apc40 vs x1 vs s2 as a first controller for techno dj'ing

[TOTAL]

Hi

I am interested in traktor but is appears that ableton, which I have (v9) can go a long way for djing as well. Before I buy my first controller for my current setup, which is just laptop, I feel I need to think over several things. Please can someone answer these questions.

1. what are the things ableton plus, say, Will Marshall's template can not do which traktor can, except for library management and the recent stem stuff (I assume ableton could handle the latter in its own way much better).

2. what is it that s2 can do that x1 and z1 can not - except for jog wheels.

Greetings
T

[rob2192]

2. what is it that s2 can do that x1 can not - except that it has audiocard and jog wheels.

s2 has a mixer section built in, if your thinking of ableton vs traktor I would look at the s5 / s8 or d2 +mixer or adding remix decks (f1) to other gear.

Traktor is better for working with full tracks or the new stems format, it's easy to set loops, skip through tracks, beatmatch and as you pointed out has better library managment.
Ableton is more suited to live production, working with instruments and prepared loops (this is the main disadvantage to Ableton - things have to prepared before performance).
They can be combined if you intended to combine live elements with DJing.

[TOTAL]

Thanks Rob.

This means that if I i want to retain the flexibility of ableton and do not mind preparing all the tracks beforehand, apc40 plus a dj template give me an ability to dj at parties, right?

cheers
T

[rob2192]

As long as people enjoy themselves and you have sound coming out of your system, your fine.
So yes laptop, ableton, apc40, audio interface, PA is suitable bit would most likely be more live production than DJing.

[opadave]

Total, I picked up an APC40 last month and set up Will Marshall's template. It's wa-a-a-y capable. I've been somewhat short on time but when I have had a chance it's a blast to work with and highly customisable. Hopefully I'll get a little more time after the first of the year to play with it.

I think the best part is you can give it just about any personality you want to