Behringer Unleashes Comprehensive Suite Of Modular DJ MIDI Controllers
Behringer has debuted a suite of modular DJ MIDI controllers for digital DJs who what to create their own custom setup. Each Command series modular controller can link together for a specialized setup, but packs away easily without the need to carry your gear to your gig in a wheelbarrow.
Each module is packed with quality features – from faders to MIDI feedback, plus those attributes are organized into logical groups. This gives you a clear idea of what each module is for and how it can be used, without needing to read a manual first. And all CMD controllers are class-compliant, meaning that no additional drivers are required – just connect and go.
CMD MM-1 Mixer Control Module
4-Channel Mixer-Based MIDI Module with Built-in 4-Port Powered USB Hub
This is where it starts if you want to create a multi-module controller. The MM-1 emulates the experience of a 4-channel DJ mixer, with quality professional faders, output metering, channel cue selection, 4-band EQs, and master/cue control. These features are laid out just as they would be on a traditional DJ mixer, so you instantly feel comfortable.
But since the MM-1 is also a powerful MIDI controller, Behringer included support for scrolling through your song library (or scenes in Ableton Live) and navigating your file system. Since all buttons and encoder rings respond to MIDI feedback, you’ll always know at a glance when something changes in your software.
CMD MM-1 Features:
» 4-channel mixer style DJ MIDI controller
» Full-size 60mm channel faders and 45mm crossfader for a professional fee
» Quality 4-port powered multi-TT USB hub for connecting other controllers
» MIDI-reactive buttons and LED peak metering to keep your eyes from the computer screen
» Class-compliant MIDI protocol enables plug-and-play with any MIDI software
» Designed to lock together with other BEHRINGER CMD controllers for full expandability
» Slim tabletop design for portability
» Quality components and rugged construction
What makes it a good backbone for a multi-module MIDI controller is the addition of a powered 4-port Multi-TT hub into the MM-1. It’s USB 2.0 compatible, so feel free to use it not only for other MIDI controllers, but also for hard drives, audio interfaces, or even gooseneck lamps. And since it’s a Multi-TT USB hub, you get full speed from each port.
CMD DVS-1 Digital Vinyl Control Module
DVS-Based MIDI Module with Dual Effects, Deck Focus and Transport Control
The DVS-1 is designed to work alongside modern digital vinyl systems like Serato ScratchLive and Native Instrument’s Traktor Scratch Pro 2. Because these systems rely on more traditional devices (like turntables or CD players) for much of their functionality, modern DVS DJs often miss out on many of the additional features these great programs offer.
Enter the DVS-1, a controller designed to give you the freedom to use both digital vinyl and traditional gear, while giving you access to advanced software features such as looping, hotcues, effects, samples, and much more. As a single controller, the DVS-1 can be used to access advanced features for up to four software decks. Or if you prefer discreet controls, multiple DVS-1 modules can be used simultaneously.
CMD DVS-1 Features:
» Full control of up to 4 software effects decks
» Access deck focus, hotcues, looping, instant doubles and much more
» MIDI-reactive controls take your eyes off the computer screen
» USB bus-powered
» Class-compliant MIDI protocol enables plug-and-play with any MIDI software
» Designed to lock together with other BEHRINGER CMD controllers for full expandability
» Slim tabletop design for portability
» Quality components and rugged construction
The DVS-1 is the ideal size to sit next to a mixer or turntable for quick access to all your immediate DVS functions.
CMD LC-1 Live Control Module
Powerful clip-based controller for use with Ableton Live or other production software
The LC-1 Module was designed for use with Ableton Live. Looking like a scaled down Novation Launchpad, the LC-1 allows users to incorporate Live into their DJ or live remixing rigs without fanfare.
The LC-1 is a clip-triggering machine. The clip section has 32 buttons that are backlit in multiple colors and respond to MIDI feedback. But Live isn’t just about clips; it’s also about effects. So there’s an effects control section above the clip area, with 8 encoders and 8 buttons. Below the clip area there are also buttons for channel mute, solo and record.
