I would like to start off by mentioning that you all probably can see this is my first post. I am looking for some advice on my first Digital DJ set up (winces in fear). I have read through most of the articles on the site and found them pretty helpful and have read a lot about the products but if you guys can just point to a comparative review of the following products or even just shoot them down one at a time (forum style).
I will start off by saying I do not have that much money, I live in Australia so that may limit some availability of goods, although with todays internet and the scene over here looking pretty strong I doubt that. I am not really sure what direction I will go music wise so the broader the genres I can mix and play around with the better. I have 0 experience as a DJ except i guess DJ hero (so make that negative 1 experience). I have about 400AUD to play around with and was thinking of the following decks.
Vestax Spin
Vestax Typhoon (logically a better option, I notice everyone here really likes the VCI-100 so maybe this is a good idea?)
Hercules e2
Hercules MK4
EKS XP5.
I have a 13inch MacBook Pro so I will be working off OSX, and I am a bit of a geek so I am all up for playing around with the hardware and set up. One last time, no prior experience and thanks for being nice.
If your patient you can get a VCI-100 used for pretty good prices now because of the new S4 controller. You’ll need a sound card though which will add to the cost.
The biggest issue for you is going to be cost. I know it is for me. What it comes down to is buying something NOW that you’ll want to upgrade from in a few months (and then still be broke from buying what you have), or possibly waiting a few months to save up the bit additional that you need for that controller you would really want.
I’m taking the waiting game myself. Gives you more time to salivate over your various options, but I know I’m not going to be unhappy when I make my final decision.
With your budget and options though, if you did want to get something, I’d recommend either the Hercules Steel with Audio 2 DJ or the Numark Mixtrack with Audio 2 DJ. I say with a separate soundcard because it leaves you open to get another controller in the future that could make use of it. Those are the two best “bang for your buck” out of the less expensive options IMO.
HATE! just kidding. I think AUD exchange is pretty close to US, so this should be pretty accurate. i would still say be patient and go with a VCI-100 and an audio 2 dj; I say be patient, b/c you’ll have to look around for a deal as new this might still run you around 600. Plus, it comes w/ traktor le, so you can put off buying software for awhile. I have friends who have the torq xponent and the hercules rmx (both have built-in soundcards) and love them too, if you want cheaper options.
There is a lot of love for the VCI-100 and you might even find a previously well loved VCI-100, in great shape and with plenty of upgrades, in the Buy & Sell Forum at this LINK. The S4 upgrade frenzy is in full effect. If you aren’t committing to an S4 purchase, the VCI-100 is solid.
Sorry to hijack the thread earlier, I ran through Tekki’s, JesC, Photojojo’s and Karlos Santos distortion field. They seem to be everywhere at once. Tabbed browser madness.
But seriously, I have found a VCI 100 going on eBay really cheap. Something is making me feel like posting an exact link is going to decrease my odds of winning the bid, regardless its 8 months old and going for cheap, with only ‘cosmetic damages’ (if you manage to find it anyway please don’t bid against me!) I think I will give it ago if not I might try out a cheap Numark Mix track. As for harvesting the birthdays I really doubt it. I would rather the rent money haha
If you get a vci, try and get an SE… Ive seen a few on the buy sell forum on here. people going mad for S4 but vci100SE is a powerful tool… especially with arcade buttons
OK now you are scaring me what is the difference between the SE (I am assuming MKII is the same thing) and the regular? I am pretty sure I am looking at getting the regular one presently.
This. To start off I’d get something nice enough to keep you playing for a little while to learn and with an external sound card so you can upgrade. The mixtrack is a good cheap option, and also the DJ Tech Reload. Both under 200.00 US dollars. Sound card, the Audio 2 is the best card for 100.00 and you can probably find one used. I used a maya44 that I found used for 60.00 dollars for a while. If you spend too much and end up not really DJing too often it may be waste. There is TONS of stuff you can do with a DJ Tech Reload.
No, mkII is different. The VCI-100mk1 came out about 4 years ago and is a really solid piece of gear. Ean Golden and the team at DJTT worked on it to make it the best it could be, with the following upgrades:
improved firmware which eliminates a few bugs and increases the performance capabilities
A dedicated DJTT Traktor mapping .tsi file (now version 3.6.4) which works infinitely better than vestax’ standard mapping
A hardwearing overlay for the unit which labels all the controls as they are in the mapping.
That’s what an SE is, the mk1 with DJTT upgrades. You can make one yourself (as I did) by getting what you need from the DJTT store, or buy one direct from them.
The mkII is new from vestax and only just announced, has a built in soundcard (we don’t know about the quality yet) and isn’t as ruggedly built as the original. Probably still a very good unit though.
Overall, your best bet at the moment is to find an SE online or a good condition standard mk1 and buy the FW upgrade kit and overlay from the DJTT store. Even better, look for an arcade edition.
