Terry_42

I guess those controllers are really really different. I only had the MC6000 to test and actually did not like it overall in the end. Do not get me wrong the MC6000 is a great unit, however I come from vinyl and those jogs are really small and just did not feel right to me. Also the unit is a bit cramped for my workflow. But if you want to go compact the unit is really great built and has everything you might want.

The NS7 I could only see and touch for 5min, so no real test. However it is built like a tank, but by no means small. This is a huge unit and if you want to go compact, it might not be the best for you. I am actually considering it atm, as I really like the platters and the F/X top bar.

I cannot comment on the VCI-400 as I never saw one in person, looks cool though. I also hope to test the VCI-380 before I make my final decision. I will also hopefully get a Terminal Mix 4 next week to test at our shop (if they release it on time), it is way cheaper than the others (why pay more if it delivers?) but those jogs look really nice, however if there is no option to “itchify” it, it will be a let down and showstopper for me.

Prepare as always. Do not expect to get it, stay cool and just have fun playing.

Well… the few months I have been researching digital and hence the software I have come to totally agree with what Phil says in his free guide (which you should get):

Traktor, while a good software, is very complicated, through its momentum it is very hyped and IMHO highly overrated.

VDJ has a bad reputation from prolly old versions of it, I found it to be excellent to DJ, apart from the sample decks (which will be addressed in Version 8 which is already announced, see Phil’s sneak peak) and IMHO is highly underrated.

(I tested VDJ, Traktor and DJ Intro on a borrowed DDJ-Ergo so mapping was good in all cases.)

Itch is really excellent, sadly I could only test it for a week as that was the maximum that my pal would part with his DDJ-S1, but I found that DJ Intro by Serato is very close to what Itch does if you only need 2 Decks and only do standard stuff.

Hence I would really recommend you TEST the software yourself and do not listen to those things posted on the net… On some forums people would call you out if you do not use Traktor and many IMHO buy into it to “join the club” and not because it is what they need.

When it comes to controllers I also have to say, I only tested the S2 for a short time, I would never buy one, as I find it highly overpriced for what it delivers and for its build quality. So you should possibly also test what controller you want AFTER you settled for a software. The mixtrack meanwhile will keep you on track and possibly wont lose much value when you sell it to upgrade.

Since there is no spotify in my region I have to check other things. But what I really like and do is zap through shoutcast radio stations. There has to be like a trillion, I mostly use an iPad app for that as I have the iPad around a lot in a dock with decent sound quality. The shoutcast station also broadcast the song titles etc. almost always and most of them have no commercials or just a short jingle.
Of course you need to remember the songs you liked and possibly recheck them on a paid service (or I mostly use youtube).
If I still like it on youtube I add it to the wish list I created there and then possibly buy it on iTunes later on.

According to Traktor’s Website: The Remix Decks will be a LOCKED feature unless you have a Control F1, or in a limited way they will be available with the S4. All other controllers the feature will be stripped down to the functional level of the current Traktor Pro 2 Sample Decks.

Edit: DJTT has a report already on their webpage about it…

CDJs do display BPM in their displays quite accurately actually… so no harm if you use the BPM display in your software and then pitch-slide to the BPM of your master track.
If you are going vinyl in the club, of course then you need to do it totally manual. What I have found useful for beginners here is the following procedure:
– listen to the master track and tap the tempo with your foot
– put on headphones (keep tapping, it takes a bit practice to keep the original tap with your foot) and listen to new track
– try to get it as close to your foot tap as you can
Most beginners cannot hold the original tap with their foot first, but after 20min or so of practice you should be very close and go with nudging from there. With time you will get better.

I only know Mandarin, so you prolly need to adjust it to the cantonese spelling (guess your girlfriend can?):
Tiao Hong
Rong Xie
Ao Lee

However if you are unsure about chinese names, you can always go with something totally made up. I mean have you seen the crowd go wild for Skrillex in Hong Kong? Damn hard to pronounce for a chinese too hehe.
There even are some fantasy name generators out there in the net you could try and then alter it to your liking…

You are totally right. It is about music, your passion and love for the music you play and how well you can react to the crowd and entertain/please them.
It does not matter what you use to achieve this and I could not care less what other DJs might think about me. I only care about the people I entertain. This is the fundament of a good DJ and not what tools you use (and software is just another tool). I have already witnessed Djs with a 200 bucks controller and VDJ-LE outshine DJs with a Pioneer S1… it is not about the tools…