Favourite DJ Controller... Under $500, and Above.

[djfil007]

New to the forums, but I've been DJing for about 15 years. Starting (age 15) in the mid 90's using Virtual Turntables (Carrot Innovations). Graduating high school I picked up my first set of CDJ's. Ditched them quickly for Vinyl. 4-5 years later moved back to CDJ's. And then a year ago I decided to take a break, and sold my main DJ setup (at that time CDJ 1000's w/ DJM 500). I kept my Pacemaker, which I love dearly. It's great for when sitting on the couch or when on travels (had it help melt many long flights away). But the Pacemaker isn't something I'd want to play out in the clubs with (if/when I get the chance to again)... or even for recording regular DJ sets, I'd prefer something with more control.

Now the question... I want to get a nice controller for Traktor. I'm not sure if I'd be satisfied with getting something sub-500 like a Numark Total Control, or if I should save up a bit more for something fully featured like the Traktor S4 . I'd like ability for 4 deck control (not required, but nice to future proof for when I get confident with Traktor and want to work with more), also easy access to the auto loop (with ability to resize on the fly), and full access to two FX banks. Internal sound card isn't necessary, I have a Fast Track Pro (4 channels) which would work fine.

So... what is the forum's favourite cheap (sub-500) and favourite fully featured DJ controllers for Traktor? Even if they're not natively supported, and there is still good .tsi's here on the forum.

My list so far...
-(sub-500) Numark Total Control: it's got enough buttons/knobs/etc to be able to fully control 2 decks, and 2 full fx machines... but there is no internal sound card.
-(premium) Vestax TR-1: on the low cost of 'premium'. excellent compact layout for full control of 2 decks, 2 full fx. but the price is high (~630) for something w/o an internal sound card, and limited 4 deck control (mixer only actively controls two).
-(premium) Traktor S4: built by traktor, for traktor. this is the full premium controller. but is it worth $1000?

Thanks for any input in helping my decision.

Phil

[jprime]

I always marvel at the functionality of my M-Audio Trigger finger...I think they are discontinued, but if mine broke, I would replace it with something similar.

http://www.akaipro.com/mpd32

^^that comes to mind.

[3heads]

What about M-Audio Uc-33e + NI Traktor Kontrol X1 + NI Audio2DJ? Should be about 500 bucks and a quite capable setup

[jprime]

Hell, the Uc-33e would do the job on it's own

[eataskdotcom]

I love my 2 x1's and audio 8 all of which i got used for about 500$ You'd still need a mixer, but its super portable and doesn't scrimp on any controls. Just my 2cents

[MeAngry]

Why are we forgetting the VCI-100(SE) here? It's still a great controller, especially with DJTT's firmware!

[djfil007]

Thanks for all the feedback so far.

For the Vestax (VCI-100), I prefer the layout of the TR-1... and they're both at the similar ($600-630) price point.

The X1's does look intriguing to me... but the need to get another device (external mixer) kind of pushes me away from the option.

Uc-33e looks like it could work as a viable low cost option... that's if I could find one easily, my local stores (tom lee and long & mcquade - i'm in BC, Canada) don't appear to list it any more.

Again... if any one has opinion on the more expensive side of items (S4, XONEX) please ring in your thoughts. I can be persuaded to spend more on something with good feedback and that fits all my wants/needs.

[djfil007]

Does anyone know the availability\status of the VCI-100MKII? I like the layout of it more then the first gen (similar to the TR-1), with the 2 FX right at the top. I can't find it listed on any sites to buy.

[Ryan Leo]

That UC33e looks cool.

you can have 4 decks with a volume and pitch control on the sliders, plus a master out.

6 knobs for each channel for B,M,T, Gain and a filter plus one left over. Just need a couple buttons for cueing and that.

TR-1 is pretty cool too.

[djfil007]

I just found the TR-1 new for $500 (including shipping from USA, possibly plus taxes/customs). This is probably now my #1 choice for "sub-500" category. My thinking is if a device over $600 or so (like the VCI-100, etc)... I might as well save a bit more to get the S4, which I know will fill all my needs/wants (as long as it works as good as it looks).