Pricing and availability

* Product prices and availability are updated by Equipboard every 24hrs and are subject to change. Equipboard may receive compensation for purchases made at participating retailers linked on this site. This compensation does not affect what products or prices are displayed, or the order of prices listed. For more information, please refer to our affiliate disclosure.

Description

In a world where digital reigns supreme, the Livid Instruments DS1 MIDI mixer offers a refreshing blend of classic control and modern versatility. Designed through a collaboration with Dubspot, a leader in electronic music education, the DS1 is the perfect solution for musicians and producers craving intuitive, tactile interaction with their DAWs. This robust controller is crafted from ultra-light yet heavy-duty aluminum, ensuring it's both portable and durable, ideal for both studio sessions and live performances.

With nine 60mm faders and 44 rotary knobs, the DS1 gives you the freedom to sculpt your sound with precision. Its 25 RGB backlit buttons and four push encoders provide seamless navigation and control, while customizable knob colors and seven assignable color modes let you tailor the interface to your unique workflow. Whether you're a Logic Pro maestro or an Ableton Live enthusiast, the DS1's class-compliant MIDI design ensures compatibility with any software that supports MIDI, making it an indispensable tool for any digital musician.

Key Features:

  • Nine 60mm faders (8 channels + 1 main)
  • 44 backlit rotary knobs with customizable colors
  • 25 RGB backlit buttons
  • Four push encoders
  • Expression pedal input
  • Compatible with any software that supports MIDI
  • USB powered; requires AC adapter (not included) for full LED illumination
  • Ultra-light, heavy-duty aluminum construction
  • Designed and built in Austin, TX
lividTV

lividTV

Livid Instruments DS1 MIDI Mixer

Video thumbnail for Livid Instruments DS1 MIDI Mixer by lividTV

Livid Instruments DS1 MIDI Mixer

lividTV

lividTV

Video thumbnail for Livid DS1 Mixer Overview by lividTV

Livid DS1 Mixer Overview

lividTV

lividTV

Video thumbnail for Livid Instruments DS1 MIDI Mixer by Matthew E Mazzone

Livid Instruments DS1 MIDI Mixer

Matthew E Mazzone

Matthew E Mazzone

Video thumbnail for Livid Ds1 MIDI Mixer Control Surface Overview - Sweetwater Sound by Sweetwater

Livid Ds1 MIDI Mixer Control Surface Overview - Sweetwater Sound

Sweetwater

Sweetwater

Reviews

Owner Insights

We analyzed real musician discussions from forums and Reddit to find what players love, question, and tweak about Livid Instruments DS1.

Build quality

  • The first fader can be noisy, especially near an AC adapter, causing jumpy CC signals.

    Source

Setup and maintenance

  • Direct connection using a USB-B to USB-C cable can resolve connectivity issues with MacBook Pro.

    Source
  • Without firmware updates, DS-1 struggles to communicate through USB hubs, indicating a need for direct USB connections for initial setup.

    Source

Software and compatibility

  • Some units work without issues on macOS Big Sur, skipping Catalina, suggesting possible compatibility limitations with certain macOS versions.

    Source
  • Firmware updates require the device to be in Boot Loader mode, but accessing the Builder software for this can lead to Error 404 issues.

    Source
  • Direct connection via a USB type B-to-USB C cable resolves issues with MacBook connectivity; USB hubs can cause communication failures.

    Source

User experience

  • Some DS-1 units were dead on arrival, indicating potential variability in quality control from Livid Instruments.

    Source

Other

  • Livid Instruments' closure means no ongoing support, complicating troubleshooting and repairs.

    Source

Critic Reviews

Livid Instruments DS1 review | MusicRadar

musicradar.com

The Livid Instruments DS1 impresses with its solid build and portable design, making it a reliable choice for musicians on the go. Its compact USB-powered setup and configurable LED buttons are standout features, though the lack of colored LEDs for knobs and rotaries and its high price tag might be drawbacks. While DAW scripts are limited, the DS1 offers a straightforward setup with Logic Pro X and Live 9, catering to users who enjoy crafting bespoke MIDI mappings. Despite the competition from touchscreen alternatives, the DS1's tactile feel and quality construction earn it a favorable nod for studio mixing.

positive

Review: Livid Instruments DS-1 : Ask.Audio

ask.audio

The Livid Instruments DS-1 impresses with its rugged build and smooth, non-janky faders, making it a versatile tool for both DJs and home studio producers. Its ease of setup and intuitive design, coupled with backlit knobs, enhance usability in low-light setups. While lacking motorized faders, which would elevate its price, the DS-1 remains an affordable and highly recommended choice for musicians seeking a solid mixing console.

