Beginner buying his first digital DJ setup. Is this setup good?
Hello,
Im a beginner DJ and will start learning. I currently own a Macbook Pro laptop which i will run Traktor on.
Im planning to buy this equipment to start to learn with:
FOCUSRITE SCARLETT 2I4 Audio Interface
NUMARK M 2 2 Channel mixer
NATIVE INSTRUMENTS TRAKTOR KONTROL X1
Is this enough to start learning on and go more professionally on after a while? My budget is 450 EUR.
Please advice.
Looks good. You might be better off with a Traktor Audio 2 which includes Traktor Pro, unless you specifically need the extra IO on the 2i4.
i don’t know that soundcard, but for a lower price you can get a traktor audio 2 that simply has 2 outputs (all you need for the setup you have listed).
otherwise, think about maybe getting an audio 4 (about the same price as the scarlett i think), it will give you the possibility to add turntables or cdjs with timecode later as it is scratch-certified.
the x1 is a lovely piece of gear, but you might want to wait some weeks with your purchase as the x1 mk2 is literally just around the corner. also check out the beringer cmd series for modular midi controllers.
don’t know anything about the mixer, but seems to be a legit 2-channel mixer with everything you need to start out.
I have also been thinking about Numark Mixtrack Pro 2 or Denon MC2000. What are the advantages by buying either of these over the setup with lets say Traktor Audio 2, Numark 2 channel mixer and a Traktor X1 in terms of control, flexibility and in order to learn all the essentials dj basics?
Hey guys, thanx for the suggestions. I think i have made up my mind and will buy the Native Instruments Traktor Kontrol S2 DJ Controller. What do you think?
1st Thing.
In my humble opinion…A beginning DJ should consider building their “music library” first.
Might as well go for the s4 with how cheap it is right now.
Im glad you’re moving towards an all in one controller rather then a mixer, x1 and no decks whatsoever.
That’s an awesome setup though. Not sure why you’d not want it. You have the choice of internal or external mixing, and if the club has a mixer you like you just roll up with your x1 and a laptop and audio card.
I recommend Denon MC3000 + Traktor. Selling online just a touch over 300 USD. The total cost of MC3000 and software would be a bit more than S2 paired. I was also considering S2.
The MC3000 is a 2 physical channel controller with control over 2 additional track or remix decks. The S2 is a 2 channel controller with sample deck control. MC300 has a physical hi/low pass filter, the S2 does not but allows for the same control via software and shared control. A backup iPod/phone can be played through the MC300, not to my knowledge on the S2.
I was concerned about the sensitivity of the jogs and was always something I weighed heavy as I have read that S2, S4 and 4 track are the only controllers with HID jogs. I am using Macbook Pro with Raycotek mapping. Jogs on the Denon are fantastic! paired with a more than acceptable cut in on the crossfader when Traktor is set sharp.
The MC300 with its current street price may be champ. Built like a tank, excellent jogs, knobs, faders and nice pad like buttons all over the place. Still super portable, VCI 400 starts getting big with S4 and DDJ SX on the large size.
The MC3000 would let you get nice on 2 channels and be creative with smart planning on the soft takeover on a 4 deck or the remix decks. I love using the tempo sliders to beat match, easy to accurately push in + or - .01. MC3000 was made I believe after TP2; the design took a slightly less cramped and more mirrored layout then it’s older larger brother while still sharing the same high quality component and build as the MC6000. Everything lines up nicely with Traktor.
A first controller should be on the mid to lower end of the scale but shouldn’t limit your future abilities. I’m spending less on a controller and buying what I feel are the best headphones which will sit on head for hours at at time and take me into my next controller. In a year or so I believe a new S4 will be out possibly a new VCI-400 and DDJ SX (but tractor specific TX?). I would like to purchase a new version controller soon after its launch vs at the end.
Sorry to hi-jack the thread, but are you saying that you can use the hi/low pass filter on external sources???
You cannot mix external sources using the MC3000. Those inputs are routed directly to the Master Out iirc, with only a simple volume dial for control.
external mixing for the win!!! get a real mixer all day. learn to properly use the darn thing haha
Right, got it. Guessing he meant a physical knob dedicated to filter in traktor.
So i will buy the Traktor S2 controller. But another alternative would be to buy Traktor X1 Mk2 controller , Traktor Z1 mixer and Traktor Audio 2 soundcard. What is the best option in terms of mobility and compatible with the DJ booth in a club if i want to start playing in the clubs?
The biggest concern i have is the ability and flexibility to take the Traktor S2 to the clubs and hook it up or reconnect it to the current setup. Even if the Traktor S2 is not really big in size. I heard it easier to buy the modular kit consisting of Traktor X1 and Traktor Z1 mixer and just unplug your Traktor Z1 or Traktor Audio 2 so the next DJ can connect his soundcard fast. Also the benefits of this modular setup is that its easier to plugin to the clubs current setup than the Traktor S2 all in one controller. Im not really sure atm.. advice please
I have got a offer to buy a Traktor S4 from a friend who works in a DJ store. Not too much more money. Since the Traktor S2 is discontinued he advices me to get the S4 since it will last longer. Althou its a bit bigger in size and not as portable. What do you advice?
The S4 is on sale, it’s not that your friend is giving you a great deal. 
If you do buy a Z1, don’t get the Audio 2, it already has a soundcard. (does anyone know if it’s actually an a2?)
Setting up with a Z1 and an S2/S4 is literally the same - you only need to plug in one RCA in one of the mixer channels, so that’s not something that you care about. However, Z1+X1 do not take as much space, so they’re more practical.
Are you definitely set on using Traktor? It’ll be the easiest for you at clubs to use the CDJs with CDs/USB stick(s) - you won’t have to set up any cables for that. Unless you really need some Traktor features, you could just buy a cheap 2-deck controller (e.g. Mixtrack Pro/Behringer CMD 4a) to get used to the lay out and learn the basics.
Considering the lowered cost of the S4 I’d go for it, theres very little compares price/features/quality these days.
Don’t worry so much about ‘what’s in the clubs’ if you’re just starting out. Learn to dj first.
Chances are it’ll be a few year before you step up to the decks in a real club, (and who knows what the standard will be by then) so get what you’re comfortable with.
Cause he said he wants to learn to dj, not mash buttons. The price of an S4 has halved since I was interested in one personally and it has everthing all in one.
As simple of an answer as I can give.