Reloop TOUCH VirtualDJ controller (8)
mark Settle·
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Reloop TOUCH — a VirtualDJ powered controller

While the rest of the DJ software actors work out exactly what their roles are in this volatile industry, VirtualDJ (all one word people — take note) has been sitting in the sidelines, beavering away making their offering better with each release. But they’ve not been associated with any hardware for quite some time. But here is the new Reloop TOUCH, a VirtualDJ dedicated controller that absolutely plays to the strengths of each company.

Some official words, then some pondering:

RELOOP TOUCH

7“ FULL-COLOUR TOUCHSCREEN PERFORMANCE CONTROLLER

Münster, 17.10.2017

Reloop presents TOUCH, the world’s first DJ controller with an integrated 7”-touchscreen. TOUCH was developed in co-operation with VirtualDJ and it runs plug and play after setup. A full version of VirtualDJ 8 PRO is included.

  • 7” Full-Colour Touchscreen for Real-Time Control of XY Effects, Library and Settings
  • Visual Feedback of Tracks & Videos including Waveforms, Track Information, Performance Modes and Video Mixing
  • Tactile RGB coloured Performance PAD Section with multiple, customisable Modes

Stephane Clavel, Founder (VirtualDJ):

“The Reloop TOUCH is hushing in a new generation of controllers that brings a much tighter integration between hardware and software. Allying the trademark Reloop hardware quality, and enhancing VirtualDJ’s customization capabilities with the onboard screen, the Reloop TOUCH really enables DJs to do more.”

Gerald Barbyer, CEO (Reloop):

„We are exited about the Reloop TOUCH, which was developed in close collaboration with VirtualDJ. This first of its kind DJ controller is equipped with a highly responsive 7“-full-colour display, that allows you to creatively interact with the touch screen and customize your workflow – ensuring you to focus your hands and eyes on the center of your performance.“

Versatile Touchscreen

Thanks to the clear and bright display of waveform and track information, DJs have all important details concerning their music in their field of view. The touchscreen’s integration opens up a world full of creative control possibilities including real-time control of FX via the XY panel, comfortable track browsing, organizing your media library via drag-and-drop, as well as visualization of the various performance modes. Video mixing can be played back in full screen mode, offering unique possibilities to support your set visually. Video clips can be assigned to both decks and monitored via the CUE function.

4-Channel Club Mixer Layout with Fader-FX Unit

TOUCH is designed in a classic 4-channel club mixer layout and with a combined EQ/filter section. Via colour-coded deck switching, DJs will always know which deck is currently playing. The two deck sections are equipped with high-resolution jog wheels, which are perfect for pitch bending thanks to their special non-slip design. Two fader-FX units offer direct control over effect and video parameters via four short-throw linefaders each. The multi-functional XCoder controls various modes, combining three convenient functions (Loop Size, Key and Grid Adjust) to use with one encoder.

Extensive Performance Pad Section

The 8 RGB performance pads are located below the respective fader-FX unit, offering a large number of creative mixing possibilities. As well as classic performance modes such as HOT CUE, ROLL, SLICER, SAMPLER, CUE LOOP,  SAVED LOOP,  BEAT  JUMP and KEY CUE, TOUCH also offers

PAD MODE, allowing you to switch between pad functions and SPLIT MODE, making it possible to combine up to two different modes at the same time. All performance modes can be adjusted extensively via the PARAM button.

High-Retention USB Audio Interface and Software Compatibility

TOUCH has a powerful built-in audio interface with high-retention USB port which is especially sturdy, protecting you from unwanted cable pull-outs. As well as both balanced and unbalanced master outs (XLR/RCA), there are two headphones connections (3.5 and 6.3 mm) and a mic input connection (6.3 mm). Moreover TOUCH is fully MIDI compatible with other DJ and audio software.

Reloop TOUCH combines feel with visual control.

Features

  • World’s first DJ controller with touchscreen
  • 7” full-colour display: DJ without the need to look at the computer
  • Touch-screen surface for intuitive operation, developed in cooperation with VirtualDJ
  • Customisable user interface can be adapted to one’s own preference
  • Display up to 4 waveforms, including track, artist and album information
  • XY panel for direct control of FX via touchscreen
  • Integrated video mixing feature with full-screen support
  • Easy media library organisation via drag & drop folders
  • Large TRAX encoder for comfortable browsing of media libraries & cloud streaming providers (Pulselocker and Deezer)
  • 4-channel club mixer layout, combined EQ/filter section
  • Fader-FX unit for real-time editing of audio and video material
  • High-resolution jog wheels, special non-slip design for pitch-bending
  • Activate quantize, slip-mode and beat grid adjustment directly via the controller
  • Xcoder: Multi-functional encoder with various modes – loop, size, and grid adjust
  • 8 RGB-coloured performance pads for creative remixing
  • Multiple performance modes with quick switch via PAD MODE button and SPLIT MODE support
  • Vast adjustment possibilities for performance modes via PARAM button
  • Colour-coded deck switching
  • 50 mm pitchfader
  • Fader-start support
  • Powerful audio interface with high-retention USB port
  • 2x headphone outs, 1x mic input, 2x master outputs (balanced/unbalanced)
  • Plug ‘n’ Play: Incl. full version of VirtualDJ 8 PRO
  • MIDI compatible with other softwares
  • Kensington lock to secure the device
  • Box Includes: touchscreen controller, VirtualDJ PRO license key, instruction manual, USB cable, external power supply unit with international plugs

