EKS OTUS DJ MIDI CONTROLLER
OTUS – The Next Generation Digital DJ Controller
EKS Otus’ stylish physical appearance, clever design and the solid touch and feel will make any professional DJ feel at home from the very first 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 with 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 Otus 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 can 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 knobs.
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 programs.
A professional level audio/headphone output allows direct connectivity to a DJ system or the possibility for headphone preview.
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Functional DesignTo meet the needs of professional artists, all the controls are of the absolute best quality. 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. Otus is also designed to fit on top of a standard vinyl turntable. This makes it easy to fit it in any DJ booth. Otus weights 2kg, so it's firm and sturdy but still retains its portable nature. |
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Future Proof Control Layout10 control knobs, 17 low travel buttons and 6 touch sensitive buttons - all controls freely assignable to suit the artists' personal needs. No mouse or keyboard is needed to perform. The controls are specially designed to meet the needs of the present digital world as well as the challenges of the future. |
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7,5” Jog WheelThe heart of Otus is its illuminated, high resolution 7.5” jog wheel with both physical and virtual sensitivity adjustments. The touch sensitive top part of the wheel functions like a vinyl turntable, allowing you to scratch or cue the track by rotating the wheel. The outer rim of the wheel functions as a pitch bender. The LED illumination around the wheel enables two way communication with MIDI software in a configurable manner. |
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Dual Layer Control SurfaceOtus features two layers of controls, which can be easily swapped by pressing the switch button. This enables operating two virtual decks with just one controller. Layer changes are indicated by the change of the LED colour. |
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Touch Sensitive Pitch RibbonThe 80mm touch sensitive relative pitch slider with LED visualization enables highly accurate pitch adjustments. The amount of pitch is altered by sliding a finger on the slider, and the accuracy of the slider can be chosen on the fly by pressing the scale button, for example 1x/5x/10x. The LED indicates the pitch value, which is recalled as the user swaps the virtual deck. |
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Integrated Soundcard with Dual Outputs and A Headphone JackIndividual professional level analog and digital outputs for both virtual decks. The headphone output enables direct headphone preview. |
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TouchpadA touchpad for mouse or user definable X/Y effect control. This makes touching computer while playing unnecessary. |
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Four Selector Jog WheelsEach corner of Otus features an assignable jog wheel controller with an integrated select button in the middle - created for optimal file browsing or selecting effects and other features. |
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LED IlluminationAll controls are backlit by colour changing LED's for easy utilization in a club environment and other poorly illuminated situations. |
Works with Your Favorite DJ/VJ/MIDI SoftwareThe advanced MIDI mapper and ASIO drivers make creating configurations for your favourite DJ/VJ software easy and intuitive. The EKS support pages contain downloads and instructions for setting Otus up with different software. |
Setting up Otus
Otus can be configured in various ways: to work as a two channel audio interface, an all-in-one control device or a simple MIDI controller without audio. Here's a few basic ways to connect Otus to your DJ setup.
In the first setup the Otus is connected to a standard external DJ mixer of your choice. This allows a quick and easy setup in a club or in other hectic situations. Otus is also designed to fit on top of a standard vinyl turntable, which makes it easy to fit it in any DJ booth.
In this second setup the Otus is used as a all-in-one DJ control device, which can be connected directly to your amplifier or PA system. The Otus features a headphone jack, enabling direct preview of your music.
In the third basic setup the Otus is used only as a MIDI controller and the audio is routed through the audio interface of your computer or an external soundcard. This way you can utilize the Otus to control as many virtual decks as your DJ software of choice allows.
OTUS Technical Specifications
Compatibility |
ASIO |
Controls |
High resolution 7.5" wheel with touch sense (position/speed LED indicated) |
Audio interface |
Integrated 24-bit 6ch audio interface |
Connectors |
USB |
Dimensions |
365mm x 335mm x 70mm |
Weight |
2 kg |
Power supply |
USB powered (450mA) |
FUTUREMUSIC.COM REVIEW:
EKS, the small Finnish concern, known primarily for the XP-10 Digital DJ controller, is now readying their next-generation OTUS controller, which garnered incredible buzz during NAMM and MusikMesse, for release in June. FutureMusic has been following EKS since 2001 when Antero Ramsay showcased the XP-10 to us in his infamous "briefcase DJ rig" consisting of two XP-10s, a two-channel DJ mixer and a laptop shoehorned into a small attache. His digital DJing concept was obviously ahead of its time in terms of adoption, but he laid the ground work for EKS in the US and Europe with his tenancity.
Ramsay has since retired and sold his interest to a silent group of investors who are now financing the company's new OTUS line of DJ hardware. However, his dream of creating "future-proof" DJ controllers, that are on the cutting-edge, still fuels the reinvigorated company.
