I get the concept in general (I think), but I'm not 100% clear on how it all comes together. Perhaps the best way to approach it is to present where I am at currently, and why I am asking. I tried to read all of the relevant stickies, but my bad if I overlooked something.
I have been spinning about 2.5 years using Tech 1200s, Rane TTM-56, and Scratch Live. I spin mostly oldschool/underground hip hop and funk/soul, with some 80s, rock, and electronic mixed in there as well. Almost all of my music is digital. I am mostly a bedroom DJ, but I do some house parties and whatnot, and would like to branch off into some clubs/bars in the coming year (although for a club/bar gig, I would most likely be looking to bring my Techs, so not really relevant to this thread).
I would sooner give up my left testicle than my Techs/Rane, but being home for the winter break I can't ignore how awesome it would be if I could just pack up single piece of gear and be able to spin at some friends' house parties while I am back in town and don't have my full setup.
So basically, I would like to get something that would allow me to mix without using my Techs, but I am not looking for it to be my primary or preferred setup. I am more just looking for something that can be quick and easy and readily transportable, and concede that it may not be as flexible/responsive as my current setup. In other words, I don't have the desire or willingness to spend to make it THAT flexible of a setup; I would much prefer my Techs, but I just want it as something I can fall back on when I am flying home and can't pack my Techs, or space is too limited, etc etc
The need for employing an external mixer would be fine with me, since mixers are relatively easy to transport, and I already have solid mixers in both my temporary and permanent zip codes.
I would also like something that I can easily integrate with Scratch Live, as I have spent countless hours getting my library organized in a way that I like.
I would like to keep it under $200 max, and I would also prefer to build it myself for the DIY aspect and nostalgia, assuming it is not overly complicated.
That said, here are my current questions:
1) Could somebody link me up to a thorough explanation of how DJ controllers work and the nuances between different configurations?
2) Is it possible to build a basic DJ controller that can do what I am asking? Since I like to spin a lot of hip hop which uses scratching, and funk/soul that has live drummers, it seems like I would want my controller to have some sort of jog wheel, but I haven't seen any DIY builds that included a jog wheel. Can the need for a jog wheel be replaced by good planning ahead of time (making sure tracks are beatgridded properly, etc)? Is my understanding of the jog wheel's uses off-base?
3) If a DIY controller is not an alternative, what models would match my needs in the sub-$200 range? I am open to buying used.
4) Is there a DIY build or OEM controller that could serve both the purpose previously mentioned, but also compliment my Technics setup similar to the way the Dicer does?
Thanks in advance for responses!
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