Todd Oddity

I can vouch for ChromaCaps. I redid one of my old controllers with ChromaCaps and faders and it was beautiful, and they feel fabulous to touch. I now have that old controller hung up on my wall because darn it all, it’s just so pretty. And I like being able to play with my art.

Sorry to continue the off topic part of this thread, but I need to throw something into the conversation.

“Additionally, they would be a legitimate target of a class action suit from folks who are legally entitled to the upgrade, but are not using NI gear… such as anyone who has an NI audio interface but uses a non-NI controller.”

This is not correct – there would be no possible legal action. A software company isn’t bound by law to make all future versions of a package they develop fully backwards-compatible. If they were Serato would be in court right now fighting SL1 owners. Additionally, as NI uses a paid upgrade business model, you aren’t forced to take the upgrade, so again, no legal consequences whatsoever for kicking every last one of the non-NI users to the curb. Not saying they will or will not do such a thing, just don’t assume they won’t because of “laws”.

^ lol – sounds like you have the same problem as me Vintage. I take it even further – on top of watching the entertainment, sound and lighting, I end up watching how the bar operates, how the staff are behaving, how the point of sale works, how and where security is located – basically everything that goes into running the operation. I’m sure I look like I’m casing the joint for a robbery half the time!

Easiest advice ever. If you want jogs, looks like you’re getting an S4! Enjoy! 😀

Kidding aside, NI seems to be moving hard away from the concept of jogs so your options become extremely limited if you are sticking with Traktor. S2, S4, and I can’t think of anything else off the top of my head unless you want to invest in a full DVS setup.

Vintage, I think you totally misunderstood my comment about a good high quality mixer because your statement proves exactly the point of what I am actually saying.

If you invested in a solid 4 channel mixer 10, 15, or 20 years ago, you could still be using it as a part of your daily setup. Yes, you would likely have lots of other bits now around it, but as a piece of hardware it would still be returning ROI. It might be old, but not outdated. I dare say there are not many controllers built that way (I’ve owned my share now). Most are designed to be replaced as your feature sets evolve (the disposable nature of a lot of modern hardware is something we have all grumbled about many times on these forums). And when it’s replacement time, everything goes out the door – nothing is salvaged. A solid mixer in the heart of a modular setup can last many, many times longer than any of the trendy components around it.

So yes, I will absolutely stand by my statement. A good 4-channel DJ mixer is one of the most versatile pieces of DJ kit a person can own. I ** can ** do absolutely anything Terry can, and with a 7 year old mixer model, because the components that surround my mixer make it every bit as compatible with modern all-in-one controllers, and should something new come along, I can add it without blinking an eye.

Drinks, shminks… Back in the day I used to see DJs do rails of blow right off a spinning record. We’re all a bunch of pansies now with our two drink limits! Pansies I tell ya!

But seriously – as the government here always likes to advertise, “Know your limits”. And as a side note, try not to pass out on your gear. It leaves a nasty imprint on your face when you wake up. We won’t discuss how I know that.

Reading what you want to do, my first thought was MCX8000 fits the bill way better. It offers the option of DVS support via Serato should you want to do the faux vinyl thing (other software will be compatible soon too if you prefer a different route), plus can immediately switch between actual records, software, and music on USB. All indications are that it does not have recording abilities, but with the extra port that could be a firmware upgrade down the line, and in any case a portable recorder isn’t a huge investment. I carry a Zoom H1 with me to all my shows.

So ya, a second vote here for the MCX8000.

Okay, first things first – the dollar is not at 50 cents. Not even close. Don’t be so dramatic! 😉

But back on topic… DJ gear has always cost more in Canada than in the US – even when the dollar was above par. Part of that has to do with crappy distribution networks. Too many brands use Erikson, a DJ shop in Montreal, to act as their national distributor instead of setting up their own network. Adding that extra middleman just makes everything that little bit more expensive. It’s why I cross border shop for a lot of my gear. Hell, I bought an X1600 before Christmas and saved over $800 including taxes, shipping and the crappy exchange rate. That kind of difference isn’t because of exchange rate – it’s just some jerk-store owners being greedy (both those guys in Montreal and your local shop).

As for how to afford it all – buy what you need to get the job done, treat it well so it lasts a long time, and don’t get carried away on GAS (gear acquisition syndrome).