New Midi Controller, Play Live the right way!
Basically this is the sherman task of midi controllers by the same guy who made notron.
http://www.soundonsound.com/newspix/grexmxf8.jpg
http://www.grexultra.com/images/box_mxffb.jpg
Pop in the site 2 download some of the mp4 files... all time suporting acts of his products are The Advent, Damon Wild, Liam W. (prodigy) & Claude Young just 2 name a few!
http://www.grexultra.com/erol.html
http://www.grexultra.com/images/box_punch.jpg
from Sound on Sound site...
New performance MIDI controller from Grex
The MXF8 from Grex Ultra Dynamics is a new and unusual MIDI device designed as a hands-on controller for hardware sequencers and software programs like Ableton Live and Propellerhead Reason, primarily to control loop-based arrangements.
Inspired by performance DJ techniques and technology, the device, which was created by the man behind the Latronic Notron performance hardware sequencer of a few years ago, is centred around a crossfader and a pair of punch buttons. These buttons can be used to fade and cut between any of up to eight stereo audio tracks running on the software loop host of your choice. This is just the tip of the iceberg, however, and the unit’s knobs and buttons can be used to issue a vast range of MIDI-based commands.
The MXF8 has three main operational modes — Volume mode, BPM mode and Solo mode — which are selected using a small three-position switch. The unit’s knobs, each of which is accompanied by a three-colour status LED, can be used to control volume and panning, effects settings, loop length and start point. Eight numbered buttons along the top of the unit are used to mute and un-mute the eight tracks, to select groups for soloing, to trigger loops, to apply rhythmic gating and to adjust global tempo (in small increments or large steps), depending on the selected mode of operation.
The large central button labelled Nothing acts as a kill switch (hence producing exactly what its label proclaims!), but, like the ‘?’ button, performs numerous other functions when used in combination with the unit’s other controls. (The ‘?’ button, incidentally, is apparently so labelled because the designer hates the word ‘Shift’!)
A fourth mode, the so-called Ratio Sequencer, is accessed by restarting the MXF8, and divides the crossfader’s travel into quantised zones which intelligently trigger and retrigger loops at decreasing intervals (once every bar, once every quarter note, once every eighth note and so on) for some extreme rhythmic effects. If different loops are assigned to tracks accessible via the MFX8, the Ratio Sequencer can be used to retrigger one loop while the other continues playing, allowing you to offset or ‘slip’ one loop with respect to the other, and experiment with the different rhythmic feels this produces.
The MXF8 is small and portable, weighing less than 2kg, and is powered by an external adaptor. Its single MIDI output port doubles as a MIDI input for receiving software updates, including new crossfader maps and control configurations. You can order the MXF8 from the Grex Ultra Dynamics web site, where you’ll also find a range of audio and video demos. It costs £264.38.
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The MXF8 from Grex Ultra Dynamics in the UK was designed with the collaboration of experienced DJ’s and musicians and takes the potential of controlling MIDI based software & hardware to an exciting new real-time performance based level.
Connected to any MIDI based setup; the MXF8 gives quick and easy control of up to 56 MIDI Controllers along with volume cross fading, Beat Gating, Punching, Kill, MIDI Clock generation and unique Ratio Sequencing.
Realtime dynamic mixdowns
http://www.grexultra.com/images/box_nothing.jpg
MXF8 is for anyone with more than a passing interest in putting more excitement, through direct physical interaction, into their electronic music making. People who wish to perform live or make more exciting mixdowns from their multitrack computer based gear should take a look at this silver machine with functionality inspired by some of the amazing stunts DJ's can wring from their decks and mixers.
http://www.grexultra.com/images/box_nothing2.jpg
This assignable crossfading, muting, tempo and "ratio sequence" wrenching machine is suitable for all musical genres.
Complex live setups are easy to control from this single unit using the powerful programming features of the MXF8. The MXF8 packs powerful functionality with unexpected potential for skillful imagineers into an almost familiar looking mixer format.
http://www.grexultra.com/images/box_mxf3.jpg
Universal Midi Compatibilty
MXF8 connects to any midi based computer setup and has been designed particularly with software such as Ableton Live and Propellerheads Reason in mind. Your MXF8 is the ideal master controller allowing instant control of clip triggering, volume changes, cross fade mixing, channel panning, effect parameter adjustment, tempo control, sequence start & stop along with many other user-definable possibilities.
Control 8 virtual decks
The MXF8's dynamic interaction with your midi/audio sequencer computer programs gives 8 simultaneous music streams and 56 additional midi controllable effect states to work with to use for recording or performing live.
http://www.grexultra.com/images/box_mxf4.jpg
When Live really means LIVE!
Test and extend your skills beyond the boundaries you thought possible using the MxF8, but don’t expect the machine to flatter them. Using the MxF8 will be as effective as YOUR performance allows- so a background in performance DJ-ing comes in handy.
In short, MXF8 gives you the power to destroy, remix and improve, and back again, in real time!
