squarecell

Just wanted to update since I just got my LPD8 in the mail and I’ve taken the last little while setting up a custom mapping to use it alongside the DJ2GO.

So far I think it’s a brilliant set-up. I’ve mapped the EQ to the faders on the AKAI and looping, hot cue and effects controls to the pads.

For a whopping total of about $100CAD, I’ve got a killer ultra-portable DJ system.

What strikes me right away is how similar these two are in build. Their bodies are nearly identical in size and form, they have the exact same fader knobs (small, but good) and the pads have about the same feel. It’s almost as if these two units were made side-by-side in the same factory.

So what I’ve done with the mapping is use the top row of knobs to control the EQs on the left deck in VDJ and the bottom row for the right (this leaves two knobs on each row I’m going to use for controlling effects when I figure out the proper VDJ Script).

The cool thing about the LPD8 is that you can create four different programs for the 8 pads and faders. I’ve got program one set to hot cues (four for left deck, four for right); program two is loops; program three gives me eight hot cues for the left deck; program four does the same for the right.

I still have some work to do on figuring out how to map the effects properly, but when I’m done I’d be happy to send along my mapping file to anyone else interested in duplicating my setup.

Just got my DJ2Go in the mail today and I’ve got to say I’m really enjoying this little controller.

It is as Phil describes “cheap and cheerful”, but it’s got enough of the basics to create a good DJ experience. I was happy to see that it was plug-and-play with VDJ Pro and I was away and running in no time.

Now, I’m probably not a good person to review this because I’ve never had my hands on another DJ controller (unless you count a CDMix), but I’d say it’s well worth the $59. My only real gripe so far is that the pitch sliders are REALLY short, so I needed to change the pitch range in VDJ to +/- 6% (the lowest option) to make them really usable. Otherwise, the buttons and knobs all feel good and are responsive. It’s not built like a tank, but it’s solid enough for me not to worry about tossing it in the backpack when I’m on the go.

The platters aren’t touch-sensitive, but are responsive enough for shuttling. Scratching is definitely a no-go on here, but you knew that already.

I tried to map it to Torq 2.0 (trial version) for a go on that software, but I have no idea how to map the jogwheels or browser knob correctly. I could only ever make it go in one direction (anyone out there have experience with this?).

Overall, I’m happy I made this purchase. It’s got enough of the essentials for me to practice on while I build up (and save up) for a real controller. The bonus is that this thing is so portable I can still see myself using this in the future when I do upgrade to something full-size.