So i just bought my first controller, the vci-100. I used the latest mapping with TP2 and ive been practicing for about 2 months now. I find that I’m missing certain features as i really like to loop and sample parts during my sets.
Im looking to make an upgrade to a 4ch set up, either another controller, the Kontrol S4 or TT’s with timecode. From your experience in djing, what seems to be an ideal set up for you guys? I know style and genre has a lot to do with it, but over all what are some pro’s and cons of using turntables over a well rounded controller such as the s4?
I would probably have to say the “ideal” set up is two cdj’s and a quality 4 channel mixer, (in the usa pioneer shit is king) thats if you’re looking to get into the club scene. Basically because that is what about 99% of clubs have standard, which means (for the average dj) less set up time/potential problems, etc.
Of course this kind of rig will cost you a pretty penny but you’ve asked for ideal… so there it is
Another option is getting a controller and tagging on two tt’s (tech 12’s) or cdjs if it allows for that… then you’re set with both worlds but if you’re spending that kinda money i’d personally be more inclined to buy a club standard, midi mappable 4 chan mixer but its up to u
Sorry, i should have been more specific. Im not looking to go pro any time soon I’m in college so cdj’s and a club standard mixer will have to hold off until i finish school find a job etc.
Im focusing more on learning djing and how to start, the “proper” way. Basically, what are reasons people choose vinyl over a controller, when it seems a controller can do almost everything two TT’s and a mixer can do, if not more
i think an s4 is all you need. but im a diehard controller user. screw cdjs and tts. too cumbersome and over priced. you can rock a crowd with on X1 and you can rock a crowd with 6 CDJs. why not go with the small and cheap route? i vote for a four channel controller. id wait til the vci400.
Well the controller is far more convenient then because it is everything is a box ready to go, but all the best dj’s (sorry to generalize) have learned on tt’s or cdj’s. simple fact that learning proper beat matching and timing is always a great skill to have… but then again try out some different things at your local store, you’d be amazed how easy it is to pawn off dj equipment on used classifieds. and look for deals on used classifieds for that matter
if you want to learn properly, then TT’s are your best bet, nothing on them is automated so you need to learn how to use them first before you can sound good, but in that time you will learn so much more about the compisition of dance music, and you will be listening more intently to the music, so in theory you will get better knowlege of your music, the only problem you may have with turntables is you have to get quality one’s, the cheap one’s are cheap because they are crap to use.
Also when you are learning, try to not look at the screen, you should beatmatch by hearing the beats alone, otherwise beatmatching will never become instinctual. but it takes a lot of practice to get to that stage. But it is a very steep learning curve, you will need to think about what you are doing for a while, but one day it will just happen naturally.
i dont believe that stuff, ive always had a feel for music and edm in general is crazy easy to understand. if you have even a basic grasp for music theory (which you should) you can start off with just a laptop. beatmatching i can understand was essential back in the day but now it really isnt. do what you want and do what feels good. fuck all the ideals and rules behind djing. of course this is a bit biased since i love controllers and can already beatmatch. but i dont really believe any of that starting out learning to beatmatch and the mixer cdj combo being the pinnacle of djing bs. also, look at the screen all you want, your using software and your laptop has a screen for a reason. they didnt spend years on traktors appearance just so you try to not look at it.
the idea of learning how to do it without the computer is so you can do it independantly of it if you need to, but you only get one chance at learning the first time, to me it shouldn’t be wasted on sync and effects, you should get the fundamentals down first, It’s not a rule its advice…
I’d have to agree (not bout the law fighting) but thats personal preference to be honest, again, try out gear at your local store! you may take a liking to a certain controller, software, tt, mixer, headphones, etc
i guess im a little spoiled then since i knew the basics. but i was already good at music shit before the dj bug bit me. i can see where your coming from, i had already had all of the basics.
EITHER WAY, you can learn to beatmatch on anything with pitch faders so get a vci400. if you feel like getting something else in a bit do it but i think the vci 400 will hold you over for a while. i sadly cannot buy one since i mix with ableton
Learning to beatmatch is one of the fundamentals of DJ’ing. Yes, it isn’t required anymore but its still a skill that someone should want to learn. Relying 100% on your beatgrids without any sort of back up is not a smart idea.
the only controller’s I could recommend for learning to beatmatch apart from cdj media players are the numark ns series or pioneer ddj’s as they have long 14 bit pitch faders. vestax, reloop etc… all have 14bit but they are very small and not ideal for the task.
It’s not just about rocking the crowd. It’s the feel that is unbeatable. No controller can replace vinyl TTs. Mixing and scratching with turntables is so much different from the rest, and so much better too in terms of feel.
Exactly!
I hate it when people brag about beat matching but when all they do is look at the grids, use auto sync or match the waveform (in Serato).
you are stuck with what you have - mods are difficult
heavy
unless you have timecode, crates of vinyl are heavy
bulky
timecode soundcard (audio 6/10 ssl) expensive
few options
Controllers
Pros
fully mod-able (in the midi mapping sense)
lighter than TTs
low mid and high end for all budgets
several different softwares to use (traktor, VDJ)
DJTT knobs
DIY possibilities
many many options
Cons
technology moves fast, better controller out next year
sound card might be required
have to buy software
I have both, and love both for different reasons. I think a hybrid setup is the best, you can fully customize your workspace and workflow. We all have opinions on what is best, but you decide. Hit up the store and play with things. I never saw a NDX800 until I went to the store, and didn’t realize how big it was, so go play with the toys so you can make a decision for yourself. The VCI 400 does look dope though…
Nothing beats the feel of turntables. I know I’m not the only one that feels that way, and it’s something that’s really hard to just explain. With them, I feel more connected to the music without having to think about other more technical aspects, because it’s just a flow of moving the different parts.
I’m still learning honestly. But I’m glad I waited it out and bought TT’s like I had originally wanted. In the future I may get a controller for just ease of portability, but for home use, I will only sell them if I upgrade to a nicer set (M5G’s are sexy as hell).
I consider myself grateful for have the ability to have both, the S4 and turntables.
I purchased the S4 Scratch upgrade kit, which allows me to have the ability to use both in the same setup.
I find my self using the SYNC option when mixing with the S4 and “free flowing” (for lack of a better word) when using the turntables.
I love and enjoy both.
IMO, at the end of the day, it’s all about being able to make people move to your music.
That being said, if you find yourself undecided, I recommend purchasing the S4, because you can always do what I did and add turntables at a later time.
If I’m not mistaken, the S4 is the only controller that support DVS in a all-in-one package for Traktor.
Thats what i was thinking of doing, in the meantime I can use the s4 and save up for turntables in the future.
I still find my self in between because I would like to learn how to beatmatch with turntables. I guess i can just turn off the meters in traktor and try this with the s4.
