DJ Gear Decision for a Beginner

[TekMann]

Hey Guys! My name is Kevin and I am a DJ enthusiast, or at least I have been. Until now, I have mainly been messing around with just programs, mainly Virtual DJ and my dream is to own a NS7FX, but it doesn't seem like its gonna happen anytime soon. Thing is, I have come across a bit of cash (around 800/900 Max) and I was recently wondering on buying a set or controller. All my music is digital and mainly mp3, I don't even have any CD's really. So i felt like getting a controller would be sensible. What I want from my set up is basically the ability to scratch well and also to play my digital files seamlessly. Other than that, just a dependable piece of hardware, because this might last me a long while. I am interested in Turntableism, but I am also open to every type of music.

I came across the Numark Mixdeck and it seemed very versatile and also afforable too. I contacted someone on craigslist and he offered me 525 for it. I was Ready to buy this, but then i heard people's opinion on it here and on some general reviews... so now im not so sure.

Then I looked into the Traktor Kontrol S4. Though I know it is pretty new, i have heard good things about it, although ive also heard it is a bit buggy? In my opinion it seems a tad bit compact and small for me. Is it comfortable to use? I might slightly prefer bigger platters, but ive never owned a set so im not sure.

And finally ive heard about the VCI-300's. Supposedly this is one of the most stable controllers on the market? or so ive read. But i've also read that this set up is very basic?

And I am not even sure what the diffrence is between the VCI-100 and VCI-300... I know that sounds very foolish of me, but to my understanding, the VCI-100 only has the ability to control MIDIs?

Sorry for such a lengthy post, but I've been doing research for about a week and this is what I've gotten up to; 4 choices and a bit of confusion. Would you guys mind helping me out? Which in your opinion is best overall? and which is best for my purposes? Thanks! Appreciate your Help!

[kazzual]

God damnit. I just typed a freaking long post on my iPhone, and then my iPhone suddenly freezed. Aaargh!
I'm going to eat first, and then I'll answer your questions, again...

[djproben]

If I were looking for a full controller in that price range right now I'd either go with the S4 or the Denon MC6000. If you don't have Traktor software already I'd say the S4 no question since you'll have to buy the software separately with the Denon. Then again, if you aren't committed to any particular software option, the Denon would allow you to try different softwares (except Serato) and choose. I would only go with the VCI-300 if you want to use Serato Itch exclusively....

[TekMann]

Well the only program that I have played with is Virtual DJ, I have never actually heard of Traktor or Serato up until half a year ago. I have not messed with these programs either; how are they compared to Virutal DJ? I believe Traktor is a little diffrent bc it has a 4 deck set up, but what is so intresting about serato?

[curtisbalk]

Serato is excellent for for mixing based on waveforms. But I'm more of a traktor kinda guy. I'd say go with the s4. The integrated sound card is awesome and you cant beat it for $900, strait up...plus the fx in traktor are far superior IMO.

[BennyJ]

The sound card on the s4 is a lil problematic tho. I havent heard anything bad about the denon tho. Id go with that over the s4.

[swiftninja]

Get a VCI-100..your just starting out and the VCI is pretty good. Midifighters if you wanna cue point juggle! Get an Audio 2 DJ for an audio interface. BAM your done.

[DJAttackZ]

you could look for a used ns7 for 900.. or go on ebay and build a vinyl set up
numark makes a battle dj in a box that runs for about 300 plus their is a traktor scratch duo set up for 175 get ur self a native instraments kontrol x1 about 200 or dicers 100 and your in the door for a solid turn table set up all with un your 900$ budget down the road updgrade duo to pro and a better mixer their is alot of option u can do

[TekMann]

Hmm, So i decided to just browse around and I found a NS7FX for about 1100, which makes my decision a little harder. What do you guys think?

[DJAttackZ]

my honest opinion is go with a real turn table set up if u want to learn turntableism. u will learn alot more and have much more respect in my opinion for djing starting that way. i love my ns7 but wish i never sold my turntables to get it..