How do I know when it's time to upgrade?

I know about the TM8, which is also considered. It is a bit big though. Software is not a problem, I can make my own mapping from scratch if needed and I already own Traktor Pro 2. I didn’t ask which controller I should buy (I can do that myself just fine), I asked wether it would be a waste of money to buy one in the first place. I understand your point as well koniobomama, but that would mean ditching the ‘old school’ beatmatching and simply using the right bpm and pressing play at the right time. And I do really miss having proper analog filters, I wonder why so many controllers don’t have them these days.

I use the X1 for fx 1 and 2 which are single effects (delay t3 and tape delay), so at the moment I cannot set a filter in there. I might switch them to 3 and 4 which should give the option to get a filter in on the x1. But there’s no need to use an effect then, I can just map a knob to the filter, no big deal.
I will not ditch old school mixing, simply because I need the experience for when there are only cdj’s available. Besides, I like manual beatmatching and I would miss it dearly. You limit yourself incredibly by simply ditching these techniques. Using cds’s would also be possible on four (or more!) decks with manual beatmatching, even when playing 2 minutes of each track: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2Zdj7Cutoc8
And Santa Creek, does your TM8 fit in a backpack? I haven’t found any that will fit it. If it won’t fit in a backpack I cannot use it.
Does nobody else have experience with upgrading hardware?

Thanks for your response, Vintage.
I’ve narrowed it down to 3 options:
– Pioneer DDJ-SR
– Vestax VCI-400
– Stay with my current gear.

The TM8 is too big, period. The DDJ-SR is great because it features velocity sensitive pads and enough outputs. It has four deck controls but no dedicated faders and stuff. I don’t think that’s a problem though as most of the time deck D is a remix deck and I have no problem at the moment with pressing a button to switch deck controls. The VCI-400 has dedicated deck controls, but not really enough outputs to make it a long term investment. Also, the pads are a little small.

So I’m leaning towards the DDJ-SR if I upgrade in the first place. The main problem now is to decide wether to upgrade or wait for different gear to come out, although that could be a while. The good news is I have until the end of april to decide, that’s when the cashback offer from Pioneer ends.

You’re right, most new products are mk2 stuff or other colours. I think I’ll go for the SR, but I’ll sleep over it a night. I have a gig coming up next sathurday, so I might be able to use it already there. If it fits in my current backpack that is. Or use an overnight bag.
What did you think of the pitch fader position? Was it annoying?

I don’t care about the asymmetric layout either, I have no preference. Currently I use symmetric, but it’s not like that’s the only thing I can play with. I play in d’Oude Stoep in Vlaardingen. It’s not a full on EDM gig, more like a mobile dj gig. It’s even harder than a EDM gig at times, because you can’t see how people are enjoying the music as easy as a venue with a dancefloor.
I guess the pitch faders have more room on the SR, I heard some complaints that they were too close to other controls on the SX, but they are longer as well.

It is done, my order for a DDJ-SR plus prodector and a fitting bag has been placed.

I will, but I’ve played there a couple of times already, just on my Mixtrack and on fridays. So next sathurday will be a double first.
I wonder how it will sound live.