DJing Noob In Need Of Help! Which DJ Controller to get?
Hi. Im a noob at DJing, and I was talking to my friend the other day. He is also a DJ and has a hercules controller i think. I told him i was gonna try to save up $1000 for a traktor S4 (yeah i have to save up cause i dont have a job and im only 15). So far I ve saved up… $200 or so. I have a macbook and nice headphones and an amp already so I think the only thing i need now is just the actual controller? Correct me if im wrong. Ive been playing around with virtual DJ and using a crappy cheap sound card on ebay for like $2.
opps
back to main topic,
well when i told my friend i wanted the S4, he said that was way too expensive for an entry level controller. So I went home and searched up another controller, the Numark Mixtrack Pro. Would this be a good one? I mean like I only need another $100 and i’ll be able to have it
or can you guys suggest something better? I have only had experience with virtual DJ on my windows computer, and Djay (on my mac, havent really used it yet)
I have the Mixtrack Pro right now and I have to say… I feel like I’ve already outgrown it in the 3 months I’ve had it. It’s really easy to grasp all of the basics if you practice frequently and do your research by watching performances (by pros and no names alike) and through dj blogs. So needless to say, I’m ordering the S2 on Friday. It’s only $399 until March 31st, including tax and standard shipping, so if you can somehow get some more money by then that is DEFINITELY the route to go. Otherwise the Mixtrack Pro will be fine for starting out and learning the basics.
I think the Mixtrack Pro is a a cool little first controller. I got one a few months ago to play around with. I’m a Serato user and wanted to give an all in one controller a shot so once they came out with Serato DJ Intro I ran out and got the Mixtrack. It will never replace my 1200s, but it is a solid controller to start out with.
You can get something within the close future, and be able to mix sooner than you would otherwise. Chances are that at some point within the next year, if you devote your time and effort into it, that you’ll want to upgrade again to something that can utilize all of the functionality out of your software of choice.
The other choice is to save, and get exactly what YOU want. But this takes time and patience. And also a matter of realism, being able to hold yourself back to really be happy with your overall purchase.
Personally, I waited a LONG time to make what I consider my “dream gear” setup. I know not everyone is willing to do this. But having professional gear for a hobby that I hope to turn into a bit more fun and earn some money while playing the tunes I love someday? That’s a priceless feeling for me.
i had a mixtrack because i read on DJTT that you get alot of buttons for the price… it was OK.. i returned it to guitar center within my 30 day window and got an akai apc40. the apc40 was the best purchase i made last year ,excluding traktor of course
Basically, the S2 has a lot better integration with Traktor, you’ll be able to use more of Traktor in a more intuitive way. Not to mention that the S2 comes with the full version of Traktor Pro 2, the Mixtrack Pro does not.
Oh i see.
But I saw an ad on kijiji, and this guys selling his Mixtrack (not pro) for $100. I am thinking about getting this as my first because it is very cheap. He states that its barely used but bought in may 2010.
If I DO buy this, what else would I need?
I have a macbook pro 15’ and nice headphones already. Thanks
[quote]Thanks for the replies guys!!! I’m now torn between the Mixtrack pro and S2. What features does the S2 have that Mixtrack doesnt? Thanks
[/quote]
Quality feeling Controller - everything is “Tight” on it, and doesn’t feel like cheap plastic.
Native Instuments Audio2 Soundcard
Traktor Pro (Full version worth $200 on its own)
Longevity - you will probably outgrow the Mixtrack pretty fast and end up dropping yet more cash much sooner OR end up wanting full version DJ software.
[quote]But I saw an ad on kijiji, and this guys selling his Mixtrack (not pro) for $100. I am thinking about getting this as my first because it is very cheap. He states that its barely used but bought in may 2010.
If I DO buy this, what else would I need?
I have a macbook pro 15’ and nice headphones already. Thanks[/quote]
You’ll still need a decent sound card ($100) + software. The Lite version that comes with most entry level controllers is pretty limited for anything more than a-b mixing.
The s2 is a silly deal NOT to get right now (if there is any possibility that you can afford it). you’ll have a brand new 100% warrantied “industry accepted” controller with full version of traktor rather than a cheap “looked down by pro’s” controller + external sound card (taking up another valuable USB port) .. limited version software and (at best) expiring warranty.
IMHO of course.
DJ’ing is not really a game you want to get into “on the cheap”, despite it being possible .. measure twice, cut once.
S2 100% & get the Jiggle S2D2 map http://www.audioj.webs.com/ S2 Map He updates and adds new features all the time and if you think of anything ask and you will more then likely get it.