Technical details

  • Inputs: Mic 6.3mm jack
  • Outputs: Master 6.3mm jack (balanced), master RCA (unbalanced), headphones 6.3/3.5mm jack
  • Interfaces: USB for audio, video and touch transmission
  • Power supply unit: 12V/3A
  • Dimensions: 594 x 377 x 43mm (height touch display 73mm)
  • Weight: 3,7 kg
  • Minimum system requirements:

PC:

  • Windows 8 or later
  • Dual Core 2.5 GHz or better
  • Minimum 4 GB RAM

Mac:

  • Mac OS X 10.9 or later
  • Dual Core 2.5 GHz or better
  • Minimum 4 GB RAM

Price: 699 € | 699 US $ | £ 620

See also

Available beginning of November

Reloop TOUCH VirtualDJ controller (5)

FIRST THINGS FIRST

First controller with a touch screen? Just a few weeks ago, Pioneer came out with the XDJ-RX2 with a 7″ touch screen. And the DDJ-RXZ features three of them too. And I’m sure others will stake some sort of claim too — they usually do.

But outside of PR claims, I’m really quite impressed with the Reloop TOUCH. In a market flooded with me-too controllers, the ones that dare to be different are going to get my attention. And breaking free from the Serato blueprint allows Reloop to try out different ideas, something that the controller market so dearly needs right now.

Reloop TOUCH VirtualDJ controller (1)

My very first impression however was one of confusion. Is it standalone? The touchscreen and large slice of VDJ interface seemed to imply that, and I wasn’t alone with that impression either. But reading further, this isn’t standalone, nor does it claim to be either. It just feels like it should be.

About the screen — I’m keen to see this close up. Putting four full decks on a 7″ touch screen might be a bit of a squeeze, but having separate more detailed screens will be handy. Honestly, I’m stabbing around looking for problems, but there’s every chance that it will be excellent. And being run from a laptop, VirtualDJ will be able to tweak it as the feedback comes rolling in.

Reloop TOUCH VirtualDJ controller (7)

There are some interesting design choices here. Firstly the jog wheel at the top absolutely bucks the trend. But as a four channel device that’s probably more aimed at sync mixing and pad usage, why not? Remember the M-Audio Xponent? That was the same format too.

The symmetry is not necessarily going to appeal to everyone either. Because I prefer a symmetrical layout for a controller, I ran a poll and discover that people prefer an asymmetric (i.e like turntables) layout. But with the target market probably not coming from a turntable background, I’m sure this will be just fine.

The faders for effects is an out-there choice too. It’s not unprecedented — the Kontrol D2 has faders above the pads. Indeed, when you look at the D2, it backs up another of our first impressions that the Reloop TOUCH could easily be a yet-to-be-made Kontrol S4 MK3.

I’m going to reserve judgement until I get to play with it at BPM this weekend. But if first impressions are anything to go by, we’re probably going to like this a lot.

VIRTUALDJ’S POWER PLAY?

The DJ software scene is in a permanent state of flux. With Traktor doing a Norwegian Blue, and Serato and Pioneer jockeying for position while simultaneously doing the partner/competitor dance, there’s a clear space in the market to be an alternative partner for hardware companies not deemed worthy of Serato’s attention.

Firstly apologies to the good people at VirtualDJ and their loyal fans, but when people talk about DJ software, they generally mean Serato DJ, Traktor, and rekordbox. VirtualDJ makes all kinds of bold claims about the number of users, but I hardly know one DJ who is a proud VirtualDJ user. And it’s not a matter of capability either — VirtualDJ has a vast feature set, plugs and plays with just about everything out of the box, and their DVS is comparable to the majors.

This however is all about brand perception, and VirtualDJ is not seen in the same light as the others. My hope is that this dedicated controller is them staking their claim for a seat at the pro’s table. They have some way to go as far as reputation goes though, but with some tweaks to their offer, they can slowly change perceptions.

SUMMING UP

As mentioned, I’m suitably impressed with this. It’s different in a number of ways, and that’s something I like a lot. We’ll have a dabble at BPM and report back.

GALLERY

29 Comments

  2. I think it makes sense that you don’t know anybody who uses VirtualDJ, as you said it’s all about brand perception, and if I was a household name DJ or a ‘DJ’s DJ’ I’d certainly stick to pioneer or technics and serato timecode – but take a look at places like ‘mobile dj network’ and similar groups on Facebook and just from the photos people post I’d guess over half of working DJs use VirtualDJ.

    I’ve been using VirtualDJ for over 10 years and it’s a really solid product, just a shame its PR department isn’t as good as its software development department.

