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Novation Twitch Traktor Pro Macbook Pro

• Hello,

  After visiting this site several times over the past couple of years, I have finally decided to join … and purchase a controller. Right now I’m trying to determine what option works best for me. As I have been on the fence about controllers over the past years, my options have become greater and the decision has become harder. So I’m looking for advice.

  A brief history: I’ve been djing for 14 yrs, producing for 9 yrs – Both part time ‘hobbies’ that I am very passionate about and both tie into my business – Graphic Design, Web Design, Multimedia, Audio – studio. I began using vinyl, and continue to play / buy vinyl on a regular basis. As I got more into production over the years, I wanted to include my tracks into dj sets. So about 5-6 yrs ago I purchased M-Audio’s Torq. I skipped the whole CDJ phase, just wasnt appealing to me. For the most part Torq has been a headache, with M-audio not being able to keep up with iOS updates – waiting months to even use it, and the software / hardware being unstable – but that seems to be a trend with most of the timecode vinyl systems but prob not to the extent that Torq has had. After years of frustration and the unwillingness to put more money in another solution I decide to continue working with what I have. So my current set up consists of 2 Tech 1200’s, Tascam XS-8 (old but a tank – same make as Ecler Hak 360, different case), 1st generation MacBook Pro (1.83 GHz Intel Core Dual / 2 gb Ram / 80 gb hd – :/ yea i know i need a new laptop soon, but works fine for now). Torq Connectiv box and running Virtual DJ w/ Serato vinyl. So far using VDJ with connectiv over the past couple of years has been the best solution and really hasn’t failed me like Torq.

  I am also getting more into production and will be working on a live project with a drummer. So this is a big factor in what controller i decide on. I currently do not work with ableton, the drummer does and I will more than likely be working with ableton live with him. So basically I am looking for an all in one solution to continue dj sets but also work in ableton live (i could get two units and keep it separate). My budget is $300-400 (US $). In the past when looking at controllers I had been drawn to the Numark Mixtrack Pro, good reviews and inexpensive. But I now would like something more durable, with more options .. and maybe not a unit geared towards beginner djs.

  Some controllers that I have been looking into other than the mixtrack pro .. Numark mixdeck(s), Numark n4, Denon dj mc 3000, and the Novation Twitch. I am leaning towards the Twitch, mainly because of the ableton live capabilities but also to use Itch (does anyone use VDJ with Twitch, just curious because of the multi deck feature – I believe Traktor has the same option, could be wrong tho, never used Traktor). But some things I was also looking for in a controller that the Twitch does not have: XLR output, 2 inputs (to possibly hook up my turntables to, Twitch does have 1 input but is not meant for a turntable/ cd player), pitch sliders – Twitch has knobs, not sure if i will easily adjust to that. I really have no experience with jog wheels, but since I’m coming from a strictly turntable background I dont know that having jog wheels are necessary, I mean it would be nice to physically cue like I would with vinyl, but I rarely scratch anymore so the touch pads on Twitch seem ok.

  Also, I will more than likely be getting the Novation Launchpad in the near future to work with in live performances. Is there anyone out there that is currently using both the Novation Twitch and Launchpad? If so how do you like it?
  Another thing is that I have an iPad but do not want to get a unit that is strictly for that. But some apps that I have seen that seem interesting are the Sonorasaurus Rex and Hexler’s Touch OSC … Anyone use either? I’m thinking that either of the apps may be interesting to use going into the line in on the Twitch.

  So what do you recommend or what has you experience been like with the Twitch … looking to get something asap, Have a few gigs in a couple of months and need to allow myself some time to adjust to the unit and new software.

  Thanks!

  think about american audio vms 4 , however it is a more traditional setup

  Get Twitch for your djing, set up touch osc on your iPad to control Ableton and then you can decide later on, whether you also need a launchpad or if you want to swap the Twitch for sth with more inputs as you mentionedfor your turntables etc.

