The micromodul LV1 has many different types of controllers integrated into the unit including eight track faders, four knobs, eight buttons, a joystick, and a cross-fader in a very compact form. The LVI comes preconfigured for use with Live, but it certainly can be used with other sequencers and DJ software.

• Setup files for Ableton Live 2.0 are shipped with the controller
• PC or Mac
• 8 track faders - switchable between 2 fader groups (1-8, 9-16)
• 4 knobs to control track-dependent and track-independent parameters (total of 152 parameters)
• Multifunctional encoder to select tracks and clips as well as a button-function for starting clips/scenes
• Joystick to control track-dependent and track-independent parameters (total of 76 parameters)
• Cross-fader and separate knobs for the master level
• 8 track control buttons with 4 different modes (mute group, solo group, track control, slot/scene) + double function which
• Buttons can be freely assigned - Double function accessible by holding the SHIFT button and pressing the appropriate control button
• FaderMute for all controls by holding down the instrument's SHIFT button
• Standard or rechargeable batteries (4 (AAA)
• LED battery Level
• Socket for an external power adapter (9-12V DC - min. 50 mA)
• MIDI-merge function
• Very compact design in a black, plastic casing (desktop format 180x105x70 mm, 410 g)
• Black aluminum front plate with anodized coating
• 32 status LED's to display various information (track select, fader group, key mode, etc.)
• High-quality faders, knobs, joystick, and encoder from ALPS
• Expandable by linking with other micromodul controllers or by another LV1

The micromodul LX1 was designed as a supplement to our micromdul LV1. While the LV1 offers all faders, pots, and a joystick, the 64 button LX1 offers a total of 256 key functions for controlling tracks and clips. All track control functions are immediately accessible for the 8 tracks and completely customizable. The LX1 can control up to 128 slots/scenes and track control functions and slot start functions can also be mixed among the keys/buttons so you can personalize it according to your performance needs.

• Keyboard controller for all MIDI-driven applications
• PC or Mac
• Setup files for Ableton Live 2.0 are shipped with the controller
• 64 colored keys with a total of 256 key functions using the Shift function
• Multifunctional encoder to select tracks and clips
• Group switching for tracks 1-8 and 9-16
• Mode switching for track control and clip start as well as mixed usage
• Standard or rechargeable batteries (4 AAA batteries)
• LED battery level
• Socket for an external power adapter (9-12V DC - min. 50 mA)
• MIDI-merge function
• Very compact design in a black, plastic casing (desktop format 180x105x70 mm, 410 g)
• Black aluminum front plate with an anodized coating
• 8 LED's to display various information
• Expandable by linking with other micromodul controllers or by another LX1

The micromodul DJ1 is a compact DJ controller that contains everything you need for computer-based DJing. The units controls are very economical and have all the controls you need for DJ digital music files including an entire row of assignable buttons for tweaking parameters. The controller has been customized for use with Native Instruments Traktor DJ-Studio but can be used with other MIDI compatible program as well.

• Special controller for DJ software (optimized for Native Instruments Traktor DJ Studio)
• Setup files for Traktor DJ Studio 2.0 and Ableton Live 2.0 are shipped with the controller
• PC or Mac
• DJ-mixer layout: crossfader, 2 line faders, 6 EQ knobs, 2 gain knobs and cue/monitor control
• Filter section with 2 knobs and a button
• Multifunctional encoder to select and load tracks, seek/scratch function and much more
• 8 deck control buttons plus 3 special buttons
• 14 freely assignable, double-function buttons
• FaderMute for all controls by holding down the instrument's SHIFT button
• Runs on four standard or rechargeable AAA batteries
• LED battery level
• Socket for an external power adapter (9-12V DC - min. 50 mA)
• MIDI-merge function
• Very compact design in a black, plastic casing (desktop format 180x105x70 mm, 410 g)
• Black aluminum front plate with an anodized coating
• 9 Information/Status LED's
• High-quality faders, knobs, and encoder from ALPS
• Expandable by linking with other micromodul controllers

The unique design of the units allow it to sit on top of the laptop's keyboard without touching the keys. Very cool. The DJ1 is very compact and easy to transport, and you do not even need a power adapter since it works with standard or rechargeable batteries. The units obvious drawback is the lack of a USB interface for connection directly to a laptop. This means that you'll have to purchase a separate MIDI interface to utilize these specialized controllers.

The Future: There is clearly a need for controllers of this nature and even a small company like FaderFox can make a big stir in the industry with these units. Look for Native Instruments, M-Audio and others to debut their own controllers in the near future.

Special Thanks to Sabo & Modu for lending their expertise and knowledge to this story

>>> Digihear? December 2004

Part of Experiments In Sound, TestDrive will feature the lab results of our DJ Experiments so that everyone can get in on the action. Take the latest electronic music releases, mix vigorously with bleeding-edge DJ technology in a large beeker, and then cook the hell out of it! Be the first to hear about TestDrive by joining Futuremusic Direct.

Futuremusic wants to thank everyone who participated in The Next Big Thing 2004. John Digweed, Beatport, Alienware, M-Audio, Native Instruments, IK Multimedia, PVDJ, PK Graphics, Ableton, The DubHouse, Propellerheads, Technics, FreeFloat, The Church, PCDJ and every DJ who entered this year's event thank you. From the sheer number of quality mixes, we can tell you that dance music is thriving in the United States. The amount of outstanding talent and creativity really blew us away, and every DJ who's putting their heart, mind and soul behind the music is a winner. John Digweed has made his decision and the winner is...