Todd Oddity

Well I just loaded up images of both of them to stare at, and the control layouts really aren’t all that different – so nothing to overwhelm you more so on one than the other.

That takes the debate to hardware: I’ve only quickly touched an SB (1 not 2) and while it was solid, it was clearly an entry level product. The 4000 (which I have not touched, so this is based on reviews only) is built like a tank (as pretty much all Denon controllers are). That’s one point for the Denon.

Inputs & Outputs: Denon kicks the SB hard here. Absolutely no competition. Balanced master outs, balanced booth outs, aux input, dual mics. You may not need these right now, but you could take this controller and plug it into any top-of-the-line system without issue. Trust me, more output options is always better. Always. So that’s another point for Denon.

Basically, unless there is something you really, really like on the SB2 control surface, the Denon looks like a better, more useful product from where I’m sitting.

^ I hear DJs say that a lot, but I’ve always matched my hip-hop sets.

If you have the fundamentals of mixing down, then hip-hop is really no different. Grab a few tracks that are the in the same bpm range, and just watch not to accidentally overlap your lyrics.

Sadly yes, SC2000s have been discontinued. Great little units. I found a warehouse down near Atlanta this year that had a bunch at ridiculously discounted prices (I think I got them at $99 a pop). I bought them all and had them shipped to me – now I have a lifetime supply. I feel like such a hoarder. lol

“In both vinyl days, records and CDs would often be in less than optimal places, having you (me for sure) with your side or back to the audience while digging through the crates.”

Ding, ding, ding! THIS!

Exactly, people need to worry a little less about “Serato Face”. I mean I get it – looking for a track on your laptop is about as visually exciting as reading through your emails. But rummaging around through my binders of CDs trying to find the next track had my back to the crowd, sometimes for a few minutes at a time. If I’m looking at the screen, it’s because I’m doing something. DJs shouldn’t have to apologise for looking like they are actually working instead of dancing around.

But I digress…

Yes, I also have to disagree with “more responsive” bit.

While that case can be made for some high end gear that uses HID with the software it is designed for versus basic midi on other packages (ie. NI gear on Traktor vs on other software), or has controls tailored specifically for one software package (ie. buttons for Serato’s Flip), there is nothing on the Mixtrack 3 that isn’t a one-to-one map with other software packages, and the controller itself (unless I’ve missed something) is just a straight up midi-box. That means with proper mappers, it can work with anything on equal footing.

So it comes down to costs to upgrade software, what kind of workflow you want, and ultimately, what you are comfortable using.

Despite some of the bias above, none win “hands down” and there aren’t a lot of advantages with one package over the other these days until you start getting into the really advanced stuff.

The USB to analogue conversion will be happening regardless, so no need to worry much about that as long as you are using a solid sound card (someone correct me if I’m wrong, but the NI-A2 should be just fine).

With regards to the cables, yes – in theory the more adaptors/junctions/conversions you have to put into a line, there can be sound degradation, however it isn’t likely to be anything noticeable on a very short run and on the grade of speakers we’re talking about here – so don’t worry about it either.

I think you’re going about this the wrong way. Forget about trying to find USB powered equipment and just invest in a portable power box. Plug everything in via normal AC cords and use whatever gear you want. I know I’ve heard of wedding guys running full PA off the rechargeable power boxes for ceremonies and such, so if you aren’t trying to run amps you should be able to get more than enough juice out of one to last as long as you need.

An important question to ask yourself…

Do you want something for producing, for general listening at home, or for playing out?
These tasks will generally require a different type of speaker, and compromises will be made if it checks off two or more of these categories.

Haven’t heard the Pioneers personally, so can’t comment, but the KRKs are seriously bass heavy (probably why so many DJs love them). This makes them better for listening to playback than for producing as you would have a hard time getting accurate (flat) sound out of them.

That said, studio monitors are an immensely personal choice, because every speaker has a unique sound, and every room has unique acoustics. Always good to try and find somewhere to listen to them, and then to buy them from somewhere that will let you exchange should you get them home and not like how they sound in your space. I fully expected to buy KRKs when I went shopping, but ended up going in a totally different direction.