We discussed EKS and the new OTUS with Sulevi Seppänen, Sales Director, to find out more about this innovative controller and the company that's driving its development. EKS is very focused on its "future-proof" brand message and applying the company's forward-thinking philosophy to not only hardware and software, but to dance music's evolution as an art form.
Seppänen, Managing Director Karipaa Nanen, and the rest of the EKS team are unabashedly gazing far ahead to where they believe dance music and DJing will be in the next few years, and designing their new products accordingly, instead of looking over their shoulder at past metaphors. This is not to say that the company does not acknowledge the heritege and history of DJing, since they are carrying over several DJ paradigms into new product development, but they are not shackled by tradition. Just one look at their new OTUS demonstrates this ideal better than any words we can put on paper.
To ensure that all of their products are future-proof, EKS is committed to separating the software from the hardware, and keeping current and future products "open." With their MIDI mapping middle-ware, they are making it easy to use the OTUS with any software, and not anchoring the controller to any one software mixing solution. This allows the controller to remain relevant even as the software naturally evolves year after year.
The futuristic design of the OTUS created a sensation at this year's trade shows
This new approach is certainly an about-face from years ago, when the company was championing their own Bison mixing software. Although, Bison was one of the early entrants into the digital mixing market, it never caught on due to its lackluster graphical user interface (GUI), and very limited feature-set. Even though Bison was Dead On Arrival, the company still wasted a good deal of resources promoting and developing the software instead of forging relationships with the leading solutions. Seppänen has confirmed that although EKS is still offering Bison, its development is now on the "back burner."
As part of the rebranding effort, EKS has recently redesigned their website to reflect their future-proof philosophy, and present the heritege of the company, which they assert was started in 1955, and called Voimaradio Oy. This is somewhat of a misstep, since the "old EKS" has nothing to do with the new EKS, and Voimaradio Oy certainly doesn't carry much brand currency with the new generation of EKS customers, who care much more about their new products than Tapio Matti Köykkä, a reportedly "controversal figure" in the Finnish audio community.
To further assert their agenda, EKS has developed what they call "The EKS Digital Manifest." Here's some highlights:
- We the EKS hereby declare the paragraphs of the digital music revolution at hand and the production values concerning.
- If a certain way of doing things was great in the past, it doesn't necessarily mean it should stay like that forever. We seek and manufacture future proof solutions.
- The EKS solutions are made directly for the digital age. Only a small part of the possibilities of a true digital environment have been utilized so far. We challenge the conventional methods.
- A new way of doing things usually requires new tools.
- Music software will evolve. Our way of keeping the brains (software) and the body (controllers) separate enables keeping up with the latest advances of the software technology.
- Artists' needs are versatile. We create solutions that allow freedom to combine any third party software, mixers, controllers or other components to a DJ setup.
- To understand the needs and to fully utilize the possibilities of the digital age, direct communication with the DJ community is essential.
While some may feel that this declaration is grandstanding, its goal is to demonstrate the company's commitment to developing cutting-edge products.
The OTUS mixes traditional DJing controls with new concepts
Like the XP-10 before it, the OTUS has a 24bit, four channel, built-in sound card with a claimed frequency response of 4Hz-24kHz and a Signal To Noise Ratio of >115dB. Two Burr-Brown I2S handle Digital Audio Conversion. The multichannel sound out allows the OTUS to be utilized as two decks, as well as adds some other dynamic audio routing capabilities, a competitive advantage over other controllers.
Besides the integrated sound card, the OTUS features motion controllers. "We wanted to give the DJ the ability to incorporate more show factor into their sets," Seppänen reveals. "It was important to us to provide the DJ with a more artistic and visual approach to mixing." The motion controllers, which work on the vertical axis, can be MIDI assigned to filters, resonance, delay feedback and any other creative attribute.
Seppänen is careful to point out that the OTUS is not an "all-in-one controller," meaning is not meant to be a one-size-fits-all product for all types of DJs in every genre, though it can be used with practically any mixing program. "The emphasis [for the OTUS] is on effects, and for live remixing, as well as mashups," Seppänen discloses. In fact, Seppänen goes on to reveal that future EKS controllers will be targeted to different styles of DJing and genres.
The rear view of the OTUS reveals the USB connectivity and built-in sound card
To determine what's next, EKS is constantly asking themselves: What new ways are there to manipulate music? Is there new way of playing songs? What new plug-ins will be used? And, what type of controls will a DJ use beyond the turntable paradigm?
Although, EKS plays nice with the latest leading mixing software, the company is very open to working with emerging startups who are pushing the software envelope. In fact, Seppänen revealed that the controller should be designed for the software and not the other way around. "The software should dictate the development of the hardware and not be tied to the turntable model." That said, Seppänen still feels that the controller's architecture should remain as open as possible to inspire DJs to figure out new ways and methods of mixing that others never thought possible.
