Yeah, going from a controller to some cheap CDJs would really be upping your game … not 🙂
I’d only consider a Traktor controller if I were a Traktor user and in the case of the S5 probably only if I wanted to get into stems as well. Otherwise the S4 would probably still be a good choice.
If you don’t use Traktor, I would not get a Traktor controller as there would be many other viable alternatives that most likely will play more nicely (if at all) with other software.
You might know the advice we give here when it comes to picking controllers. In your case #1 will be easier as you have been DJ-ing for a while and have probably gotten a better idea of your current and desired workflow.
#1 Determine your (desired) workflow
#2 Find out which software (most closely) matches your workflow. 100% match is highly unlikely, if not impossible, so make sure you know which parts of your workflow are a must-have and which come under the heading of “nice to have”. If you are using software already, it can’t hurt to re-evaluate this point. Your workflow might have changed since you started and the software you started with (often times just because it came with a controller or was cheap/free or whatever other reason) might no longer be the right one for you. Personally I switched from Traktor (which came with my MC6000) after about 2 years when my workflow had moved so far from what I found I could manage with Traktor that I made my move then.
#3 Set a budget! This can’t be overstated. We are all gear-heads to some extent and it is sooooo easy to get caught by all the blinking lights and shiny knobs.
#4 Shortlist 2-3 controllers that work well with your workflow (i.e. have all the buttons, knobs, faders and other features – like portability, build quality and whatever else is important to you), are supported by your chosen software and fit your budget.
#4 (Try to) Get hands-on time with your shortlist controllers. DJ-shops being the obvious place, but if you are in “the scene”, you might have other people in your circle that own a controller you are contemplating and are willing to let you have a go at it.
#5 Make your choice in the knowledge that you did everything you could to ensure that this is the controller that will get you through the next phase of your DJ-ing career.
One more word on budget. Keep an eye on the fact that your new controller might need new cables to connect (because it has XLR balanced outputs for example) and also that you will need a travel-bag or flight case to transport it in. So make sure you have that calculated when setting your budget.
Hope that helps some.
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