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M-Audio Torq Xponent USB MIDI DJ Controller

Torq Xponent is a cutting-edge performance system that brings professional-grade control to the world of the computer-based DJ. Engineered by M-Audio's SynchroScience Design Group, the package includes the Torq DJ software that's revolutionizing digital DJing and the Xponent hardware control surface that puts all that power right at your fingertips. With full-size tactile controls, an integrated USB audio interface and intuitive MIDI-learn capabilities, Torq Xponent bridges the gap between traditional DJ hardware and today's powerful performance software once and for all. This completely integrated system combines the features of a standard two-channel DJ mixer with the controls of a pair of DJ CD players, letting you cue, mix and scratch digital files without touching the host computer. Learn More...

    • New $599.00
    • Blowouts save up to $109!
  • Installment Plan:4 payments of $149.75
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Overall User Ratings

Overall:
* * * * * * * * . . 8 out of 10
Features:
* * * * * * * . . . 7 out of 10
Quality:
* * * * * * . . . . 6 out of 10
Value:
* * * * * * * . . . 7 out of 10
I Want It:
* * * * * * * * * * 10 out of 10
Sound:
* * * * * * * * . . 8 out of 10
Ease of Use:
* * * * * * * * * . 9 out of 10
Support:
* * * * * * * * . . 8 out of 10

Individual User Ratings

Overall:
* * * * * * * * . . 8 out of 10
Features:
* * * * * * * * . . 8 out of 10
Quality:
* * * * * * * . . . 7 out of 10
Value:
* * * * * * * * . . 8 out of 10
Sound:
* * * * * * * * * . 9 out of 10
Ease of Use:
* * * * * * * * * * 10 out of 10
Support:
* * * * * * * * * * 10 out of 10

Feature:
The plethora of features do not disappoint. The stock effects are mainstays and the fact that you can incorporate VST's makes this pretty versatile. Torq, is an excellent piece of software which is constantly being updated. Rewire MIDI mapping is a plus as is the MIDI-In Out for using MIDI clock features.

Quality:
The unit is fairly large and flat but has a very good weight to it. The rubber feet on the bottom is very sticky on most surfaces. The sliders and faders are very loose and the knobs are removable. (Don't try too hard). Only downside is that faders are not interchangeable. I've had no problems with burned out led's or anything similar to this.

Value:
The price is a little higher than you might originally expect. However, consider buying an audio interface, mixer, and two CDJ's separately. If that doesn't break the bank than you obviously robbed one.

Desirability:
Colors?.. Mmmm blinking. Wanna customize your own skin? Check the Torq-DJ forums.

Sound:
The sound quality from the xponent meets all expectations. Brave tinkerers can modify all of the EQ settings in the config. files. The built in audio interface is a plus over similar products making it a smart budget conscious decision. Latency is fairly minimal with the proper computer hardware and prep.

Ease of Use:
This IS easy. Power? Check USB? Check Software? Check! The buttons are not 1 to 1 as there are many more buttons in the Torq software which must be clicked to utilize. The built in mousepad is a lifesaver in some mobile setups. If your adventurous you can remap Torq buttons at your whim.

Support:
I've only called once but they were extremely knowledgeable. They will repair ANY problems for up to a year.

Overall:
For the price/features combination, this is an all-in-one type deal. Purely from a controller standpoint however this could easily still be an awesome tool. For experienced DJ's making the Digi-Switch this is your fast track. I've recorded hours of mixes and performances with no issues software/hardware or otherwise.

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Overall:
* . . . . . . . . . 1 out of 10
Features:
* . . . . . . . . . 1 out of 10
Quality:
* . . . . . . . . . 1 out of 10
Value:
* . . . . . . . . . 1 out of 10
I Want It:
* * * * * * * * * * 10 out of 10
Sound:
* * * * * . . . . . 5 out of 10
Ease of Use:
* * * * * * * * * . 9 out of 10
Support:
* . . . . . . . . . 1 out of 10

Feature:
Not applicable to this product

Quality:
I ordered this material first in Feb 08 and returned it right away because some LEDs control surface buttons were burned out on few commands. The replacement device sent was showing the same problem with LEDs sequentially burning after only few hours. M-Audio Technical support is lost and do not know or do not want to communicate on this issue. Please check this info on the User's Forum before buying: http://www.torq-dj.com/forum/viewtopic.php?t=6240

Value:
This is very costly equipment for the low manufacturing quality and poor reliability

Desirability:
Sure it's a cute & fancy DJ Toy

Sound:
Average Sound Card performance

Ease of Use:
Very Intuitive

Support:
M-Audio technical support pretends to be aware of the problem although they are unable to explain what is causing it.

