Dave Kilgore
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Dave Kilgore
ParticipantHey Tamas,
Just a follow up to answer your question about why I would suggest an older model controller:
To be clear, build quality hasn’t really changed much on DJ controllers in quite a few years. And even the “older” models I would advise are only about four or five years old at present. Much older than that and you start running into compatibility/connectivity issues with modern computers and programs.
The main reason I would go for an older model, usually in used condition, is because for the same price you would pay for a new model you could get a well cared for older unit that likely has quite a bit more functionality.
Over the last year or so, the entry level of DJ products has gone from (in strictly my own opinion) semi-professional or at least passable performance gear, to gimmicky, novelty consumer items akin to what you might find at a big box toy outlet. This has resulted in considerably less performance oriented features in favor of more brightly lit buttons and more “cool factor”. Many of the newer offerings have very little in the way of manual controls, and some even neglect to put in controls such as pitch sliders or jog wheels, leading me to wonder if what a person would do on such units could even really be called DJing…
But I digress. Not only will you likely get more functionality out of an older unit, but it will also likely be less visually confusing for the learner and will offer a feel that will more readily translate to larger, “pro level” gear in the future as the learner develops more skill and a larger budget.
If you’re set on the iPad route, the Numark iDJ Pro is another controller which, although slightly more expensive, is definitely worth a look. It incorporates an iPad dock directly into the middle of the controller.
Hope this helps, and as always Happy Mixing! – DK
ParticipantHey Tamas,
I don’t usually comment on threads here, but I thought my input on this topic might be of some help for you. So here goes:
Although all three controllers you’ve listed as plausible options will certainly get the mixing two tracks job done, in this case it’s important to consider not only functionality but also visual appeal, ease of use, and the particular learning curve of each of the controls.
For someone just starting out, and particularly in the case of a young beginner, I would have to recommend the Numark over the others. I personally have taught a few people the basics of mixing and using DJ hardware, and it seems in my experience that Numark controllers are pretty easy for just about anyone to get the hang of fairly quickly. They don’t look complicated or intimidating, they have a control layout that is built to closely represent what you see on the screen of your laptop when you open your DJ software, and I haven’t found a software I would recommend using that Numark controllers don’t work well with right out of the box.
Having said that, I’d like to ask if you’ve considered finding a used, older model controller for your little one?
Many of the best (in my personal opinion) products Numark have ever made are actually their earlier models. I learned how to use a controller to DJ with on a Numark Mixtrack Pro. Those things may be ugly as sin, but they’re about as tough and reliable as they come, and again very easy to learn and use. Also, particularly with the first generation Mixtrack Pro, the jog wheels are nicely responsive and the faders are quick and smooth as you’d like, so it’s a piece you won’t quickly “outgrow” like many of the current new offerings.Also, as far as software goes, I’ve found that Atomix’s Virtual DJ is not only capable of serving the needs of a pro DJ, but is extremely user friendly and easy to learn on. I personally use Serato, but I usually recommend that beginners start on VDJ simply because the program doesn’t look intimidating and is very self explanatory. You look at the screen, and you look at your controller, and you see the same things in the same places so it just makes sense. And the color scheme and layout lends itself to visual learners as well. You move a control, and the corresponding section on the screen moves the same way. Plus, VDJ has many advanced features you can use once you’ve mastered the basics, so it’s a program that will grow in potential as the user grows in skill.
I sincerely hope this long-winded response proves helpful, and wish your son a very Happy Birthday and a successful future career as a superstar DJ! -DK
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