Modern DJ : Evolution of Electronic Music and the ORIGINAL source for turning your interface into an instrument!

The 2012 NAMM show presented a vein of new products that woudl be best referred to as “The Rise of the Controller”.  It was clear that the DJ orientated companies  struggled choosing to rehash the same old stuff or trying to sneak in controllerism ideas and avoid the kick from the DJ-centric user base. The  new options for grid based performance are getting hot underscoring the demise of legacy DJ ideas, methods, and culture. One such release comes from (recently rejuvenated*) Electrix by way of the Tweaker.

The stats are pretty straight forward for grid based performance.

• 32 rubber pads back-lit by RGB LEDs
• 8 velocity sensitive drum pads
• Dual channel strip
• Centered cross-fader
• Additional back-lit rubber pads
• Push encoders with red LED rings
• A navigation section
• A large browsing encoder
• A four-way selection push grid

Beyond the information available on the website, it shoudl be mentioned that the Tweaker is a product of the OEM division of Livid Instruments. There are some similarities to other Livid units, but they are minor, so this is not some rehash of the Livid buttons and sleek metal wrapped button and knob grids.  The feel, shape, and overall texture of this unit would be hard to recognize as a product of Livid if it was not for note on the back panel.

One of the first features that needs to be highlighted is the Z-Axis control on the 8 larger pads something made popular by the Trigger Finger (M-Audio).  These pads are velocity sensitive and send continuous controller data to invigorate anyone who is hoarding NOS unitos of the long discontinued Trigger Finger. The exact data being sent will be configurable via an editor set to ship with the unit sometime around May for a street price of $349.

The side panels are plastic and feel solid. The faders and knobs are all on par with other quality professional controllers.  This unit does not feel like toy requiring frequent replacement. There is a certain MPC+Launchpad hybrid available in the layout but this does not carry over to quality. Count on the Tweaker slipping into your gig as a definite step up in build quality when compared to the common market place.

Solid build and the features necessary without stabbing the wallet too hard.

As for the feel I found the ring illuminated encoders solid. These encoders also feature push button action (down). The rotation was nice and felt good and the push button action is not something that will get in the way. Count on incorporating the push action into your set for selection and control, somethign not always possible with this type of control.

I love the removable long-boy feet.  This feature provides the possibility of stashing some cables or a drive under the unit and adds a “critical couple of inches” to the height saving the backs of grid performers everywhere.  The standard thread size o the feet opens up possibilities of height and mounting modifications as well as replacement and removal to fit in the tight-quarters of the gig bag. A wonderful feature and a subtle attribute that can easily go unnoticed.

The ‘nav’ buttons also deserve mention.  Most grid controllers follow the typical model of X and Y axis layout, but adding anything on the 45 degree angle opens up navigation, incremental, and non-standard controls that are awkward using the X and Y layout.  Critically meeting needs for navigation in Ableton, perfect for +/- BPM, next+prev, we should all welcome more controls of this type. The center button is just icing on the controller cake.  Other companies should take notice and think about how they can help the performer by incorporating logical controls such as the Tweaker style nav that are also configurable (and not limited to OS dialogs).

The back panel features USB and MIDI connections.  This unit does require a USB bus not only for power, but for operation, so this is a computer accessory until you apply aftermarket USB simulators, and that is just fine.  The Electrix people intend for this controller to be used with computer music, but they worked hard to not associate the unit with any particular platform.  The Tweaker has the opportunity to entice users of all software opening up ideas and new control methods while keeping a generic appearance.

On the topic of generic appearance, there are many controllerism and DJ ideas visible.  There are multiples of 4 for the core button grids, something with roots in the drum machine and MPC era and a common pattern in grid music.  The top left and right sets of 3 encoders speak of the high/mid/low EQ that define DJ methods. Less so, but key as well is the left and right fader, up for grabs for your mapping needs.

I think the Tweaker is great and a welcome addition to the controller scene.  The new owners of the Electrix brand are pushing forward with new products haling US engineering and filling the gap for “non-MPD post-Trigger Finger control”. People looking for 64 or greater buttons will want to look elsewhere.

Any legacy DJ will no doubt find complaints with the unit or most likely give up early on when they are confronted with a requirement of creativity necessary to operate a controller as an instrument.  For the average or better grid-based performer this is a serious option providing note and CC control, Z-Axis output, buttons of different types, compact size, and stability that makes a set “go off”.  Keep your eye on this unit, Elexctrix is working out the final tweaks, and later in 2012 you can be excited to bring a Tweaker to your next gig.

For more information visit Electrix site.

* those of you keeping score at home will remember the sudden absence of Elextrix. According to the company representatives responsible for the Tweaker, they acquired the name and are moving on in a new direction.