As ever, closely guarded technology secrets are leakier than BP's oil pipes. Such is the case with Novation's new MIDI controller. Rather than being a controller that DJs seem to adopt, Dicer is aimed directly at DJs, and quite specifically Scratch Live DJs using Technics turntables.
So what is Dicer? Well it's a 2 part high quality plastic and rubber buttoned MIDI controller - one for each deck - that are daisy chained via a minijack cable. There's even provision for a Kensington lock, because if it ain't nailed down someone will attempt to relieve them from you for sure.
Out of the box they have 3 mapped functions: hot cues, auto loops and loop rolls, each of which is accessible via the 3 preset buttons. When each is selected, the buttons change colour to match so you know which mode you're in.
They sit very happily in the 45 adaptor slot on your Technics, but the peg unscrews from the Dicer leaving you to sit it in whatever space you choose. This could be in the corner of a deck, or on the faceplate of a mixer for example. And while the units do have rubber feet, they also supply some really aggressive black putty to keep the controllers in place. My Numark TTXs for example have curved surfaces, but with the putty they stay in place.
Price wise, Dicer is priced at about $99.99. Granted it's a little more than the Korg and Akai controllers, but it's designed to integrate better with turntables. You'll just have to decide if it's for you or not.
And just so you know, Dicer used to have 6 buttons which explains the name.
Until next time, "Stay In The Mix"
(Taken from Scratchworx)Posted by Gizmo June 3, 2010)
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