I want to get into laptop DJing, and I need some equipment. I have very basic experience mixing CDs, but I have all my music on my computer now and I really want to use my laptop.
I’ve looked briefly at Traktor Duo and Serato Itch, but not enough to really get a feel for which one I like better, although they seem very similar. Which program is best in terms of managing large music collections and finding songs quickly?
I also need a all in one controller that will seamlessly integrate with the software. I will be doing mostly mixing and playing around with looping, scratching etc., but I won’t be using a ton of effects etc.
I stopped by Guitar Center the other day and the salesman really recommended the Numark Mixdeck. I like it because of its versatility, and it seems to have everything that I need. However, after reading this I became slightly hesitant due to concerns about Numark quality.
The author of that post mentions the Vestax VCI-300 as a better alternative. Although more expensive and with less features. Is it a better product than the Mixdeck?
Any input on software and hardware choice here is greatly appreciated.
Because it is a better product all around?
I’ve heard great things about it, but I feel it limits me with its Itch only compatibility and no inputs for other audio sources. The VCI doesn’t even have LCD screens. Are you relying on the laptop screen for all info such as BPM mapping etc. I assume then?
The VCI 300 will work with traktor, if you’re worried about Itch limiting you…But like you said, you won’t really being using too many effects anyways, so I don’t think running serato will really limit you at all, in fact it will probably be better for you. In case you were wondering about how well the 300 will work with traktor here’s a little video I found
If you get a decent laptop stand it’s actually nicer to have it displayed on your laptop closer to eye level. One it’s better for your back, and two it’s keeping your attention directed towards your audience and not bent over squinting at a small display …and even if you’re just a bedroom DJ, it’s nice to have a laptop stand anyway, its sort of like when you’re learning qwerty, you eventually don’t really have to look down so much.
In regards to Itch, I have never really done more than played around a little bit, so I can’t really offer much in that department
i wouldn’t get the mixdeck. Ive read some pretty bad reviews from users on the NI traktor forum.
The VCI is a solid piece of equipment. Obvioulsy on this site the VCI-100 + Traktor is the bread and butter. You should download some demo’s. I know you can download Itch for free and use a single deck on your computer. At least you can see what the program will look like on your computer - you can always add the effects controller later on.
Although slightly more expensive than what I’m in the market for, I’ve briefly looked at Numark NS7 and A&H Xone DX as well.
I think they offer more functionality than I would need (ability to control four decks for example), but they look like very high quality products.
Would they be an alternative for me? What do they bring to the table that I’m missing out on with the VCI 300 or Mixdeck?
Well if you’re the looking to scratch the xone dx is out because it doesn’t have touch sensitive jog wheels. The NS7 is an amazing piece of kit, and I have a ton of fun every time I play on one, it is a bit expensive but I think it’s worth it if you’re serious about starting scratching. The NS7 doesn’t offer more than you would need, instead it just offers a really high quality vinyl emulation, which is the reason it cost so much. I happened to stumble upon this video of the mixdeck which makes me think it wouldn’t really be good for doing any scratching (the sound is awful).
. Another route you could take would be looking into getting a couple turn tables, a mixer, and something like serato scratch live or traktor scratch pro which enable you to control your music on your computer with real turntables. If you check out craigslist or ebay it’s really easy to find quality turntables for cheap, with the economy and all. If you’re not interested in having all that equipment, I would go with the vci 300 or the ns7.
i’ve got the VCI-300 and it’s very easy to use with traktor - look for robinkirchoff’s mappings in the controller mappings section and itch is lots of fun to play around with and intuitive (although a bit basic).
however bear in mind that it’s a bit of a waste of money to buy the VCI-300 and use it with traktor - you’d probably be better off buying a VCI-100 and an audio interface (NI audio 2 DJ should be fine for starters and has a much better output quality than the VCI-300’s internal soundcard) - the VCI-100 also comes bundled with traktor LE which gives a cheap upgrade path to traktor pro.
I must say the NS7 looks like an impressive piece of kit. Im finding it for $1,150 online. It looks awesome. It is a bit expensive though, and I wasn’t really getting this setup with scratching as a main purpose. I would like to play around with it, but its really not my main concern. In that sense I feel like the NS7 is a bit overkill.
The VCI 300 seems very basic though, but perhaps it has all I need?
Looking more at the Xone DX, which also seems like a high quality piece, it retails at a similar price point as the NS7. If the ability to scratch wasn’t important to me, what is it Xone DX brings to the table that the VCI 300 does not?
The main appeal for most of the dx is the four full channels, with four channel eq’s and faders, so if you see yourself mixing up four songs or cuing samples four channels might be the way to go…Although I think this would be better suited for you The VCI 300 with the complementary effects controllers, the vfx1, check it out, it’s pretty all inclusive an will run about $1,000
bear in mind if you ever want to play out the NS7 weighs an absolute ton - to call it portable is a real stretch. if you’ve got the cash to spend i would go for the DX - that way you get the 4 channels, a great soudcard and a built-in FX section - esp if you’re not interested in scratching…
I know I am a bit late, but I thought I would add my two cents about the MixDeck (if it can be any help).
The Problems
Thought I would list this first since they aren’t that many and they all getting resolved. The crossfader is a little “wonky;” the sound volume dips (noticeably) whe the xfader is at the middle position. This isn’t a problem on ALL unites, just most (from the forums I read). Numark will fix it for free (including shipping) and get back to you in a week. Haven’t sent it in yet, have too many gigs lined up… but will soon.
MixDeck and Serato
Works GREAT! I use Traktor 99% of the time; only use Serato when I have to Vj (use Video-SL). Its great except you can’t control video when relative CD mode for Serato; when in CD mode all the MiDi buttons on the decks don’t send out midi commands. There are two work arounds:
Use Internal mode and change MixDeck to MiDi setting. Can’t scratch though because no timecode used… not a problem if you aren’t a turntables, little annoying though to scrub through tracks.
Buy a small midi controller (like the Kontrol X-1 or the Denon DCH-100) use the top controls of X-1 to control the Serato audio FX/Loops & the bottom to control the Video FXs and Video crossfader (which is only controllable via midi). Might sound annoying to work with two crossfaders but actually makes some pretty unique performances (where the audio of one track is playing with video of another).
MixDeck and Traktor
Great. The default TSI is a little not-thought-out in certain areas. But I re-mapped some of the buttons and added some functionality, just working off the built in MixDeck template and did so in less than an hour. If you want I can post the TSI.
Overall
Keyword: UNIVESAL!!! This is a great “first buy for people” because if you don’t like traktor you can buy a Serato and use it or if you want to move to video, its possible. You can’t find another system that allows for type of “growth.” (w/o reinvesting a bunch of money)
And if you every plan on doing any mobile gigs (weddings, etc), this is a great buy… you want know how many times I get a guy asking me to play a CD he got from his car (usually ethnic music, lol). And its a great reassurance to you clients to know that you have a back system, if the computer crashes.
If i was not having to haul gear around then the NS7, but as I do and i like the cut a bit then the vci-300 and itch is good, If it worked with traktor and i could use the vci-300 sound card then i would no problem.
My style is old skool coz i’m a old fool and dont use many fx’s so vci-300 until i break it!!
