Looking to switch DJ setup

DJ Life & Community General Discussion
1

Looking to switch DJ setup

Hey DJTT,

So I’ve been djing for the past year and a half on the S2. While I loved it as a beginner controller, I’m looking to switch my setup. However, I’m conflicted about what I want to do. I’m not sure whether to go with a modular setup with a mixer + one or two controllers. Or, if I should with the S4.

Also, I don’t do scratching. I mainly just mix the songs together and add effects where necessary.

Option 1:
Buy Z2 and then probably 2 X1s. The reason I want to go with this setup is that I want the feel of a real mixer but still have flexibility to use traktor. Open to other mixer/set-up ideas.

Option 2:
Buy S4. This would give me two extra decks to work with and a few extra features the S2 doesn’t have.

Let me know what you guys think.

2

If you are getting a Z2 I do not see the point of getting two X1’s. You should get a 4 channel mixer if you are getting 2 X1’s.

For a little more money you can get the Denon X1600. I also personally think this is better value than the Z2.

Whether an S4 is better for you compared to 2 X1’s + mixer depends on whether you want the jogs or not.

3

2 x1’s & an x1600 is a fantastic setup.

4

Total brain fart on that one, my bad. Didn’t realize that each X1 controlled 2 decks.

I guess my question now is it worth to have 4 decks if I’m primarily just mixing songs together? I could see the value of a 3rd deck but not sure if I’d need a 4th one.

Also, given that I’m not into scratching, I don’t think I’d need any jogs.

5

Keep in mind you can use timecode with S4 as well.

6

You can use timecode with the Z2 or the X1600 as well.

Timecode not a point of difference for either decision.

7

You could always buy an X1600 + 1 X1 to start. You don’t have to get 2 X1’s at the beginning.

One downside of the Z2 is that its more like a midi controller + soundcard (the main way to use it with traktor is via internal mixing) and if that appealed then I would get a Z1 instead.
Also much of the functionality of the Z2 is already duplicated in the X1 mk2 (browse, sync buttons, FX control etc). If you fancy the remix controls, with the money saved with settling for a Z1 you can get an F1.

If you don’t want 4 decks then I don’t see the point of getting an S4 over your S2…

I personally use the Z1+X1 mk2 setup for gigging out and I have a TSP DVS setup at home.

8

Thanks for your responses. I really appreciate it.

Hmmm…well now that I think about it a little more, I’m liking the x1600 and 1 X1 combination to start with. I still have the flexibility to add another 2 decks later on.

9

Sorry to bring this thread up again, but was hoping you could give me a little more advice.

I’ve set my mind on getting a 4 channel mixer and an x1. I’m having trouble deciding which 4 channel mixer though. In particular, I’m not sure whether to go with the X1600 or the Xone:smiley:B2.

10

Don’t think you can go wrong with either one.

I think the X1600 will be better bang for the buck though

11

That’s the one I was leaning towards. Price point is a little nicer and seems like a great unit. Only thing I can think of that DB2 has over it is EFX. But that might be really marginal, not sure.

12

Denon has pretty nice FX bank unless you want that second FX slot, but the price difference is absolutely massive.

If you’re still using Traktor, you can just use Traktor FX.

13

Xone DB2s are going for $1000 right now, which is a great price.

EDIT: Sorry, I guess that sale is over. They are back up to regular price.

14

Yea, I used to see them go for 1000 all the time. Seems like all the Xone products have gone up in price unfortunately. Couple months back you could snag 42s for 400-500 bucks, now they’re up to 600. Same trend with the 62s and 92s :confused:

15

I’d suggest the Pioneer DJM-750 over the Denon X1600 though. It’s fully midi-mappable as well so no loss in the Traktor department!

16

Losing scratch certification is not worth the Pioneer brand.

17

Quote TS:
“Also, I don’t do scratching. I mainly just mix the songs together and add effects where necessary.”

So in this case I think it is worth losing for the Pioneer brand. Especially if you look at the price.

18

If you don’t own turntables there’s no need for Scratch. CD timecode is pretty terrible in comparison.

Pioneer seem to be the only ones with super stable audio drivers for their mixer interfaces.

19

The price is the same?

So for the same price you get fewer features. I don’t see how that makes sense.

Also not needing to scratch doesn’t mean timecode is not useful. I don’t scratch yet dropping beats on a turntable and riding the 1210 pitch feels way more natural to me that using a controller.

20

Option 2