Hey guys, I’m really new to these forums… been a member for about 2 mins to be exact haha. I’m also new to the DJ scene, but has always been an interest throughout my whole life, i’ve always loved all music and have been playing instruments all my life and what not…
Anyway, I’ve only been doing some mixing for about a few months now, I don’t even have any hardware, only FL studio and virtual dj. I’m trying to find a good setup controller, and even though i’m a beginner, i’m also a fast learner, so I do not want something that’s just a very simple, standard controller and doesn’t offer many options to work with. I don’t mind using something that takes some time to learn. I want something that I can remix well with, mainly house, trance, and electro material. I am looking for something at max price of around $800, I want it to be something that I can have for at least a few years. Opinions and explanations please! Thank you.
Yeah, I looked into that, definitely a possibility. What about the new kontrol f1 controller that should come out around April? Do you think that will be even better? Looks pretty sick.
The Kontrol F1 will be a “speciality” controller, it’ll control the new sample decks (and some cruft on the side), and that’s it, you can’t really mix with it (in it’s default mapping). The Kontrol S2 is an all-in-one solution with mixer section, EQs, effects, transport controls and what have you.
Oh, okay, thanks a lot. Yeah the S2 looks great, but would it be worth it to spend a few more hundred to get the S4? I’m just a college student, so I don’t have that much money, but if it’s enough of a difference I’d be willing to spend a bit more.
Any other day all of us could make a long list of great controllers for beginners.
But man, right now you just can’t mis out on that NI S2 sale ! I have among other things an S4 and IMO it is THE best thing to mix on, I would prefer it over an expensive pioneer setup.
If what you told us about yourself is true hop on the S2 sale and you 'll love NI till the day you die.
It all depends on his level of interest. If you just want to try this DJ thing then the S2. If you are pretty clear to invest not only money but also lots of time then go with the S4. Take that into consideration college guy.
In my particular situation when I got the S4 I became obsessed borderline autistic with the thing but take into consideration I came from a well played and banged VCI-100. IMHO, the headroom for 2CH controllers can get low pretty quick. Having dedicated controls for 4CH, cue/sampling and loop recorder will sure save some frustration down the line not mentioning the ease of upgrading to timecode. Unboxing that beast of a controller is terrifying like “holy shit, I have to figure out all these buttons” but at the same time “challenge accepted”. Dont come back here crying if you fail a class due to time invested elsewhere
If I had the S4 while in college my life would be different as in I would have no college degree now but would have had SO much fun
Alright thanks for the advice guys, looks like everyone has a positive reaction with the S2 as well as the S4. But I think with this sale, the S2 is the best buy for the buck. Also, what about the Mixtrack Pro? How would you compare that in quality compared to the S2?
If you’re not completely proficient at mixing with 2 decks, there’s no reason to even pretend to try 4. If I wanted to mix with a controller, I’d go for the S2, and I just sold a modular traktor setup to go to something that is–in many ways–even simpler. Couldn’t be happier (unless I could actually afford CDJ2ks).
Kontrol X1. You can remap it to have access to filters and better sample deck control/effects control/etc. since the S2 is slightly lacking in those departments. Don’t forget a decent pair of speakers as well. I’d recommend something along the lines of the KRK Rokit 6 G2 (or the JBL2325 which I have and love), but do your research. A speaker in that range will give you great sound, will serve well for small house parties, and will futureproof you if you decide to get into production. Keep in mind when you’re shopping that these are priced individually, not for a pair; they run about $3-400 for a pair. I’d get a decent set of speakers like those first over another controller. Also, don’t forget about headphones. Do your research on DJ cans - you’re going to spend another $1-200 there. Now of course you can skimp out on the speakers and the cans, but it sounds like you see the wisdom of buying right the first time instead of buying cheap.
The Mixtrack Pro isn’t anywhere on the same level in terms of build quality and features. My little brother began on a Mixtrack Pro with VirtualDJ and he outgrew it very quickly and went up to the S2 with an LPD8 Pad Controller for sample deck control. NI just dropped the price of the S2, so there’s really no excuse to go with the Mixtrack Pro if you have the money.
I’d say right now stick with the s2 and see how it feel and understand it before blowing all this money on other things. Try the s2 get some decent cans and learn that thing first. Then conisder a f1 or a midifighter or whatever.
Hell I have cdj 2000s and a djm 700 and im still thinking about getting an s2 as a mobile rig.
Sony MDR-V6 if you haven’t decided on headphones. Other than the sticker (which is red instead of blue and says digital instead of professional…as if there could be anything digital in headphones*) they’re identical to MDR-7506 and are plenty fine DJ cans and will serve you well if you ever get into production. They’re good enough for Sasha and they cost like $60.
And get a backup drive for your computer if you don’t have one already. At least one.
*Disclaimer: I realize that noise-cancellation circuitry is probably digital. Those atrocities don’t count as headphones and should never have been invented, so I pretend they don’t exist.
