Picking the right mixer

[EDMNG]

I recently ordered a pair of Pioneer CDJ 1000 MK3s off the net. I currently use a controller with Traktor. I want to know which option would work best with CDJ 1000 MK3s:

Option 1: Get a Z2 Mixer and run the CDJs through that onto my laptop
Option 2: Get a Pioneer DJM-T1 and run the CDJs through that onto my laptop?
Option 3: Get a regular Pioneer Mixer(Ex DJM 600) and buy a Traktor box(Interface)?

I have been a controller DJ since the start so I apologize if I sound ridiculous. I am trying to not spend more than I have to but I also want this set up to run smoothly. Thanks in advance fellas

[Jester]

Hey there

As much as i love our DJM600, it is extremely dated for 2013 and the sound quality just doesn't cut it compared to a modern mixer.
Of the options you list there, i would probably go for the Z2, although i'm not a fan of 2 channel mixers myself.

[Pavin]

The first thing I'd ask is where do you dj most often and with what?

If you're a club dj, whose residence has a certain set up gear it towards something similar to make your life easier. (traktor box etc)
If you're a house party dj then I'd go for the most minimal set up (z2)
If you're a bedroom dj, go for whatever you feel like that gets you to where you want the most!

[EDMNG]

The first thing I'd ask is where do you dj most often and with what?

If you're a club dj, whose residence has a certain set up gear it towards something similar to make your life easier. (traktor box etc)
If you're a house party dj then I'd go for the most minimal set up (z2)
If you're a bedroom dj, go for whatever you feel like that gets you to where you want the most!

The mixer will be used for house parties/clubs/my basement. I am slowly getting asked to do more and more house parties and club gigs.

[EDMNG]

I would be using the mixer for house parties 40%, Home use 40% and 20% club use. I would say I have club gigs 2-3 times a month but I am playing house parties and practicing all of the time. I want something that is dependable and durable. I like the cue's on the digital mixers but they are not a deal breaker for me.

[Kwal]

Well, do you have a budget?

[johney]

djm 250 + traktor soundcard?

[trilla_shocka]

If you plan on playing out a lot, use what the clubs in your area seem to have the most of. Here in Charlotte, NC pretty much every club uses/provides Pioneer gear. DJM-800 and CDJ-1000's are the club minimum here in most spots. There is one place that I play at frequently (Crown Station) that has a nice old school 909.

Basically, use what is going to benefit YOU the most. Hope this helps. Cheers.

Personally, owning a Pioneer mixer myself in the past (DJM-850) and going to a Traktor Z2... the Z2 honestly felt cheap and I wound up taking it back the next day.

[boris]

To me the Z2 was a disapointment in terms of sound quality and feel - as trilla_shocka also states, it feels cheap. (I have had the DDM4000, NOX606, DJM900, Z2 and now Xone92)

From your options I would lean towards a more regular setup with Traktor externally. This gives you 4 channel opportunity and flexibility. You might start off with cheap stuff like a Behringer or reloop mixer and move to a DJM or Allen & Heath on a later stage.

[denniswright108]

I'd agree with boris here, z2 was a major fail, but i'd go for the djx900 5 channel behringer, reliable brand and cheap. Several sites i found are good value, this is very decent price http://www.hifi-tower.co.uk/Behringe...t-FX_i7523.htm

To me the Z2 was a disapointment in terms of sound quality and feel - as trilla_shocka also states, it feels cheap. (I have had the DDM4000, NOX606, DJM900, Z2 and now Xone92)

From your options I would lean towards a more regular setup with Traktor externally. This gives you 4 channel opportunity and flexibility. You might start off with cheap stuff like a Behringer or reloop mixer and move to a DJM or Allen & Heath on a later stage.