Replacing the single-colour arcade buttons with multi-colour, and adding extra function buttons on the side, the Midi Fighter Spectra updates the original Midi Fighter Classic’s spec.
Replacing the Midi Fighter Classic, DJ TechTools has today announced the Midi Fighter Spectra ahead of the NAMM Show 2013, which adds extra functions buttons and full-colour LED ring lighting to the original Midi Fighter design.
While not deviating too far from the 16-Japanese-arcade-buttons-in-a-box idea, the new LEDs in this design make it more suitable for controlling Traktor’s Remix Decks (it’s still the only third-party controller that can), and overall the unit offers a reasonably affordable “in” into the Midi Fighter ecosystem for budding button-pushing controllerists.
The colours and animations of the lighting can be controlled either directly by Midi or using the supplied utility software, and the six discrete function buttons on the side of the unit can be used to switch layers, adjust presets and so on.
As ever, the company makes a big deal out of the customisation options, with you being able to select button colours, top plate and body colours when ordering.
You get to choose the colours of various parts when you order, and your unit is them assembled for you to your spec.
What we think
While programming a separate box of buttons to trigger samples, cues, loops and effects might not be everyone’s idea of something essential, if it’s yours, the Midi Fighter ecosystem has got you covered.
We love the fact that there is an intrinsic understanding here that just because something is electronic, it isn’t any less an instrument; these units are beautiful, durable and built to perform on, and it’s no surprise that users tend to speak in terms of love, not like.
If for whatever reason you’re looking for an alternative to the Traktor Kontrol F1, a Midi Fighter is currently your only choice.
DJ TechTools supports its products with a thriving ecosystem, including mappings and samples available for free from the manufacturer’s website, which is a definite plus-point if you want a product where you can connect with and contribute to the user community.
Also as we mentioned earlier, the Midi Fighters are the only third-party devices to offer control at all over Traktor’s Remix Decks at the time of writing, so if for whatever reason you’re looking for an alternative to the Traktor Kontrol F1, a Midi Fighter is currently your only choice.
Editing the firmware using the supplied utility.
Do say: This is where live EDM performance is heading!
Don’t say: It’s just a box of buttons, isn’t it?
The Midi Fighter Spectra is demoed here, and is available now from DJ TechTools for US$175.99.
Can you see yourself adding a Midi Fighter of something similar to your DJing? Or are the buttons provided by manufacturers on controllers like the Kontrol S2/S4/F1 and VCI-400 good enough for this stuff? Let us know your thoughts in the comments.
Now go to:
Review & Video: Traktor Pro 2.5 & Traktor Kontrol F1
Video & Interview: Moldover, Inventor Of Controllerism
Review: The Vestax PAD-One USB Midi Controller
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Tags: Midi Fighter Spectra, namm, NAMM 2013
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Hmm…was never a controllerist myself but have been wanting to break into the remix decks of Traktor.
Might check out some mappings for both the F1 and MF to see which one does the job best.
[ link ]The F1 will be the best. All Traktor hardware has the best integration with the software. That’s how it’s always been, that’s how Native Instruments want it to be.
But the motion sensors in the Midi Fighter give it the potential to be so much more creative than the F1, provided you don’t mind getting your hands dirty and you know your way around MIDI mapping and modifiers.
[ link ]There are no motion sensors in the Spectra.
[ link ]The Midi Fighter 3D does, but I really don’t see the point of it.
I would love to add one to my setup, just a shame they cant get a european distributor
cause with 50 USD in shipping and the cutoms charges it gets too pricy
[ link ]thomann.de has the MF3D so they might get the Spectra too
[ link ]Thnx i missed that they have the MF3D.. Might get that instead then
[ link ]The Spectra won’t be available through Thomann any time soon due to the customization options. There is only 1 version of the 3D, making distribution easier.
[ link ]Awesome little device. I own an F1, and although I’d love to have it look and feel like aMidiFighter, I do think that the faders on the F1 are essential for using the remix decks (in my workflow, that is).
[ link ]Can this be used with serato as well ?
[ link ]Pretty sure the international shipping price is a bug. IIRC you could get the 3D shipped anywhere in the world for about $20. A friend of mine bought a pair.
[ link ]Yep, we launched a flat rate price for the Spectra this morning as well – $25 to anywhere in the world!
[ link ]