Controller Recommendations

[HarryHope]

Hey guys. I was just looking for some recommendations. I have been performing as a mobile DJ for about 3 or 4 months now, using a Numark Mixtrack Pro - performing simple mixes. I am now looking to take my performance up a notch, and I was wondering what those of you who are more experienced would recommend to buy controller wise.

Right now I am looking at an S4, but have also considered maybe buying a novation zero sl mk2 to use in conjunction with my mixtrack.
(http://www.novationmusic.com/product.../zero_sl_mk_ii)

Of course I am looking for portability, durability - as well as the longevity of the product (How long I am going to be able to use it before I need to upgrade).

Cheers,
Harry

[fullenglishpint]

As a mobile DJ I think you could do much worse than an S4 or Numark NS6. Both beastly all in one controllers.

[dj stifffy]

i think you should get an allen and heath xone 4d, with 2 cjd 2000's and time codes with a macbook pro running traktor and ableton syncd to it since you get soo much control with the 4d, but like everyone on here will say... get the s4... I find it sad no one says get the vci 100 anymore what about the vci 100 - mk2??

[fullenglishpint]

Dude, you can't recommend someone working as a mobile DJ gets 200lbs of gear, that's impractical.

The VCI-100 mkII is ok, but the sound card's not great and since it doesn't have DJTT support it's nowhere near as good a controller as the mkI.

[fdawg]

i am currently debating whether to get an S4 (despite stories of bad build quality) or get an audi 4/6 and another controller or stick with my Omnicontrol and use with an audi 4/6 as the soundcard on the omni is pants.

[Bassline Brine]

As you get into the top line of controllers, they are all pretty damned solid. I finally had a chance to check out the NS6 in person yesterday, and it's a lot more solid than I was expecting. The jogs are much bigger than any other controller in that range as well, and thats something to consider.

The S4 seriously has it's place though, and that's with the super-tight integration with software made by the same company.

Honestly, go down and fuck around with them at Guitar Center locally, or see if you can hook up / network with anyone that might have them locally. They really are a big step up from the Omni, but you won't be able to see it unless you dick around in person with them.

[fullenglishpint]

The S4 doesn't have bad build quality. It's not as much of a tank as the NS6, but it's fine. Some people have had faders go which happens to any controller.

[HarryHope]

Thanks for the help guys!

[fdawg]

i have used the N6 and really didnt like it, i just found the work flow/layout a bit weird, no real reason it just didnt "feel" right.

The S4 is what I was always looking at but have read horror stories on here and other forums of bad build quality (jogs fall out and feel cheap and fader going almost straight out the box) . I think the S4 is the way to go for me as I am all about traktor. Now i just need tosave 750gbp on top of the 1300 gbp i need for my MacBook Pro

[dj stifffy]

another "serious" recommendation.... You save you already have a controller and want to bring something new to the table that also need portability... have you looked into ipads?? theres some cool apps out there and with a decent mapping you may find yourself using just this and your laptop and soundcard = very light... I know a lot of people hate it but think of it this way.. you can pick up a cheapish one with 16 gig so around 1500 of your most played songs along with an app to control software touch osc and an app for direct play - Djay which works pretty well for a party. I myself have used Djay live for 21st etc... you can mix but in this case it was more about tacky song choice... search through the song find the start and press play when the other ends...