Why not review the EKS Otus + Midi DJ Controller now?

Good value, could do with some more controls
Unspecified reviewer - 3 January, 2008 - Rating:

I got this mixer back in September 2007 shortly after it was released. Its a very solid, well made mixer [as expected from vestax] with plenty of features to tweak and play with a mix. This mixer is really only designed for mixing; it is not very good for scratching as the X-Fader curve is limited between two settings; soft curve and sharp cut-off curve, but the sharp cut off curve isn't really sharp enough for scratching! However, its good enough to do more basic scratches such as the chirps and flares but anything complex like crabs etc. the curve really isn't sharp enough. The volume faders for the 4 channels are what I really like on this mixer, unlike most mixers, they have a very solid feel about them and are 'stiffer' to move than most mixers which I find really good for controlling those smooth longer mixes where you can easily make very slight volume adjusts without worrying that the fader will fly up a few notches and come in too quick. One thing that this mixer does lack is the ability to give the DJ control over the shape of the volume faders, these are a fixed curve and cannot be changed, although they are a nice curve and well designed with mixing in mind, some DJs like myself do like to be able to change the curves on the faders for different styles of mixing. The onboard effects are good, not as good as those on the DJM models, but hey, this mixer is a fair bit cheaper! ...There are some really usefull filters [hi, low and band pass] which are similar to the famous xone filters! the flanger and phase shifter are good, but the others are a bit weird and have to be played with for many hours before you can understand how to properlly make good use of them. They aren't really to everyones taste, and I mainly end up using only the filter effects. Unlike other models, you have to tap in the BPM using the tap button, not that this is a problem. Overall, the faders are really solid, the xfader is nice and smooth, the rotary faders are well built [rubber and metal design]. The mixer is solid and will last for a good few years, it can take plenty of abuse and is good value for money. I'd definatley recommend this mixer to anyone who is into mixing and not scratching, and to anyone looking for a professional quality mixer on a budget. very good 4-channel mixer. improvements: - control over the volume faders - more flexibility on the shape of the xfader curve - some more useful effects - I've never used the vocoder, the vocal cancellation, the pitch-shifter and most probably will never use them and can't really see anyone making good use of them. good points: - quality faders - solid construction - good layout & easy to use - great for intermediate DJ's and professionals on a tight budget

Why not review the Vestax PMC 280 now?

EKS Otus + Midi DJ Controller
OTUS Technical Specifications
Compatibility
ASIO
Core Audio
Compatible with any software that supports MIDI learn
USB2.0/USB1.1
Win/OSx/Linux

Controls
High resolution 7.5" wheel with touch sense (position/speed LED indicated)
4 jog dial type controls with switch
17 low travel buttons
6 touch buttons
10 assignable control knobs
Built-in touchpad/assignable X/Y control surface for mouse or effect control
80mm touch sensitive pitch slider, with position LEDs
All controls LED backlit

Audio interface
Integrated 24-bit 6ch audio interface
16bit/24bit, 44.1kHz/48kHz
Frequency response 4Hz-24kHz
SNR >115dB JEITA (a-weighted)
THD+N 0,002%
Burr-Brown I2S DAC
2,5V RMS (7Vpp)

Connectors
USB
4 x analog out RCA (two stereo outputs)
2 x out (spdif)
6.3mm headphone output

Dimensions
365mm x 335mm x 70mm

Weight
2 kg

Power supply
USB powered (450mA)

Vestax PMC 280