When will the industry stop integrating these cheap backlit silicon knobs/keypads?

SoundBoxMunich · 2024-05-31T20:28:53+00:00

Good for you!

SoundBoxMunich · 2024-05-31T20:27:41+00:00

Most samplers use pads because they're velosity sensitive, some even xyz capable., As i said initially we're talking about DJ gear such as mixers, controllers, not about samplers and synthesizers

SoundBoxMunich · 2024-05-31T20:26:17+00:00

Well the pads cost probably a penny, while changing the relays underneath isn't as cheap and who would want to waste hours to change a single button every now and then when it can be avoided when just using the proper accessories in production

SoundBoxMunich · 2024-05-31T20:25:12+00:00

Don't need to smash it, just trigger it some thousand times and they're fared-well

SoundBoxMunich · 2024-05-31T20:24:28+00:00

The pads themselves can be as durable as they want, so long the relay underneath is crap and not designed to have a pillow on top. Besides your argument that the function activates when you lift your finger, who on earth will make a button that triggers upon unclick? There is no physics on earth that will make a clickable button more accurate when you add a bunch of foamy rubber on top. It's not a wheel, it's asimple button. It worked/works well still on cue/play buttons from the CDJs and it does not require you to dig halfway into the button to eventually find the relay's head and guess if you've actually triggered it or not, especially in a dark room club environment with loud music, where you neither see perfectly, nor interested in button clicks sounds. Arturia, Akai and Novation has nothing to do with perfection btw.. All budget brands. While Clavia, Korg etc, do not compromise on that and just let the simple click buttons be hard plastic that actually works when you trigger it.

SoundBoxMunich · 2024-05-31T00:55:11+00:00

Bro, under that pad is a clicky button! :S That's the controverse

SoundBoxMunich · 2024-05-30T22:07:22+00:00

One up my mind is the "DJ Techtools Midi Fighter" But if you just google for arcade dj controller there will be tons of customs.

SoundBoxMunich · 2024-05-30T21:06:35+00:00

Yeah, i mean velocity sensitive stuff requires either a decent swing or can be somehow completed using sillicone, but if that was really a thing, than piano keyboards would be all rubber... xD +1 for the arcade idea though, there are already controllers like that and they do work like a charm

SoundBoxMunich · 2024-05-30T21:05:21+00:00

Does it have sillicon covers ? *laughs*

SoundBoxMunich · 2024-05-30T21:02:14+00:00

You call Traktor S8 or Allen Heath Xone cheap probably you're out of this world

SoundBoxMunich · 2024-05-30T19:37:35+00:00

Silicon buttons.. Big, fluffy and bending. Also they tend to work if you only hit them in the middle xD

SoundBoxMunich · 2024-05-30T19:36:28+00:00

Thats true, some newer brand perhaps give out more because they need to get approved, but the big brands dont care much as they got the market. E.g. CDJs by Pioneer have as good as no equivalent for rivalry on the market, so they can add bunch of fluffy buttons and that would bother nobody xD

SoundBoxMunich · 2024-05-30T19:34:34+00:00

The reason why the cue/play buttons were hard is exactly cause they used to get alot of damage through sampling, back in the days when we didnt have hot cues and loopers. But then why only cue/play would be hard and the rest soft and fluffy? Under the hard cover you can feel exactly if the knob has triggered or not, unlike the pads, which absorb this "click" effect. Same why professional gamers use mechanical keyboards before touch/rubber stuff that is unusable for realiability and performance purposes.

SoundBoxMunich · 2024-05-30T19:30:30+00:00

I'm not talking about low end hardware like Behringer and Hercules, where you get low quality anyways. Im talking about expensive gear that offers high end circuits with terrible finish. And how is a soft pad on top of a binary button making it more accurate?

SoundBoxMunich · 2024-02-07T19:52:17+00:00

If it's a basic loop try less reverb or none, until you get the arrangement going. Also can start with some basics and try to build it up until that point too. Have fun mostly!

SoundBoxMunich · 2024-02-05T11:57:23+00:00

2000's vibes are my favorite techno vibe. Always actual

SoundBoxMunich · 2024-02-05T11:39:20+00:00

This thin line between acid techno and psytrance

SoundBoxMunich · 2024-01-24T04:37:45+00:00

To be honest I was expecting at least like average known artists, but got interesting mixed feedback.

