Ready for some superior German engineering in your controller hardware? Before the APC or the Launchpad, before the Kontrol X1 from NI, Faderfox was the underground, boutique choice for controllers. “Professionally” made in Germany, the devices really are little tanks. They have incredibly solid-feeling buttons and knobs, and as opposed to the sprawling form factors of the consumer controllers, all that power is packed into a compact case. Whereas many controller layouts are combinations of relatively generic compromises, the Faderfox has also been tightly optimized for use with software like Traktor and Ableton Live.

That’s not to say the previous Faderfox wasn’t without some idiosyncrasies. In undying devotion to MIDI, they contained only MIDI DIN ports – no USB. That also meant that, for power, you needed to either plug them in or use 9V batteries.

No more: a refresh to the model improves controls, and adds driver-less USB support and USB bus power. That means you can plug them into any Mac, Windows, or Linux PC directly, without the need for drivers, and power from your computer reliably without an additional connection. (The power consumption on these devices is also very low, at 500mW / 100mA – a big deal, as the actual power produced by laptop USB ports can be unreliable.)

Advanced digital DJs should also appreciate the new access to four decks and four effects slots. As before, different models cater to different applications, like loop control or DJ mixing. Curiously, the references to Ableton Live have been largely removed, and you won’t find a model for triggering clips, but I don’t see why the DJ-style layouts couldn’t be used for live PA-style Live sets, too.

The only bad news (depending on preference): no more endless encoders. I should just have a static page on CDM that I can link to that points out that endless encoders and knobs with limited range each have their own advantages and their own adherents. But from comments, current FaderFox owners aren’t pleased with the change.

We’ve got pictures of all the models here.

There’s only one downside to the USB embrace, which is that you don’t get the ability to control synths and hardware; the MIDI DIN connections are gone. So, if you were coupling one of these with a Machinedrum or something, you may want to seek out the old models before they’re gone.

I still love my second-generation Faderfoxes, but this could be reason to upgrade for those with some extra cash, and it removes the obstacles that might have frightened people away from this line in the past. I really have to say, while the prices are high, the quality is exceptional. I’ll be in touch with creator Mathias more to talk about how to best set up these controllers for your rig.

There’s also a new, more extensive site, replacing the more primitive predecessor:
http://www.faderfox.de/

So, any devoted Faderfox users out there?

What about Ableton Live? See comments below; Faderfox’s creator is readying a new Live controller, too, and a successor to the previous LV2. Stay tuned.

Image-Line has also announced a new developer is taking on Deckadance in Argu’s absence:

Image-Line is pleased to hand the baton for Deckadance development to the capable hands of Luis Serrano Cavero. Luis is an experienced developer of DJ tools, including his own DJ midi controller, and brings further inspiration and enthusiasm to the Deckadance project. “We are very proud, and fortunate, to have Luis on the team” said [Jean-Marie Cannie, Managing Director of Image Line Software].

The announcement comes with the release of 1.13, with various bugfixes and improvements, deck sync and monitoring enhancements, and Behringer BCD3000 console support.

As we again offer our condolences, it’s nice to see this developer’s work memorialized and recognized; I hope we get to know more of the faces behind the tools we care about.

Deckadance homepage

Winning the award this month for “Most Insane Project Mockup”, I give you the Plattabass. It’s a bass. It’s a record player. It has magnetic sensors embedded in the neck. And yes, that is a crossfader. Even crazier: Mobius (Ray Belden) plans to actually build this thing. We’ll be watching.

Proposed specs, courtesy Ray:

1. 2 assignable cross faders, an extreme pitch control that goes to zero RMP, a thumb worn magnet that triggers a sensor inlaid in the back of the neck
2. Three control knobs, and 2 TRS stereo outputs
3. Fender P bass neck, Basslines 1/4 pound pickups, and Fender flat-wound strings
4. Technics 1200 motor, plater , and controls
5. The experimental, spring loaded ,3 pole, zero drag stylus cartridge caddy / Bas string bridge, will be a one off custom piece of metal work
6. I will need a dsp unit that has a phono preamp built in, I was thinking I could cannibalize a Rane TTM-56

What, no built-in refrigerator for the brewskis? Can’t really see the purpose, then.

For those of you who are unbelievers, Ray says he is photographing work on a prototype as he builds it. Hopefully we’ll have photographic evidence soon.

Believe it or not, though, this isn’t the strangest project we’ve seen yet involving Ms. Pinky, the brilliant-yet-affordable control vinyl system (see CDM Ms. Pinky tag). It’s only right that it’d get built into a bass having already been used inside tree trunks and powering vibrating chaise lounges. Got an unusual Pinky project of your own? Do let us know.

Thanks, Ray and Wallace! (Close-up image after the jump.)