Budget: Don’t want to exceed spending $500 (I understand I get what I pay for so I don’t mind buying a used set if worth it)
Type of Music: Fusion, Techno, International, R&B Hip Hop
Software: Traktor (although I’ve never used b4 I’ve been reading that it suits best for fusion works)
So based on these thing what do you well experienced professionals advice?
In my mind I was thinking of getting a separate mixer and a separate turntable as I do want learn scratching too. But if you recommend to start off with a combo which includes everything…
what say guys… every bit of advice is greatly appreciated!
well, scratch license with a mixer and a pair of TTs sound like the winner but it exceeds your budget. I would keep on saving or buy the components one at a time. This would be a lot cheaper than buying something economic and upgrading later.
one more question… during a random chat with friends .. one of them said scratching is so out of date.. Pro DJs don’t scratch anymore? I did’nt agree with him because I said it’s all about the feel and it’s not out of date.
Thank you … He is an IDIOT! hmmm.. if $500 is way low…
Should I start off with just a controller and learn to mix and then eventually invest on a turntable… so what’s a good start.. any specific models or series?
If you’re interested in scratching then you’ll probably want to go with full size platters like traditional turntables, which are expensive, because you should also be accompanying it with a proper battle mixer. A mixer could cost between $500-$1000, and anywhere from $300-$700 for turntables depending on whether you buy new, or used, or whether they’re Numark TTX’s, Tech 12’s, or Stanton Str8 150’s. Then you have to buy vinyl at $20 a piece or go digital in which case you’d have to buy a lapotp, and either Traktor Scratch Pro or Serato where it’ll cost you between $600-$700 so “scratch” DJ’ing is definitely on the high side of DJ’ing.
If you want to go cheaper, I’ve seen people do some decent scratching on controllers like the Numark NS7, but even that will cost you $1000, and you still need a computer.
If you’re considering scratching but have never done it, maybe you should give it a try first. I’ve tried a few times to become a “scratch” DJ, but it takes a great degree of rhythm, and I think it’s possible that I don’t have enough.
I’m saying that because if you decide you don’t want to scratch, it opens up a lot more options for DJ’ing, or using a controller. If you don’t want to scratch, getting decent setup for $500 is feasible. I just got the S2 and I think it’s amazing and for 2 ch mixing and it cost me $575. Then another $650 for my PC.
Thank you so much guys for all the insight. Sounds like I am going start up with a mixer that’ll allow future upgrades.. so maybe one day I can invest on the traditional turntables.
I’ve been hearing alot good stuff on the S2 and S4 … What I am really missing out if I go with an S2…? And S2 does allow upgrades …right?
And does it comes Traktor full version?
So I feel like … I need shed a good grand on all this combined …
hey guys what about used deals??? I mean pros and cons … How would softwares work on used gears?
Isn’t it licensed per user or owner? Any basic stuff I need lookout for in used gears.
Seriously?
Are you lot on drugs or is your answer to every problem you face gonna be “Throw some big money at it”?
Numark direct drive turntables, fit for purpose, second hand 50 to a hundred quid a throw.
Second hand mixer, £70 to a one spot. We are still under a 3 spot here…
“Drums fingers and waits to get in to a flameproof suit”
direct drive turntables…interesting. Just started browsing around.
No no.. definitly don’t wanna throw my $$ or ££ away. I am just a little nervous about 2 hand stuff as anything could be wrong with it and might end up as a piece of junk without manufacturer’s warranty.
Frankly speaking I am going to walk in to Guitar center and check out some of the equipments in person and get some more exposure.
Thank you Guys - Padi 04, Frank 112916, Tokenasianguy, Dripstep, U-31!
Direct drive rather then belt drive, you’ll rue the day if you buy and try scratching with belt drive… though again, it aint impossible to use belt drive TT’s…
Traktor scratch duo $349. You can find Numark TT’s and mixer package ( Numark battle pack) on craigslist for cheap, it comes with two tt’s and a mixer. Throw an Innofader pro on the mixer and your good to go. I’m basing this on you having a pc or etc… I think this is perfect for someone like yourself, you can learn how to scratch and learn how to properly mix on vinyl (timecode). By the way, I scratch almost everyday like it’s going out of style, but scratching will never, ever, ever die! Peace.
The S4 is a good bet, because there’s a $150 “scratch” add on, that’ll let you plug in two turntables and use them as control vinyl to control the MP3’s in your computer. You can also use the two decks transport section on the unit itself together with the turntables giving you two controller decks, and two turntables all controlled by the 4 channel strips on the S4 mixer.
With the S2, you don’t have the “scratch” option of hooking up two turntables, you also don’t have the loop recorder that’s in the middle section of the S4, and you don’t have the two additional channel strip sections. Keep in mind that with the S2, you can still do 4 deck mixing, you just have to switch between controlling A-B, or C-D. But there’s what they call a “.1” channel, which explains the name “Traktor 2.1” which is the version of traktor it comes with. One of the knobs in the centre acts as a master volume for the 4 sample decks on each side, which are controlled by the sample trigger buttons.
Sorry I’ve tried to explain it as simply as I can, but I realize that there’s a lot to take in. Spend as much time as you can using product sites, and forums like this to find out exactly everything you need. The last thing you want to do is buy a controller and then find out that it doesn’t exactly have the features or layout that you want/need and you have to take a loss in selling it.
As for buying used software, I wouldn’t take that chance. There’s no way to know for sure if it’s legit. If you buy it in your city, you can install it on your computer before paying the guy, but I’ve heard of people having trouble with that too.
every bit of advice is greatly appreciated! 
hmmm.. if $500 is way low…