The best of both worlds… Controller with stand alone mixer + turntables?
First of all, I’m new to this forum, so hi everybody.
I used to DJ on turntables until I moved abroad. Since I didn’t want to lug my turntables overseas, I ended up getting an entry-level console (Hercules RMX) which served me well for that time.
Now, I have the opportunity to send my turntables to my present location. Of course I still want to be able to mix digitally (i.e. for when I play out or for tracks that I don’t have on vinyl). But since old habits die hard I still want to be able to mix with vinyl sometimes.
So basically in the interest of saving precious space I want to get a controller that doubles as a stand-alone mixer. It would be great if the controller also had a soundcard built in.
I’m not too picky about software but I think I’d prefer Traktor or Serato, just because those are the ones I have experience with.
And finally I’m looking for something under US $800 if possible.
The controllers I’ve found that fit these criteria are:
Numark N4
Denon DNMC 6000 (I know, it comes with VDJ, but like I said, I’m flexible)
Reloop Digital Jockey 2 ME
Vestax VCI-400 (well, the price depends on where you get it…)
Am I missing any? Do any of you have experiences with these devices (or others with stand alone mixers) to share?
Also, I looked around for threads on this topic but didn’t find any. If there was a prior thread on this topic please let me know.
Pioneer DJM-T1 could be good for you, It has heaps of buttons and knobs for the effects section. And comes with it’s own version of “traktor scratch pro”
Also if you have a RMX serial number you can upgrade to VDJ Pro for $150, then you could get a Stanton DJC.4 for $350 and run timecodes with that.. Note that you can run the analogue sound through the software and use the internal eq “which should be getting a hell of a lot better very soon” and effects as you normally would with a digital sound source. It’s not an analogue mixer but will work the same as long as you run the software.
Coincidentally I put together a list of all the controllers you could use timecode with in VDJ a couple of days ago
Keep in mind that unless you buy a “traktor certified” mixer, or an s4, you will also have to buy a traktor audio 4/6/8/10 interface to use control vinyls. If you plan on going the serato route, well either a rane mixer for serato, or a rane sl1/2/3/4.
Only if you use other softwares than traktor and serato can you use the controller soundcard with timecode vinyls.
True, you do need to factor that into your cost. If you just want two TT’s the an Audio 4 is all you need. Used they go for around $150 usually I think. With that you can then get Traktor Scratch Pro and timecode for $119.
Thanks for all your responses. There truly are a lot of possibilities. Originally, I didn’t necessarily want to use control vinyl. I just wanted to have a multifunctional mixer/controller that I can use with either mp3s (on the controller) or with vinyl (on the TTs).
3heads, you mentioned the X1 + mixer combo. But could you play out with just the x1 and a mixer? Ideally I don’t want to have to take my turntables out of my house… they are heavy, and I don’t want to risk damaging them or my back! In this case it seems that the VCI-400 or the S4 would be good choices. Or the DJM-T1, though it is slightly pricier.
I read this and at first didn’t really get it and just glazed over it. I’ve been checking out NI’s website, and I think I’m finally starting to figure out their marketing strategy (buy their hardware to be able to use their software, or buy a certified mixer). Even though I don’t really like it, I think it still ends up being less expensive than using Serato scratch. I’m also leaning towards buying an all-out controller that can be used as an analog mixer, like the Vestax VCI-400 or Denon DN-MC6000 (On a side note, I just realized I wrote the wrong model for the Reloop. It was the Reloop Digital Jockey 3 ME, not 2).
Anyway, let’s just say I got the Denon DN-MC6000. If I bought Traktor Scratch, then that means I would be able to use timecode vinyl, as well as use the software that comes with Scratch (Traktor Pro) with the MC6000 alone, right? Also, can you control the remix decks on Traktor with the 3rd and 4th channels on the DN-MC6000? Or would you still have to buy a separate controller?
I WISH the VCI-400 was certified, I’d be all over that.. But alas, looks like I’m just going to buy a DJM-900 to go into my setup, unless this new product they are unveiling tomorrow is absolutely insanely awesome…