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Faderfox DJ44: It’s a fox in a box

Jared Helfer·
ControllerNews

Faderfox DJ44 DJ controller (4)

There is always a concern when purchasing a new controller that it will require a new bag or a new box, or some new way to keep it safe from the rigors of the road.  Faderfox, always trying to push the envelope, has announced a new DJ controller which comes in a protective aluminium box, called the Faderfox DJ44.

Let’s have the words from Faderfox about the DJ44:

Rock the dancefloor

The DJ44 is the first member of a new line called SOLID CONTROL.

The device is packed in a covered alu case with massive alu faceplate and high quality controls.

You will find all necessary controls to mix perfectly with two decks using the internal software mixer and effects of Traktor Pro. The compact size makes it possible to play everywhere you want.

Unpacking the unit is very easy by simply clicking and removing the cover.

Extra large keys with a nice tactile feeling, pots and encoders with rubber knobs and a lot of LEDs and two displays give you an absolutely ergonomic instrument to rock the dancefloor.

Last but not least the unit is also a good companion for Ableton Live if that is your prefered DJ software.

Check it out…

Features

  • Special controller for DJ software (optimised for Native Instruments Traktor Pro)
  • Setup files for Traktor Pro/Duo 2 and Ableton Live are shipped with the controller
  • USB interface with bus powering- class compliant / no driver necessary
  • Controls up to four decks – easy switching between deck A-C and B-D on the fly
  • Complete mixer control with EQs, faders, gain, pan, filter, FX assign, kill and monitor keys
  • Center spreaded scale for filter pot for better control feeling (Traktor)
  • Double command filter pot for simultaneous control of two filters [bipolar filter] (Ableton Live)
  • Shifted center position for perfect control of the EQ three [0dB = center pos] (Ableton Live)
  • Global section with browser / tree encoders, load buttons and pots for main / monitor / mix levels
  • Two FX sections with each 4 pots and 4 keys switchable to 4 FX slots
  • Tempo control by pitch encoders and sync keys (Traktor)
  • Loop sections with encoders, keys and 2-digit-displays
  • 21 extra large buttons for hotcue access and transport functions
  • All controls with double functions by holding down the shift button
  • LED bars with 8 segments for different level and position indications
  • 4 internal setups with various programmable functions
  • Upgradable firmware by simple Sysex-dump
  • Very compact and solid design in a silver metal casing (size 290x220x55 mm, weight 1.6 kg)

System requirements

  • PC or Mac with a free USB port (1.0 or higher) or any USB hub
  • Traktor Pro/Duo 2 (as of version 2.64) or Ableton Live (as of version 8.41 or 9.06) or any other software which allows user assignments of  continuous parameters (CC) and note commands

Downloads

 

Faderfox DJ44 DJ controller (2)

What’s the Faderfox DJ44 all about?

Possibly taking some cues from the now discontinued OODJ and OOVJ, this two channel controller is shipped inside of its own aluminum case with a fitted cover.  I am relatively unsurprised at the price, quoted at €499, so probably retailing around $549.  It is a Faderfox controller and as expected comes with a surplus, but it looks like it carries all of the benefits of the small German manufacturer.  Included with the controller are mappings for Traktor Pro 2 and Ableton Live (no mention of working with version 8), and it appears to handle almost all required DJ parameters.

It does host all of the necessary controls you’d need to DJ, though, all layered.  You can control up to four decks, four effects banks, and have transport and hotcue controls.  Each deck has loop control with 2 digit displays, and each channel has an 8 segment level meter.  Nothing here is breaking the mold, but is actually fitting very well, all with Faderfox’s expecting design and build quality.

What I like about the setup, just looking at pictures, is the spacing.  Faderfox controllers have been notorious for cramming as many buttons and knobs and LEDs in as possible whereas the DJ44 has an elegant design while still hosting a large assortment of controls.  While it is obviously designed for a Traktor Pro format, there are enough buttons and commands to take advantage of Ableton Live for DJing, including bipolar filters and control for centered 0db EQ control.  I’d love to speak to build quality and stability, but Faderfox has to get us one for review.  The DJWorx team is more than happy to take a crack at it.

It’s a little more expensive than an S2MK2 and doesn’t have an interface, but when you throw in the carry case it does make the purchase a little more palatable.  Faderfox has never disappointed with their build quality or their stability, but it is a hefty cost for a controller that is comparable with units around $200 cheaper.