Just a quick update... It’s been almost 2 weeks since I loaded Mixxx 2.3 Beta on my (Zorin) Linux laptop connected to my American Audio VMS 4.1 controller. I gotta say; this software and hardware configuration works GREAT! In almost 2 weeks I haven’t experienced ANY hiccups or issues of any kind. I’m not quite ready to pronounce it gig-worthy, but I’m gettin’ close. The MIDI map for my controller works perfectly. I remember with earlier versions of Mixxx I had to install the MIDI map in addition to the Mixxx software, but did not have to do that with this version. It worked right out of the box. The Mixxx UI is pretty straight forward, and the tool tips are really helpful. I like the Wave Form display better than the one in Traktor. The software has everything I need to DJ with. I haven’t tried much “fancy stuff”, but scratching DOESN’T work so great, but that’s probably more of a hardware limitation than anything related to Mixxx. Even using this nearly 10 year old laptop, everything is working flawlessly.
Now for the negatives... None so far on the software side Mixxx runs perfectly on Zorin Linux. Installation took no real knowledge of the OS, and as long as all I’m using this for is playing music, there’s really nothing I can think of that I’d want to improve. What doesn’t really work for me is the hardware setup. I have my controller in it’s case, which has a laptop stand on a robotic style arm attached to a post that is mounted inside the case. It’s the same robotic arm I used to use to hold a monitor for a rack-mounted PC when I first started my business. It works much better as a monitor stand. Maybe it’s just because I DISLIKE DJing with a laptop SO MUCH! It’s really hard to get the laptop set in a comfortable position at the right height and without blocking any of the controls on the controller. As I’ve stated previously, I really dislike having the laptop keyboard at arm’s length, but with my 4 ft. X 2 ft. table, there’s no room in front of my controller case to put a detached keyboard. I would have to use my 30 in. X 30 in. table if I’m gonna use the VMS 4.1. I still think swapping the laptop for an AIO PC like my Dell Optiplex 3030 would work better for me. Even with that, it would be a much more compact setup than either of my current systems, though it would have NONE of those extra features that make my Small and Large Systems so versatile. Those features also increase the complexity, though. This little Linux setup is SIMPLE. VMS 4.1 handles two microphones, and they actually sound better with this controller than with my Denon MC6000MK2’s. Right now I’m just using two wired mics to test with. The Talk-Over feature in Mixxx works as it should.
I’ve been a little hesitant about installing Linux on my Dell Optiplex 3030. It’s currently running Windows 10, but I don’t really use it for anything. I’d have to swap out the Hard Drive, which is a PITA. But I think that’s the next step. I also think I’d like to get a little two mic. wireless mic system to use with it. It’s very likely I’m gonna shut down my DJ business soon, but I’d still do some charity stuff and private parties from time-to-time, and this little configuration might be just the right system.
Now for the negatives... None so far on the software side Mixxx runs perfectly on Zorin Linux. Installation took no real knowledge of the OS, and as long as all I’m using this for is playing music, there’s really nothing I can think of that I’d want to improve. What doesn’t really work for me is the hardware setup. I have my controller in it’s case, which has a laptop stand on a robotic style arm attached to a post that is mounted inside the case. It’s the same robotic arm I used to use to hold a monitor for a rack-mounted PC when I first started my business. It works much better as a monitor stand. Maybe it’s just because I DISLIKE DJing with a laptop SO MUCH! It’s really hard to get the laptop set in a comfortable position at the right height and without blocking any of the controls on the controller. As I’ve stated previously, I really dislike having the laptop keyboard at arm’s length, but with my 4 ft. X 2 ft. table, there’s no room in front of my controller case to put a detached keyboard. I would have to use my 30 in. X 30 in. table if I’m gonna use the VMS 4.1. I still think swapping the laptop for an AIO PC like my Dell Optiplex 3030 would work better for me. Even with that, it would be a much more compact setup than either of my current systems, though it would have NONE of those extra features that make my Small and Large Systems so versatile. Those features also increase the complexity, though. This little Linux setup is SIMPLE. VMS 4.1 handles two microphones, and they actually sound better with this controller than with my Denon MC6000MK2’s. Right now I’m just using two wired mics to test with. The Talk-Over feature in Mixxx works as it should.
I’ve been a little hesitant about installing Linux on my Dell Optiplex 3030. It’s currently running Windows 10, but I don’t really use it for anything. I’d have to swap out the Hard Drive, which is a PITA. But I think that’s the next step. I also think I’d like to get a little two mic. wireless mic system to use with it. It’s very likely I’m gonna shut down my DJ business soon, but I’d still do some charity stuff and private parties from time-to-time, and this little configuration might be just the right system.
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For me, I wouldn’t run it on Windows, since my objective was to see if I could build a system that I could run WITHOUT any Microsoft products. I can!