Learning to DJ! What controller/software should I buy?
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  1. #1
    Tech Convert
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    Default Learning to DJ! What controller/software should I buy?

    Hi everyone. I am trying to get into DJing. I love music; house, techno, trance, and everything else and want to get into the whole djing side.

    I have been playing around with DJAY on my mac for a while now and am trying to upgrade to more advance software and equipment.

    The only stipulation I have is that I would like to have 4 decks.

    So any advice would be great. As far as price range, I'm trying to spend a maximum of about $400 on a mixer. I've been reading online and for the price I was thinking of purchasing the American Audio VMS4 - is this a good idea? Is there something better?

    I am just unsure of what software I would need to couple with this mixer or if there is a better mixer that I should purchase along with any other equipment I might need.

    I currently have a year old 15" macbook pro so I am in good shape when it comes to that.

    So please help me in making a decision!

    Thanks for the help everyone!

  2. #2

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    As a new DJ there is absolutely no reason to get a 4-deck controller. Get the basics right first.

    Considering your budget, you'd be much better advised getting a better 2-deck controller than a cheaper 4-deck controller. You'll be sacrificing quality and durability if you get something like the VMS4 - you'll end up having to replace it soon enough.

  3. #3
    Tech Convert
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    Default

    thanks for the advice. what would you recommend as a good starting mixer?

  4. #4
    Tech Convert
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    Default

    would this be a good starter?

    [ame="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B003UVASTO/ref=s9_simh_gw_p267_d0_g267_i2?pf_rd_m=ATVPDKIKX0D ER&pf_rd_s=center-2&pf_rd_r=0BFTER7HGBJ1AFBJDEBC&pf_rd_t=101&pf_rd_p =470938631&pf_rd_i=507846"]Amazon.com: Numark MIXTRACK DJ Software Controller: Musical Instruments@@AMEPARAM@@http://ecx.images-amazon.com/images/I/31o-XHLBt4L.@@AMEPARAM@@31o-XHLBt4L[/ame]

  5. #5
    Tech Mentor ranzerox's Avatar
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    Default

    get a Stealth Control.. the build quality is better than the Mixtrack. and it looks good. has more buttons and controls too. later on you could add a Kontrol X1 or X2 (whatever it may be) and they will match mighty nicely.
    Dell 2.3 Ghz 4 Gb Laptop - Windows 7 Premium
    Numark Stealth - Kontrol X1 - Akai LPD8 - APC20 - Novation Launchpad - Numark Mixdeck
    Traktor Pro 2 - Ableton Live 8.100000000000000

  6. #6
    DJTT Admin Scammer scamo's Avatar
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    Default

    Um, you can surely learn the basics on a 4 deck controller. You just need to know that controlling 4 decks is not what you start off doing as a beginner.

    I have Native Instruments Kontrol S4 and can recommend it. If you save a little bit more money, the smaller brother of the S4, the S2, is coming out. Check out the blog and Ean's great demo video about it here.

    http://www.djtechtools.com/2011/08/2...xclusive-look/

    I believe the Numark you've found doesn't have a sound card. So you'd also have to buy a sound card too. The S2 (or S4) has a sound card already built in.

    scamo
    Skooppa - the revolution is beginning!

    You want the best FX jogs on the S4? Then try this mapping!

    Our Mixes: Mixcloud - Soundcloud
    Hehe...yeah. We're just beginning.

  7. #7

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    Yes save money for an S2.

  8. #8
    DJTT Moderator bloke Karlos Santos's Avatar
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    Default

    Quote Originally Posted by scamo View Post
    The S2 (or S4) has a sound card already built in.

    scamo
    ...and comes with the best DJ software available

  9. #9
    Tech Wizard
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    Default for entry level Numark Mixtrack is excellent!

    Without any doubt go on and buy Numark Mixtrack, its the best entry level controller and very convenient to operate. Its Big jog wheels are so easy to touch and manipulate.

    For making it even more effective (like ean golden's s2 demo) check out detailed tutorial on my blog and download the mappings! you can have the same effects!
    here is the link http://abtevrythng.blogspot.com/2011...lied-onto.html
    Last edited by heartrobber18; 09-15-2011 at 01:59 AM. Reason: mistake
    Blog: http://www.abtevrythng.com/
    Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/abtevrythng
    Twitter: abtevrythng
    Own: Korg nanoKontrol, nanoKey, nanoPAD2, Numark Mixtrack
    Work on: Acid Pro, FL Studio, Mixmeister, Traktor, Learning: Ableton Live

  10. #10
    Tech Guru DJZILCH's Avatar
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    Quote Originally Posted by Karlos Santos View Post
    ...and comes with the best DJ software available
    i second that

    you cant go wrong with the S2

    controller + built in sound card + arguably the best software available

    i mean if i dont already have the S4 i'll be all over the S2 lol
    Setup:

    Traktor Pro 2 / S2 MK2 / X1 MK2 / Audio6 / Pioneer HDJ2000 / Westone UM3X / rMBP 13 inch 2014 (2.8 GHz) / Focal Alpha 50

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