So. Right now I’m running traktor 2 pro with a numark mixtrack and midifighter classic, macbook pro 15" and a NIO 2|4… a nice lightshow and a nice soundsystem. I run a mobile dj business and have had quite a few gigs this past month.
My problem isn’t the music or lights or sound or dj’s (me and my friend)… but our controller. The damn mixtrack, as great of a beginner deck as it may be, just makes ME feel really… cheap and unprofessional. It does work.. and pretty well, besides the tactile buttons that just give me hell (though the left jog has been a little TOO sensitive recently… 'specially when we spin a dubstep track with lots of table shaking bass…).
I’m wondering… Is it worth it to sell my mixtrack and soundcard (I figure I could get… 250$ for them both?) and upgrade to something that looks, feels, and responds with a little more beef? Back in my gear shopping days (when I was oogleing over the mere thought of having a pitch fader…) I loved the Numark Mixdeck and what it seemed to offer. After more recent research, however, it seems like the Mixdeck is not what I thought it might be… kinda cheap, problematic, and not awesome. I love the pioneer CDJ’s… but they’re way out of my budget of <$600 and they don’t all have midi functionality…
Do I just have massive GAS or is a small midicontroller slightly unprofessional? And if it is worth the money… are there any good beefy controllers that feel, look, and respond better than the mixtrack?
Yea definitely man… Numark’s NS6, NI’s S4, you might have heard about them over the last year… no big deal!
I wrote up a pretty decent comparison of those two (link below) along with Pioneer’s DDJ T1. Definitely worth taking a look at as I am currently in the same boat, upgrading from the Mixtrack Pro.
Someone had mentioned elsewhere how underrated the Denon MC6000 is, and considering the features and price point offered, I’d have to agree. So definitely give that controller a gander as well. Too bad it wasn’t on display at Guitar Center otherwise I would have included it in my post. I imagine my only complaint would be that the layout looks a bit cramped…
Btw, good job with the name. Glad to see some fellow Chicago residents!
Traktor S4, Denon MC6000, etc..
well I used to feel that way when I first got my Numark Stealth, even though its VERY well built and never gave me any problems. Really though, its all up to your personal preference.
I now mix with my External mixer and soundcard bc I like to think there’s a sound advantage..
As for controllers being slightly “unprofessional”- not at all, as long as you pick one thats high quality. Ean use to only use the VCI100 and a novation keyboard before that. I’ve seen S4’s in clubs, and with professionals (Pete Tong, Porter Robinson,…).
Why not try your luck with an external mixer and an X1 if its bugging you?
Personally, I prefer a simplified setup with spacious controls, so I now use my Stealth strictly as my FX/Transport controller next to my mixer.
Word. Not to mention, sometimes less is more. It all does come down to preference.
Although I must admit it is difficult to avoid ‘gear porn’ impulses… Some people love to see DJs with an arsenal of gadgetry, but really, is it worth it?
For a mobile DJ, the mixdeck is pretty stellar in what it can offer. But then, I totally understand where you are coming from.
The problem is, if you want “professional” it comes with a “professional” price tag. I’d honestly just save up the money you are earning on gigs, and try and get a pair of CDJ’s when you have the chance. And if this is your business, I’d go with the CDJ 2000’s.
Part of your setup and sale of your business IS “wow” factor. Also, people “in the know” are going to know the amount you’ve put into your system, from speakers, lights, and especially the gear.
I dunno. It’s one of the things, that to me, seems so difficult to get into with a mobile business. It’s something I’ve talked about with friends, whom we’ve talked about it.
What it comes down to though, in all honesty, is operating within your budget to the best of what you can afford. If it takes time and a few more gigs? Well that’s what it takes. And having the mixdeck is always something good to hold onto, so you can have a back-up if you ever DO need one.
Thanks for all the replies… An after a night of sleeping I certainly have less gear lust.. Haha.
That denon looks really nice… How are the jogs… Too small? I like the bigger jogwheels because I think they feel really nice… I actually really like the size of the Mixtrack jogs… But I read the denons are smaller than the s4?
Honestly, I wish there was a cheaper version of the ddj… The size and IDEA (i understand it’s pretty mediocre…) but it’s just too pricy for me…
As far as the itch goes… No jogs :O. And serato! ay! Haha.
I looked bit also at the reloop jockey 3… Any thoughts?
I had a play around with the denon MC6000 when I was buying the DN-SC2000. The thing is built like a tank - exactly what you want for mobile set ups - can also take external inputs to it as well. The jogs are not that bad for a controller - certainly no patch on CDJ’s though(mainly due to size).
If CDJ’s are out of your league the denon could certainly do a job. best thing to do though is get a demo of it. It is quite cramped but thats due to the sheer number of buttons and knobs on the thing. Sounds excellent as well
Hmm this mc6000 looks pretty damn good… Anyone have anything on the American audio 1000’s? A guy wants to sell me two of them, a mixer, and case for 700. Am I getting a good deal?
I dont know about American Audio stuff, or cdj.s… but Ive heard good things about the Stanton C.324’s and you could prob find them for the same price or cheaper
Do you ever absolutely NEED the cd mechanisms? If I were you I would just get a nicer controller, and ditch the cd stuff. All your music is on your computer anyways right? I have RARELY had someone actually hand me a cd during a gig, and if they are insitent/paying my booking/etc, I have a crappy old discman that works just fine.
I am currently running a numark stealth and a midi fighter, but am probably going to sell the stealth off and buy an X1. I absolutely love the stealth, but it is HEAVY, and carrying it out 3+ nights a week is getting tiring.
Honestly man I feel that the best way to come across as professional is to ditch controllers that are designed to look like CDJs + a mixer. A whole bank of knobs looks much more serious than jog wheels.
For the stealth… I have a dell bag that holds my onmi control perfect, same size and heavier and its nice to carry, it holds that… My laptop… Ipad… Cables… Headphones… A few cds… External hard drive and is perfect to carry, ive lugged it on and off trains and buses and walked the streets of dublin with it and its fine
Some people love to see DJs with an arsenal of gadgetry, but really, is it worth it?
ay! Haha.