specialized for DJs. EVERYTHING about it.
Just to recap...the whole thing works just like FS or Serato. Two time-coded vinyl records send tracking info to the software which plays back mp3/wav/aif files based on the position of the needle on the special records. The software's output is thru the hardware which is plugged into the DJ mixer.
Where Torq starts kicking butt is at the extras. Not only do you get two records which (unlike FS) are identical on both sides (so you get 4 records! Each at 33rpms)- you also get pre-amplification on the phono inputs and an output louder than any FS/Serato device.
Ground wires on the hardware.
And the GUI is a MONSTER!
The skinable GUI comes with two virtual decks...a whole slew of different Modes that the system can run on...crazy shit like being able to mix 2 virtual decks and two records at the same time; or the ability to mimic a CDJ1000's functions for example.
Torq also has a 16 cell sampler! The sampler’s 16 sample trigger buttons can be assigned to a midi controller for live action!
The virtual decks each contain built-in effects. 8 of them. With 3 effects slots (3 f/x can be used at a time for each deck)
the parameters for these f/x can be set to & controlled by midi as well. AND each of the f/x are DJ/dance music oriented...like strobe (transformer switch)- flanger- beat repeater- echoes- a wicked deck stop effect- reverse...shit's sick.
On top of that- you can also load a vst effect up on the thing (1 per deck)...the effects, (vst or otherwise), effect the virtual deck or the artist's records you're playing. 1 particularly expressive parameter of the vst can be set (thru Torq) and controlled by midi. If the plug-in itself has midi-learn/assign functions- then that devices parameters can also be controlled via midi (bypassing Torq).
All effects are synced to tempo (a tap tempo is available).
There's quick cue points (markers) you can lay down in a song to skip to at the push of a button (all parameters in Torq are midi assignable), quick loop points for instant beat looping (separate from effects) with various lengths. Again, all are assignable to a controller.
Torq also has a built in recording module that can record everything in hi-Q and save it to your computer.
The software is even Rewire compatible and can be rewired (slave) thru Host apps like Ableton Live or ProTools. (i.e. Deck 1- channel 1/2; deck 2- channel 3/4, etc.)
The hardware even functions alone as a audio interface for other applications. It also has it's own cue functions and mic input.
One thing's for sure- this is one hell of a competitor for Serato and FS. Time will tell of course as to whether or not stability is a factor. So far, so good. And if that checks out OK- consider it curtains for the much pricier, less featured Serato and Final Scratch systems.
At just $299, any DJs with a laptop and tables at home that do not buy this is out of their mind!
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Originally Posted by noistek
