The MC3000 is a total tank, build-wise. This is true for just about any Denon product btw. Even the MC2000 that LOOKS a lot more plasticy is actually a VERY sturdy piece of equipment. So you might add the MC2000 to the list as an alternative to the DDJ-SB.
Both DDJ-SB and MC2000 are starter Serato controllers that come with the Intro version of Serato, which you will want to upgrade to the full version pretty soon I am guessing. Both can be mapped to Traktor with mappings available from the Traktor community and various forums as far as I know.
The MC3000 is no longer produced, so you should be able to get a good deal on one. Any company that has stock will realise it’s an end-of-life product and probably be willing to part with it at a nice discount (even online shops, so don’t hesitate to call and ask!). It’s also NOT supported by Serato. Which is ok if you know that Traktor is your cup of tea. However, in order to determine what software is right for you, you’d need to know what your style/genre of DJ-ing is and what workflow works best for you. Since you are new to the (digital DJ) game, you most likely haven’t found that out yet. So, in buying the MC3000, you run the risk that if you decide Traktor isn’t for you after all, you can’t switch to Serato, because it’s not a supported controller and it will not work. You could switch to Virtual DJ or Mixvibes Cross though, they both support the MC3000 if I recall correctly.
The one thing the SB has that both Denon’s don’t have is “performance” or “drum” pads. Imho this isn’t a real big problem if you are a starting digital DJ as there is so much to learn and practice, practice, practice that pads can be a distraction. But that is entirely up to you of course.
A word on digital vs vinyl DJ-ing. Assuming you’ll do the right thing and buy your music (I personally would have no qualm with downloading a digital version of a vinyl I already have paid for, but that is just me), you are looking at 1 to 1.5 USD per track, a far cry from the money you used to spend on vinyl. Also there is no need for new needles and such, another substantial savings.
In other words, the upkeep/running cost of digital DJ-ing is FAR less than the vinyl version.
Hope this helps.
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