Eks' Otus

Seems like theres a lot of “next generation DJ controllers” out right now. You’ve got the Lemur, the Pacemaker, and now I’m reading about this Finnish-built beatuy, the Otus. Out of the three controllers I’ve written about recently, this is definately the second sleekest one I’ve seen (Pacemaker being #1).

This fine controller is compatiable with Mac and PC and with a number of DJ-centric software (Traktor and Eks’ own software).  It also works with a number of video-centric software. But since I know you’re interested, here’s the tech specs.

What does this have that the Lemur and Pacemaker don’t, however? Real outputs! Sure the Pacemaker has a line-out and, well, you can’t really say much of the Lemur in these terms as its more of a virtual controller than anything. But four analog outputs and two SPIDF outs means you can use your traditional Xone mixer in conjunction with this thing, essentially the same way you can use two turntables/CDJs to control Serato Scratch/Traktor and still use your favorite DJ mixer.

This thing also has two different layers meaning you can control two virtual decks with only one controller. It’s also got an X/Y touchpad (like a Kaoss Pad) and also a touch sensetive pitch control. I would like to to see how well that works but could envision a number of  ”oh fuck I accidentaly nudged the pitch control and now my sets ruined” situations. Hopefully there’s a sensativity setting for it. But, by far, the best feature is the bult-in soundcard. Perhaps you should pick this up instead of a Xone 3D/4D?

The company also has a few cheaper solutions: The XP5 which is a small vinyl-style DJ controller (which you can buy in pairs from their store) and has USB and stereo RCA outs. Its pretty barebones, but if you’re on a tight budget it looks like it’d do the job. They also make the XP10 which is even cheaper than the XP5, but apparently only runs on Windows (weird, huh?). It has most of the same features as the XP5 including the stereo RCA outputs.

So…how much is all this fine Scandanavian gear?

Otus: 649 euros / around $872
XP5: 179 euros for single, 249 for pair / around $241 and $335, respectively
XP10: 99 euros / around $133

Their gear has a very European look to it and looks to be built solid. There’s plenty of accessories to buy (including a rackmount setup for the XP series controllers), so if you’re in the market for a new controller, perhaps you should give these guys a look.

Click here for Ecks’ site.

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