I used to mess about with digital DJing but drifted more into production. I create tracks mainly using Reason 7 rewired into Ableton 9 to get best of both. I then tend to master in Cubase 7.
However, I’m now looking to move back into DJing and ideally play my own tracks too. I’d probably be either using Ableton or Traktor to DJ, as I already have both.
However, just wondering what is the best route to go. I love the compactness of teh Twitch and what I’ve seen, plus Serato Itch looks intriguing. However, I’ve also seen people do some amazing DJing things with an APc40, which would lend itself more to the production side too but need some work on mapping.
I could never figure out mixing with Ableton and the APC40. And using Traktor with the APC40 was doable, just a bit of a PITA. Much easier to get something an S2/S4/MC3000/MC6000 etc.
I’d try to figure out what software you want to use first.
This 100% … I have an APC40 and found it to be a complete pain in the ass to even attempt mapping it remotely as i’d like for traktor - it just honestly has completely no resemblance whatsoever to whats on screen and it makes it extremely frustrating to use.
However for Ableton - its a completely different beast and almost perfect in every way however IMHO its lacking some basics for DJ purposes (channel EQ’s and gains for example) which is going to take up precious knobs.
I’m not a fan of layering or soft-takeover for DJ’ing whatsoever and especially not for DJ’ing.
You could also look into the VCM600 which IMHO is a much better dual purpose machine (if you are intent on using both softwares) however its lack of encoders might be an issue with Ableton if you intend on using multiple banks of effects. Also perhaps look at some of the new Behringer CMD range or even livid Instruments.
I’m looking for something that I can ideally use as a production tool in Ableton and Reason and also a DJing tool in Traktor. However, if that’s too difficult, I’d attempt to DJ within Ableton.
[QUOTE]Am I not using one of your original mappings Deevey?[/QUOTE]\
You are ?? … oh dear LOL, I didn’t think any of my mappings even worked for anyone - glad to see you got something out of it
[QUOTE]Such as?
I’m looking for something that I can ideally use as a production tool in Ableton and Reason and also a DJing tool in Traktor. However, if that’s too difficult, I’d attempt to DJ within Ableton.[/QUOTE]
2 x Allen and Heath K2’s could be dual purposed pretty darn well.
I’ve now spotted the S4 is discounted at the moment, bringing it into my price range.
S4, Novation Twitch or APC40?
I could survive the production with my M-Audio Oxygen keyboard so could be looking at a dedicated DJ controller now.
Is Twitch and Itch combo better value than S4 and Traktor (which I already own)? Can APC40 and Ableton (which i already own)be a just as good DJ setup?
Ableton + APC40 is a wickedly versitile DJ setup (which I use), however:
Takes alot of preparation in advance to get things where you want.
You do end up watching the screen somewhat more than with a Traktor setup
Still limited as to what knob does what WITHOUT switching layers.
Ableton still does not have the most basic DJ functions out of the box e.g. Channel EQ’s (without Racks) Multiple Waveforms, PROPER browser and oodles more.
However if remixing / sampling / integrating your own tracks into the mix and literally “producing on the fly” is your thing then it may be exactly what you are looking for.
However if you are looking to straight up, DJ, by this I mean literally have everything at hand to throw together a few tracks on the fly without giving your brain cells a minor meltdown once you’ve had a few beers, the S4 100% hands down is a killer deal at the new price IMHO and I’d jump on it for regular DJ gigs where its honestly just not worthwhile being “Live”.
You can always throw the s4 into midi mode anyhow for production purposes in Ableton.
The Twitch is definitely a good buy and a solid unit (if you don’t buy a used dud like I did). The upgrade to Serato DJ is on it’s way shortly as well, and should be here within a few weeks. As far as using it with Ableton Live, I thought this was a neat video on it’s implementation. I was a bit stumped on how you could effectively and efficiently use it inside of Live until I saw this:
I’m looking at moving more into Ableton Live myself and specifically looking towards an LC-1/MM-1/DC-1 as a 4 deck dj/hybrid production setup. Inexpensive and flexible, and can also be used very effectively inside of Traktor if that’s your preference.
- glad to see you got something out of it 
