Reloop Buddy DJ Controller
Reloop have been putting out some excellent controllers over the last few years - the Beadpad 2 has been a particular favourite of mine, but it's a big unit that's difficult to accomodate in a home scenario. The Buddy seems to offer a lot of the functionality of the bigger unit in a more desk/travel sized package, along with a path for people wanting to upgrade from one of the cheaper sub-£100 controllers.
It pretty much succeeds in both of these aims - where it misses it's very close and usually not much of an issue. I've been using it for a week or so now and done a few live online shows plus plenty of practice.
Good points:
*Huge amount of functionality in a small package, including support for AI mixing features in DJ Pro
*Logical layout
*Great build quality for the price - not as good as the Beatpad, but faders & buttons are appropriately responsive
Bad points:
*Frugal power budget (no seperate PSU req in PC mode) means that button illumination is 'adequate'
*No moving lights on the platters (much missed from the Beatpad)
*A few quirks/bugs when using DJ Pro Ai (not reloop's fault!)
Overall I find it difficult to give this thing anything other than five stars. It's perfect for a 50/50 home/small gig useage profile and offers a noticeable improvement on the starter controllers out there. It's not a metal-bodied chonker, but it's not trying to be.
Recommended.
It pretty much succeeds in both of these aims - where it misses it's very close and usually not much of an issue. I've been using it for a week or so now and done a few live online shows plus plenty of practice.
Good points:
*Huge amount of functionality in a small package, including support for AI mixing features in DJ Pro
*Logical layout
*Great build quality for the price - not as good as the Beatpad, but faders & buttons are appropriately responsive
Bad points:
*Frugal power budget (no seperate PSU req in PC mode) means that button illumination is 'adequate'
*No moving lights on the platters (much missed from the Beatpad)
*A few quirks/bugs when using DJ Pro Ai (not reloop's fault!)
Overall I find it difficult to give this thing anything other than five stars. It's perfect for a 50/50 home/small gig useage profile and offers a noticeable improvement on the starter controllers out there. It's not a metal-bodied chonker, but it's not trying to be.
Recommended.
January 26, 2021
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Simon K.
