Buying first setup. Which direction should i go?

[fjc]

Hi Guys,

This is my first post here (still not quite sure if this is specifically the right section to post this, be sure to let me know if it isn't)

I've been dj'ing for a 3 months now, on my desktop with traktor pro 2, that is... single soundcard internal mixing (no headphone cue and mouse). Been putting up mixes to mixcloud, and overall I've got the hang of it I would say. (I've always had some sort of musical knowledge).

But anyways, I've decided that it's time to step it up, so I started looking to what could I buy to get into things. So i followed the normal beginners route when buying the first setup and started to think of the Z1+X1 combo, soon enough I figured jog wheels are something I would like to have because I don't like to sync tracks so I jumped to the S2/S4 boat (I use 2 channels only so kind of leaning towards the S2).

I have some DJ friends who play in small clubs and I've been joining them in the booth, and it hit me that 99% of clubs use pioneer CDJs. So I said, hell, why would I spend time into learning something I wouldn't use other than in my bedroom or the ocasional house party. Yes, I know time and money.

I live in Argentina, here things are expensive, very. An S2 would cost about a whole month of full time job's salary. I started looking for CDJs (knowing having them in your house is all pointless) but I hit a wall when I realized they are definitely out of my price range. Way out.

Yesterday I found the XDJ RX, a controller-ish CDJs. And I've found thats here it's only a little bit more than an S4. But then again, it's not small and carrying it would be difficult.

So basically, I'm at a loss. Should I get a small controller like and S2 (I have a good laptop)? Should I get the XDJ RX, is it too much?

I've played with both and both types are fun. I just don't know. What you guys think?

Financially speaking, I'm in neither the "money is not an object" position nor in a "in a budget". I just want to get what's right, neccesary, and that will last.

Thank you. Sorry for the long read.

Bye

[dvmtech]

In my opinion, I believe you should go with something from the Pioneer DDJ line. Depending on your budget you can easily find something that fits within your needs.

I chose the DDJ-SB2 as my portable unit/home practice unit. It is definitely "cheaper" feeling than the rest of the DDJ line but that's why I like it. It's very lightweight (can be easily carried in a backpack/shoulder bag) which makes it practical to carry into the booth without needing to haul in a flight case. It is also the most space friendly when space is limited. The portability and size makes it convenient in the scenario where you're playing at a place that doesn't have Rekordbox compatible CDJs.

Which leads to my next point, utilizing the Rekordbox Performance software and a Pioneer DDJ controller at home will better prepare you for the time that you play in a place with Rekordbox CDJs. You will have already analyzed and beat-gridded your music at home since that is the software you are using. You would then just need to export your files into a USB drive to plug into the CDJs.

[Patch]

If money is an issue, I'd recommend a Behringer NOX mixer, with a Zomo MC-1000 controller/audio interface.

[CB75]

I would have to agree with dvmtech on this. It sounds as though you plan on playing out regularly if possible. I personally have spent a lot of time investing in my modular Traktor setup (X1's & F1) for home use, but I don't play out very often anymore. If I were to be starting out today, any of the Pioneer controllers are going to feel most natural when you do come across the CDJ setup. If you continue to use Traktor, I would probably still go to the trouble of duplicating your tracks on a Rekordbox designated USB.

Should you decide that jogwheels are NOT a factor in the end, I'd stick with the Traktor setup utilizing 1 or 2 X1's. They fit into almost any booth setup and you DON'T have to utilize beat sync on X1's. The MK1(s) are pretty responsive with pitch bend and tempo buttons and the MKII(s) have performed well for me in regards to beat matching utilizing the touch strip and manually using the encoder + sync button (small learning curve here).

Lastly in regards to 2 vs 4 channel, I told myself originally that I would only be using two channels at first as well. It wasn't long before I wished I had 4 channels simply for adding an extra loop, sample, or another track altogether. It cost me more in the end to upgrade to a setup that allow for me to do this. If it comes down to an S2 vs S4...save for the S4. Hope that helps and good luck!