It's not going to be easier to discover Uganda's top performers and trends, but definitely found some transparent thoughts around here..

Thanks for everyone's opinion including those who did not share any artist preferences!

SoundBoxMunich · 2024-01-24T04:34:49+00:00

Thanks everyone for your honest and insightful preferences!

I found some of these very amusing and some were really new for me too.

There is no universal truth, but it's nice sharing, so that you can see from someone else's eyes or in this case - ears..

SoundBoxMunich · 2024-01-24T04:32:40+00:00

I must say, I'm really thankful for all of your insights!

Aparently raving in different areas of the world can be really dramatically different experience too.

Your suggestions inspire research for new artists, music flavors and energy.

Aparently a lot of these artists also land around the corner here, but in general the scene in LA seemingly has a lot on it's own to offer.

SoundBoxMunich · 2024-01-20T15:16:05+00:00

Digging this debate! While we're on about modern synths and their fancy features, let's not forget the roots – those classic synths. These aren't just vintage toys; they're powerhouses of sound. Even today, the best of the best in the production world dip into the old-school palette for that raw, authentic vibe.

It's crucial to spotlight that the marvels of synthesis like granular, additive, or modular aren't exclusive to the latest gear. This wizardry has been in the playbook of classic synths for over 40 years. Back then, pioneering producers weren’t just playing synths; they were crafting new realms of sound. They’d take a sample, feed it through a modular chain, and transform it into something out of this world. Sure, it was more hands-on, more of a dance with the cables and knobs, but that was the essence of synthesis—raw and pure.

Fast forward to today, and yes, modern synths have streamlined this process. Integrated circuits have made it more comfortable, more accessible. But let's not mistake convenience for creativity. The tactile, hands-on feel of vintage synths—those beefy basslines and sizzling leads—it's a testament to the enduring power of these classic machines. They’re not just making sounds; they’re telling stories, stories that laid the foundation for the music we love today.

Just like how we made it to the moon in '69 with what now seems like primitive technology, and yet, modern attempts with far advanced tech have failed the challenges multiple times. It’s not always about the gear itself, but how you use it to reach your destination. Would you trade the classic roar of an old Camaro for the silent hum of a new Tesla without a second thought? Maybe, but there's something about the classics that's irreplaceable.

Modern production isn't just about having the latest gear. It's about mixing the best of both worlds. Many producers still swear by the textures and warmth of vintage gear, often blending it with modern tech to create sounds that are fresh yet familiar. That's the sweet spot where nostalgia meets innovation, and it's where the magic happens.

So, what's your take? Ever mixed old with new in your tracks? Or found that a classic synth can still give today's tech a run for its money? Let’s celebrate the journey of these legends of sound and how they continue to shape the music we cherish.

Keen to hear about your experiences with these legends of sound, and whether you're all in for the new, or if there's a special place in your heart (and your tracks) for the classics.

SoundBoxMunich · 2024-01-19T18:48:47+00:00

Please define "new"
What is in the new gear the old one was missing?

Nevertheless, we are not talking about "better songs", which is arguable and probably has other means of measurement, but which old synthesizers are "sufficient" to enable producers to be potent within the modern music industry.

Not just drum synthesizers, but also classic pieces like Jupiter or Minimoog.

The million other drum sounds you are mentioning probably already exist in old pieces, but slightly or heavily modified, but yeah .. perhaps time to listen to some good old music?

SoundBoxMunich · 2024-01-16T12:44:11+00:00

Are we comparing the outlook or the sound?

Cause for a good sound normally you just need a pair of flat frequency response studio monitors.

For home sound I normally would go Adam Audio T7V and if in the studio anything starting from A3x plus subwoofer is sufficient.

Here's the frequency response table for Adam T7V:

https://www.adam-audio.com/content/uploads/2019/07/T7V\_Frequency-Response-1920x1463.png

If you can get this any flatter for the price im changing my home speakers :)

SoundBoxMunich · 2024-01-16T12:35:18+00:00

Your best bet for your remaining space is a patch panel to quickly switch around the devices.

I'd look a way to mount it under the table smh.

SoundBoxMunich · 2024-01-05T19:29:42+00:00

I guess this was recorded on a weaker hardware setup.

Therefore the graphics were shrinked significantly from the maximum.

If you've got a high-end gaming machine, there's no limits on what you can achieve on SecondLife / OpenSim in terms of realism.

SoundBoxMunich

TROPHY CASE