Hello, I have decided to delve into this world and purchase a midi controller. I have narrowed my choice down to two, the Hercules RMX and the Vestax Typhoon. I will also be purchasing Tractor Pro, for software. I mainly want to mix House, Hardcore, and Trance. I am basically looking for a general controller that will allow me to move forward and learn the basics.
Any advice on which of these controllers may be best for a beginner such as myself would be greatly appreciated, or possibly alternatives in that($300) price range; that would be better suited to my needs.
That’s exactly the same spot I was in no longer than a month ago and instead of the Typhoon I was looking in to the one from the Apple Store, the Vestax DJAY Spin. I initially was not looking to spend more than $300 either, just incase I didn’t enjoy it. After talking to a friend who was buying the S4 I started reading reviews n shit and I went crazy. I went out and ordered it the next week.
Anyway honestly after talking to that same friend today for a long time while he was helping me out with my S4 (he pre-ordered his S4 from DJTT.com as well but hasn’t received it yet) we were talking about software and i’d personally suggest going with other software first, its much much easier. Like Virtual DJ will make your life SO much easier as a beginner imho.
I know it’d be much easier for me to use after watching it in action two nights ago.
If you looking for a solid controller that also has a built in soundcard I’d choose the RMX. It comes bundled with VDJ which is great if you want to learn the basics of Djing.
You could also buy a second hand VCI 100 but then you would need an external soundcard, and that will take you over the $300 mark. also another controller to consider is the Mixtrack. It costs less than $200, and it comes with Traktor Le which you can auto upgrade later to Traktor Pro. Its an inexpensive controller which should suite you fine as a beginnner.
If you are a beginner, chances are you will get better and want something more. So DO NOT get a contoller with a built in sound card. That means when you upgrade you also need a sound card. Also the sound cards in those are pretty lousy. I would start with an Audio 2 for 100.00 bucks. For a controller I would get something like DJ Tech Reload. Something that has some dedicated knobs you can use for effects. It’s 200.00…and there’s some good mappings on this site for it too.
Spend your money wisely so you won’t have to spend twice.