Getting Creative with Live DJ

[frankle]

My standard setup is a pair of X1mk2, F1 and 4 channel mixer. Extremely good versatile system that works with the way I play, quite similar to how Felix does it with loops and cue points.

Because you're not going to use Scratch going with the DJM750 will probably be just fine as well, still a little more expensive than a Z2 but gives you 4 physical channels to work with.

[botstein]

My standard setup is a pair of X1mk2, F1 and 4 channel mixer. Extremely good versatile system that works with the way I play, quite similar to how Felix does it with loops and cue points.

Because you're not going to use Scratch going with the DJM750 will probably be just fine as well, still a little more expensive than a Z2 but gives you 4 physical channels to work with.

He doesn't need any physical channels.

[frankle]

I understand that the OP probably doesn't need any physical channels but he has indicated an interest in this type of setup where each Traktor deck is routed to a physical channel of a standard mixer. Not an unusual request, not everyone likes to mix inside Traktor and even though the Z2 is a neat piece of kit (yes, I've had one, like I've had one of almost every NI product) it's certainly not for everyone.

The 4 channel mixer setup will give the OP a large scope to expand on yet still be simple enough to grasp from the start. Adding external CDJ's or decks might not be a want or need now but at least the option is there. If live style remixing is the direction then the 4 channels will allow Ableton/Bitwig/Maschine to be routed to their own channel while still retaining 2 or 3 Traktor decks, and all of then have EQ and level controls front and center on the mixer. Routing these back through Traktor with a Z2 while possible is a bit of a convoluted mess at best with only channel level control for C&D ... If you want physical EQ knobs then you need to take up one of your A&B track decks.

Anyhow, the Z2 is priced well and it's 2+2 format works for some, but if you've got a few more dollars available then the DJM750 I would see as a better option for your intended direction.

[Nas525]

The individual channels would be more normal for me to use, I've been on a DDJ-sx all the time with 4 channels and I use all of them most the time with loops and drops. Im just looking for a creative way to DJ live, all the other critics say that Dj don't do anything live, which is partly true. Im just trying to make a borderline gap to prove that wrong.

Would it matter even if I didn't have USB ports in the mixer? I assume they would go directly into the laptop, might make it lag but oh well, also would I need to buy a copy of tractor if i got the x1mrk2 and the DJM750?

[botstein]

Would it matter even if I didn't have USB ports in the mixer? I assume they would go directly into the laptop, might make it lag but oh well

No. Just having the hub built into the mixer doesn't mean that they communicate directly. You will not see a performance difference between different hubs and if anything, connecting directly to the computer will work best.