MixVibes have been around for 10 whole years now, and in that time has doggedly struggled through the seemingly impenetrable wall built by Serato and Native Instruments to become a player in the DJ software industry. Their new software Cross is having nice things said about it, and their hookup with Pioneer must be seen as validation of their standing. But their new audio and video package VFX CONTROL (not VFX-1 - that's Vestax's) goes of into new territory - audio and video software with a hardware controller.
It consists of 2 parts - a dedicated hardware controller/mixer and MixVibes' PC only VFX CONTROL software. On paper, it seems to be a more affordable Pioneer SVM like unit, offering audio and video playback, as well as handling inputs from live video feeds. The videos can have effects applied and text and graphics applied on the fly.
Blurb from MixVibes:
Paris, November 25th 2009 On October 29th, MixVibes presented its new Video-DJ solution at the MixVibes 10 years event: VFX CONTROL. The unveiling of the product was supported by 3 performances, including a 1 hour performance by world-acclaimed DJ Zebra. After premiering his Video-DJ performance, DJ Zebra said VFX Control is a blast! Im only a few days into using VFX CONTROL, and am already able to bring all the visual inspirations I have collected over the past few years into my [Video-DJ] set!
What does VFX CONTROL consist in?
VFX CONTROL enables you to mix, scratch, crossfade and synchronize your multimedia files - such as music videos, movies, music - through the intuitive interface of a classic DJ booth: 2 channels and a central mixer. The package is an all-in-one turnkey solution including VFX software and an Audio/MIDI controller unit.
MixVibes' powerful VFX software not only allows you to play the most popular music and video file formats, but also to add exclusive content to your performance:
insert text, dynamic flash animations, visuals or your logo on the fly. liven your mix with 20 audio/video effects. Each audio effect is translated into a visual effect. Visual effects can be synchronized with the audio BPM. broadcast live from external video sources (webcams, camcorders...) manage multiple playlists and file formats : mp4, mpeg, wmv, avi, mov, divx, wav, mp3... (see below for full list) browse through your files visually using file covers and album jackets The supplied MIDI controller is designed to offer a mouse free performance. It is light and mobile and easily fits in installations such as bars, clubs or restaurants with its 19 inch rack design. It features a built-in soundcard with 3 stereo channel outputs: 2 for audio playback, 1 for headphone monitoring. For high precision mixing, the touch-sensitive jogwheels offer latency-free scratching and pitch bending
Software features:
Windows XP, Vista & 7 compatible Compatible video formats: .mp4, .mpg, .mpeg, .mjpeg, .wmv, .avi, .divx, .mov, .vob, .mkv Compatible flash & image formats: .flv, .swf, .jpg, .gif, .png, .bmp Compatible audio formats: .wav .mp3 .wma .ogg .flac Over 20 effects (audio, video or audio+video) Effect synchronization on music beat/tempo 6 simultaneous effects per deck with parameter settings Advanced software sampler for more creativity in your mix Compatible with digital vinyl and CD control for use with turntables or CD players Video titler: insertion of flash animations, pictures, text with animations Webcam live feed compatible VFX Software compatible with every soundcard Artwork cover browsing One color per deck Up to 4 decks
Controller features:
Video-DJ Audio/MIDI Controller with 3 stereo output sound card 2 Line (stereo RCA) and 1 headphone output (6.3mm jack) Complete hands-on control for keyboard-free use Media library browsing directly from the controller Audio Sampler 4 cue points and 4 loops memories per deck (on controller) Sensitive jog wheels for precise scratch and pitch bend 58 push buttons + 7 rotary push knobs + 5 faders + 9 rotary knobs + shift button for second control functions of all buttons 3-Band EQ ASIO driver Support Power supply: DC6V USB connection for computer Fits standard mobile 19 DJ racks Removable rack plates Dimensions: 482(W) x 132(H) x 74.8(D)mm; Weight 2.1 Kg
VFX CONTROL will be available for shipping December 7th, 2009 with a special launch price from MAP 599 instead of 749 (offer until January 15th, 2010)
Side note - I'm looking for a video-savvy UK based PC rocking reviewer to cover this one for me. Who fancies it?
10 comments to this story
On November 28, 2009, ddub commented...
that is sooo horrible...wow...I don't understand why anybody would want to be some mtv homo Vj and mix video with this thing... ...I hope this video thing dies off...the fake ass clubs in your city can't afford proper screens to play video on and the kids in your city are to high to care...give it up!
On November 28, 2009, NOT ddub commented...
quote:"I hope this video thing dies off"
You kidding?
It isn't going anywhere but more common. I have been programming video in nightclubs over ten years and used the DVJ's when they came out, Virtual DJ, and now Serato Video-SL. I absolutely LOVE doing video... makes a world of difference in a venue when you can mix it right.
I on the other hand don't favor this controller and software. And now everyone will jump on the video band-wagon. But it happens. Everyone company and their brothers made DJ CD players once the technology came to be more accessible.
It is all about who stand the test of time...
Take Technic Turntables for instance.... still the NUMBER ONE choice with ANY DJ who spins vinyl or using a DVS system with timecode records.
On November 28, 2009, lazyellow commented...
VJing is cool. but only to sober crowds. when you're drunk ( well what i've found from personal experience ) you tend to not really see much or close your eyes and drift off into and get immersed into the music. Having to watch something especially something bright and flashing and stuff when you're drunk or on something is terrifying.
Of course you could be mainstream or underground... only make your choice.
just my2cents
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On November 30, 2009, imfromthafutur commented...
i'm diggin the video output controls(like a tv settings) mixed with the best transitions going. this will take over.
i like video for all the sound FX in TV and movies. Just wait until more people figure out that all the scratch/juggle material they need is on their dvr and youtube.
On December 2, 2009, VJ Justin Allen commented...
Hm I wonder if this would work as a controller for ScratchLive with VSL?
On December 7, 2009, OpenBarShizzle commented...
@justin: if they made this solution like they made their other ones, it's open technology, so I assume yes...
I find videos awesome in a club or at a festival as long as it remains secondary...it shouldn't steal the attention from the sound i think, but it's definitly a matter of taste. I've tried VSL and didn't like it that much,and though i thought there were shitloads of cool effects, i struggled with the ergonomics Anyways this controller feels to me like a cool breeze of on the vj world and definitly sounds interesting enough to spend time messing with it, which i'll do.
On December 8, 2009, polocorp commented...
the controller probably won't work with SL Video, because SL video requires proprietary hardware.
On December 10, 2009, vjrorschach commented...
I was beta-tester and I am really enthusiastic about this software. I think comparing it to Serrato Video is a little bit short. The way you "play" video via controler and turntables, the quality of the effects (audio and video) and the way they work as a DJ setup makes it outstanding. It changes the way you work as a VJ quite a bit. You are no longer on the receiving end of a DJ, you are the DJ. Or, the other way around, you are now a "visually empowered" DJ. We all had hours of fun discovering really new ways of performing and creating with Videos.
On February 16, 2010, Raul commented...
How is this software compare to virtual dj for mixing video?
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On November 28, 2009, ddub commented...
...I hope this video thing dies off...the fake ass clubs in your city can't afford proper screens to play video on and the kids in your city are to high to care...give it up!
10 comments to this story