  Hi Markkloud

  I just bought a Twitch as a second controller. I use different controllers for different styles and functions. I’ll use it as a DJ controller and like you, with Ableton and a MacBook Pro. When it arrived got it unpacked and everything ready it was faulty (outputs were dead). I’m sure this is just a one-off. Novation technical support are really helpful. Despite this, I’m willing to wait a week for a replacement. The reason for this, what the Twitch can do and how easy it is to use. It’s very intuitive and works seamlessly with the Serato Itch. The slicer function is incredible and allows remixing on the fly. So if you’re playing with a drummer, the possibilities are endless. The only thing I’d say is that if you’re going to use Ableton Live, the Push will be released next year. It’s more expensive and only comes with Live 9 Intro. For the same price as the Push, you could buy a Twitch and also a Akai APC 20 at present. Two great pieces of kit. Just a few ideas for you.
  Derek

  Hi there,
  I have had my Twitch for a few months now. I come from a vinyl and CDJ spinning background, so was not too sure how well I would adapt to the control strip. I actually really like my Twitch. I got used to the strip very quickly (I still would probably prefer a jog wheel, but the strip works very well). I also like the rotary knobs for pitch control. And the 8 pads are great fun to play with. I’ve mapped mine to work with Algoriddim’s djay, which it does pretty well. About the only negative I can think of is that sometimes I turn Deck B’s pitch control knob instead of the library browse knob.
  All in all though, it’s small, light, offering a lot of flexibility and fun to use.
  I got mine second hand off eBay, as I thought if I didn’t like it I could sell it without losing much money. Maybe look at that as an option if you’re still not sure.

  Hi Bunyip. That’s a good idea for anyone not sure about a Twitch buying a second hand one. As you say someone doesn’t like it, move it on. I liked the control strip and rotary knobs. As for the pads, you can really do some amazing thing with the slicer. Throw two tracks in and then start mixing them on the fly. Mind you, make sure you’re beatgridding is spot on.

  I’d say for the beginner, the Twitch is a so easy and intuitive to use and for the money, a bargain. With the added bonus of the free upgrade to Serato’s new software which is worth about £150 or $199 then you could say the Twitch is costing about £140-150. It’s interesting you mapped it to Djay, which is an underrated piece of software.For the money, it’s better than say something like the overrated Virtual DJ LE which ships with too many controllers. For a newcomer to DJing, Djay has everything they need and I’d recommend it.

  Yeah I love the Twitch, and it plays well with djay. Except that for some reason the VU meters on the Twitch don’t work with djay, and you don’t get the nice flowing LED effect on the control strip. But as I said, Ive gotten really used to rotaries for pitch control. If only it worked as a stand alone mixer as well, I’d be in heaven, as I run a single turntable as part of my setup. Which is why I have recently purchased a VCi-380 to allow that.

  Hi Bunyip. i’ve been enjoying the Twitch since I got it and really getting into what it can do. At the start it’s strange having rotaries for pitch control, but I actually prefer it now. I’ve just got to be careful not to mix up the browse rotary. It’s interesting you’ve got it mapped to Djay as I’ve a copy. I used it with my other controller the Reloop Digital IE 2, which runs with Traktor 2.5. It’s a really underrated piece of software and perfect for anyone moving from vinyl or CDJs. I agree it would be great if it worked as a standalone mixer, as I’m thinking of adding a turntable as much of the music I like never made it onto CD, never mind MP3. I can’t wait for the Serato software to be available for the Twitch. I read Phil’s review and I’m excited about it. I checked out your FB page-great setup.

  Cheers B-H-Y.
  If you’re thinking about adding a turntable to your setup, I can recommend the VCI-380. I just got one. Works as a stand alone mixer and coming from the Twitch, is a very familiar layout. Although has been very tough to map to djay, so Infact has spurred me to finally get my head around Serato Itch. Been having a great time this weekend on it.
  Sorry markloud, just realised we’ve hijacked your thread!

  Hi Bunnyip, I had a look at the VCI-380 and will look at turntables too. Maybe a Vestax or Stanton. I’ve really been enjoying exploring what the Twitch can do. Every time I use it, I discover something new. It’s the best piece of equipment I’ve bought in ages. Once the new version of Serato comes out for Twitch, it’ll be even better. By then, any teething problems will be ironed out in the software. There’s a Serato Itch group on Facebook if you’re interested and one for Twitch. Im a member of both and and can send you a link.

  Hi Bunyip, Here are the links: https://www.facebook.com/groups/39294238190/ is the Serato Itch group and the Novation Twitch Club is https://www.facebook.com/twitch.controller?fref=ts hope they’re helpful. Hope they help you.

  Sorry to hear that mark – I guess it’s just one of those rare and random things which happens to gear now and then. But what a bummer that happened so close to the gig, especially when you were looking forward to using it. I can’t really answer your question about repair times, but hope it gets sorted with Novation and you stick with it. I fired mine up for a gig over Christmas – havn’t used it much since I got my VCI-380 – and had a blast with it. Let us know how you go.

  Cheers.

Novation Twitch Traktor Pro Macbook Pro

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