CMD LC-1 Features:
» 32 trigger buttons with 4-color LED backlighting
» 8 rotary encoders with LED feedback
» USB bus-powered
» Class-compliant MIDI protocol enables plug-and-play with any MIDI software
» Designed to lock together with other BEHRINGER CMD controllers for full expandability
» Slim tabletop design for portability
» Quality components and rugged construction
On its own, the LC-1 makes a great controller for clip management, as well as a great addition to any Serato ScratchLive user’s Bridge-based setup. But when paired with the MM-1 Mixer module, this dynamic duo turns into a fantastic Live controller – combining the clip triggering and effect tweaking power of the LC-1 with the smooth mixing and scene navigating capabilities of the MM-1. Are you a producer in need of a beat creation station? Throw a DC-1 into the mix for 16 pads of digital drum destruction.
But take the LC-1 out of the Ableton Live paradigm and it can be used as the ultimate Cue point trigger, or as a step sequencer, the possibilities are endless and that’s exactly the idea…
CMD PL-1 Platter Control Module
Deck-Based MIDI Module with 4″ Touch-Sensitive Platter, Deck Switching and Effects Control
Small enough to fit in a tight DJ booth, but big enough to deliver the performance you need, the PL-1 is a robust platter controller—no matter what DJ software you use.
With its 4″ touch-sensitive wheel, the PL-1 knows where and when it’s pressed. Touch on the top, and the music stops just as if you were touching a record. Nudge the side of the platter and you’ll get momentary changes in playback speed. It performs exactly as you’ve come to expect from years of turntable and CD deck use.
CMD PL-1 Features:
» 4″ high-resolution touch sensitive platter
» 14bit Pitch fader with LED feedback
» MIDI-reactive controls take your eyes off the computer screen
» Flexible deck switching to control up to 4 decks from a single controller
» Full control over multiple effects
» USB bus-powered
» Class-compliant MIDI protocol enables plug-and-play with any MIDI software
» Designed to lock together with other BEHRINGER CMD controllers for full expandability
» Slim tabletop design for portability
» High-quality components and rugged construction
However, unlike most other deck controllers, this module comes with a smooth, high-resolution fader for precise pitch adjustments. If you use sync in your software and the deck pitch changes, there’s a column of LEDs next to the pitch fader that lets you know what the pitch on the virtual deck has changed to – so you always know what’s going on without looking at your screen.
Only have room for one controller in your booth? Not a problem! The PL-1 supports deck switching for controlling up to four decks, so a single module is the perfect backup deck or add-on when using software that allows for more than two virtual decks.
You can pair up to four PL-1 controllers with an MM-1 Mixer module and enjoy a full-on four deck experience.
CMD DC-1 Drum Control Module
Pad-Based MIDI Module with Effects and Navigation Control
Want to incorporate live beat making into your set? Or how about some nice, beefy buttons to trigger for cue juggles? The DC-1 is your answer.
Inspired by a long line of great drum machines, the DC-1 has a layout that’s instantly familiar. All 16 of the trigger pads are backlit, allowing them to give you information as well as sending data to your chosen software.
CMD DC-1 Features:
» 16 large backlit pad-style buttons
» Complete navigation section with jog wheel for navigating track libraries, scenes, etc.
» Control effects with 8 encoders and 8 buttons – all with MIDI feedback to take your eyes off the computer screen
» USB bus-powered
» Class-compliant MIDI protocol enables plug-and-play with any MIDI software
» Designed to lock together with other BEHRINGER CMD controllers for full expandability
» Slim tabletop design for portability
» Quality components and rugged construction
Directly above the trigger pads you’ll find an array of 8 encoders and 8 buttons, which are ideal for controlling effects or changing application parameters. And at the top of the DC-1 is a complete navigation section, with 8 backlit buttons and a large rotary encoder.
If you’re into production and beat creation, the DC-1 is a very handy tool to have – but it’s not a one-trick pony. For some things, only a nice big button with plenty of action and feedback will do. The DC-1 delivers, via its tough 1″ square buttons with just the right amount of give.
The Future: The Behringer “Command” modular ecosystem is certainly well-conceived and very flexible. Combining the best concepts from FaderFox and Stanton’s SCS-3, as well as savvy workflow and plenty of knobs, buttons, pads and sliders to keep even users of the 4midiLoop happy, the Command series has something for literally everyone. Knowing Behringer, you know it’s going to be affordable, but will all these modules truly be able to work in concert? We’ll find out!
No pricing or availability has been announced.
