Feena FMDJ9303
The Feena's button layout is basically the same as a standard audio mixer with additional CD controls on it, and the benefit of using this over the BCF2000 is that it's laid out properly for mixing, with buttons where they are needed, and no need to remeber what you set them to, or draw little icons/text on some white tape!
There are some pretty funky buttons on the unit for pitchbend, which are basically XY joypads like on your PS2 controller.
The four vertical sliders have a nice precise friction to them, and give an impression of control when you move them where you want them, although in my configuration of Traktor they didn't have much scope.
The xfader (those that use one) has a much lighter feedback on it, similar to the one on my Numark EM-260 mixer (old skool? You fucking knows it!)
Configuring the Feena FMDJ9303 with Traktor DJ Studio 3
Configuration was a piece of piss! There is no software or drivers with the Feena FMDJ9303, you simply plug in the supplied USB cable and Microsoft Windows does the rest. After it has installed, you get the normal "Your device is ready to be used." message.
Once you have loaded Traktor, you have to configure the button layout and choose the midi mixer you wish to use. This is easy too, as Feena provide you with a basic layout TKS file to download from their website... Once I had downloaded this, and installed it into Traktor it was time to play!
The main buttons on the device are all backlit, meaning that it is useable in a dark environment. I personally would have chosen a different font for the lettering, but hey that's just a minor issue. I am sure with a few hours behind the mouse wheels of steel, you'll know what is what without looking anyway.
Video Review
I have also posted a video on YouTube showing what it looks like. This should be available when they finish processing it. It was filmed on my phone, so don't expect anything too grand. If need be, I'll look at doing a proper video review soon.
Feena FMDJ9303 First Day Video Review
Purchasing a Feema Electronics FMDJ9303
OK, I don't work for Feena, just feel that they need some support. I've only just got mine, but they were really helpful, and didn't fuck around posting it to me. They got back to me when I had a few questions and they are looking for feedback from people after they have purchased them.
I ordered mine from their website using PayPal and it was $350.00 plus $56.00 shipping to the UK.
It took around two weeks to arrive, and when it did I was clusterfucked by HMCE for another £51.13 in duty for the War Fund.
The grand total in the queens currency: £250.00 ish...
Conclusion
I've been using this for about 18 months now and it hasn't failed me in this time at all. I use it on average for about 6-8 hours a week, for both radio broadcasts and live gigs.
I have seen another DJ use it in Notts who initially put me onto Feena, and he seems to have nothing but positive reviews of it. I recently missed out on one for just for just over £100.00 in the UK and I am kicking myself! If I'd been paid on time I'd have had another to do four deck mixing with.
It's defo home brew, there are no logos or serial numbers on the bottom, but the casing is really durable looking, and a nice colour too!
All in all I'd recommend it to all Ableton and Traktor DJs. I know its not the only one out there, but it is a serious contender for the big boys like Behringer BCF/BCRs, Xone:3D, Vestax and M-Audio...
The only bad news I have is that these have been discontinued and are now pretty rare to get hold of. Cummon Mike @ Feena... we need more :P
