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Traumax « A very good choice »
Published on 12/10/12 at 01:52Software installation (Maschine, Massive, Komplete Elements) and their updates is a bit long, because there's a lot of data to install (like 6 or 8 GB total I think), but occurs without problems.
Activation is via a register and establish an account on the site NI. A note that you must register all hardware and software, each with their serial number or license. It has taken me two hours in all.
Once the install done, is to assign the audio driver and various input / output noon. It is easily done in a menu.
Vista, a PC is not new, no problems. My Virus and my SL 25 MKII are well recognized and connected.
Manuals (one basic and one of 1.8) are well done. I recommend printing (beware, this is big. Better do the job if possible).
SUITABILITY/PERFORMANCE
Vista on a PC / Athlon 2ghz / 2 GB of RAM, it's going fairly well standalone, including control of third-party VST. Should not push too hard either. The limit is from 5 groups, with several VSTi and effects everywhere. On a recent computer, I think it should go much further.
No crash strictly speaking, but asio driver (asio4all) who makes his own hand and lollipop in from time to time. I can not tell if it's coming from my PC following the pace or the driver itself. Note that this also happens with other apps.
OVERALL OPINION
Purchased early October, it makes so two months that I use.
Overall, this is well thought out. The main functions are found quickly (for someone who has the habit of computer music), but the manual is essential for a lot of things. For example, to insert a synth NI (Massive or Reaktor), we selected a location, then finds its preset by clicking the "BROWSE". For a VSTi third must be SHIFT + BROWSE. Strange.
Some functions of the controller do not seem necessary. (NAVIGATION button for example), while others are missing, or indirect (export is only fetching the menu with the mouse). Same for the playback of scenes, hidden in a menu, which is the setting for each project. I would like to have a default setting to choose, then you can change it from the controller when I need it.
Export is only. Wav, which requires a converter or have to go through a DAW for an MP3.
It lacks a rapid addition of favorites when operating in banks and presets. You can always create a TAG Favorites, but they should be added to the mouse on the BROWSER soft.
It also lacks, and that is really mean a switch of power supply. Obliged to disconnect the USB cable to turn the controller power off. A switch to 2 cts would have been welcome on a product to 600 €.
My controller model was flawed. The aluminum frame was twisted. I recovered, but again, the quality control is shabby for a bike of this price.
Now the positives:
The sound is really good, the offer is very complete, with Massive, Reaktor, Komplete Elements and banks to own Maschine, what was already started projects of all kinds.
If the offer does not suit you sound, it is very easy to extend the range with its own samples (very easy to create in Maschine), its own VSTi, or banks for Kontakt.
The pleasure of working a piece this is thanks to the well thought-out ergonomics. We choose a sound recording a pattern, it is an effect, it is very easy automation.
The pads are excellent, and the knobs and buttons for selection. The colors are convenient, especially for kits provided, since soon realize they are codified. Couples Kick / Snare are orange, the hats are yellow, purple toms are ... Passing a kit to another, we know immediately what kind of sound was it, and where they are placed.
Overall a very good product, with which I rediscovered the pleasure of asking me 30 minutes to get a box and a pattern without piss me off with the technical life. It should however bear in mind some of the flaws that I have pointed out, which for me, and despite numerous reading before buying, I had never heard of.
Activation is via a register and establish an account on the site NI. A note that you must register all hardware and software, each with their serial number or license. It has taken me two hours in all.
Once the install done, is to assign the audio driver and various input / output noon. It is easily done in a menu.
Vista, a PC is not new, no problems. My Virus and my SL 25 MKII are well recognized and connected.
Manuals (one basic and one of 1.8) are well done. I recommend printing (beware, this is big. Better do the job if possible).
SUITABILITY/PERFORMANCE
Vista on a PC / Athlon 2ghz / 2 GB of RAM, it's going fairly well standalone, including control of third-party VST. Should not push too hard either. The limit is from 5 groups, with several VSTi and effects everywhere. On a recent computer, I think it should go much further.
No crash strictly speaking, but asio driver (asio4all) who makes his own hand and lollipop in from time to time. I can not tell if it's coming from my PC following the pace or the driver itself. Note that this also happens with other apps.
OVERALL OPINION
Purchased early October, it makes so two months that I use.
Overall, this is well thought out. The main functions are found quickly (for someone who has the habit of computer music), but the manual is essential for a lot of things. For example, to insert a synth NI (Massive or Reaktor), we selected a location, then finds its preset by clicking the "BROWSE". For a VSTi third must be SHIFT + BROWSE. Strange.
Some functions of the controller do not seem necessary. (NAVIGATION button for example), while others are missing, or indirect (export is only fetching the menu with the mouse). Same for the playback of scenes, hidden in a menu, which is the setting for each project. I would like to have a default setting to choose, then you can change it from the controller when I need it.
Export is only. Wav, which requires a converter or have to go through a DAW for an MP3.
It lacks a rapid addition of favorites when operating in banks and presets. You can always create a TAG Favorites, but they should be added to the mouse on the BROWSER soft.
It also lacks, and that is really mean a switch of power supply. Obliged to disconnect the USB cable to turn the controller power off. A switch to 2 cts would have been welcome on a product to 600 €.
My controller model was flawed. The aluminum frame was twisted. I recovered, but again, the quality control is shabby for a bike of this price.
Now the positives:
The sound is really good, the offer is very complete, with Massive, Reaktor, Komplete Elements and banks to own Maschine, what was already started projects of all kinds.
If the offer does not suit you sound, it is very easy to extend the range with its own samples (very easy to create in Maschine), its own VSTi, or banks for Kontakt.
The pleasure of working a piece this is thanks to the well thought-out ergonomics. We choose a sound recording a pattern, it is an effect, it is very easy automation.
The pads are excellent, and the knobs and buttons for selection. The colors are convenient, especially for kits provided, since soon realize they are codified. Couples Kick / Snare are orange, the hats are yellow, purple toms are ... Passing a kit to another, we know immediately what kind of sound was it, and where they are placed.
Overall a very good product, with which I rediscovered the pleasure of asking me 30 minutes to get a box and a pattern without piss me off with the technical life. It should however bear in mind some of the flaws that I have pointed out, which for me, and despite numerous reading before buying, I had never heard of.