Looking to upgrade to timecoded vinyl, some questions

[Jack Rabid]

I think I've posted a similar topic a while back, but now I actually have the budget to upgrade so I'd like to make sure I get the equipment I need. I'm looking to upgrade from my Numark Omnicontrol (which has been experiencing issues as of late) to the classic 2 TTs and a mixer setup, but with timecoded vinyl so I can still have access to my whole collection. My budget is like $1200-$1400, which may or may not prove to be enough, but we'll see.

1.) The set I'm most interested in is the set everybody seems to be familiar with, Technic mk2 1200s, mostly for their reliability. I'm not too familiar with the concept of timecoded vinyl (I've looked into this question, but I can't seem to find a plain answer.) The thing is I'm assuming there will be other equipment necessary to make the tables work properly with my software, but I'm not too sure what. An external soundcard maybe? Would I need any other special equipment for the tables to work properly?

2.) Because of my limited budget I realize I might not be able to afford exactly what I want (mk2s seem to go for either really cheap or really expensive from what I've seen), so I'm trying to work out a backup option that won't cripple me in terms of affordability and accessibility (i'm trying to avoid cdjs because they all seem to be expensive, and burning my music to cds would take a huge chunk out of my wallet.) Are there any other model of turntables I should keep an eye out for, perhaps that's more likely to suit my price range.

3.) The mixer I was looking at is the Behringer DDM4000, a 4 channel midi mixer which seems to have a lot of positive backing behind it. I'm willing to work with a 2 channel mixer though if it serves my price range better, though I think I'd lose my plans of turning my omnicontrol into a sample/effects board as a result. My main concern is whether or not I should bother with a midi mixer or just go full analog. I'm assuming a midi mixer would save me the trouble of getting a soundcard, but in the end would it be more expensive then just getting an analog mixer with a soundcard?

If any of my questions or explanations are unclear let me know. I'll be perfectly honest, I'm still not very knowledgeable about tech, so I might be overlooking something important, or just overcomplicating my situation.

[djproben]

You'll need a soundcard either way unless there is one built into the mixer. There is not one in the Behringer, even though it has MIDI capabilities. And if you want timecode using Serato or Traktor, you will need one of those company's soundcards. Unless you get a traktor certified mixer, but you won't find one in the price range of the behringer (unless you get really lucky finding a used Mackie Traktor certified mixer). The Behringer is decent (and cheap) as an analog mixer, you can use the midi capabiltiies but will need a midi-to-usb cable to get it to work. But it's a really confusing mess in some ways if you use the effects and the midi controls. The sampler is practically useless and the "ultramizer" is just a compressor that you're better off staying away from. Overall though it's a lot of mixer for the price. I'd look for a used Mackie d.4 Pro if I were you though; combining the Behringer and Audio 8 is probably about the same price. Audio 8 or Serato SL1 will set you back about $300 so count on parting with that cash on top of the behringer and the decks.

[Jack Rabid]

Oooooh, wow that's a chunk of cash alright haha but I can work it out. Thanks for the recommendation though, I just took a look at the Mackie and it looks like a better option (less hardware to maintain and possibly replace is always good), so hopefully I can find a used model of that to keep me in the area of $1200, but with luck that won't be an issue if I can find some decently priced technics on the market.

Speaking of which, do you have any recommendations on other possible turntable models to look out for? Or are the technics the safest bet for my price range? Assuming I don't get a bad pair of course, which would be another world of problems.

[oliosky]

Pair of Super OEM decks (Stanton St150s etc)- $500 tops second hand
Traktor Z2 mixer - $799 preorder from DJTT store

$1300. Boom.

[DJ Eff]

2 used Technics 1200's-$1000
Serato SL2-$500

1.5k, but ur set with an extra hundred bucks

[DJ Eff]

wait, why don't u use Timecode CD's? u won't have to burn your music?
maybe a pair of secondhand Denons with a large platter?

but to edit my first post, i 4got u said u need a mixer.
so u may not be able to get T12's
but make sure u account for enuff money to get traktor or serato.

[rip_king]

throwing in my opinion for getting the Denon X1600 Traktor certified mixer. You'll negate the need for an NI interface since it's certified. I got mine for $800 all cash, that plus the two tables should get you right in the wheel house.

The X1600 is a superb piece of kit, and has MIDI functionality built into the mixer. For example, each channel strip can be switched to control MIDI of whatever you want, then switched back to analog control. There's also a MIDI strip on the mixer with 4 endless rotaries and 4 MIDI buttons (and 4 pages to select between, so really 16 endless rotaries and 16 buttons). I have these rotaries programmed to control looping for each deck, track browsing, loading into decks (the rotaries push down as well). Best part is, since the mixer is certified, there's no need for extraneous cables. I have 2 RCAs from each deck into the mixer, then cables out to my speakers and USB into the computer and it's done. With an interface, you'd have an extra pair of RCA cables running from the interface into the mixer.

[Jack Rabid]

I'll look into those decks, olio. And I already got traktor, I don't want to get timecoded cds because I don't really wanna work with a jogwheel anymore, I want tactile feedback when I'm playing a track for beatmatching.

Rip: that sounds pretty sweet, guess it depends if I can get a pair of tables for around 400-500. If so I'd look into that, because I've heard really good things about it in the past.

[Shishdisma]

If you don't want to cruise ebay and go through the hassle of buying used tables, you could always go for a pair of AT-LP120's or whichever Stantons come in at $200, an SL2, and a small, but still solid, mixer like a DJM-250.

$400 tables
$500 SL2
$350 mixer
$1250

[Dubstyles1]

I recommend the numark ttxusb turntable, not to expensive and really good.
I'd stay away from the behringer mixer and go for a dennon or Allen and Heath.
Good luck with it.