So my original setup from about two years ago was a Numark Mixdeck, Xone XD-53 headphones, two Mackie Thump TH-15 PA Speakers and Traktor Pro running on my 17" Alienware laptop. Unfortunately, I couldn’t find any pictures of my original setup.
I originally bought the Mixdeck, because I couldn’t decide whether I wanted to DJ on CDJs, USB sticks or with a laptop and software. So the Mixdeck seemed like the obvious choice. After a few months, it became obvious to me that Traktor was the way to go and I purchased an upgrade from LE to Pro. A couple months later I started customizing the default midi mapping for the Mixdeck. It didn’t take long to realize that the Mixdeck was a bit limited for controlling Traktor Pro. So after about 8 months this led to my first upgrade…
I did the usual research and this led me to the NI Kontrol S4. So I sold my trusty Mixdeck and bought an S4. Like almost everyone else at the time I was stoked. Super tight integration with Traktor Pro and the new sample decks was just what I wanted.
Unfortunately, I quickly discovered two downsides after I purchased the S4. First was that my Windows laptop couldn’t run the new Traktor S4 software without audio pops and glitches. This led to the purchase of a 13" Macbook Pro. While I was initially pissed that I had to buy a new laptop, I’m so glad that I bought a MBPro. The second downside I discovered was trying to customize the S4 midi mapping. So this led me to the MidiFighter classic and several months later to the MidiFighter Pro Cue Master.
At some point I also picked up TouchOSC for my iPhone, a pair of powered M Audio AV40 monitors and an EV ND267 mic. This remained my trusted studio and gig setup for over a year.
So about a month ago I replaced my NI Kontrol S4 with a Vestax VCI-400 Ean Golden Edition. Why you may ask? A few reasons really. First is that I really like having my midi mapping customized to how I play and I felt very limited by the midi mapping options on the S4. The VCI-400 just has so many mappable buttons and knobs. Second is that the VCI is a little bit smaller and can fit in my backpack. Third is the custom EGE firmware and mapping with the Slicer, Grid and Jog FX. Finally is the stand alone mixer capability (although I’m still waiting for that).
So here’s the complete list of gear that I’m currently using:
Vestax VCI-400 EGE (with DJTT Chroma Caps)
MidiFighter Pro Cue Master
13" Macbook Pro laptop
Allen & Heath XD-53 headphones
Shure SE425 In Ear Monitors (for playing in really loud clubs)
EV ND267 mic
iPad (with TouchOSC)
Crane Stand
M-Audio AV40 powered monitors
Two Mackie Thump TH15 PA speakers
I’m not using my MidiFighter classic at the moment, but will probably end up mapping it to control the new Remix Decks in Traktor Pro 2.5.