Overall:
Nothing can justify non reliable material and support

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Overall:
* * * * * * * * * . 9 out of 10
Features:
* * * * * * * * * * 10 out of 10
Quality:
* * * * * * * . . . 7 out of 10
Value:
* * * * * * * * . . 8 out of 10
I Want It:
* * * * * * * * * * 10 out of 10
Sound:
* * * * * * * * * * 10 out of 10
Ease of Use:
* * * * * * * * * . 9 out of 10
Support:
* * * * * * * * * * 10 out of 10

Feature:
But does it blend? Yes. The different mechanisms for song control and even the ability to scratch (albeit not that well) are welcome. The included effects are more than enough to put on a good show and the interface is incredibly intuitive. I love the glow to the beat feature.

Quality:
It's plastic... like all of M-Audio's gear. The knobs are nice, but the sliders could use a little more resistance. Otherwise, it is solid and doesn't feel like it would come to pieces anytime soon.

Value:
Very expensive considering other platforms, but I think the amount of features and product quality really make up for it.

Desirability:
This is probably the sexiest computer DJ platform for mixing (not scratching).

Sound:
Great sound and sufficient gain control. The tempo and pitch sliders operate at a 'hardly noticeable' level and allow for adjustment in the middle of mix without horrible sound warping. The effects are flawless.

Ease of Use:
There is a learning curve on the beat matching with static turntable replicas. I still haven't taken the time to read and learn cuing but this device is otherwise self-explanatory and allows you to rip some sick mixes within the first seconds of picking it up.

Support:
No idea, but the forums did help address a problem I had with song freezes in CDJ mode. Hopefully rolling software updates for Torq and firmware for Xponent keep this product up-to-date.

Overall:
I am very satisfied by the purchase of this product. It is a great deal of fun to play with, and I can realistically see using it for live gigs without a hitch. Incorporate this with turntables and you're golden.

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Overall:
* * * * * * * * * * 10 out of 10
Features:
* * * * * * * * * * 10 out of 10
Quality:
* * * * * * * * * * 10 out of 10
Value:
* * * * * * * * * . 9 out of 10
I Want It:
* * * * * * * * * * 10 out of 10
Sound:
* * * * * * * * * . 9 out of 10
Ease of Use:
* * * * * * * * * . 9 out of 10
Support:
* * * * * * * * * * 10 out of 10

Feature:
Every feature they've implemented has been done correctly. intuitive, except for the sampler section, probably have to hit the books to learn the best ways of using that. Has everything a traditional Dj setup on a modern mixer would have and more. One thing i really like is that the xponent is a true audio interface -- not only can Torq output through the Xponent, but in OSX (at least, probably windows) you can also send the system's output through it, so that you don't have to switch back and forth or have a seperate mixer. Very nice.

Quality:
Wasn't too sure about this one at first. After receiving the unit, i can say that it's build quality is really excellent, and everything feels solid! Hopefully, since the sliders and faders are controllers rather then actually being audio routing components in most mixers, they will be both simpler and have a longer life time then traditional mixers. We will see.. but it is true that if you have a problem with a fader, you'll be out of luck. no user serviceable parts here. Also, the sensitivity of the touch portion of the jog wheels has "personaility", that is, it won't always latch - you have to learn how to make sure of that. A bit different then CDJ-800's. Still, everything on my unit feels very solid and I hpe that it will be a faithful companion. Worth the 600 price tag? if that money has truly gone into the ruggedization of the hardware and reliability of the software as well, the answer will be a resounding yes. *At this point early in the owning process*, i believe it has.

Value:
it is a wonderful value and except for the fact that scratch sounds are a bit artificial and the touch sensitive portions are temperate, it's an excellent value! Not for a scratching type of performance (you can get away with a bit) but certainly, certainly for a lover of artistic mixing.

Desirability:
I can now use ALL of my music to play out - not just what i have burned to cd. I can choose to show (via projector) or not show, the torq software to an audience. Very nice, and i don't think i'll be looking back to a traditional rig anytime soon.

Sound:
the sound quality is really excellent, the built in effects are good (for the limited number you have out of the box, let's hope that future versions of torq increase this number, and i'm not talking about the third-party VST's which are a different matter) and the only blemish (perhaps owing to the nature of mp3) is that the actual "scratch" sound seems to be a tad bit artificial. It's fine for mixing, but sounds much less like the pure fidelity of a CDJ-800, for instance.

Ease of Use:
There is at this point no help documentation available though the Torq software, nor is there a printed manual. There is documentation provided, but it's not easy to get to from the application itself. If that sounds minor - it is. My experience was 100% easy and i was up in 10 minutes.

Support:
Maudio has never let me down, and i've called them once many years ago. Speaking for osx, their drivers are great and i've not often had any problems a'tall.

Overall:
I do not think i will upgrade from this product until another product does a good job of shifting the entire platter/fader paradigm. (of course, if they expanded torq to any number of tracks and let you assign which platters controlled which tracks without stopping the tracks already in play, we might just have a paradigm there worth keeping the xponent around for!)

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