Which controller is best on the market at the moment?

DJ Life & Community General Discussion
1

Which controller is best on the market at the moment?

Hi guys,

I just want to know which controller is best on the market? My price range is anything up to £550 / $900 / 659 EUR. I have been thinking about the Traktor S4 as it is near my price range and it has been recommended to me.

Basically I have several options:

  • Numark N4
  • Native Instruments Traktor S4
  • Native Instruments Traktor S2
  • Numark 4Trak
  • And… possibly more.

I just want to hear your suggestions :slight_smile: - What is the best controller on the market?

2

My first choice would be the EZ DJ Pro but that was sold out at my local Toys R Us.

I have probably said this a couple times before, but I REALLY like the Traktor S4.

Based on your question of, ‘what is the best controller in the market’, I see the answer as relative to what kind of music you prefer to play. You know, all that jazz about your play style, and etc., and picking a controller that is right for you.

Yes, there are plenty of controllers out there and I have dabbled, touched, and strip searched. For ME however, the Traktor S4 has been my bread and butter. Once you start really getting into it, you will also be glad you went for the S4 instead of the S2 because, let’s face it: only using two decks gets boring. It is not enough… for me anyway.

Added this edit:
Its solid construction and portability (especially if paired with this Magma bag make it easy to lug around to play anywhere. Native Instruments also is great at supporting its products. I have had many things spilled on this controller, and it has been through its fair share of abuse and it is still ticking. I have been using it for just over a year for at least 7 hours a week of gig time and I have NEVER had it glitch on me for a reason that was not my fault…

Just put the keyboard and mouse down and do yourself a favor and get the S4, and if you don’t like it… well then… I don’t like you… lol.

3

That last sentence was a fair point. Thank you for your contribution :slight_smile: I think I’ll go for the EZ DJ Pro to be honest, that will be my best option. (sarcasm)

I like to play banging house tunes… S4 looks beast as well! I think I will go for that thanks :slight_smile:

PS: That bag looks hench!

4

Pioneer DDJ-t1, You would probably pick it up dirt cheap as its discontinued but its great and independent reviews often put it above the S4

5

Best to not so best IMHO that are within budget.

  • Pioneer DDJ-SX - Might just be able to pick one of these up.
  • Vestax VCI400 - In budget and Gorgeous (and standalone mixer).
  • Reloop terminal Mix 4 - In Budget
  • NI S4 - In budget and tightest Traktor integration
  • Pioneer DDJ-T1 - In Budget with change
6

In reply to your list:

  • The Pioneer DDJ-SX looks amazing! Unfortunately it’s over my budget. I would like to buy it new, not used.
  • The VCI400 doesn’t look great to be honest. Also it is over my budget.
  • This one is in my price range. Not sure about this one. I heard some of Reloop’s stuff is poor.
  • NI S4. This is what I am currently going for. It looks fantastic.
  • Wow. the DDJ-T1 looks amazing! So now I guess it’s S4 vs DDJ-T1.
7

Looks good mate. Now it’s just a debate whether to get S4 or DDJ-T1.

8

I’ve never heard of Reloop’s stuff being poor.

It’s fantastic quality. You get a nice solid metal casing which already puts it above NI’s stuff. The jogs are sooo beautiful, and the pads are great.

9

I’d pick the T1, it’ll get you slightly dialed in with Pioneer gear seeing as it’s basically the industry standard when you play out.

10

NS7 ii, but it’s not in your budget.

11

The DDJ-SX also looks pretty sweet and seems to have everything I would need on board. Wouldn’t mind playing with one of those for a bit. I like the CDJ style jog wheels and the gold edition would be a neat thing to have.

12

If I was going to go that route, it would be the xrdj 1, or whatever the hell it’s called. A controller that plays cd’s, USB and incorporates RekordBox.

13

True. I’ve never looked into those though, I didn’t want to blindly recommend a product.

14

I am kind of torn between the two as well. I would like to see a Pioneer XDJ-R1 vs DDJ-SX. 4 channel does not really matter.

15

There is the XDJ-Aero and XDJ-R1. Trying to decipher.

16

From what I can tell, the R1 would be a great choice if your aspirations are to play out. It’s like practicing on cdj’s without actually paying for cdj’s. I’ve never played on one though. I know they were buggy as hell on launch. That might be fixed now.

17

The problem with the R-1 and the Aero is the “almost” pioneer workflow - but not quite.

E.g. The Aero works on reckordbox for iPad and USB (pretty cool), the R1 does not (well it can for USB drives) - it works on its own internal software and the iPad controls the playlists etc, but the R1 has CD drives which the aero does not and can play even if the iPad disconnects (as the songs are stored on USB :-S )

Very confused pioneer - hopefully a single app can do the trick in future for all units.

If it were a toss up between the R1/Aero or SX I’d go SX hands down, Sure it lacks the iPad stuff but has Nicer jogs, nicer pitch control, better build .. and is probably closer to the pioneer workflow than the other two anyhow.

You could also look at the SX’s baby brother the DDJ-SR which is basically a 2 channel SX

The vci-400 can be had for around $450-$500 at the moment (guitarcenter/unique squared) and is seriously one of the best built and fully featured controllers out there.

18

I thought you said you just finally got your gear already (in the thread you started about you teaching others how to DJ). What are you using now?

19

Virtual DJ

20

Classic Pioneer, randomly spreading out features amongst various pieces of gear. I look at controllers as a cheap way to practice. That’s why the R1 is attractive. I’m not a big fan of people brining controllers with them at a gig that already has gear.

I wish Denon would come out with a controller that integrated similar technology to their 3900’s. I wouldn’t buy it, but I love those decks.