What is the most portable setup? (Laptop + Controller + ....?) (w/No external power)

I was thinking of possibly switching a setup. I like to mix on-the-go. Portability and functionality are key. I would like to minimize what I am carrying around now, or would at least like to know if anyone has anything else that works for them. At the moment I am using an S2. Is there anything smaller and more compact that is recommended? Something that is as professional, but smaller? Of course, something that doesn't have to be powered externally. I would like to use this without having to plug this into any type of outlet.

I would even be interested if I could use my laptop and possibly a Z1? Would this work? Can you control traktor pro on the keyboard and use the Z1 to mix and cue?

I even have the traktor app on the iPad. What would be the best way to integrate this so I can mix, make mixes, dj on the go? What soundcard should I buy?

I would just like to have an ultra-portable, but 100% functional setup that I can carry with me easily.

Thanks! (Sorry if this is a noob question.)

The VCM-100 is very small and functional, giving you all the basics you need with far better build quality than almost all current MIDI controllers. Only problem is it's discontinued so you'll have to find one second hand.

Nice...let me look into that. I believe you mean the VCI-100? I've heard some reviews, mostly positive.

VCI is the larger unit without an audio interface. The VCM includes a Maya 44 sound card inside and is USB powered so there's no need for an external power supply.

Oh shoot...my wrong. Thanks for the clarification makar1.

Laptop and Xone K2. You can get 4 channels out of it with lots of controls.

Thanks firebr4nd. Let me look into that as well...

Traktor DJ and an iPad? Add the Z1 if you want hardware control.

Will the K2 work as a mixer? Can I cue off of it? I am assuming when I midi-map it, I can. I have been looking for what software I can use it with. Would it be possible to use it with "Serato DJ?"

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Originally Posted by Tarekith

Traktor DJ and an iPad? Add the Z1 if you want hardware control.

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With the Traktor DJ, I cannot cue...correct? I would need a Z1 to do so? And the Z1 requires a separate power source? (not portable)

I would not generally recommend going smaller, in my opinion you loose out on a lot of things, but I cant point them directly, that is just my thoughts, before I had cdj's, and was also looking for something smaller and easier to carry around, and I ended up with Allen Heath Xone db4 and two traktor F1's, one f1 to control 3 decks, other f1 to control remix deck, and two f1's, and all this setup fits in db4 bag, included with laptop and all extra leads, all you have to carry is just headphones, very portable love it

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Originally Posted by MockusD

I would not generally recommend going smaller, in my opinion you loose out on a lot of things, but I cant point them directly, that is just my thoughts, before I had cdj's, and was also looking for something smaller and easier to carry around, and I ended up with Allen Heath Xone db4 and two traktor F1's, one f1 to control 3 decks, other f1 to control remix deck, and two f1's, and all this setup fits in db4 bag, included with laptop and all extra leads, all you have to carry is just headphones, very portable love it

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Thank you for the response. However, this is not really what I am aiming for. I do have a full setup at home M5Gs, four channel mixer, X1...and I also have a S2. I like to mix outside without the use of a power supply. S2 is nice, but a bit too big. I am looking for something even more discreet. I don't need tons of effects. I am actually trying to get away from that. Just be as simple as possible. I want to mix/blend songs on the go. The Xone K2 is looking nice, I just need a few questions answered for myself.

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Originally Posted by Eugguy

Thank you for the response. However, this is not really what I am aiming for. I do have a full setup at home M5Gs, four channel mixer, X1...and I also have a S2. I like to mix outside without the use of a power supply. S2 is nice, but a bit too big. I am looking for something even more discreet. I don't need tons of effects. I am actually trying to get away from that. Just be as simple as possible. I want to mix/blend songs on the go. The Xone K2 is looking nice, I just need a few questions answered for myself.

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well in that case, I would just recommend you Xone K2 (As you said it interest you, and you just cant go wrong with allen heath products) and use it with Portable z1 mixer http://www.native-instruments.com/en...or-kontrol-z1/ and you are fully capable of mapping xone k2 to control 4 decks, and cues too

*edit*

I just realised what i wrote lol, you can also map z1 within push of button to switch from decks abcd, and there are also capabilities using some of remix deck with k2 if you map it wisely, thats just my thoughts, as portable as it gets, you can also just map xone k2, to do everything, but again, it depends on person, I like my stuff more easier to use not with endless mapping code, thats why i just use 1 f1 for 3 decks, and other f1 for remix deck.

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Originally Posted by Eugguy

Will the K2 work as a mixer? Can I cue off of it? I am assuming when I midi-map it, I can. I have been looking for what software I can use it with. Would it be possible to use it with "Serato DJ?"

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Yep it has a built in sound card! It has a headphone out jack and RCA out as well. And yes, you can map it to work with serato Dj.

Serato DJ can only output via Serato branded hardware, which the K2 is not.

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Originally Posted by makar1

Serato DJ can only output via Serato branded hardware, which the K2 is not.

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I stand corrected! Good looking out.

Honestly I'd just go with the Twitch. You can run that off of USB power alone, and use it with either Traktor or Serato. It's a really solid little controller for what it is.

Novation Twitch is great, but if you're going really small I'd say the Xone K2 is exactly what you want. I just grabbed one myself and am very excited to use beside a Kontrol F1 and a Launchpad for a very portable setup

My portable setup is Laptop + X1. The effect knobs are re-mapped to mixer controls (volume and eq). That's all you really need for basic mixing.

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Originally Posted by Eugguy

I don't need tons of effects. I am actually trying to get away from that. Just be as simple as possible. I want to mix/blend songs on the go.

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Use the club's CDJs then.

What do you have against external power anyway?

I would guess "on the go" means not in a club or anywhere with power sockets.

Behringer CMD Micro

http://images.gear4music.com/media/6...83/preview.jpg

http://www.gear4music.com/Guitar-and...kword__match__

Plus Audio 2

http://www.decks.co.uk/ImageGenerato..._lid_42723.jpg

http://www.decks.co.uk/products/Audi...g#.UfowmNJQGCE

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Originally Posted by MaxOne

Behringer CMD Micro

http://images.gear4music.com/media/6...83/preview.jpg

http://www.gear4music.com/Guitar-and...kword__match__

Plus Audio 2

http://www.decks.co.uk/ImageGenerato..._lid_42723.jpg

http://www.decks.co.uk/products/Audi...g#.UfowmNJQGCE

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Good shout.

do you have to use a laptop? You could potentially just carry an xdj aero. Not tiny itself, but thats all you have to bring plus a thumb drive. Otherwise I say an x1mk2 and a Z1 really cover all bases. Then you could do z1 ipad, or both on a laptop.

i would say the twitch for the most amount of control/functionality with the smallest size

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Originally Posted by makar1

I would guess "on the go" means not in a club or anywhere with power sockets.

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I haven't tested this, but I really doubt a laptop's battery would last long when it's running Traktor (or whatever DJ software) and powering several controllers via USB.

Since it's a portable system there'll probably just be one controller. I'd estimate about 4-5 hours battery life on my Air, which would probably increase to 6-7 hours on the new model with Haswell.

You'd still need an audio interface and that would take up some power.
Touche, though, I forgot some people own laptops with batteries that actually last.