DJ Controllers? Reliable or Unreliable

I have used my Vestax VCI 380 and MAC computer for 3 years now with no problems.

My opinion is controllers are as reliable as the software and computer running them. I only use my DJ computer for music management and performing.

I’d have to agree with most of the previous replies. Mature gear, not particularly susceptible to static electricity as a source of problems. I have never had the issue to be frank.

I can see where you are coming from with reliability as a mobile DJ (being one myself), BUT having spare/backup options is way more important imho. I have seen 100k+ digital mixers go full reboot middle of show. So, no matter how much money you spend or what quality brand/product you buy, nothing will give you 100% backup.

Adding a computer into the fray just adds (significantly) to the odds of something going wrong at some time.

My -more or less- standard setup:
1) controller
2) MacBook Pro 15″ (any well-specced and optimised laptop will do of course)
3) Pioneer DDJ-SX (from an MC6000)
4) 2x Numark NDX-500 mediaplayers, I bring 3 USB sticks with my core collection and map with CDs (double, so I can play tracks off the same CD in both players)
5) Numark iDJ Pro controller in flightcase (not setup, but keep it in the car as a spare)
6) Dell laptop with basic DJ software and main collection (also not setup but kept in the car as spare)
6) iPhone/iPad with some kind of playlist or premixed set ready to go and hooked up to the aux of the controller

Because this setup still leaves me with a single point of failure (the controller) I will most likely add a Yamaha MG06 gen3 mixer to this and run the controller through it. I will hook my iDevice up to the mixer too. Even if the controller conks out, I can still hit play on my iPhone and open the mixer fader and be playing music while I sort the rest out.

Funny thing is, with all this spare and backup stuff I am still carrying way less than I was in vinyl and CD days :-).

Then when it comes to your choice of controller. First of all it’s a highly personal choice, second it depends on your (desired/expected) workflow and features. The workflow should then lead to a choice of software. Set a budget and go look for a controller that works with your software (way easier these days then a few years ago when Serato worked with only a handful of gear), supports your workflow and features.

The NV7 is nice controller, but be sure to read up on it. I don’t have the idea it’s become as big a sales hit as expected (by Numark), we do have readers that own one, but not all that many that I know of.
The Reloop TM8 is a good option and the preferred tool by co-moderator Terry_42, who will be the first to say that while it’s a good piece of kit and he loves it, doesn’t mean the same would be true for you.
Finally, you say ALL of Pioneer’s DDJ series. That, imho, is not correct. Hearing where you stand the SB and even the SR would not be options. The SZ, while technically fine, is way overpriced and doesn’t hold much over the SX2 which is half the price. On the other side of the spectrum is the XDJ-RX for more of a RekordBox based setup. And with the full DJ version of RekordBox around the corner, it may be wise to hold of with this decision just a tad longer. Expecting new controllers (something like an XDJ-RZ with 4-channels perhaps) from Pioneer that will fit in with that new concept better.

Having been a mobile DJ for a long time, having good mic inputs is an important feature to me. While I could run mics through the Yamaha mixer when I get it, I prefer having all my controls close at hand.

With a build quality like nothing else (not Pioneer, not Reloop, not Numark, not anybody) and a host of features in a compact 19″ case, the MC6000 mk2 still ranks the top of my list. Great mic channels (with individual tone control, on/off button, of course ducking and even a simple reverb), split cue option (one of the very few controllers to feature that) and in general a fine controller. It’s only minus could be the size of the – otherwise excellent – jogs. But there is only so much space in a 19″ format, right.

What you’d miss is the 8-pad RGB option, but a simple added Reloop Neon will solve that problem for you.

Hope that helps.

I have my Terminal Mix 8 since it came out and it still delivers. Played lots and lots of gigs with it… had to replace 2 caps I choppsed of (not the controllers fault) other than that… perfect.

^ Um, if there is always a buzz sound when you connect your computer to power you have a serious issue somewhere in your setup. That shouldn’t happen. Ever. It indicates a serious grounding issue.