Help with picking the right mid range controller for a newbie

All very different controllers, so I take a peak into them and then check into some others:

Denon MC 3000. It is quite dated, but it is a workhorse. However if you want Denon and its bullet proof technology then I would suggest getting the MC6000 MK II, it is by far better and does not cost that much more. Also it is better integrated with Serato which I would suggest. Besides that they are Denon, which equals unparalleled build quality and road worthyness, but have some less features and are a little more cramped in design.

Traktor Control S2 Mk II (I would vote against the older Mk I) is excellent if you want to go Traktor. However prepare to have a much steeper learning curve and possibly more frustration when going down this road.

Pioneer DDJ Ergo is a consumer controller and a toy. It has a nice lightshow and if your goal is only to impress friends and girls, but not serious work, then do not take this one. You say you want paid gigs, nobody will consider you very professional with this controller.

Pioneer DDJ-SR is a very good mid range controller. Build quality is not Deonon, but very good. It is the only controller in your list with velocity pads and they work quite nicely. The jogwheels are very good and the design of the controller is OK and well integrated with Serato DJ. If you will this is the pro version of the Pioneer controllers you listed.

Other controllers I would look at:
If you want Traktor I would also look at the S4, many buy twice because the S2 you will outgrow at a fast pace.

If you want to go Serato then I would also look at the reloop Terminal Mix 8. It is a high end controller for a mid range price. All metal build quality, performance pads, excellent Serato integration and best jogwheels for scratching if that is your cup of tea.

If you want a jack of all trades with excellent build quality I would also give the Vestax VCI-400 a look, as in some reagions it can be purchased at a good discount currently and it is one of the most versatile controllers.

Yes in my opinion there was loads of development since the MC3000. This is actually why Denon made the MC6000 Mk II and sadly, probably because Denon was bought by another company, they did not update the MC3000.

However if you are on a tight budget then might I suggest going for the DDJ-SR or the even lower priced reloop Beatmix 4 (with full Serato DJ bundle).
In case you slightly outgrow those controllers, you can easily add a reloop NEON later to have more features on your hands.

I was in a similar situation recently. My short list ended up coming down to the DDJ-SR and the Reloop Terminal Mix 8. At that point the Denon MC6000 Mk2 wasn’t out yet. I opted for the Reloop for a number of reasons.
Definitely consider the price/value of having the full version of whatever software you choose, either via upgrade or included with the controller. The neon adds many of the features of the full Serato DJ to other controllers such as the Mixtrack Pro 2(my first controller), or the Denon MC2000. Both are often recommended for beginners on a budget. This route would leave you paying for the full Serato DJ upgrade but would let you spread the cost some over time, get your feet wet now at a reasonable cost, etc.
I’ve been thinking about picking up a Denon MC2000 for a while, and when my finances allow I will likely do just that, as it’s built a little more stoutly than my current backup/small gig setup(MTP2), it’s smaller too. The pads on the Mixtrack Pro 2 are not quite the same, in use, as those on a more high end controller. For instance, the top row are basically “buttons” to activate the effects, and even with the full Serato DJ there is no way to use all 8 cues. Just one example. With the NEON, that would give you access to all the newer functions of Serato.
Of the 4 you listed I would opt for the SR, keep us posted on how it goes. Best of luck to you….

Hi Rij, thanks for the update. As far as looking for tips on using pads and effects, try to formulate a precise question and make a new post. Easier that reviving this thread with a question going off in a different direction.