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Description

Dive into the world of dynamic music creation with the DJ Tech Tools MIDI Fighter Classic. This 16-button MIDI controller is designed for musicians and DJs who crave tactile control and a robust performance experience. Famous for its arcade-style buttons, the MIDI Fighter Classic offers a satisfying, responsive feel that brings a playful yet professional touch to any setup. Each button is equipped with high-speed, ultra-durable microswitches, ensuring precise triggering and longevity, whether you're on stage or in the studio.

The MIDI Fighter Classic's compact and rugged design makes it an ideal companion for both live performances and studio sessions. It connects seamlessly via USB, providing plug-and-play simplicity without the need for drivers. The customizable features allow you to tailor the controller to your specific needs, whether you're triggering samples, controlling effects, or launching clips. Compatible with most major DAWs and DJ software, it's an adaptable tool that fits effortlessly into any workflow.

For those who want to personalize their setup, the MIDI Fighter Classic supports custom mappings and firmware updates, ensuring it evolves with your creative journey. It's the perfect blend of nostalgia and innovation, offering a unique user experience that stands out in the crowded world of MIDI controllers.

Key Features:

  • 16 arcade-style, high-speed buttons with ultra-durable microswitches
  • USB-powered for easy connectivity and portability
  • Compatible with most major DAWs and DJ software
  • Customizable mappings and firmware updates
  • Compact, rugged design for durability in various environments
DJ TechTools

DJ TechTools

The Midi Fighter Classic (Introduction)

Video thumbnail for The Midi Fighter Classic (Introduction) by DJ TechTools

The Midi Fighter Classic (Introduction)

DJ TechTools

DJ TechTools

Video thumbnail for Serato Midi Fighter Mapping for Midi Fighter Classic and Midi Fighter Pro SuperKnob by DJ TechTools

Serato Midi Fighter Mapping for Midi Fighter Classic and Midi Fighter Pro SuperKnob

DJ TechTools

DJ TechTools

Video thumbnail for Midi Fighter Classic Review by arcade15

Midi Fighter Classic Review

arcade15

arcade15

Reviews

Owner Insights

We analyzed real musician discussions from forums and Reddit to find what players love, question, and tweak about DJ Tech Tools MIDI Fighter Classic.

Features and functionality

  • The MIDI Fighter 64 comes with sound packs, enhancing its immediate usability for beginners exploring music creation.

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  • The arcade-style buttons provide a tactile and visual experience, enhancing live performances with their feel and lighting.

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  • The MIDI Fighter Classic provides precise digital control over parameters without after-touch or velocity sensitivity, appealing for complex juggling tasks.

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Software and compatibility

  • It works best with Ableton Live, which offers a 90-day free trial, making it accessible for new users.

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  • FL Studio has a script and mapping for the MIDI Fighter 3D, but setup can be tricky.

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  • Customizing button colors or setting up lights can help distinguish musical notes for improvisation.

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Use cases and applications

  • Watching Mad Zach and ill.Gates videos can help transfer concepts from 16-pad controllers to the MIDI Fighter 64.

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  • The MIDI Fighter 64 excels in triggering samples in Drum Racks and playing sliced samples in Simpler for live performances.

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  • The controller allows complex song mapping without changing banks, ideal for performers like Shawn Wasabi or Niko Tantoco.

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User experience

  • Shawn Wasabi's performances demonstrate the controller's capabilities, though replicating them requires significant practice.

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  • Owners highlight the narrow use case of the MIDI Fighter 64 compared to the more versatile Push 2.

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Comparisons

  • Unlike the Push 2, the MIDI Fighter 64 is limited in production capabilities but excels in specific performance tasks.

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  • The Korg PadKontrol, Korg NanoPad, and Akai MPD18/24/32 offer similar functionality with velocity-sensitive pads and parameter modulation at a lower cost.

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Value and pricing

  • Despite being more expensive, the MIDI Fighter Classic is favored for its boutique build quality and fills specific gaps in a DJ setup.

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Mods and upgrades

  • Crafty users have successfully built custom MIDI controllers using similar arcade buttons, inspired by DIY projects on MidiBox forums.

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Add

4.5 out of 5

Based on 2 Reviews and 8 Ratings

5 star
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odysseyeurobeat

The First, and one of the Best!

Tip your hats and cross your hearts, lads and lasses! The MIDI Fighter Classic is the predecessor of the insanely versatile MIDI Fighter 3D and its own spinoff, the Twister. While this controller didn't have gyroscopic controls and fancy side-buttons, what made this controller stand out was its raw versatility— you could solder additional buttons/knobs into built-in ports along the side, replace any of the buttons, or even build it yourself or break it down for use in other projects.

The biggest feature of this controller is the arcade buttons, which were used because they react much faster than drum pads, keys, or plastic buttons on other controllers, and can take a lot of heavy use. They're also just plain cool. My own MIDI Fighter's buttons are starting to gunk up along the sides, but I put stickers on the tops and sides of them for a while so I only have myself to blame for this.

I haven't been able to try out the MF3D or the Twister yet, but if they're anything like the Classic (or, somehow, improvements upon it), then I heavily recommend you pick them up!

tritolo

Not quite the 3D, but...

id much rather be beating up on this out at a campsite late night at a music festival, especially since you can find it for give or take 100 bucks less

Artist usage

Add artist
See how Skrillex uses DJ Tech Tools MIDI Fighter Classic

Skrillex

Music Producer

From First to Last

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Verified via Issuu

On page 14 of the July 2011 Issue of "DJ Times," Skrillex mentions that DJ Tech Tools had sent him a Midi Fighter:

"...DJ Tech Tools just sent me a Midi Fighter , which is a very simple midi controller with arcade style buttons."

See how Shawn Wasabi uses DJ Tech Tools MIDI Fighter Classic

Shawn Wasabi

Music Producer

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Verified via Photo

seen here using a custom midi fighter classic.

See how Mashd N Kutcher uses DJ Tech Tools MIDI Fighter Classic

Mashd N Kutcher

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Verified via YouTube

During the whole video in the top left corner you can see a midi fighter classic

See how Figure uses DJ Tech Tools MIDI Fighter Classic

Figure

Music Producer

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Verified via YouTube

At 7:59 he takes out the Midi Fighter from his backpack. It's a midi controller designed by DJTechTools in San Francisco.

See how dj cotts uses DJ Tech Tools MIDI Fighter Classic

dj cotts

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Verified via YouTube

DJ Cotts uses MIDI Fighter Classic in this video

See how ill.Gates uses DJ Tech Tools MIDI Fighter Classic

ill.Gates

Music Producer

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Verified via Google

In a press photo, ill.Gates is seen using the DJ Tech Tools MIDI Fighter Classic.

See how Kutski uses DJ Tech Tools MIDI Fighter Classic

Kutski

Music Producer

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Verified via YouTube

Seen throughout this video.

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 DJ Tech Tools MIDI Fighter Classic, it is most commonly used with the following gear.

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