Behringer CMD MM-1 and PL-1 Review
We have been covering the Behringer brand of DJ controllers which all fit under the moniker of CMD. The demand from those of you out there to want to know everything about these affordable MIDI controllers has prompted us to give you as much information as possible. We also have all of them in our possession and are surprised each and every time we grab a new controller and start playing with the controls. While our last two reviews were of the all in one controllers, the CMD Studio 4a and the CMD Micro, we decided to dive into the slimmer and more function-specific modular controllers in the CMD line. Instead of reviewing all of the controllers in the Behringer CMD line individually, we decided to couple the MM-1 and PL-1 because they are a good representation of how these modular controllers can be linked up and it will give you an idea of how you could link up other controllers within or outside of the CMD MIDI controllers.
CMD MM-1
The CMD MM-1 provides all the mixer functionality you need from a modular controller. To put it simply the Behringer CMD MM-1 digitally emulates a typical 4 channel DJ mixer. You have an EQ section, controls for your main and headphone volume output, and the ability to headphone cue each channel individually or together. There is nothing really new or innovative on this controller in terms of general functionality. While it might be lacking originality, it opens up the imagination in terms of how you can incorporate this into your live performances and that's because of the USB hub located on the back of the controller. You could run the Behringer CMD MM-1 alongside nearly any USB MIDI controller you can think of. Considering the current popular controllers like Ableton Push, you could have the CMD MM-1 and Push both controlling your DJ set and come up with some really cool performance centric sets.
CMD PL-1
The CMD PL-1 has controls for hot cues, FX, looping, pitch adjust, and more. The Behringer CMD PL-1 work as a transport controller, but it also has endless rotary encoders for controlling funcitons like FX selection and looping. In addition to the standard jog wheel, play/pause, scratch, and deck select controls, you also have selections for eight assignable hot cues. The overall look and feel is that of an S4. I know what you are thinking. You are thinking I am crazy to compare the glorious Traktor Kontrol S4 to a Behringer toy. After spending some time with the CMD PL-1 I got to say that it really does have a feel and design that is comparable to the S4. There are obvious differences in terms of general quality when it comes to things like the buttons, knobs and faders, but if you are a DJ on a budget and what to get something close to an S4, then the Behringer CMD PL-1, as well as the other controllers in the CMD line, are worth taking a look at.
Review
Out of all of the controllers in the CMD line, excluding the CMD Studio 4a and the CMD micro, the most useful and versatile controller has to be the CMD MM-1. It's not only a great USB hub for connecting all of your auxiliary controllers, but it's also got just what you need in a MIDI based mixer. Unlike other controllers that give you everything and the kitchen sink, the CMD MM-1 has exactly what you need in a mixer with no extra frills. This helps to not only keep the design small and compact, but it also keeps the controls on the CMD MM-1 appropriately spaced making your performances very fluid. The CMD PL-1 isn't as exciting and fully versatile as the CMD MM-1, but it's still a great, compact controller that works nicely alongside the CMD MM-1. If you need even more information, or you want to purchase the Behringer CMD MM-1 or the CMD PL-1, be sure to visit UniqueSquared.com. SLAM!! Transcript:
The Behringer CMD MM1 and the CMD PL-1 are two MIDI controllers that come with Deckadance LE DJ software. We will go over the physical features of each of these controllers and then show you how they integrate with Deckadance. Both the CMD MM-1 and the CMD PL-1 follow the same construction design as the other controllers in the CMD line. All the buttons, knobs, and faders are plastic, and the surface of the controller, including the jog wheel on the PL-1 have a brushed metal finish.
The CMD MM-1 is a four channel mixer with 60 mm channel faders and a 45 mm crossfader. Each channel has its own controls for cueing. The EQ section has controls for a 3 band eq as well as a dedicated filter control. At the top are your controls for your main output as well as controls for controlling the level of your headphone cue volume and mix. In the middle of the volume controls are your browse controls with a knob and left, right buttons for navigating menus. And in the middle you have LED lights to show your main output. On the back of the MM-1 you have your USB connection, a connection for a power supply, and a four port USB hub for connecting other MIDI controllers.
The CMD PL-1 is a standard transport controller with a 4inch jog wheel.....and selections for cue, play/pause, and sync. You also have controls for a tap tempo, pitch bend, as well as the ability to skip forwards and backwards within a track. Above the Jog wheel are your selections for scratch mode as well as your deck select. At the top you have 8 endless rotary encoders that have LED illumination. Below that are a set of 8 hot cues that are assignable to each of the 4 available decks.
While we are using the included Deckadance software, you can map every Behringer CMD controller to whatever software you choose including Ableton, Serato DJ, Traktor Pro, and Virtual DJ pro. All of your EQ controls for all 4 decks are accessible with the CMD MM-1. Here you can see the hi’s mid’s and low’s, as well as the dedicated filter knob all being controlled inside of Deckadance. You can also control the Output volume, headphone volume, and headphone cue volume from the CMD MM-1 and see those being controlled within Deckadance. The CMD PL-1, as we mentioned, has all of the standard transport controls. But you also have controls for setting up your hot cues. You can set up 8 hot cues per deck. As with the CMD Studio 4a, you can scratch when scratch mode is enabled and use the jog wheels as a pitch bend when it is disabled. You can also control the pitch with the pitch bend buttons, as well as the pitch bend fader. At the top where your 8 endless rotary encoders rest, you have controls for your FX and loops. You can turn your FX on and off by pushing down on the corresponding encoder. Then using that same encoder you can control the parameters of that effect. You can also set up loops with the encoders. When you push down your set loop will appear and you can adjust the length of that loop by rotating the encoder.
For more information on the Behringer CMD controller line, be sure to visit the uniquesquared blog linked in the description below this video. If you want to grab the CMD MM-1 and CMD PL-1 for yourself, be sure to visit the UniqueSquared website. You’re watching UniqueSquared.com.
