Shying away from the whole all in one controllers…
I currently have a mixtrack pro, and a borrowed Novation launchpad both mapped into Traktor.
While I like the mixtrack pro, it’s seriously time for something new, badly. And something about these all in one mixer-jogwheel controller I’m just not really wanting to take further personally (spacial issues mostly). I’d rather get a external mixer and then other controllers. I’m sure i’m not the only one who feels this way.
The only common set up I ever really see around is the Mixer + X1 or two shindig. Seeing as the X1 is few years old now, i was wondering what other common controller set ups there are outside of the all-in-one controllers.
You could always try some CDJs or turntables if that might be your thing. Otherwise your best bet would be something like you said, 2 X1s or 2 Xone K2s and a mixer. Also the new modular Behringer line that’s coming out looks quite promising. You can pretty much build your whole setup based around your needs. Might want to look into the new Traktor F1 as well, but that’s more of an addon controller than something you would be controlling basic functions with.
a couple of reloop contours would do the trick if you want full control of 4 decks, although each contour can run 4 decks but it’s better to have two imo, then you could map some crazy stuff to the 2 spare shifts on each controller. another and better option than the x1 is the xone k2, it has much more controls both physical and virtual.
I’d buy two K2’s and a Xone:22 if I didn’t have a 1D/2D/22 combo already, these things are rugged, while the K2 doesn’t seem quite as rugged its pretty close.
The k2 has a soundcard in it. The only thing that keeps me from doing a mixer + k2 combo is i won’t be able to record my mixes that way. The k2 doesn’t have any inputs in it (only outputs for speakers/headphones) so there’s no way to send the master out from the mixer into them. Your best bet is to go for a mixer + audio 4/6/8/10 + kontrol x1
What are you basing that statement on? Have you had problems with an X1? I haven’t heard of anything of that sort (and my X1 isn’t giving me any trouble)
While the K2 does look interesting (especially having that built in sound card), I do prefer the X1 layout - and there is something to be said about having labelled buttons.
two of my mates have them, same issues with both, granted they play shranz so a little heavy handed with them, I don’t know anyone with a k2 but had a play with one in the shop and the controls feel more solid to me and having had a 1d I can attest to allen & heaths component quality, accept of coarse for their terrible jog wheel design, and personally I’m not a fan of having labeled buttons as it’s harder for me to get used to different mappings when you have a name staring you in the face that’s why I have never bothered to remap my contour anyway.
It really depends on how you DJ… Which controls/features you need access to is what decided which gear you need.
My real problem with using a hardware mixer is mixing four decks… In order to mix four decks, you need a sound card with 5 outs (audio 10 is almost $600). You also need a four deck mixer obviously, which also tend to be very expensive. Before you know it you’re almost 2 grand in the hole and havent even bought your controllers yet.
THIS THING is my upcoming solution to that. So if you’re into mixing four decks and don’t want an all-in-one, look into that.
And actually the rest of the new CMD line, as someone previously mentioned, would be great if you don’t like all-in-ones.
