TECH REVIEW: KAM DIGI TWO

When it comes to DJ controllers, the big boys' toys tend to get the most attention. Anyone new to the scene could be forgiven for thinking that to get a decent hardware controller with enough features to make it a professional piece of equipment, a seriously large amount of cash is going to have to be paid in order to take it home.

Kam’s DigiTwo controller is the exception to the usual rule that applies when buying modestly priced DJ controllers. That rule is, of course, settling for less features or quality than the more expensive controllers. However, that is no longer the case because the DigiTwo is absolutely crammed with features normally only seen on much more expensive controllers.

Upon liberating the DigiTwo from its packaging, the most immediately noticeable feature is the fact that this is a four-channel controller with a proper four-channel mixer — complete with crossfader.

A less noticeable but still extremely important feature of the mixer is the standalone capability, ensuring that DJs can easily add conventional equipment to the controller via the external inputs for CD players or other music sources. The mixer accepts two external stereo inputs that are switchable between phono and line levels, as well as a grounding post for turntables along with gain controls for the input levels.

Kam have not skimped on the outputs either: there are XLR main outs that are paired with phono-style outputs along with another discreet booth output via two phono output connectors. These sort of features are normally only found on much higher ticket controllers, and ensure that the DigiTwo is as useful in a club environment as it is back at home in a lounge or bedroom.

Managing to pull off a compact size but still retaining a huge amount of functions without the control surface becoming cluttered or too tightly spaced is a delicate balancing act, but one that the DigiTwo has managed to pull off with aplomb. The mixer is a great example of this clever design. Each of the four channels on the mixer has three knobs for EQ, a dedicated gain knob, filter knob as well as cue buttons and two crossfader assignment buttons.

The crossfader assignment system is one of the most intuitive and best thought-out for a controller in this price bracket. The two buttons on each channel select either the left or right side of the crossfader, with instant visual feedback thanks to the backlit buttons. A master section is squeezed into the middle of the mixer to control the booth and master output levels, along with a rotary file browser knob and track load buttons that make browsing and loading tracks an absolute breeze.

The jog-wheel sections sit either side of the DigiTwo’s mixer section with nicely-sized platters dominating the lower half of each section. Three large pad-style buttons sit at the bottom of each platter to provide control for Sync, Cue and Play. At the top of the controller section, alongside the pitch faders, are four cue buttons that also double as loop control buttons. Four knobs at the top of the controller sections take care of FX and sample controls, with the rest of the very impressive and generous control features being taken care of by an array of buttons in various shapes, sizes and locations.

Setting up the DigiTwo is a painless process. VirtualDJ comes included in the box, and the integration between the software and the controller is flawless as well as being very well thought-out. There is no need to fiddle with drivers, audio settings or MIDI settings — everything just works when the DigiTwo is connected. This is a very nice surprise, and will be a godsend for those new to digital DJing or the less technically minded.

Despite the diminutive cost of the Kam DigiTwo, it is a very high quality controller that has been very well designed and manufactured to a high quality. Given the ease of setting up the controller to work with the supplied VirtualDJ software, and the competitive price, the DigiTwo is perfect for new DJs as well as people who like to have a mix but have no desire to give up their day jobs.

The DigiTwo is also likely to find favour with DJs who are looking for a controller that is easy on the pocket, as well as easy on the back. The size and weight of the DigiTwo make it perfect for throwing in a bag and taking on the road, and the rugged construction should ensure many years of faithful service.

The DigiTwo is one of the most feature-packed controllers in this price bracket. This, along with the build quality, make it a great choice for a wide range of DJs.