positive
Add

4.5 out of 5

Based on 2 Reviews and 9 Ratings

5 star
4 star
3 star
2 star
1 star
noize_guerilla_subalot

Very nice if you need a controller for mixing

5 rotaries and 2 pad + a fader (and everything times 8-strips) and 4endless encoder + 4 rotary controller + 9 pads + a master fader. It makes a really nice tool and gives some controls. One downside is, that the leds DO NOT! change colour via computer BUT! there are coloured rings you can put between encoder + light. Problem is, those lenses are no longer available. If you find them anywhere, do not hesitate to contact me ! (Because coloured controlls would be great for setting this up live in combination with a laptop + ableton push)

stefana

Very nice controller

Fader and rotary like a analogic mixer but midi fully assignable

Artist usage

Add artist
See how Paul van Dyk uses Livid Instruments DS1

Paul van Dyk

Music Producer, DJ

BT & Paul van Dyk

...
Verified via Photo

His instagram picture indicates him using the Livid Instruments DS1 during his live gigs as his standard setup.

See how Robert Babicz uses Livid Instruments DS1

Robert Babicz

Music Producer

...
Verified via Photo

Robert Babicz is shown using the Livid Instruments DS1 in a photo on his official Facebook page, demonstrating his integration of this MIDI controller into his setup.

See how Weval uses Livid Instruments DS1

Weval

...
Verified via Facebook

You can see them using a DS1 in this video on their Facebook page.

See how Parra for Cuva uses Livid Instruments DS1

Parra for Cuva

Keyboardist, Composer

...
Verified via YouTube

In a live performance captured and shared by MayanWarrior on YouTube during the Burning Man event in 2022, Parra for Cuva can be seen utilizing the Livid Instruments DS1, a MIDI DAW Controller, as part of his musical setup. The video, titled "Parra for Cuva (live) - Mayan Warrior - Burning Man 2022," provides visual evidence of the artist's gear choice for this notable performance.

See how Thylacine uses Livid Instruments DS1

Thylacine

...
Verified via YouTube

You can see Thylacine using 2 Livid DS1 above his 2 launchpads

See how Markus Popp uses Livid Instruments DS1

Markus Popp

Music Producer

Oval

...
Verified via Photo

Markus Popp of Oval has a DS1 in this image.

See how Matthew S uses Livid Instruments DS1

Matthew S

...
Verified via YouTube

You can see Livid DS1 in this video

See how Zimmer uses Livid Instruments DS1

Zimmer

Music Producer, DJ

...
Verified via Photo

In this Instagram photo, Zimmer details some of his gear for his live show. He says:

Some of the live show tools : Livid DS1, Prophet 6, Midifighter.

Genre Usage

Based on how artists on Equipboard use this gear, it is most commonly found in the following genres.

Used With

Based on how musicians on Equipboard use Livid Instruments DS1, it is most commonly used with the following gear.

More Livid DAW Controllers

Livid Alias 8

 

 
Trent Reznor Guy J Mathew Jonson
5 artists using
Korg nanoKONTROL2

$53.00 - $119.99

# 3

Rank

Kraftwerk Knxwledge Floating Points
30 artists using
Behringer X-Touch

$289.00 - $649.00

# 7

Rank

Suga (Agust D) Gareth Jones (producer) Jarod Fedele
5 artists using
Steinberg CC121

$186.20 - $599.99

# 8

Rank

Giuseppe Ottaviani Seismal D The Thrillseekers
11 artists using
Solid State Logic UF8

$57.00 - $1,299.99

# 10

Rank

The Real Mike Dean Hans Zimmer Glenn Rosenstein
5 artists using
Akai MIDIMIX

$76.40 - $109.00

# 11

Rank

Ben Bohmer Giorgia Angiuli Marcus Veltri
4 artists using
Avid S1

$1,295.00 - $1,495.00

# 18

Rank

Glenn Rosenstein NIVIRO Brian Tyler
6 artists using
Avid Dock

$995.00 - $1,195.00

# 21

Rank

Glenn Rosenstein NIVIRO Neeraj Khajanchi
4 artists using
Nektar Panorama P1

$232.50 - $349.99

# 23

Rank

Kraftwerk
1 artist using

Accessories & Related Items

Community setups

Similar