Isaiah Furrow

I had been looking to get the DDJ-SR, with your post I’m assuming that if you’re looking into the SX you’re probably wanting Serato controllers, as Terry suggested, look into Reloop and also the Vestax. This is what was on my short list: Pioneer DDJ-SR/SX , Denon MC2000 and MC6000Mk2, Vestax VCI380, and Reloop Terminal Mix 8 (which I have on pre-order). The Denon from what I remember, needs to upgrade to the full Serato DJ software(could be wrong), and I have no real reasons why I “didn’t” choose the VCI380. I’ll give you the reasons why I chose the Reloop. From what I’ve found online, the TM series have about the best jogs on any controller out there, the new TM8 has a similar layout to my current controller, I like the RGB pads, and that the controller is set up to take advantage of most/all of what Serato DJ offers, I like the long pitch faders, the fact that it’s NOT USB powered, but has it’s own power supply, and a few other minor things. I wish you the best of luck in whatever you choose, my best advice, look into build quality, and to some extent, future-proofing. By that I mean, try and envision what you’ll be doing in 6 months to a year, and get something you can grow into. If you were considering the SX, the only thing out of that price range is the NS7II and the Pioneer SZ(aspirational piece for me…LOL) I would say, if backspins aren’t a big concern, the SX looks nice, I just couldn’t get into that price range as I’m starting out and just purchased PA and lighting as well. I would definitely read up on the Reloop, Denon, Vestax and watch videos on them. Sleep on it, and when you’ve made up your mind, still wait it out another day or two… if you’re still SHURE of what you chose, go ahead and get on with it… it’s a pretty decent investment to take lightly…. Just my NOOB ramblings, hope it was more a help than a hindrance, …. Keep shining, and keep us poseted….. Moonshadow

Rumur, I am a NOOB, I have a Mixtrack Pro 2, it has been a great learning tool, but I am now upgrading to a new controller. I got the MTP2 in June 2013. I have in no way outgrown the functions/features of the hardware, or the software really. I am looking forward to the full Serato DJ, but Intro is nice too. I would say this, even on decent headphones(not $100+ cans, but decent ones) the MTP2 is not nearly loud enough for playing loudly and still hearing the cue. I mirror the above statement, that the master out isn’t nearly as loud as many other devices, like CDJs and even my laptop headphones split into RCA then into the mixer, or my iPod…. both register a louder input on the VU meters on my Stanton mixer. If I were you, and looking in the price range of the MTP2, I would seriously consider the Denon MC2000 (what I’d get if I had it to do over), or the Pioneer DDJ-SB (what I’d consider as an option to the MC2000).
As far as the other topics, I personally can’t add much to what was said already, I use a Gateway that we got a year ago, it has 4BG of ram, Intel B960, and was CHEAP! It runs Serato Intro fine, I have played with Maschine 2.0 on it, and it seems to run it OK too… I will soon be buying a dedicated “music” computer, and may just get another of these as they are still at Wally World for $328. I know I could use a better computer, but I think one without viruses, games, tons of pictures and such, would do even just a little better than this one. In a year or two it will become the backup, the one I’m typing on now, will be solely for family use, and the new one will be my primary ‘music’ computer. Backup your music and library info…. I hope to get another HDD soon just for a backup, backup…LOL For music, I still get most of my tunes from the record shops, either on vinyl or CD. I do get some from emusic, and Beatport, but have yet to get iTunes set up…. SOON, soon I plan to do that, as I have been asked to do a gig of Country Western, and I don’t have enough country in my collection to do a whole evening of just country. Hope my rambling helped, keep us posted and let us know what other stuff you’re pondering……….Keep Shining……….. Moonshadow

I would agree with Terry, I have never seen nor used Traktor or any controllers for that software, I did however just get me a Maschine Mikro Mk2, with 2.0. I have only had it since Friday, but am impressed with the hardware, the packaging, the software, and the documentation… I’m having Coffee as I type, baby woke us up again and I have already been asleep twice tonight…LOL There is close to 1000 pages to read with this Mikro. I would guess that the manual for Traktor, and say a Kontrol S2, is smaller, but I’d also wager it’s a good manual compared to some. I would look into other controllers that are reported to work well with Traktor, but as Terry said, for Traktor, NI hardware is the best fit. Now, seeing this Maschine, I am hoping to someday pick me up a Z2 and turntables, just to have a go on vinyl and to experience Traktor. Keep shining and keep us posted. Moonshadow
On a side note, I had bad luck with two Gemini CNTRL-7 controllers, sent one back, then sent the second back for different issues, and ended up with a Mixtrack Pro 2 that has been a great learning tool. I am not sure about the newer Gemini stuff, but I’d stick with NI, Pioneer, Denon, Reloop, and Vestax. Just my $.02, I’m a NOOB so it’s only really worth a penny…LOL

right on, welcome and keep us posted on how you’re getting along…. be sure to sign up for the free emails, they have been most helpful for me starting out, I’m almost at the end of the 50 weeks now. Let us know what type of DJing you’re doing, or wanting to do, gear you have and use, or what you’re looking to get for a setup… there is some great info on this site, spend a while scrolling the blog, ask the folks in the forums, etc… glad you found DDJT, glad I found it too… Keep shining my friend, Moonshado

So, I now have in my possession, 2 ZLX 12″ powered tops, and one ZXA1 Sub. I may get a second sub later, or may get the first of my upgrade system and not use 2 subs, just the small one or the big one. I plan to get a 3rd ZLX 12″ top for backup and to sometimes use as a monitor. I may go ahead and get the second ZXA1 sub to have a pair, going to give myself some time with it but so far I’m happy, and it should do nicely with the types of gigs I can imagine doing in the near future. I have 3 small kids and had company over the weekend(gear was delivered Friday), so haven’t gotten to listen to them a whole lot yet, or blast them at all really, but I am more than happy with these EV speakers, and the price was pretty fair I think. They look nice, and the covers should help keep them looking nice and a little safer, and they scream ” we mean business ” …. LOL Just one with the sub, or by it’s self, is pretty decent and loud in a small space, the pair without the sub is pretty nice sounding too, can’t wait to try them in other spaces. I’ll chime back in with more input once I’ve had some more time with them. Keep shining folks, Moonshadow

good info….  love all the wisdom on this site…

Moonshadow