Musik Messe 2008 - EKS

Geschreven door Reind Dooyeweerd zondag, 16 maart 2008 23:52

EKS had het meest revolutionaire apparaat op de Musik Messe en omdat de Nederlandse importeur niet echt happig als het gaat om een samenwerking met AboutDJ hebben we direct bij de hoge omes van EKS een review exemplaar aangevraagd van de EKS OTUS. Meer nieuws dan de OTUS was er niet te vinden bij EKS maar "oh mijn god" wat is die OTUS leuk. En het grappige is, hij komt er in 2 smaakjes...

2 smaakjes? Yeps er komen 2 varianten van de OTUS. De volwaardige versie met alles er op en er aan en een RAW versie die een beetje uitgekleed is. Op de Messe waren alleen nog prottypes aanwezig van de OTUS en het jogwheel voelde uiterst belabberd aan maar dat deert niet, zeker niet wanneer je hoorde hoe het nu in elkaar zat en hoe het later in elkaar gezet zal gaan worden. Het jogwheel was nu namelijk op een lik me vestje manier gelagerd en dat is straks iets wat veranderd, er komt namelijk een net jogwheel voor in de plaats welke wel goed gelagerd zal zijn. Of de OTUS ook in het wit zal verschijnen is niet duidelijk, het pianolak zwart was uiterst besmettelijk namelijk en als het dan toch in een glossy variant moet zijn ben je beter af met (hoe gek het ook klinkt) wit.

EKS OTUS - Next Generation Digital DJ Controller
Otus is a professional 2-in-1 DJ controller. The revolutionary virtual audio technology enables the use of multichannel soundcard inside Otus with different DJ software. This makes it possible for a DJ to play two audio channels simultaneously with just one controller.

Otus is equipped with a big, configurable 7.5” jog wheel and new features for effects control, including touchpad and two motion sensors. Otus also brings you an innovative switch key which enables the DJ to flexibly use two layers of controls. To add more show into the mix, the effect controls are placed to make performing more visual.

All this combined with the state of the art space age design, solid aluminum build and fully configurable controls makes Otus a true next generation DJ controller.

With the advanced MIDI support and MIDI mappers it will be easy to configure Otus with just about any software application imaginable, be it audio, video or something else altogether, leaving the boundaries to be defined only by the artist’s imagination.

Physics
EKS Otus’ stylish physical appearance, clever design and the solid touch and feel will make any professional DJ feel at home from the very fist encounter. The sturdy aluminum frame is built to withstand the physical abuse of DJ’ing and the hazards of travel.

The heart of Otus is its illuminated, high resolution 7.5” jog wheel which offers both physical and virtual sensitivity adjustments. Otus has been designed to fit firmly in the place, or on top of, standard DJ turntables, with vibrations substantially reduced due to its unique sharp cloves (feet). All of the controls onboard the XP20 are of the highest professional standards and are illuminated by LED indicators for maximum usability in a club environment.

Spirit
Independent by spirit, Otus gives DJs the freedom to work with software combinations of choice. It feels at home next to a mixer, external soundcard or another controller, but can also replace them all if needed. The advanced MIDI mapper & Asio software makes creating different setups a breeze. Otus is also customizable to suit individual preferences or mood. The smoked glass surface along with the feet of the controller be switched making Otus a truly personal instrument.

Attributes
Otus offers a wide range of controls enabling the user full control – no mouse or keyboard needed. The placement of each control has been optimized for usability and for show factor. All of the key functions are placed closest to the DJ, while effect orientated controls are placed further away. This allows the club audience a better view of the DJ tweaking knows or performing with the revolutionary Near Field Motion sensor.

The Future Proof Ideology of the control layout allows the use of future software features. Assignable buttons, knobs, push-and-rotate selectors and capacitive touchpad enable advanced creative freedom, while the relative touch sensitive slider allows very accurate pitch adjustments.

To top it off, all of the controls can be virtually doubled via a color indicated layer selection switch or shift button. The second layer, indicated by LED color changes, offers the option to control two virtual decks with one Otus or even other software like MIDI controllable VJ software. A professional level audio/headphone output allows direct connectivity to a DJ system or the possibility for headphone preview.

Otus RAW
A rugged single deck controller Otus RAW will be added to the Otus product line during the autumn 2008. Otus RAW has a more traditional approach to controlling software and will be the perfect bridge between the CD players of today and digital possibilities of tomorrow. Otus RAW will feature 7 1/2 inch jog wheel, high quality physical pitch slider, touchpad for effect/mouse control and 4 velocity pads for effect/sample/cuepoint launch.

Features:

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)
• 2 Near Field Motion sensors
• 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 4ch audio interface
• 16bit/24bit, 44.1kHz/48kHz
• Frequency response 4Hz-24kHz
• SNR >115dB JEITA (a-weighted)
• THD+N 0,002%
• 2 x 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: 1.5 kg
Power supply: USB powered (450mA)

En dan het belangrijkste, de prijs... die komt op +/_ 700 euro voor de "kaal geplukte" versie. Vreemd genoeg komt die ook als eerste uit aan het einde van de zomer in 2008, vervolgens word de full version de markt op gegooid en wat die gaat kosten en wanneer die beschikbaar komt is nog niet bekend.