Hey,
I needed some input for my future DJ set up and I have a few questions.
My set up would be as follows:
DJ Software: Traktor
Mixer: Kontrol Z2
Turntables: ???
Midi Controllers: Either 2 Midi Fighter Spectra’s or 1 Midi Fighter Spectra and 1 Maschine MK2
I’m on a REALLY tight budget and as we all know, DJ equipment isn’t cheap. With that said, here are my questions.
1: What turntables should I get? So far, I found that Stanton turntables run relatively cheap. Anyone have any suggestions?
2: What midi controller should I get? I really love the concept of the Midi Fighter Spectra and I’m definitely getting at least one. But I also see DJ’s using the Maschine. Which would you prefer?
You will need the timecode kit if you are going with turntables, which is another expense.
With turntables, you get what you pay for, so if you sit on your money, and save up for a decent set, it will pay off, plus they will hold their resale value.
There is more to do with Maschines. I do eventually want to get one because I also want to do some producing in Ableton and a Maschine, I believe, has more variety than other drum machines or midi fighters. In my opinion at least. Plus it comes with Massive so that’s also a good thing.
Your proposed setup doesn’t really scream “on a tight budget”… planning on using turntables and then buying a Z2 anyway just screams “more money than sense” to me, personally. Saying that, it all depends on where you’ll be DJing, and what sort of music you play.
I wouldn’t advise using turntables unless you’re a scratch DJ, otherwise you might as well go for a decent all-in-one controller (or modulars, and then use a traditional mixer). A good combination would be a pair of Reloop Contour CEs (£79 each) and a Z2, or Behringer’s new PL-1 if money’s REALLY that tight.
If turntables are a must, have a look at the DJ Tech SL1300 Mk6; the only downside with them is that other DJs WILL laugh at you for using DJ Tech gear, but then again you’re basically getting a Super OEM turntable for less than £300 for the pair, and everyone knows its all about the cartridges with TTs anyway.
basic questions i guess haven’t been asked yet tho..
how much experience do you have DJing already? and with what gear?
are you a TRUE starter to the art?
How old are you? if under 18… then you prolly won’t be doing clubs for years, so your starter in home setup is gonna be cheaper
If over 18, do you intend on doing house parties, clubs, weddings, special events etc etc..
do you have a PA set up already?
if no, you will need atleast 1 powered speaker
also, you dont have to use turntables, a lot of people completely stopped, i know i did, timecode is fun, but i like being more modular, so are turntables going to be necessary since it is in fact kind of a dying art within the occupation world (turntablists prolly hate me for saying that, just an opinion) turntables, used are gonna run you 1500.00 for 2 used tech1200s with fresh needles imo
anyway, little more info and can def lead you the right way
Getting turntables or not depending on whether you scratch or not. Turntables are rare these days.
I personally have a pair of techs at home (just fixed my mk5’s tonearm today, pain really), but there are many other options that will do the same job as the techs. Stanton Str8 150 has good reputation, and other brands like Numark & vestax have few tables that are designed for scratch. Technics are something good to have, but not necessary.
And for the MIDI controller, you do have more control with maschine because of the extra buttons and knobs. Tho itself is about twice as big as midifighter and the arcade button on MF feels amazing . I’d say go for Maschine if you plan on using knobs to control traktor, otherwise two midifighters should be okay.
Have you ever played on TTs without a lot of torque !?
If you’re on a REALLY tight budget why don’t you look at something like a Kontrol S2 + Korg Nanopad if you wanna play around.
But to awnser your questions:
1: Get technics or you’ll regret it. Keep in mind technics aren’t the best turntables out there. But it’s technics that you want.
2: If you really want the maschine software & massive get a maschine. If you play around with midi things for your DJ sets a Midi Fighter or korg nano pad might be better.
I have a maschine and I never use it in my DJ sets. Also for producing/live performance I 'd look at Ableton Push.
And if you give us an actual budget we might be able to help you more.
Vinyl playback can be really delicate, I started out on turntables of less reputable brand ( JB systems T2 direct drive DJ turntables) and I must say I was this close to giving up on mixing with vinyl. The torque was painstakingly low, you had to release your record before the one, the pitch wasn’t that constant wich caused random trainwrecks.
I decided to upgrade to the industry standard and now a vinyl set is the most enjoyable thing I can do with my clothes on.
I’m just saying less than adequate turntables can be a really limiting factor.
Experience: Honestly, next no none. But I’m a very fast learner and I believe I can work with Traktor Scratch Pro pretty easily one I get the hang of it. I want to perform, not just DJ.
True Starter: I have one crappy mix I did on VirtualDJ floating around Soundcloud but that’s the only actual “DJ” mix I’ve done.
Age: I’m 19. I would like to start with college parties and work my way up. I’m open for anything. Except Strip Clubs…I have a moral code to live by. Lol!
PA: Not yet. I do plan on getting speakers once I have some good DJ equipment. All I have is a Numark iDJ3.
I did look into CDJs and things like that and I personally like turntables better. Like I said before, I want to be a performer.
well then my friend ill see what i can help ya out with
I personally use a Z2 with no CDJs or tables hooked up to them.. no reason for it these days
my setup is pretty similar to what you typed up in the first post and i like it
on the table-
Z2 mixer - which you can find for 700 preowned or on sale
X1 x2 - 150 each or so preowned if you go that route
midi fighter 3d - got mine for 200
elitebook 8440p with traktor 2.6 registered - lappy should run you used like 500 bucks
PA -
QSC K-12 x2 - can find preowned paired for like 800-1000
QSC KW181 (18" powered sub 1000watts) - i paid 1500, prolly can get for less now
but even preowned, you’re looking at almost $4,000
Id avoid needless items since you’re starting and you’re in the “new genre” of things.. embrace it and don’t bother with tables or cdjs, no reason to have them. if you want to be budget oriented which you should then id recommend
a pioneer djm 250 mixer its ilke 150 bucks used
audio dj 2 soundcard - 50 used
kontrol x1 - 150 used
and a midi fighter if you have to have it - 200 used
use the laptop you have now with a registered copy of 2.6 traktor
and fight a PA setup on craigslist thats like 400-500 watts or so with a sub.. should cost you 600 bucks
puts you at like 1,000 +headphones if you use them
whats the effect you use for that?