I thought the CNTRL-7 was the ticket for me, until I got a bad one, returned it and got another bad one… ponied up for the Mixtrack Pro 2 (about $100 more), I like it, but will be upgrading soon…. kinda wish I had gotten the MC2000 by Denon, or that Pioneer had come out with the DDJ-SB or SSJ-SR at that point… I am looking at the DDJ-SR, with Serato DJ…. but for size am still considering the MC2000… The SB seems better than the MTP2 as well, but it’s almost as big so I’d rather have the SR…. maybe I’ll get the MC2000 and DDJ-SR….>LOL I’d say have your friend keep on with his current gear and computer/vdj setup… and look into saving for the Pioneer or Denon gear… the Mixtrack Pro 2 is going to my son, it just isn’t nearly loud enough on headphones to gig with, no bags or cases really available for it…etc.. I am looking into a DDJ-SR with flight case, and a MC2000 with decksaver, for in a backpack… just my .01, the other .01 goes into the saving jar …LOL