Best Value Controller with full software

Yup you’re right, RB has the best value software/hardware wise. And you’re right, the next on the list is S2. If you’re looking for controller that comes with full version of Serato DJ, I think DDJ-SR, Denon MC6000 mk2 and Numark NV2 are first on the list (excluding Akai AMX).

But before anything, picking the RIGHT software is something to do.

Honestly I think if you want to use Serato but you’re fearing you’ll grow out of the intro version I think you will grow out of the intro controller too. So it might not be a bad idea to start with Serato Intro controller and upgrade for another controller when you feel the software/hardware isn’t enough anymore

Well I can personally say as I own RB as my ‘toy’ controller it’s very good one to start with. Rekordbox DJ imo isn’t good as Traktor or Serato but it’s new in the software market and has come a long road in short time and it’s being constantly updated. Anyways every software has aces in their sleeves, so does Rekordbox.

Hmm I’m kind of worried of your computer tho. As far as I recall Rekordbox is bit heavier than other software and do you mean you use Windows Vista? Looking at requirements for Rekordbox and it seems it isn’t compatible with Vista. Better make sure that you can actually use it! This is what it says on Rekordbox site:

Compatible OS (Windows) – Windows 10, 8.1, 7 (The latest service pack)
CPU – Intel® processor Core™ i7, i5, i3, Intel® processor Core™ 2 Duo 2.0GHz or above
Memory – 4GB or more of RAM

The correct way to go about buying a new (first) controller is by following these steps:

1) Determine your (desired/intended) workflow. What kind of music, what kind of DJ-ing do you intend to do
2) What software matches that workflow closest (nothing will fit 100%)
3) Set a budget to avoid being dragged in by the shiny lights and flashy knobs. Also incorporate the other stuff you need to start, laptop or tablet, headphones, speakers, music, case or decksaver, etx.
4) Make a shortlist of two or three controllers that fit your workflow, accept/work with your chosen software and within your budget
5) Try to get some hands/ears on time with those controllers
6) Make your pick and get to practice!

Turning it around by buying a controller just becomes it comes with full software and thus accepting software that might or might not be suitable to you is a gamble. So what might seem like a cheap solution might come at a price in the end.

It’s totally feasible to buy a used starter controller (see other posts for a list of our pick of the litter) with LE software. While eventually LE software will wear too thin for a full DJ career, it will service you well through learning/practicing your first steps on the DJ path, give you a chance to see if indeed the software you picked works for you (and before you invested so much time and effort in it that changing it becomes a hard job). Then, when you know what software you want for sure and you have a better idea of your workflow and by extension what you want to be looking for in an upgrade, you will be much better informed and able to make that decision.

Hope that helps some.

Just my 3 cents as usual.

Hi, Just to complete my last question, I have Ordered a new laptop Lenovo Ideapad 310 Intel® Core™ i5 Processor, 8Gb RAM, 2Tb Hard Drive, 15.6 inch Full HD Laptop and Ordered a Reloop Terminal Mix 8 with full serato dj, after completing the orders, I read some old topics dated 2015 (at the time that windows 10 released) about several issues that TM8/Serato has with Windows10, I was wondering should I expect some same issues? should I cancel my orders and change the gear or laptop?
I do appreciate your advises.
Thanks

Thanks Terry, Finally, I read all the topics and discussions and information about NUMARK NVII and RELOOP TERMINAL MIX 8, in many websites and forums they are both in top ten best of 2016, the NVII has more features and functions (touch knobs, screens, touch and adjustable jog wheels, big speakers outputs..) but not a solid metal made, and such a plasticy appearance, the other side TM8 has less functions but a solid made and better quality make in appearance. also NVII is about £50 higher in price. It is difficult to chose When in low budget and wanting to buy mid range gear. What I need is a frank and honest guide, which one of these two gears could be a long term gear for me, that I will not regret in future, is a better make in depth (inside) not only the appearance, and is giving more options and functions, effects and etc to make my own better mixes?
Thank you very much.

Hello!

I’m planning to buy my first controller and I followed DJ Vintage’s path. I intend to work on mostly trap, future house, hip-hop etc. My budget for the controller is around $300 and I stuck between DDJ-RB and DDJ-SB2 I was searching about these two and I read that RB doesn’t have some features that SB has such as fader filter effect, master tempo button, separate knob for Master/Cue mix and controlling up to 4 decks. Does it worth to choose SB2 over RB? I don’t want to end up paying hundreds of dollar for software because Serato DJ Intro edition seems incompetent.I heard you cant save your recordings without the full version. I searched about RekordBox and it seems nice to me. What do you guys think about my situation?

Thank you for your support