Lets talk about basic setup (from a noob standpoint)

Hello DJTT forum users,

I have been doing a lot of lurking and youtube video watching and finally decided it's time to try my hand at mixing. Now I am a total noob at this but I am ready to turn this dream into a reality.

I was considering getting 1 Midi Fighter Pro (maybe 2) and the Traktor Kontrol S2 and running Traktor Pro.

From the looks of it, the Midi Fighter Pro looks like a ton of fun once you master all the settings (or make your own) and the S2 seems like a better solution than a separate 2ch mixer, audio card. You get extra buttons and easy control of tracks in Traktor Pro.

Tell me if this sounds like a good start. I would love some feed back. Thanks

you don't need all that gear to start mixing.

get a copy of traktor and start there before you shell out 5 grand on gear you don't know how to use.

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Originally Posted by duerr

you don't need all that gear to start mixing.

get a copy of traktor and start there before you shell out 5 grand on gear you don't know how to use.

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I appreciate the honesty. Is it not a whole lot easier to control Traktor with something like the S2?

Honestly... I would just rock the Kontrol S2 without a midifighter to start.

Spend the money on a decent set of headphones instead of the midifighter.

You can choose to augment the S2 with another controller later if you feel its necessary.

Seconded.

thirded. nothing worse then taking something up and finding its not for you... after youve spent a ton of money.
get your feet wet before going for PLURAL purchases

Honestly, Traktor is definitely the best choice for software in terms on sound quality IMHO - Serato's algorithms can be crappy sometimes.

As far as controllers, unless you have a deep understanding of how those controllers work and how you're going to use each one effectively, I'd slowly start small and work your way up.

I'd suggest getting the S2 first, but the S4 could handle a lot more like juggling the sample decks or decks C&D in TP2 (the S2 won't). The S4 also technically has a 5th deck in the recorder deck. Then from there, after you get situated and you still find you want to do more, then get something else. You may find you never needed those others in the first place.

Don't forget the main thing is your sound - not your rig. I've seen DJ's with decked out MACs, tons of crap behind the booth, but they sounded horrible. Keep it basic - you need to be about how you sound, not about what you have.

All great advice! So any suggestions on headphones then?

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Originally Posted by UsuRpergoat

All great advice! So any suggestions on headphones then?

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If you are willing to spend as much on the headphones as you were on the Midi Fighter. The Pioneer HDJ-1000's have been great to me, there is also the HDJ-2000's which are newer but also a bit pricey. I also hear pretty good things about the Shure SRH750 are a great headphone for the price (~$100). Also, I've never used them personally but a lot of people seem to like the TMA-1's that DJTT sells.

Good choice with the S2, I have an S4 and I absolutely love it.

Avoid the HDJ-1000s if you rely on glasses. They aren't very friendly to mine.

i recommend the sennheiser hd-25's for headphones

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Originally Posted by Conall

i recommend the sennheiser hd-25's for headphones

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well I already have a pair of sennheiser hd-201's. we will see how those do. thanks for the info.

Get some studio monitors before you get any more controllers.

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Originally Posted by Xonetacular

Get some studio monitors before you get any more controllers.

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Honestly I disagree with this. While it's REALLY important for production, for just mixing, I think normal speakers (whatever you can get) is fine.

Honestly, speakers are low on my priority list. I know they are important, but if you're decently happy with what you have, it's not something that is going to make or break you I feel.

I use a Logitech 5.1 system hooked up to my mixer. It works just like I want it to, and I've had it for years just for listening. Can't really beat that.

Software/Controller > Headphones > Speakers IMO.

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Originally Posted by Bassline Brine

Honestly I disagree with this. While it's REALLY important for production, for just mixing, I think normal speakers (whatever you can get) is fine.

Honestly, speakers are low on my priority list. I know they are important, but if you're decently happy with what you have, it's not something that is going to make or break you I feel.

I use a Logitech 5.1 system hooked up to my mixer. It works just like I want it to, and I've had it for years just for listening. Can't really beat that.

Software/Controller > Headphones > Speakers IMO.

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Sound accuracy isn't important for DJing, I feel like having enough clarity and punch is critical for me and even monitors without a sub doesn't do it for me. If it doesn't sound good or I have to mix on wimpy speakers I'm not going to want to do it as much and it isn't as enjoyable. And right now it is all about enjoyment and fun for me. I honestly miss having a decent PA system to mix with. Mixing on my QSC HPR122is with 18" QSC sub was absolutely awesome.

your neighbors don't have an issue with you pumping it?

alot of us can't have it loud...

i spend a big deal of time in the headphones...

headphones > speakers

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Originally Posted by keithace

your neighbors don't have an issue with you pumping it?

alot of us can't have it loud...

i spend a big deal of time in the headphones...

headphones > speakers

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Well I don't really pump it but I like to have the sound very full with nice subbass, and all the walls are concrete between apartments so I have yet to have a complaint.

I think it depends how much you love music outside of the prospect of DJing.

If you consider yourself a connoisseur, having a solid pair of monitors can be a great investment. I have a set of NS-10m's I have trained my ears with for over ten years. Are they the greatest sounding speaker? No, but my ears are so used to them over the years, that I can tell you instantly where a mix sounds great and where it could use some work. Now granted I might not know exactly how to fix it, but I can hear it as clear as Vodka.

If you love music, buy a nice set of monitors. Listen to all of them in a nice treated booth like Guitar Center and bring a track you are very, very familiar with. Treat yourself to a whole new way to hearing sound.

You can dive into the sound you love and never regret the investment.

You can quite honestly just with a mouse and a copy of Traktor. Sure, I wouldn't be playing out on that, but I recorded a few mixes like that before I bought my controller (which is actually a nanoPad) to see what it was like.

Also, a nanoPad is a lot cheaper than a midifighter.