Best starter DJ Controller?

This topic has 55 replies, 1 voice, and was last updated 13 years, 10 months ago by Phil Morse.

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June 22, 2011 at 5:27 pm #39

Phil Morse
Keymaster

I think you’ve chosen really well. For the money, there’s nothing better.

June 22, 2011 at 5:49 pm #45

DJ GRE
Member

I have tested that controller and I like it, it’s definitely a solid beginner controller. But I will say, my first controller was the scs 3d ‘dascratch’ – since then I have gotten the full set and I love it – it’s a bit daunting but I have really grown with it and I love showing it off when playing – it just looks cool! I also have since added a midi fighter pro. I am very much a gear slut – something that’s come with me being a guitar player.

June 22, 2011 at 7:37 pm #1000319

Ivyquake
Member

My very first controller was the Hercules Steel back in 09. That thing was so rugged and reliable. It came with Virtual DJ but I never used it. I jumped straight into Traktor.

June 23, 2011 at 5:10 pm #154

DJ Max D.
Member

+1 on the Mixtrack (Pro).
I got it as a not-so-beginner controller and I am very very satisfied.. Would reccommend.

June 23, 2011 at 5:54 pm #160

Willi Weeks
Participant

I think right now Mixtrack is the best starter controller. I started with an Omni Control and Traktor. Right now I’m using a VMS4 and Virtual DJ.

June 23, 2011 at 6:01 pm #161

DJ Max D.
Member

One question then (for everyone here): do you think a starter controller should have a sound interface built in or should the new guys get it separately? (e.g. Mixtrack or Mixtrack Pro)

I’m real interested in your opinions on this 🙂

June 23, 2011 at 6:07 pm #162

DJ GRE
Member

Personally, this is something that came from playing guitar – I would invest in something you can grow with. I would say definitely separate controller and sound card – what if you like one but not the other? I always think you should start with a sound card then add a controller later, that way when you finally split the sound and start mixing with just the computer you realize, “Ah djings not for me.” or “I would love to not have to use a keyboard for this!”, then if its the former it will not have been too big of a loss. At least you have the option to change you know? Plus usually – not saying all the time but usually – the soundcards that come with controllers tend to be a little inferior in quality.

June 23, 2011 at 6:10 pm #163

DjSpekz
Member

Ill agree with DJ GRE on this one. its what I did. I got the sound card and Mixtrack separate just in case I would like to upgrade to something better and wouldn’t want to get rid of my soundcard

June 23, 2011 at 7:08 pm #170

‘Sam Ben-David’
Member

Some good choices here guys. Mixtrack is defo a good one.

I started on a korg nano kontrol and an akai lpd8 with traktor pro. I still think its a great little set up, enough knobs for EQ’ing and faders for levels plus tons left to map for effects and macro effects.

Simplicity and minimalism is key 🙂

June 23, 2011 at 9:18 pm #194

D-Jam
Participant

I’d probably go with Mixtrack as well, simply based on the positive reviews I’ve seen.

I simply tell anyone make sure it’s got the faders, pitch control, and jogwheels if they want that. I have my Xponent which I love, but I also bought a used X-Session Pro just in case I have dead time at work and want to make a mix. It works well for that need…thus showing you can do much with just the basics.

June 27, 2011 at 3:19 am #891

B3AM
Participant

if you have the money i would go for a 4 channel mixer. I started with the hercules mk4 a 2 channel mixer and you’ll be surprised how quickly your outgrow 2 decks if you practice and use it often. I now have the s4 and love every minute mixing with it. Also a perk with the s4 is the soundcard is built in and is amazing quality. Anyone else using the s4?

June 27, 2011 at 10:56 am #938

‘Sam Ben-David’
Member

Dj Sterilize, post: 880 wrote: if you have the money i would go for a 4 channel mixer. I started with the hercules mk4 a 2 channel mixer and you’ll be surprised how quickly your outgrow 2 decks if you practice and use it often. I now have the s4 and love every minute mixing with it. Also a perk with the s4 is the soundcard is built in and is amazing quality. Anyone else using the s4?

Demo’d the S4 at the gadget show and at my mates pad. Its good, really good, integration is perfect. And yeah like you said the soundcard is great too! Plus as its internal it means you dont have to wire it all :). Only downside i thought is the size….did you get the flightcase for it? Or the Traktor Trolley 🙂 (that does look cool!)

June 29, 2011 at 1:28 am #1511

Paul
Member

It actually depends, for me, going above the U$500 mark means you’re getting it at the mid-high end controllerism.

But at the U$250 pricepoint, the Mixtrack PRO is an almost an unbeatable choice. The only thing is that it doesn’t have a dedicated channel gain control knob, so you can’t adjust the gain on the fly.

June 29, 2011 at 1:33 am #1513

Adam Sharizman
Participant

Mixtrack is apparently the majority’s choice! It’s pretty good. The only other controller I tried is my friend’s mixtrack and the only other setup I tried is my friend’s vinyl setup. So I don’t have much say. But DJing is like drugs. I’m only 2 months into DJing and I’m already considering my next controller, also a 4 deck controller.

June 29, 2011 at 6:57 am #1578

Phil Morse
Keymaster

Adam Sharizman, post: 1502 wrote: Mixtrack is apparently the majority’s choice! It’s pretty good. The only other controller I tried is my friend’s mixtrack and the only other setup I tried is my friend’s vinyl setup. So I don’t have much say. But DJing is like drugs. I’m only 2 months into DJing and I’m already considering my next controller, also a 4 deck controller.

Just try and remember it’s not really about the gear – get something that suits you then spend time playing live and learning the real skills.
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