buying for the first time dj gear

[1nzunza]

what up guys, i just wanted to know if you could help me with this tough decision, im just starting in this dj world and i really do not know what to buy, ive checked out a lot of sets such as the mixdeck , the Vestax VCI-100 and i found one that was pretty amazing for such a low price , the American Audio VMS4, but that still has some flaws with the fader, can you help me suggesting what should i buy, i need something that can be used from begginners to more advanced djs, but nothing that will cost me like 1,000 dlls! thank you

[looneygeorge]

The Native Instruments Kontrol S4 is pretty hot right now, just ordered one myself - You get a full piece of Traktor software in the package and the controller itself has an amazing soundcard.

Check it out.

[DjWindzOne]

The S4 is prolly out of your price range atm though. . .

For the price and first timers, I would go the Numark Mixtrack Pro. . .It comes with a soundcard, and it's priced much less than a VCI-100. . .although that would be the next one up on my own list. the step down would be the Mixtrack. . .minus the soundcard, the jogs are hella responsive, although in the long run, I'd go with a more robust system.


VCI-100 is a heck of a lot more durable than the Mixtrack Pro, but it doesn't come with a sound card. Roughly 1/4 the price of the S4, but with the mappings and updates from djtt makes it a definite "must have" if your using TSP.


Then there's Serato ITCH. The VCI-300 is the same thing as the VCI-100, but made specifically for ITCH. But at about the same price as the S4, you lose some of the abilities that the S4 is capable of. . .but offset with free updates, it's pretty damn stable. . .Then you got your low end versions (Typhoon/Spin) that will let you do the basics. . spin and some effects.


What it really comes down to is your personal preference. I usually would say stick with turntables, but the "digital age" is changing that imho (I'm trying to build an all digital set-up. . .not going well >=/ ). . .


whatever you choose, make sure you're going to be happy with it in the long run.

[killerfanatics]

The Numark Total Control is good for starting out as well. You can find them on eBay for around $100. Add the Audio 2 sound card for another $100 and your pretty much good to go (Besides the speakers that is). I started off without a control and just used the keyboard, I got the TC about a month ago and it's made life much simpler.

[1nzunza]

man the s4 so far has been the best piece of equipment ive seen , looks reaally robust and promising but aint got money ! ahahahah thank you anyway

[1nzunza]

The S4 is prolly out of your price range atm though. . .

For the price and first timers, I would go the Numark Mixtrack Pro. . .It comes with a soundcard, and it's priced much less than a VCI-100. . .although that would be the next one up on my own list. the step down would be the Mixtrack. . .minus the soundcard, the jogs are hella responsive, although in the long run, I'd go with a more robust system.


VCI-100 is a heck of a lot more durable than the Mixtrack Pro, but it doesn't come with a sound card. Roughly 1/4 the price of the S4, but with the mappings and updates from djtt makes it a definite "must have" if your using TSP.


Then there's Serato ITCH. The VCI-300 is the same thing as the VCI-100, but made specifically for ITCH. But at about the same price as the S4, you lose some of the abilities that the S4 is capable of. . .but offset with free updates, it's pretty damn stable. . .Then you got your low end versions (Typhoon/Spin) that will let you do the basics. . spin and some effects.


What it really comes down to is your personal preference. I usually would say stick with turntables, but the "digital age" is changing that imho (I'm trying to build an all digital set-up. . .not going well >=/ ). . .


whatever you choose, make sure you're going to be happy with it in the long run.

and the mixdeck ??? and why is it important a sound card?

[tyfurious]

Get a x1, a audio 2 dj, and a cheap mixer. That's about $300 for the controllers and whatever you decide to spend on the mixer. Use the Traktor LE with the X1 or Audio 2 DJ. If you are really short on cash I would love to mail you my old Maya44 if you pay me shipping.

The Xone:22 would be my recommendation for a mixer, but it may be out of your range at $300... After that I would say a numark or stanton (Numark m1 is $80), check craigslist though.

If you got a Numark M1, and the other goodies that would be a pretty full setup for about $400 with shipping and all.

The beauty of this setup is that it's infinitely expandable and you shouldn't have to replace any pieces unless you get a cheap sound card.

Edit: Another option instead of a X1 is an Oxygen 25 with Ean's mapping or two Midifighters.

Edit Edit: Novation Nocturn and M-Audio X-Sessions Pro would also be a good mixer alternatives.