I’m trying to decide on a new Traktor Pro controller and it’s down to the Denon DN-MC6000 and the Numark 4Trak.
My preferred option is probably the 4Trak because of build quality and button layout, but I’m a little worried about how easy it’s going to be to lug around. I have gigs I have to take the train to, and then travel across London by tube etc., and the 4Trak just looks like a really big unit, and heavy too. Also can’t find many bags that will take it, and practically none that will carry the controller and a 17" Macbook.
Can any 4Trak users perhaps advise on how things are working out for them? Is the extra size and weight a problem, or are there ways to get around it? I don’t mind a bit of physical effort, as long as the whole thing isn’t so unweildy that it’s just unworkable.
Thanks in advance for any feedback. Really excited about this purchase!
Hi dude, I’ve just got one a few days ago. Although it’s quite big, it’s not too heavy. If you buy the backpack it shouldn’t be too bad. It’s a great piece of equipment though and I fully recommend it. Nearest controller to CDJ’s I’ve ever come across.
That’s extremely helpful. Glad to hear you’re pleased with it - it looks superb.
It looks like there’s a Numark bag that will hold it, so I’d just need a way to carry the laptop, stand, phones etc. I just want to make sure it’s physically possible to carry the kit around when I need to.
And there you have it. One’s too big, one’s too small. The Denon could have been sized up about 10% and the Numark sized down by the same amount. I love the button and knob configuration on the 4Trak, and the spacious feel is cool, plus the build quality is by all accounts amazing, but all the time I’m thinking - “mate, you’ve got to drag this thing home later”.
The portability of the Denon would be a huge benefit - it’ll practically fit in a large laptop bag - but there’s a nagging voice in my head saying “too small, you’ll regret compromising on control layout for the sake of a smaller bag”. I’m just shit at decisions basically.
never had to transport it anywhere but its not too heavy. build quality is FAR better than expected with a numark and leaps and bounds above the s4. every button works, is mapped correctly and can take a fair amount of abuse. flux mode and 3rd party maps all work with zero problems. sound card is solid. analog/digital is nice to have.
if your putting any decent controller in a bag with a lap top…they’re all going to feel about the same on your back.
The VCI 400 is in between the size of the S4 and MC6000, and is also a solid well built controller.
Having had the S4 for a couple years I can tell you now it’s not something you’d want to carry around regularly on your back, especially not on the tube. And the 4TRAK is bigger and heavier..
Edit: Wow, the 4TRAK is over twice the weight of the S4??
On sizing, I have to point out that the problem with the 4trak is not the weight, it’s the same problem with all all-in-one controllers: stage space. Setting them up is awful, especially for the DJs on before and after you. EVERY real DJ-oriented gig has CDJs and a mixer set up in the center of the stage, so even if you can set up an all-in-one, it’s off to the side and awkward. It’s not worth it. Much better to figure out how to incorporate the gear already on stage at events, so that you can make your workflow possible without being horribly intrusive. The HID mode on the CDJ2000’s and the sound card in the DJM-900 are great for this. There’s no reason to set up a controller with jog wheels and a mixer if there are already jogwheels and a mixer on stage, just figure out how to use standard gear and buy modular controllers to supplement it, if you do things you can’t do with the regularly available gear.
For instance if you want cue points, buy a small button controller like a midi fighter. if you want effects control, buy something with knobs. If you want to use four decks, buy modular deck controllers like the CMD PL-1/Reloop Contour and set them up alongside the provided gear.
I did the all-in-one thing for a while, and found that it’s a terrible idea, unless you’re either a famous producer, or a new DJ playing gigs that don’t have standard equipment. I can’t tell you how many times I’ve fucked up the DJ before or after me while trying to set up or tear down just a simple S4. Not worth it. With just a sound card, I’ve found literally ANY advantage of an all-in-one setup easily and cheaply replicable with simple supplemental controllers, and whatever gear the event has. (any CDJs, and/or turntables, and any mixer)
Yup, audio interface + X1 is what I’ve switched to myself. Getting a timecode compatible interface lets you use the older CDJs that don’t support HID.
Although there are times where equipement is not provided - for that case I’d go for a more compact 2-deck all in one that doesn’t break your back hauling it around.
Definitely, but an all-in-one should never be your main setup, unless, as previously mentioned, you are a famous producer, or a newbie DJ playing exclusively bar gigs and the like.
Companies are making a killing right now on these all-in-one’s though, because newbies and bedroom DJs don’t realize how impractical they are at real gigs. Hopefully that will stop soon.
after reading this thread I am fully expecting the OP to give us an update stating: “i found the perfect solution guys. I bought a scooter so I don’t have to take the 4 Trak on the train.”
No I’m still sitting on the fence I’m afraid, but I really need to take the plunge.
Interesting points above re. practicality of all-in-ones in general when you’re playing out. All points totally taken, but to be honest are not totally relevant to the decision in hand. My professional DJ’ing days are long behind me - I played regularly up until about 10 years go, but it was always vinyl, so the only gear I ever took with me was headphones and my crates.
I’m now a TV composer, and DJ’ing is limited to parties, launches, promotional stuff, private events etc., so it’s largely for fun, peanuts or beers, and I’m generally the only one playing, or if there are more of us, we can usually plan gear arrangements ahead. As such, any of the controllers under consideration will do just fine.
Makar - I’ll hold my hands up and say I’m prejudice against Vestax. I have memories of some pretty poor mixers, and the dreadful decks they launched when they were trying to move in on the 1210 market. That said, I will give it a look, although it looks like sizewise it’s very similar to the Denon.
So … we’re pretty much back where we started. Has anyone tried carrying the 4Trak around to gigs? Next time I’m playing is down in London in 2 weeks time = car+train+tube/taxi, then back in reverse, and much as I’m totally in love with the 4Trak, the sensible part of my brain is telling me that the MC-6000 makes more sense, and I’ll get used to the slightly cramped feel and smaller jog-wheels in time.
Still hugely grateful for any and all help and feedback.
I have the Mk1, as I already have enough audio interfaces and got it for a good price. I definitely prefer the build quality of the VCI100 over the S4.
I agree on S4 build quality. I just can’t be doing with the ‘plastic-fantastic’ kind of feel of the thing, hence it not being up for consideration. I’m glad to hear the Vestax machines are better built. I should clearly keep them in the picture and ideally check out a VCI-400.
Still love the 4Trak build and knob layout - it just looks like a controller I won’t outgrow. Maybe I should just bite the bullet. If only a couple of people could give me some reassurance on portability …
