That smug look slowly growing on my face isn’t trapped wind, as might be for my four week old son, but rather a gladdening feeling that Android has more and more to be happy about in the DJ world. Not only has Cross DJ been updated, but another bit of news has landed of an app called TKFX for both iOS and Android, designed to control all of Traktor’s effects options.
But it’s not billed as just your run-of-the-mill controller app like Lemur or TouchOSC. Rather, the app features extras like storing banks of effects settings to quickly recall your favourite effects settings and an X/Y pad for that Korg Kaoss Pad feeling.
The developer, Imaginando, has gone to some length to make the app as easy to set up as possible, with a MIDI bridging app for Windows and OS X to let Traktor communicate with your mobile device wirelessly. I had a quick play and got it all working fairly easily.
As usual, a press release for your perusal…
Product Information
TKFX is a dedicated Traktor Dj Effects controller that features an X/Y pad.
TKFX allows you to use Traktor effects in a completely new way. Select the effect you want to use, assign effect parameters to X/Y pad axis, enabled the effect in the desired deck and touch the pad. The effect is automatically applied. When the pad is released, dry/wet starts decaying automatically.
TKFX is completely plug and play which means that you don’t need to waste countless hours on MIDI mapping. TKFX knows all about Traktor Dj effects, just select the effect you want and all it’s parameters and functions will be automatically reflected on the respective buttons. TKFX supports effect unit operation in single or group mode.
Key Features
- X/Y Pad
- Plug & Play
- Hold function
- BPM Sync
- 4 effect units
- 4 memory banks
- Single or Group Mode
- Wireless
Availability
TKFX will be released on 15th September for both iOS and Android devices, on App Store and Google Play stores, respectively.
A Traktor Dj controller that will revolutionize the way effects are used.
About Imaginando
Imaginando is a tech startup focused in creating tools and instruments for musicians.
Imaginando was founded in June 2014 by Nuno Santos, a tech entrepeneur and electronic musician, creator and developer of LIVKONTROL, an Ableton Live controller for iOS and Android devices.
Early thoughts
Anyone in the Android camp should be happy to hear there’s something new for them to try. Whether it’s really any good or not, we’ll leave for a later date when someone from the team can give it a proper go. The developers have gone for an in-app-purchase model to make money, letting you pay small amounts (£0.70) to unlock the features you think you’ll use. It’s a sometimes-controversial profit model, but when done fairly, can actually be good for everyone. As such, I personally have no qualms paying a little bit to get the features I need. In fact, the first thing I look for in free apps is a way to contribute (usually by paying to get rid of ads) if I like it.
Touch is a tactile problem that many can’t seem to get over easily and may put people off, but there’s a strong argument to balance out that since you already have the mobile device, this is well valued way of getting the functionality you want at your fingertips as long as the interface and workflow are tight.
TKFX is out on 15th September and will be free but with in-app-purchases in both the Google Play Store and iOS App Store.
What apps can you recommend for controlling software? How do you feel about touch interfaces? Will you try TKFX out?
Count me in for testing, i can give you a gig report if you like. finally a developer listening to the community instead of jumping on the Apple bandwagon .. well done guys.
I’ll alert Nuno to your offer.
Looks good! One (nerdy) question – does the app require a defined order of effects in “Traktors FX Pre-selection” menu?
I’m not sure. I’ve only had a quick play, but I’d imagine it just uses MIDI to skip through the list in Traktor.
Cool, I think you’ve answered my question, if it’s midi then the app midi map selects effect via what position it is in the “Pre fx selection” list, despite when mapping the control your actually selecting the effect via name. It’s one of those controller editor twerks mapping geeks have been praying NI will sort out for some time now as it makes using multiple fx based midi maps from different sources frustratingly awkward.
Jared should talk you about traxus interactive lemur template…
http://youtu.be/2Fy8P1MVfsQ
https://www.indiegogo.com/projects/traxus-control-for-traktor-open-source-release
https://www.indiegogo.com/projects/traxus-control-for-traktor-open-source-release
Yep Traxus certainly goes further I just blogged about it. I have seen it for some time.
I will have to test this one and I suggest anyone interested in this check on Traxus as Mutis Mayfield Below linked . It is a Lemur template. However has some cool features and includes a remix deck step sequence. Full keyboard for track searches and deck control, full FX selection screen. Full remix decks and the ability to assign multiple ipads per deck. It contain some 1500 mappings! and a bunch of custom code. The developer is wanting to make this open source so other can work on it.
https://www.indiegogo.com/projects/traxus-control-for-traktor-open-source-release
The one thing this has over Traxus from what I can see is the X/Y pad for FX. I have always liked those. I have set some up on TouchOSC before and also have a mini Kaospad for similar effects.
I love having the touch interface. As many people know I’m a but of a controls freak and I like to be able to get to as much of the functionality in the software easily without having to navigate menus, drop down lists etc. Using these sorts of interfaces enables you to extend the functions at your finger tips.
Also add new functionality on screen without having to buy a new controller just to add a button. (Money saver there)
This allows you to get more creative in the mix than with just your bog standard controls.
Downside it it feels weird after using the tactile controls of a hardware device, with no feedback etc. still you get used to it. Even if it is for control you use regularly or have never used it certainly beats using a trackpad on a laptop.
On off or hold buttons are particularly useful e.g. kill Eq’s or reset filter /FX buttons, hotcues / samples etc. Faders and knobs are good for slower movements, but you certainly would not try to scratch with it or any faster stuff. That is best left to a physical hardware controller.
Using the device wirelessly could worry some people but I have very rarely had any problems with connecting or much in the way of latency.
Also people would be a bit worried too taking the controller to a gig as it is something that can so easily get stolen.
Certainly something worth experimenting with if you already own a tablet.
I’m testing this app with all features unlocked from yesterday. Expect my feedback about the app in the evening.
Ok, tested and my pesonal impressions are very good. For not much money I got a very usefull controll app.
Mega cool, comfortable, intuitive, installs in a moment.
But quickly to the point: :
PROS:
– Very simple instructions on the manufacturer’s website in the help section – simple – step by step.
– Intuitive control panel (all logically laid out – easy from the first touch)
– Large XY pad
– The list of effects lets you change FX directly
– Adjustable automatic Dry / Wet knob with auto of when You releas your finger from XY pad
– Easy to assign any of the 3 parameters / Effects to the X axis and Y axis
– Easy ability to make creative Combo FX
– Very stable connection
– MIDI clock sync with traktor
– The ability to record up to 4 banks of effects to recall just clicking one of the 4 bank buttons
– Supports 4 effectors after 3 fx per slot or 12 fx.
– FX assignment matrix as in the traktor
CONS:
– Basic version allows you to control 1 fx, 1 deck at a time
– The basic version has no full list of FX
– After upgrade to the full paid version (about 5,4 €) still do not have the latest fx (stretch, wormhole, flighttest, etc) – we are waiting for the upgrade to fix this issue.
– A little steppy jumping auto Dry / Wet after releasing the XY pad
– Some issue with master BPM showing in app (I don’t know whats wrong with it – I have master clock sending data to the app, but still no bpm readout)
For now, that’s it.
If I find something more dusring the party, I will let You know.