Published
Tue, Aug 5, 2014, 16:21
- The compact controllers are the first gear from Akai made to work with Serato DJ.
Details have filtered out about the AMX and AFX, a pair of controllers from Akai.
Both are made to work with Serato DJ, and they're the first products from the gear company that run with the software. The AMX is a compact controller and mixer—you can use it alone with Serato DJ or plug in a pair of turntables to use Serato's signature vinyl simulation. It sports two channels (with phono/line inputs) and a built-in 24-bit, 96-kHz Serato interface. On the face, you'll find two channel faders, an adjustable innoFADER crossfader and nine touch-sensitive knobs for adjusting the EQ and filter. The USB connection to your computer also powers the box.
The AFX is an expansion controller—the Serato equivalent of Native Instruments' Kontrol X1 for Traktor. Used as part of a larger Serato setup, it provides greater control over Serato DJ's loops, cue points and effects, and it's meant to work well with Flip, a new expansion pack that adds a host of new on-the-fly editing abilities to the software. (Flip and Back Pack FX, another new expansion, are both included with purchase of the controller.) The controller can target up to four decks via nine touch-sensitive knobs and eight velocity-sensitive, RGB-backlit pads. The latter can be put into ten different triggering modes to control a range of Serato DJ features.
Serato has an extensive blog post that describes their features and suggested setups. Akai have also posted a video, which we've embedded below, to show off some of the hardware's features.
Akai will release the AMX and AFX later this year for a suggested retail price of $249 and $199, respectively.