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Deciding Beginner Controller

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  • June 23, 2015 at 2:23 pm #2215441
    Elliott Kim
    Participant

    Have you figured out what software you like the best?

    Objectively looking at the controllers, the Denon MC2000 and the Traktor S2 are the most solid (was pleasantly surprised that the S2 is better and does more than initial appearances suggest). But something Phil Morse said really struck a chord with me and makes total sense. Choose software first, then a controller. Had I not taken his advice, I would’ve been stuck with software I don’t like as much or a controller that doesn’t perform to its potential because it’s running on a MIDI mapping vs super tight HID integration.

    You’ll end up spending close to the same money on the S2 vs the MC2000 and the Serato DJ upgrade.

    June 23, 2015 at 4:00 pm #2215591
    DJ Vintage
    Moderator

    What Elliott said. Choose software first (based on – expected – workflow), then hardware. If your choice falls to Traktor, really the S2/S4 or some combination of their modular gear is the only really good option for example.

    Depending on Serato, Virtual DJ, Mixvibes Cross or any of another number of DJ programs, you might need/want certain buttons or knobs that you can (re)map to something specific for your DJ software.

    As for where to buy. I personally like having a hands-on feeling before I buy gear like this. With easy return policies this can work with online shops too, but might not be practical where you live.

    I’d buy from a dedicated DJ shop and not an online bookstore going gear pushers, but that is just me. Here in Holland we have access to several high quality DJ/Sound/Light online shops, so I know I am spoiled in that way.

    Good luck with your choice

    June 26, 2015 at 2:38 pm #2217121
    Danny P
    Participant

    If you’re using VDJ, the Gemini G2v is reliable I’ve been gigging with it for over a year and a half and haven’t had a problem.

    June 27, 2015 at 2:36 pm #2217421
    Hunter Griffin
    Participant

    I’m thinking of using Traktor.
    The gemini G2v is $250 with free software VDJ software but alternately the Traktor Kontrol S2 has software in the Box, out of these and the ones given in my original post which one gives me the BEST value in terms of progressing from Beginner to an experienced DJ, and of course best value for money

    June 27, 2015 at 4:17 pm #2217451
    DJ Vintage
    Moderator

    As said, you shouldn’t let your hardware choice influence your choice of software. Traktor and VDJ are definitely two very different kinds of DJ software, both with stronger and weaker points depending on your workflow/style of DJ-ing

    June 28, 2015 at 5:55 am #2217531
    Hunter Griffin
    Participant

    Yes, I know I’m going to DJ with Traktor and I wondering if Gemini or the Serato controllers will work well Traktor and which controller should I get if DJing with Traktor, does it matter if the controller is made for say Virtual DJ but is still compatible with Traktor

    June 28, 2015 at 6:10 am #2217541
    Danny P
    Participant

    Most controllers are supported by more than one software. Pretty much anything works with VDJ. With Traktor devices work but nothing will work as well as Native Instruments’ own gear with it. But you can get a mapping for most things. The G2V has Traktor support, though I have never actually tried Traktor with it so your mileage may vary.

    June 28, 2015 at 9:53 am #2217641
    DJ Vintage
    Moderator

    Ok. Let me try to explain myself one more time, CLEARLY.

    While there are mappings for other controllers (ever less made by or supported by NI/Traktor) and in the past more controllers were supported by Traktor, Traktor is moving on a path where they emphasize and support the NI/Traktor hardware-software integration and have effectively stopped promoting using other gear. Including support.

    Also sufficient jog wheel integration is pretty much only guaranteed with NI/Traktor gear.

    The current big number version of Traktor has been around for a long time and it seems a new big number version can’t be too far around the corner (NAMM 2016 perhaps?). And nobody knows what NI will implement in that new version. It’s not impossible that they will stop supporting third-party controllers altogether, in which case you are stuck with a controller that doesn’t work with your software upgrade or you have to keep playing with your older software.

    This is why my advice here, CLEARLY, is: If you intend to use Traktor software for DJ-ing, buy NI/Traktor gear. It will guarantee you future proofing (well, hopefully), the best hardware/software integration, superb jog wheel responsiveness.
    If you want to use any third-party controllers, be ready to accept things not working, working differently, having to take care of your own mappings or mappings made by other individuals, not being able to receive NI support when you have an issue with the hardware, etx.

    To answer your question:

    does it matter if the controller is made for say Virtual DJ but is still compatible with Traktor

    Yes, it DOES matter, for all the reasons stated above.

    I hope that my humble opinion is clear.

    Asking the same question a third time is not gonna change the answer and is most definitely not gonna change the course NI/Traktor have set in.

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