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First hardware purchase. MIDI controller or CDJ?

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  • April 12, 2014 at 6:11 pm #2022958
    Terry_42
    Keymaster

    Get a MIDI controller. Any midi controller for 300+ bucks can do the same as a 7000+ dollar CDJ Nexus setup.
    If you cannot afford a full Nexus setup than any CDJ setup will be able to do LESS than any midi controller.

    April 12, 2014 at 6:13 pm #2022959
    john sloan
    Participant

    Is there any that you would recommend?

    April 12, 2014 at 6:28 pm #2022962
    Terry_42
    Keymaster

    Currently we do recommend the Reloop Beatmix 4 (which will be out in May) since it has the full Serato DJ software in the package and is at its price point a real steal, as some similar controllers cost almost double its price.

    Other good entry level controllers, that are OK for first gigs also include:
    – Numark Mixtrack Pro and Pro II
    – Pioneer DDJ-SB
    – Pioneer DDJ-SR

    If you want to dive into more expensive controllers directly then the following are recommended:
    – Reloop Terminal Mix 8
    – Vestax VCI 400
    – Pioneer DDJ-SX

    April 12, 2014 at 7:30 pm #2022968
    Yared Lee
    Participant

    Midi controller all the way. I have a Numark Mixtrack Pro II and loving it. But um Terry, a DDJ-SR is considered entry level?

    April 12, 2014 at 8:19 pm #2022970
    Terry_42
    Keymaster

    Well some borders are fluent of course, but basically yes.

    April 12, 2014 at 8:57 pm #2022972
    DJ Vintage
    Moderator

    It all gets you gig-ready. The transition from controllers to CDJs isn’t all that big frankly. You need some extra prep work, but other than that … 30 minutes on CDJs and it’s like you never knew different. And using the controller for yourself will give you soooo much extra functionality! For example, there are no hot cue buttons on a CDJ900, just to name a little drawback on this 1500 dollar CD player!

    Now if you want the feel of high end CDJ/DJM gear and you were willing to come up with close to 2K for a CDJ anyway, then maybe the DDJ-SZ has your name on it.

    SO, don’t worry about club gear too much. If you can do your craft on a controller, you will be able to do it on CDJs.

    Greetinx.

    April 12, 2014 at 8:59 pm #2022974
    john sloan
    Participant

    All this advice has been great! Appreciate all the comments everyone

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