Which controller to get? Traktor S2?
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  1. #1
    Tech Wizard
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    Default Which controller to get? Traktor S2?

    Hi, I'm looking at getting a new controller to (finally) upgrade my Behringer BCD3000.

    I'm looking at a few options and I'm willing to spend up to around £700. One of the options is the S2, but it doesn't look like you can plug turntables in as external decks. Can someone please confirm? This is crucial for me.

    Would also be grateful for any other suggestions in my price range. I generally just do fairly straight forward beatmatch and blend mixes, rather than messing around with fancy stuff like looping, sample decks or beatjuggling, so those aren't big factors for me. More concerned with things like sound quality, build quality and good integration with with Traktor.

  2. #2
    Tech Guru Onimode's Avatar
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    The S2 doesn't have DVS support. That's only the S4. :/

    The MC6000 by Denon looks pretty good. Can be used as a standalone analog mixer, but doesn't have DVS support. Have you also considered other controllers such as the VCI-100? Stanton's SCS.1D/1M? The list goes on. :U

    Also, what's your opinion on Behringer and the BCD3000?
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  3. #3
    Tech Wizard BURST!'s Avatar
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    No, you can't plug turntables into a Traktor s2, you would need another soundcard (Audio 4, 6, 8) to do that.

    The traktor s4 might be a better option as you can plug in turntables and use them as timecode for Decks A and B, or play vinyl off them through Deck C or D as a live input channel.

  4. #4
    Tech Wizard
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    Thanks for the replies. That's disappointing about no turntable inputs, even the budget Behringer has that capability. What is DVS support?

    Thanks Onimode, I looked at the VCI-100 but it seems like it's optimised for Serrato whereas I want to stick with Traktor. Will have a look at the others you mention.

    I really like the BCD3000. It's very obviously a budget controller in terms of looks and build quality, but as an introductory midi controller it was perfect - came bundled with decent software, easy to set up and integrated well with my old vinyl set up. It's served me very well for 3 years now but it's time for an upgrade.

    Burst! - would it work to get an S2 with Traktor Scratch? That comes with an Audio 8 soundcard doesn't it? Would I then be able to switch between analogue and timecoded vinyl using the S2 as a mixer?

  5. #5
    Tech Guru Onimode's Avatar
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    DVS = Timecoded vinyl. Did you look at the VCI-100 or VCI-300? Because the 300 is made for Serato. You could use the S2 with an additional sound card, but you'd only have mixer controls for two decks.
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  6. #6
    Tech Wizard
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    I see, thanks very much. Parhaps it was the VCI-300 I looked at. I just looked at the VCI100 and it looks very good.

    I think I'm narrowing this down. What I want is to have the option of playing MP3s (both with and without timecoded vinyl) or analogue vinyl, using Traktor. Mixer controls for 2 decks only is fine, I won't be mixing on more than 2 decks.

    Are the VCI-100 and S2 similar options then, with the same limitations in terms of DVS? Any others to look at in this bracket?

    I looked at the S4 and it looks great, but seems to be far more than I need. I don't need 4 deck control and won't use half of the looping functions and sample decks. It's also enormous.

  7. #7
    Tech Guru Bassline Brine's Avatar
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    In all honesty, if you want time-code support, I don't particularly see why you need a MIDI controller. Getting a solid mixer, and then having the audio interface to connect it together might be a good option.

    You can also get a smaller MIDI controller if you really need one for portability, and still use the Audio Interface to connect through everything.

    One of my good buddies has a TT/Mixer setup at home with an Audio 4. He uses that when at home, and will bring the time-code/interface with him if he is playing in a club. But if he's just playing a house party or something, he has the Stanton SCS3 system that he'll bring around with him.

    It's basically having two seperate setups, but it does work well.

    You may also want to look into the Xone DX. If I'm not mistaken it can route time-code control as well. And personally, if you aren't going to be taking advantage of the multiple decks and FX, it's worth looking into Serato's products.
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  8. #8
    Tech Guru Onimode's Avatar
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    I've never had turntables before, but I'm assuming something like two turntables + a two-channel mixer that can switch between Line and Phono inputs would work. Hook it all up via an Audio 6 and have both traditional vinyl and timecode control that you can switch between on-the-fly? Hmmm... I should do some research.

    And, yes, the VCI-100 is as limited as the S2 in regards to DVS. The VCI-100 doesn't have a built-in sound card, as opposed to the S2.
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  9. #9
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    Bassline Brine - Yeah I can see what you're saying. Thing is, I actually prefer mixing through a midi controller, but I have friends who still use vinyl only (some of which will use timecoded vinyl). So I really do need quite a versatile set up. Also the turntables actually belong to my flatmate, so I need something which will work as a standalone set up in the longer term.

    The Xone DX looks absolutely perfect, except that it uses Serato. Is there something similar that is more suited to Traktor? My firends all use Traktor so I can't really switch at this point.

  10. #10
    Tech Guru Onimode's Avatar
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    Isn't the Xone:DX completely MIDI-mappable?
    Last edited by Onimode; 10-31-2011 at 10:20 AM.
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