New DJ controller features heavy-duty pitch sliders, large velocity pads/buttons, dual layer deck functionality and rugged chassis design.
Espoo, Finland - (January 12, 2010) - EKS, creators of the world’s most innovative and fully configurable DJ controllers, is proud to announce the debut of their latest innovation - Otus RAW. Designed to work as a single or dual deck controller, EKS’ Otus RAW will contain many new features that were requested by professional DJs from around the world. Otus RAW is also designed to fully utilize the possibilities offered by today’s and tomorrow’s DJ software.
Unlike the original Otus, Otus RAW is equipped with two long and sturdy SL-turntable-style pitch sliders, one for each virtual deck. The Otus RAW also features large velocity pads and buttons allowing for fast and easy operation in a hectic club environment. A layer switch immediately multiplies the layers of controls available on the Otus RAW, resulting in nearly an unlimited number of control possibilities. As with all EKS controllers, the Otus RAW will boast a future proof control ideology that makes the Otus RAW the most highly configurable controller for DJs today and for many years to come.
“The concept for the Otus RAW was simple: take feedback from the world’s most well respected DJs on the original Otus and incorporate it into the design of Otus RAW,” commented Sulevi Seppänen, EKS’ Sales Director. “The original Otus is still one of the finest controllers on the market, but we realize that some DJs prefer the physical control of a SL-turntable-style slider as opposed to a touch sensitive slider. Between the Otus RAW and the original Otus, I believe our engineers have created two of the marquee controllers on the market today.”
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.
 | 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.
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| | 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
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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.
