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The cult of rotary mixers

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Re: The cult of rotary mixers

#91

Post by laumars »

DanBC wrote: post #88
laumars wrote: post #87

Earlier quoted context omitted.

> Just because it can send MIDI messages does not make it a "MIDI controller". Technically it does. In the very literal sense. Perhaps what you meant to say is that this is more than just a MIDI controller? In which case I'm still waiting for you to example how (without referencing "build quality", which was never in dispute). > In fact, you can use it entirely without sending MIDI messages at all (with its control v…

Can you show me a device like cirklon that's a fraction of the price?

I'm still trying to gather what the Cirklon is by the sounds of it but you can pick up hardware sequencers for under a grand (eg BeatStep Pro - if performance is more your angle. Or Maschine Studio if you want something a little more complete). For 1.5k you could probably get sequencers with in-built voices too (albeit this isn't something that's interested me much) which I don't think the Cirklon offers?

You could also go down the software route - which i know is a dirty word to hardware enthusiasts but you would pick up your choice of sequencer for £200 or less. Obviously you do then need to buy computer (if you don't have one already), a "proper" sound card / USB interface etc (these don't need to be expensive either, but you do want to avoid Creative and other mass consumer gear. Software wise, maybe even go with Propellerheads Reason if you wanted that hardware feel?

What I've recently started getting into is using my ST (which is why I've mentioned it a few times). It isn't without it's issues and I certainly wouldn't recommend it to other people but I'm a nerd and it's fun. Plus it's gotten me back into producing music again.

However I will openly admit that not having used the Cirklon, I might have missed some killer feature. And this is what I'm asking. Aside build quality, which is it that sets Cirklon apart?

Re: The cult of rotary mixers

#92

Post by enneff »

laumars wrote: post #87
enneff wrote: post #84

Earlier quoted context omitted.

Just because it can send MIDI messages does not make it a "MIDI controller". In fact, you can use it entirely without sending MIDI messages at all (with its control voltage interface). You're drawing a long bow. It's not just about the build quality. It's about the interface. It's a very elegant and thoughtfully designed sequencer and there's nothing else quite like it. The Rolex comparison is ridiculous, because Rol…

> Just because it can send MIDI messages does not make it a "MIDI controller". Technically it does. In the very literal sense. Perhaps what you meant to say is that this is more than just a MIDI controller? In which case I'm still waiting for you to example how (without referencing "build quality", which was never in dispute). > In fact, you can use it entirely without sending MIDI messages at all (with its control v…

> But whenever you're pressed to give examples you just keep coming back to build quality, which was the one thing that was never in question.

Huh? This is the first time I've been asked to give any examples.

The build quality is fantastic, but it's the workflow (the interface design) that makes the Cirklon special (and so sought-after). There are plenty of other sequencers that can get you the same result, but music is all about the process of getting there.

> VC is just what people used before MIDI was a thing.

You should look at what's happening in the modular (specifically Eurorack) scene. Control voltage is back, with a vengeance. Most Cirklon users I know primarily use its CV interface.

It seems like you're just really out of touch. Look up some reviews or youtube videos if you want to learn more.

> I'm not trying to be argumentative here.

You're failing ;-)

Re: The cult of rotary mixers

#93

Post by enneff »

thirdsun wrote: post #90
enneff wrote: post #74

Earlier quoted context omitted.

The Cirklon is not a midi controller, but a sequencer. There is nothing else on the market with its same feature set and build quality. It is a wonderful device and there’s a reason they are so crazily popular.

Not to discount the Cirklon, but have you seen Polyend's Seq? Always seemed like everything I'd love to find in a hardware sequencer. More info: http://polyend.com/seq-midi-sequencer/

Seq looks lovely. I'd love to try one sometime.

Re: The cult of rotary mixers

#94

Post by laumars »

enneff wrote: post #92
laumars wrote: post #87

Earlier quoted context omitted.

> Just because it can send MIDI messages does not make it a "MIDI controller". Technically it does. In the very literal sense. Perhaps what you meant to say is that this is more than just a MIDI controller? In which case I'm still waiting for you to example how (without referencing "build quality", which was never in dispute). > In fact, you can use it entirely without sending MIDI messages at all (with its control v…

> But whenever you're pressed to give examples you just keep coming back to build quality, which was the one thing that was never in question. Huh? This is the first time I've been asked to give any examples. The build quality is fantastic, but it's the workflow (the interface design) that makes the Cirklon special (and so sought-after). There are plenty of other sequencers that can get you the same result, but music…

> There are plenty of other sequencers that can get you the same result, but music is all about the process of getting there.

Yes, I completely relate to that. I tried for a long time to make Linux DAWs work for me but I just hated the process.

> You should look at what's happening in the modular (specifically Eurorack) scene. Control voltage is back, with a vengeance. Most Cirklon users I know primarily use its CV interface.

> It seems like you're just really out of touch. Look up some reviews or youtube videos if you want to learn more.

Yes, does sound like I'm out of touch. Thank you, I will do.

Re: The cult of rotary mixers

#95

Post by chewyland »

antris wrote: post #2

I've been playing records for a few years and have had the pleasure of playing with a DJR400. Some personal additions to the article I'd like to share: 1. The physical feel of the device is amazing. Every knob feels and looks both smooth and incredibly sturdy. It's like the difference between driving a Mazda and a Porsche. Madza might be more versatile, practical, and cost-effective. But which one of them is more fun…

I regret selling my Xone62. It was a beast.

Re: The cult of rotary mixers

#96

Post by EADGBE »

cellover wrote: post #23
l33tbro wrote: post #19

Audiophile stuff is so often a bunch of baloney, but a vintage Bozak or Urei rotary actually does sound superior to modern mixers in a pretty noticeable way. Even for colder electronic stuff like minimal techno, I think the discrete components make things sound rounder and just more pleasant. Maybe the best rotary mixers being built today are by a guy in Adelaide, Australia (1). You'll have to wait 3 months (at least…

This reminds me of the best Midi sequencer in the world that is being built by Sequentix: the Cirklon (1): a no compromise hardware sequencer hand built and built to last, with unique features. The waiting list is around 6 to 10 months! (1) https://www.sequentix.com/shop/cirklon-hardware-sequencer

Pssshhh.

I've been waiting for a guitar effects pedal for almost 2 years at this point. Best overdrive in the world!

Re: The cult of rotary mixers

#97

Post by bichiliad »

bichiliad wrote: post #72
vidanay wrote: post #58

And to think....all I want is a 6/12 channel stereo mixer with 3.5mm jacks so that I can combine my PC's and ham radio(s) signals into one common set of speakers.

This may just do it, and it has one of the smallest formfactors I've seen in a mixer that supports 18 channels.

Ugh, forgot to share the link: https://reverb.com/item/6503874-midiman-micromixer-18-18-cha...

Re: The cult of rotary mixers

#98

Post by hammock »

syn0byte wrote: post #80
hammock wrote: post #54

Earlier quoted context omitted.

>As opposed to a knob, which does not work right without the physical form What about the iPod circle? That is basically a digital pot. In fact that idea is used on a bunch of Bluetooth speakers including Harmon Kardon and Google Home to control volume.

iPod 'circles' are physical. They are resistance based just like pots. Nothing digital about them. https://www.adafruit.com/product/1069

My point is it's the knob equivalent of a touchscreen fader.
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