    This controller looks interesting, if they could make a slightly more pro version somewhere between the size of an SX and an SZ, with full size pitch faders, larger jogs, booth output, etc. I’d certainly consider it as anything to reduce time staring at the laptop screen!

      1. The name is one of the main drawbacks. The magic tool was another even it worked flawless.
        Target and marketing made it a secondary player when it should deserve more popularity.
        Related to this new Reloop product it should have been standalone IMO to go over whatever Traktor should have in the cooking…

          1. Sometimes is not capability more than market target. Reloop targets towards bedroom and laptop djing mostly so make sense for them as strategy but IMHO global dj market seems asking for true standalones as alternative to Traktor/Ableton. So if you (Reloop) are going to make a forward movement do it huge instead short. Also with the numbers in your hand saying “most of our users are small venue mobile users” whose use want all in one standalones mostly.

            Even if they aren’t capable they should search for ARM coder to keep uptodate. I’m not sure how will go Apple macs the next 5 years but the last 5 have been a step into embed vs power. They are signs about some strategy corrections but I don’t see small venue djs going with MacBook Pro if they can go with iPad (even no Pro) so djs brands are looking into standalones and probably iPad Pro as target for that range.
            I hope mk2 goes standalone as mpc touch/live done.

  3. The great thing about the way the screen is ‘skinned’ via VDJ is that it’s 100% customizable – unlike other controllers with screens (which have the bulk of the screen graphics in firmware). It’s done using VDJs skin window code, that allows a secondary floating window to be opened from the main skin.

    So you could for example use one of the VDJ Remote skins, which are designed for touch use, for the ‘window’ on the Touch.

    And by the way, there are plenty of proud VDJ users on the VDJ forum – I’m one of them :-)

  4. Been using VDJ forever – used Them all Torq, Serato, Traktor, Mixvibes…. I always go back to VDJ always works, even on my $400 laptop with less then impressive specs. Currently have VDJ 8 with a Z2 and timecode and it works as well as Serato or traktor.

  5. https://uploads.disquscdn.com/images/9ee125c4460178d54bd15a60740f26b67cb6afe362b3145afa38317110158841.jpg
    I’v been using vdj in the club since 2006 doing all the things serato wishes it could do as well. and yeah I’ve been using it proudly. do I care what other dj’s are using? not so much. do I care about the opinion of someone who hasn’t been using virtualdj as long as I have and still thinks it’s not a “professional software”? not hardly.
    all the serato, traktor and rekorbox dj’s who are all coming in my club all have one thing in common – they aren’t working and I am.
    nuff said

  6. Reloop / Virtual DJ should be applauded for bringing this to market.

    However….. this is not the controller for me, whatever software it’s paired with. It’s clearly not aimed at the “professional” market.

    2 Band EQ on the music channels / Mic input with No EQ / No booth output / Is there any metering? (maybe onscreen?) / No aux input.

  7. Regarding claiming being the 1st Controller with a touch-screen, i’d like to clear up a few things. It is entirely true. The Reloop TOUCH is indeed the 1st controller with an integrated touch-screen. All the other controllers mentioned (XDJ-RX2 and DDJ-RZX) do have an integrated display but not a monitor/screen, meaning that you can only view whatever the unit is programmed to show you, cannot be customized and cannot display anything else. On the other hand, the Reloop TOUCH offers a true USB Display adapter, not a MIDI/HID unit, which means that you can customize the display (by modifying the default skin) or even minimize the GUI and display any other application (e.g your Lighting DMX software, or even Skype if you have a boring gig lol) just like you would do with a normal screen. Hope this info helps.

          1. Sure! I was talking about the ability to drag into it whatever you need to see and let the laptop under the table. So it could show any other app if you fit the screens like a second monitor (up virtual dj, down ableton live session)

  10. I suspect that this move from Reloop is because they don’t have support from serato for this unit.
    We can’t exclude that this was original an “entry level” of serato controller from Reloop (against Numark)
    Price is high much probably because of full Vdj license Pro.
    Some simply clues: VDJ Pro is the most mobile dj oriented software in the world.
    mobile djs need xlr,booth,full mic eq..and so on!

    It is a brilliant controller, but is in a “grey” area.

    Just my 2 cent

    1. And maybe Serato has something similar in the kitchen and decided to play priority card. Another possibility is Serato going standalone or out of the market lol
      I feel a bit intrigued about Serato future…

  11. No 100mm fader. Instant fail.

    Seriously, what the hell are all these companies thinking with these shitty pitch faders? Even if you sync, it doesn’t take much extra to put a bloody 100mm pitch fader in.

  12. A heads up. Atomix have just confirmed that the “full” license bundled with the Reloop Touch is actually a Pro OEM license rather than an Infinity license. This means that although it can be used with other controllers, it is tied to the Reloop Touch and will sometimes ask for it to be connected.

    They said that you can use Pro OEM with other hardware at gigs without fear (it won’t unexpectedly ask for the Touch), but you cannot sell your Reloop Touch and continue using the license without it.