New to the forums, but I’ve been DJing for about 15 years. Starting (age 15) in the mid 90’s using Virtual Turntables (Carrot Innovations). Graduating high school I picked up my first set of CDJ’s. Ditched them quickly for Vinyl. 4-5 years later moved back to CDJ’s. And then a year ago I decided to take a break, and sold my main DJ setup (at that time CDJ 1000’s w/ DJM 500). I kept my Pacemaker, which I love dearly. It’s great for when sitting on the couch or when on travels (had it help melt many long flights away). But the Pacemaker isn’t something I’d want to play out in the clubs with (if/when I get the chance to again)… or even for recording regular DJ sets, I’d prefer something with more control.
Now the question… I want to get a nice controller for Traktor. I’m not sure if I’d be satisfied with getting something sub-500 like a Numark Total Control, or if I should save up a bit more for something fully featured like the Traktor S4 . I’d like ability for 4 deck control (not required, but nice to future proof for when I get confident with Traktor and want to work with more), also easy access to the auto loop (with ability to resize on the fly), and full access to two FX banks. Internal sound card isn’t necessary, I have a Fast Track Pro (4 channels) which would work fine.
So… what is the forum’s favourite cheap (sub-500) and favourite fully featured DJ controllers for Traktor? Even if they’re not natively supported, and there is still good .tsi’s here on the forum.
My list so far…
-(sub-500) Numark Total Control: it’s got enough buttons/knobs/etc to be able to fully control 2 decks, and 2 full fx machines… but there is no internal sound card.
-(premium) Vestax TR-1: on the low cost of ‘premium’. excellent compact layout for full control of 2 decks, 2 full fx. but the price is high (~630) for something w/o an internal sound card, and limited 4 deck control (mixer only actively controls two).
-(premium) Traktor S4: built by traktor, for traktor. this is the full premium controller. but is it worth $1000?
I always marvel at the functionality of my M-Audio Trigger finger…I think they are discontinued, but if mine broke, I would replace it with something similar.
I love my 2 x1’s and audio 8 all of which i got used for about 500$ You’d still need a mixer, but its super portable and doesn’t scrimp on any controls. Just my 2cents
For the Vestax (VCI-100), I prefer the layout of the TR-1… and they’re both at the similar ($600-630) price point.
The X1’s does look intriguing to me… but the need to get another device (external mixer) kind of pushes me away from the option.
Uc-33e looks like it could work as a viable low cost option… that’s if I could find one easily, my local stores (tom lee and long & mcquade - i’m in BC, Canada) don’t appear to list it any more.
Again… if any one has opinion on the more expensive side of items (S4, XONEX) please ring in your thoughts. I can be persuaded to spend more on something with good feedback and that fits all my wants/needs.
Does anyone know the availability\status of the VCI-100MKII? I like the layout of it more then the first gen (similar to the TR-1), with the 2 FX right at the top. I can’t find it listed on any sites to buy.
I just found the TR-1 new for $500 (including shipping from USA, possibly plus taxes/customs). This is probably now my #1 choice for “sub-500” category. My thinking is if a device over $600 or so (like the VCI-100, etc)… I might as well save a bit more to get the S4, which I know will fill all my needs/wants (as long as it works as good as it looks).
This is the last time I will bump my thread. I am down to two devices for sure after talking to other friends of mine… including two friends who are not even dj tech people… but they understand my following situation.
The Vestax TR-1. I can find it (on eBay) for $500 including shipping, but possibly will incur customs charges when crossing the boarder. For a 2 deck controller (4 through channel switch on each bank) I really love it’s layout. But with no internal sound card, I will require my own. I do have a M-Audi Fast Track Pro… so that would work… but is one more device needed to keep.
The Traktor S4. About $989 plus taxes… It’s $941 via DJTT store, but I’m afraid of customs charges. It has 3 main advantages that almost make the price worth while:
includes full version of Traktor Pro. I’m sure I’d upgrade the Traktor LE, if I picked the TR-1. This is a cost value difference.
includes a built in sound card… no need for a secondary device when going out to gigs… can sell my external sound card, as I won’t have use for it any more.
4 deck control… and right out of the box 100% amazing compatibility with Traktor.
DJTT users… please help me. Should I save money and get the TR-1, and hopefully be happy with it… or do you think I will later wish I just got the “all-in-one” S4?
I still feel both of those options are a bit overboard when you could get er done for like 200 bucks :S
If you’re gonna go big might as well get the S4 I say, if you’re on a budget, then shop like you’re on one: $150 Soundcard, couple hund for a controller like that uce, or akai pad, and traktor or mixvibes or something.
I think you’ve got your mind set on the S4 anyway. If you can spend it it’s definitely the best option. But beware of the current audio issues a lot of Windows users are experiencing. Might be a good idea to keep your current audio card until those are solved. (Which I’m sure they definitely will.)
I’m in love with the Denon dn-mc6000. It’s the rival to the S4 and (arguably) better (to some!) in many ways. It’s $100 cheaper, steel chassis, stand alone mixer, not really having a lot of the computer issues that S4 users are having. Search this forum about the mc6000. I’ve asked a lot about it and now I’m saving up for it. The top 3 right now would have to be s4, mc6000, and (supposedly) the upcoming Reloop 3 (although the Reloop company itself seems to be lacking in terms of customer service, etc). And then if you want extremely high end, Allen & Heath’s DX is the obvious all in one choice. I think you need to do more research buddy! Don’t think that the S4 is the end all of all controllers. It is def amazing piece of hardware, but if you’re going to spend money, make sure you have looked at ALL of your possible options.
Going with the pads is another idea too as others have said. The Akai MPD 24/32 or even Akai APC 40 are sweeet controllers. Get a a mixer with those and you’ve got yourself a sweet setup. You really have to ask yourself if you want separate pieces, if you want an all-in-one, etc. Good luck !
The Reloop 3 does look nice… but I think I’m near that impatient “I want it now” mode.
I’m sorry to say I’m looking well past the Denon, because of personal experience/preference against all that is Denon DJ equipment.
I know I want the S4… and I know I “could afford” the S4… but I’m afraid I might overpay on something that I may not end up getting the full value from
X) please ring in your thoughts. I can be persuaded to spend more on something with good feedback and that fits all my wants/needs.