Best starter DJ Controller?

Dj iceman, post: 5149 wrote: i started with a hurcules mp3 and i hated it so i lft the controller thing alone for a few years.i decided to try again so i go a vestax typhoon,and then in the same week got a mixtrack pro as a gift.so i got lucky. i use the vestax as my main unit and the mixtrack as my backup. ive always used virtual dj so its a win/win for me

Are you using the vestax for live gigs?

actually yes i do. use it for all my gigs. mint you its not the best for scratching(im on a cheap windows laptop with virtual dj) but it works for all the basics!! especially when mapped right

I too am looking for a good starter controller, but the thing is, although I want something rich in features, I feel the Mixtrack is a little to toy-like for me due to the plastic build. So although it is a great starter controller at an unbelievable price, I think I might have to go with the Kontrol x1 because it is far more appealing to me, more portable, and I don’t think I would use the jog wheels anyway. So what I’m looking at getting is the Kontrol x1 w/case and the Akai Pro LPD8 controller, which appears to be a cheap, sensible option with a decent build and just the right amount of controls. The thing is, I can always get the Mixtrack if I decide I no longer want the x1 because it has a great resale value, which allows me a lot of freedom in the future. I’m still deciding though, so any input would be much appreciated.

Michael Fuchs, post: 6203 wrote: I too am looking for a good starter controller, but the thing is, although I want something rich in features, I feel the Mixtrack is a little to toy-like for me due to the plastic build. So although it is a great starter controller at an unbelievable price, I think I might have to go with the Kontrol x1 because it is far more appealing to me, more portable, and I don’t think I would use the jog wheels anyway. So what I’m looking at getting is the Kontrol x1 w/case and the Akai Pro LPD8 controller, which appears to be a cheap, sensible option with a decent build and just the right amount of controls. The thing is, I can always get the Mixtrack if I decide I no longer want the x1 because it has a great resale value, which allows me a lot of freedom in the future. I’m still deciding though, so any input would be much appreciated.

You’ll also have to think about a soundcard too if you want the ability to cue your tracks/use an external mixer at some point later. At least this is reasonably cheap, as, say, an Audio 2 soundcard is $100, and you could then spend another $100 on a cheap external mixer. Then you’d have a killer setup (minus jog wheels) for almost the same price as a Mixtrack Pro. Check out Chris’s (photojojo) setup – he has something similiar with 2 X1’s and a BIG A&H mixer 😀

Michael Fuchs, post: 6279 wrote: … why don’t you just do the function of the mixer inside the software program? I mean, can’t i do everything i can do on a mixer straight from an x1?

Well, yes you can, but there’s nothing quite like smashing faders around on a mixer – it can be quite addictive!

The reason I’d use an external mixer is that I like having all my essential functions on the suface – not hidden away in shify layers. However, money is always an issue for students like us, so dont worry about it too much. I’d just try to hook up with someone who does have an external mixer and try it out!

Hey guys, I am really new here and starting out as a DJ. I was leaning towards a Numark Mixdeck or a Vestax VCI 300, as a beginner setup, the mixtrack is just too simple for my liking. What do you guys think? Thanks in advance!

Michael Fuchs, post: 6327 wrote: Luckily for me, there are some relatively low prices mixers on the market today, which would allow me to get one without dropping hundreds of dollars on one. Definitely an option for me if I stumble across any cash right now, so thanks for the tip! 🙂

That’s it. All you need is a dead basic, 2 channel mixer with 3 band EQ and a headphones jack and you’re set!