Despite the fluctuations in currency, Seppänen still hopes to bring the OTUS to the US market for under $1000 - prior reports put the controller in the $700 to $800 range. This positions the controller between the Vestax VCI-100, and some of the new models announced by Stanton and Numark at NAMM and MusikMesse. With a built-in soundcard, advanced MIDI controls, and a futuristic design, the EKS could find a substantial niche in the market - now that the DJ community is finally ready to embrace Antero Ramsay's original Briefcase DJ Rig
DJMAG.COM REVIEW:
The Otus comes across as a truly professional product for controlling DJ software and features a built-in six-channel Burr Brown soundcard, which sounds really fat.
It's one of the first pure Midi controllers designed on the same scale and layout as a Pioneer CDJ-1000 - aimed at controlling virtual deck playback and effects.
It's built on a solid aluminium base with an elaborate and colourful design that makes it really stand out, visually and stylistically.
At 2kg it's sturdy on the bench and its clever feet make it stand firmly on a turntable for when the DJ booth is too cramped. Similar to Stanton's Da Scratch Midi controller, it features touch-sensitive control areas, such as the XY pad, relative pitch slider, and touch buttons.
There's also a large traditional touch-sensitive jog wheel, which gives a similar feel and performance as the Pioneer CDJ-1000.
One of the key things with any controller is coming up with a familiar layout that works for the task at hand. The Otus makes a good compromise between controls for advanced features and traditional CDJ-style buttons, but lacks a big rewind button in place of a smaller one.
It's aimed at DJs who want to use a traditional DJ mixer and like keeping elements separate. Saying that, it can easily command an entire set using virtual mixers, by assigning mixer controls to whatever controls on the Otus that you want and plugging in your headphones to the jack on the back.
Built into the heart of its workings, is a dual layer deck switch, so the Otus can control two decks. A pair of Oti would be ideal for four-deck software like Traktor, and it provides the audio connections too.
Unlike Da Scratch, and because of its sheer size, Otus can't be slung into your laptop bag. The control knobs that stick out on the top mean you'll need to take it to gigs in the box or invest in the Otus bag from UDG.
OUT THE BOX
Otus comes with EKS Bison and Deckadance LE in the box, which natively support Otus. They require no set up, which makes Otus great for beginners, and this supplies higher resolution scratch control by using HID instead of Midi to communicate.
Preset Midi files on the EKS website kick-start your set up and MixVibes, PCDJ and DjDecks will also natively support the Otus via Midi soon. HID support is coming for existing Deckadance and Serato users too, so it's clearly got the full support of the industry's top players.
For a more professional custom feel, the Otus is highly adaptable and comes with Midi mapping software, which provides Midi modifiers. Like shift on the keyboard, combine controls to greatly expand the Otus.
The dual layer idea works brilliantly with different colour lights to show where you are. Hold the swop button to momentarily control the other deck, or a decisive double tap to swop over for good.
We're not massively keen on the shiny touch surface, which can be a bit sticky and they need to improve the precision of the XY pad, which doubles up as a mouse. The pitch slider has three settings for course, medium and fine control.
Even with age-old Midi control, the scratch wheel offers pretty good feel and is great for cueing tracks naturally. But if you want to scratch like a pro, you'll need HID support to be taken seriously.
We like the little loop buttons, but they're a little bit too small and close together, but plentiful for advanced performances.
SPECS
GEEK SPEAK
• Burr Brown audio interface with 6 channels – stereo headphone jack and 2 stereo RCA outs and S/PDIF
• 16bit/24bit, 44.1kHz/48kHz
• Frequency response 4Hz-24kHz
• SNR >115dB JEITA (a-weighted), THD+N 0,002%
• Windows, OSX, Linux compatible with ASIO and Core Audio drivers
• USB2.0/USB1.1 buss powered
• High resolution 7.5" touch-sensitive wheel
• Midi messages - Note, Aftertouch, Control Change, Program Change, Channel Mode, Pitch Wheel and Extended
• Define minimum and maximum range and define sensitivity
• 4 mini push-button jog dials, 17 low travel buttons, 6 touch buttons, 10 control knobs
• Touchpad X/Y control surface for mouse or effects
• 80mm touch sensitive pitch slider, with position LEDs
• Sized 365mm x 335mm x 70mm and weighs 2 kg
VERDICT
Build 4.5/5
Ease of Use 3.5/5
Features 4.5/5
Value for money 3.5/5
Sound quality 4.5/5
HYPE
This highly adaptable Midi controller's two virtual decks, touch-sensitive scratch control, and forward-thinking DJ layout make it a professional option.
GRIPE
Twin layer can lead to confusion, knobs feel wobbly, loop buttons are too small and the unit isn't that portable. Some refinements would boost the scores.
