Does your $600-$800 include the software and headphones purchase? Check the for sale forum for several used VCI’s here guys are selling after going with the new S4. Might even be a few left that had audio card and software license included.
If not the VCI, Audio 2, and Sony MDR7506 is my recommendation. Not sure what that adds up to in Canadian money though.
budget wise, you’re not that far off from an S4, then you don’t need to buy Traktor Pro or a soundcard…heck, I’d say you’re right on the money if you just get the S4.
First things first, on your poll I voted for Other.
I was in the same exact situation as you, little less than a month ago. Well I do not know if you’re new to DJ’ing at all, but I am. Anyway, I was initially looking in the same price range as you, and long story short - I picked the S4 - and am in love with it.
I know it is a bit out of your price range, but it is worth stretching your dollars for.
When you do your research on the S4, you will see a people post few “problems” with the S4. Here is a thread that is currently being used, and in which you can scroll down to my post and see what the two major concerns / problems are and how easy they are to fix.
Like I said, I would really really try to stretch my dollar to get the S4 if I could. If you can’t, which we all understand since most of us are on a tight budget as well (atleast I am lol).
I am completely new to DJ’ing. I have a crazy love for electronic music, know computers fairly well and this looks hella fun.
The budget does include software and headphones… to an extent.
The S4 looks incredible, but my main concern is the money issue. Since I am so new to something… I feel as though a grand may be a little off the deep-end.
I’ve heard great things about the Vestax VCI-100, a lot of people the DJF.com forums recommend it.
Money money money… stressful stuff.
Thanks for all the input so far… atm I’m leaaaning towards the VCI-100 because it seems more money smart, but definitely not set in stone yet. Who else has things to say!
Only thing I can suggest - based off my experience [which is extremely limited] - is that you go with the VCI-100SE simply because I know for a fact more people on the forum use it, it’s a good machine, and if you need help with one of those you will most likely be able to find a plethora of information via other users on here. This family (I am referring to DJTT forums) is the only tech support you will need with the VCI-100SE, and they will be able to help you with almost anything.
On a side note, the Traktor software is currently 50% off, so I would take that into consideration too. I cannot vouch for how great it is, simply because I have never used anything but Traktor (I use the S4s software) so I have nothing to compare it against.
Anyway like I stated, my knowledge in this field is extremely limited, all I can share are my two cents.
M-Audio Xponent has a built-in sound card. Torq, I am quite sure, comes with the purchase of a Xponent. Torq has the same basics of Traktor, but it is quite limited in user customising. Also, does not come with as many built-in effects. However, it can still be a great controller if you map it with Traktor or whatever program you will use.
best choice i had so far before my s4 !! i started with those and its helped me alot !!! other midi controller dosent feel right and seem its will break right away
you might need better spreaker its make a huge difference when you EQ …i had to relearn to smoothly EQ with my s4 and new studio monitor but its perfect for me its will be my job to mix radio/tv show so i get better for a good cause
but think about the s4 !!! put a little bit more $$ and your set !! you will never regret it …and in the future its have a great resell value if you want(vci-100 is loosing alot of value with the new 4 chanel midi controller out and MkII version market is evolving alot these day)
!! i started with those and its helped me alot !!! other midi controller dosent feel right and seem its will break right away