REVIEW: Livid Ohm64

In these day of mass produced plastic controllers, it's nice to see that at least one manufacturer remembers the good old days when DJ gear actually had wood on it (and real meters too). But enough showing my age - Livid is a company hand crafting beautiful controllers in the good ole US of A. No plastic boxes here - all machined from a variety of materials, and assembled with love. The Ohm64 is one such stunning controller, and resident button basher Chris Cartledge cast his experienced eye over this object d'art.

Not exactly being gifted in the ways of Ableton, there was little point in yours truly giving the Ohm64 a beating. I did the obligatory plugging and prepping for photography - firing up the Ohm64 editor, Ableton and Traktor for some very quick testing. I soon realised that unlike much of the sausage factory gear I get to play with, I actually connected with the Ohm64 almost on a personal level. Because of the unique character of the Ohm64, and the hand made nature, it really feels like my Ohm64. Make sense?

But if an off the shelf Ohm64 isn't enough for you, Livid will also make one of your own for you. Using this somewhat nifty designer, your Ohm64 can come in 9 different body colours, 4 different LED colours and 3 choices of faceplate. It does cost a bit more of course, and the chance for car crash colours scheme is high, but at least you get choice, and that's good I'm told.

If you're wanting something different, personal and highly customisable from your MIDI controlling experience, you really cannot get much better than Livid's Ohm64. Read Chris Cartledge's review and see if it measures up to your expectations.