| M-Audio X-Session Pro Review | | Print | |
M-Audio are the reliable company behind the Oxygen 8 keyboard, Axiom Keyboards and a heap of other great controllers, sample CD and Professional Audio Hardware. I have got my hands on a new X-Session Pro DJ MIDI controller, have a read of how it fairs up when I apply the pressure to test it out.
What is it?The XSP is a brand new MIDI controller set to replace the "X-Session" MIDI device, and attempts to replicate the standard 2-4 channel audio mixers with which most of us are familiar with a few more buttons and knobs to do various things inside your DJ software.
Click here to buy the
First ImpressionsAfter opening the box my first impression was that the actual unit is a lot smaller then I suspected, in length, width and height. A smaller unit is easier to take with me, but I really like to use my space when I am DJ-ing and sliders too close together might be an issue. The unit is solid, but it does have looks and feel a little plastic-y. There is nothing worse then using DJ gear that feels like a three year old should have one in their toy box. Luckily for M-Audio, the X-Session is solid enough to pull it off, just. On the positive side, all the sliders feel nice as they move along, and all the knobs are quite satisfying to turn. They certainly do have a much better feel then most of the other DJ Midi Controllers I have used in the past.
Practical UsageThe X-Session was probably the most simple controller to set up I have seen. Plug in the USB, open Ableton (or any other DJ app). Use It. Simple. In Ableton Live it is quite easy to go into MIDI Edit Mode and simple move the X-Session Pro sliders on the highted controls you want to use X-Session Pro for. M-Audio Torq is also just as easy to setup, like before to go into MIDI Edit Mode and simple move the X-Session Pro sliders on the highted controls you want to use X-Session Pro for. Deckadance even has Native support, so all you need to do is plug it in and away you go, no setup. After the initial setup, X-Session Pro works really well. Latency is minimal and the controls are responsive. The unit feels like it has been well designed and thought out.
OverallX-Session Pro is a great little unit. It works flawlessly as promise, looks nice and feels great. I think it is a little small, the controls could do with a little more room but for $129 US it is easily the best bargain out there.
Click here to buy the 9/10
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