Which controller to get? Traktor S2?
Which controller to get? Traktor S2? Posted on: 31.10.2011 by Noma Micu Hi, I'm looking at getting a new controller to (finally) upgrade my Behringer BCD3000.I'm looking at a few options and I'm willing to spend up to around | |
| Nana Mohs 31.10.2011 | Ya it's a NI midi controller. Since you aren't doing any looping you can change the loop length encoder to adjust pitch. One can pretty easily control 1 or 2 decks...creative mapping |
| Noma Micu 31.10.2011 | Cheers muffintop. Is that the Native Instruments X1 you're talking about? Just had a look at them - I don't really understand what they do. Is it a midi controller for one deck? How do you adjust the pitch control? I can't see any pitch sliders... |
| Nana Mohs 31.10.2011 | You could go with an audio 6, xone 22, and a couple x1s. retail that comes to around 950 usd which should be right around your mark. Could save some money going used or just a single x1 (which might suit your needs more than 2. Gives you room for timecode, analogue, and still a very standalone solution. |
| Noma Micu 31.10.2011 | Thanks. The Xone 4D is a little over my budget though really. What does it do that the DX doesn't? I've been looking at Itch 2 and possibly considering a switch to Serato based on your post from the previous page - I never use the looping or sample functions in Traktor. It's not only my friends, I also have a large vinyl collection and want to be able to switch between digital and analogue easily. The S4 just seems like I'm paying (and using extra space - my desk isn't big enough to fit an S4 between 2 turntables) for functionality I won't be using. My perfect set up is a reasonable quality midi controller which can also be used as an analogue mixer, and can also use timecoded vinyl. As I understand it, the VCI-100 with an Audio 6 would fit the bill, and so would Xone DX (but this would mean using Serato), but I'm struggling to find a definitive answer. |
| Audrey Pinda 31.10.2011 | Honestly what you really want sounds like the Xone 4D. That being said, the best option to fit everything you want to do is the S4 within a reasonable budget. Just need to envision your perfect setup, then work at making it happen. I wouldn't worry too much about compensating for what your friends use, just get what will bring you the most happiness in the long run. If you want a MIDI controller, and they want to use vinyl, than having a 3+ channel mixer between two turntables, with the extra channels plugged in from the MIDI controller is another option. But if you want to keep it sweet and simple, it's a small playing field. |
| Noma Micu 31.10.2011 | Yeah that makes sense. I'm just wondering whether the S4 is too much - it's bigger than I'd like, and I wouldn't use quite a few of the features. I don't mind an extra box or 2 if necessary. I would prefer to get something like the S2 plus Traktor Scratch, or Xone DX plus timecoded vinyl, or look at other options. Maybe the VCI-100 plus Traktor Scratch is the way to go, on the basis that it's a better mixer than the S2? |
| Kayce Mesia 31.10.2011 | The Kontrol S4 + the scratch upgrade is the simplest way to go, if you're looking for the setup with the least amount of parts. |
| Noma Micu 31.10.2011 |
Originally Posted by Onimode
It's not a deal breaker though. Ifanyone knows how well the Xone DX plays with Traktor then I'd be very interested to hear. |
| Noma Micu 31.10.2011 | Ok, thanks. Yes I would at times just be using it as a mixer, but it would also work as a standalone controller, right? What I want is to be able to switch between MP3 controller, vinyl mixer and timecoded with as few pieces of gear as possible. I feel like I am getting closer now. |
| Natasha Garity 31.10.2011 |
Originally Posted by Nibbsy
The VCI would be cheaper whilst providing similar functions, and there are some great mappings for it. |
| Noma Micu 31.10.2011 |
Originally Posted by Onimode
On your first point, yes I've had that set up in my place in the past - 2 channel mixer plus timecode vinyl and Audio 6, switching between analogue and timecode vinyl. The only issue there is that you HAVE to have turntables for it to work, whereas I need more versatility. |
| Kayce Mesia 31.10.2011 | Isn't the Xone:DX completely MIDI-mappable? |
| Noma Micu 31.10.2011 | Bassline Brine - Yeah I can see what you're saying. Thing is, I actually prefer mixing through a midi controller, but I have friends who still use vinyl only (some of which will use timecoded vinyl). So I really do need quite a versatile set up. Also the turntables actually belong to my flatmate, so I need something which will work as a standalone set up in the longer term. The Xone DX looks absolutely perfect, except that it uses Serato. Is there something similar that is more suited to Traktor? My firends all use Traktor so I can't really switch at this point. |
| Kayce Mesia 31.10.2011 | I've never had turntables before, but I'm assuming something like two turntables + a two-channel mixer that can switch between Line and Phono inputs would work. Hook it all up via an Audio 6 and have both traditional vinyl and timecode control that you can switch between on-the-fly? Hmmm... I should do some research. And, yes, the VCI-100 is as limited as the S2 in regards to DVS. The VCI-100 doesn't have a built-in sound card, as opposed to the S2. |
| Audrey Pinda 31.10.2011 | In all honesty, if you want time-code support, I don't particularly see why you need a MIDI controller. Getting a solid mixer, and then having the audio interface to connect it together might be a good option. You can also get a smaller MIDI controller if you really need one for portability, and still use the Audio Interface to connect through everything. One of my good buddies has a TT/Mixer setup at home with an Audio 4. He uses that when at home, and will bring the time-code/interface with him if he is playing in a club. But if he's just playing a house party or something, he has the Stanton SCS3 system that he'll bring around with him. It's basically having two seperate setups, but it does work well. You may also want to look into the Xone DX. If I'm not mistaken it can route time-code control as well. And personally, if you aren't going to be taking advantage of the multiple decks and FX, it's worth looking into Serato's products. |
| Noma Micu 31.10.2011 | I see, thanks very much. Parhaps it was the VCI-300 I looked at. I just looked at the VCI100 and it looks very good. I believe I'm narrowing this down. What I want is to have the option of playing MP3s (both with and without timecoded vinyl) or analogue vinyl, using Traktor. Mixer controls for 2 decks only is fine, I won't be mixing on more than 2 decks. Are the VCI-100 and S2 similar options then, with the same limitations in terms of DVS? Any others to look at in this bracket? I looked at the S4 and it looks great, but seems to be far more than I need. I don't need 4 deck control and won't use half of the looping functions and sample decks. It's also enormous. |
| Kayce Mesia 31.10.2011 | DVS = Timecoded vinyl. Did you look at the VCI-100 or VCI-300? Because the 300 is made for Serato. You could use the S2 with an additional sound card, but you'd only have mixer controls for two decks. |
| Noma Micu 31.10.2011 | Thanks for the replies. That's disappointing about no turntable inputs, even the budget Behringer has that capability. What is DVS support? Thanks Onimode, I looked at the VCI-100 but it seems like it's optimised for Serrato whereas I want to stick with Traktor. Will have a look at the others you mention. I really like the BCD3000. It's very obviously a budget controller in terms of looks and build quality, but as an introductory midi controller it was perfect - came bundled with decent software, easy to set up and integrated well with my old vinyl set up. It's served me very well for 3 years now but it's time for an upgrade. Burst! - would it work to get an S2 with Traktor Scratch? That comes with an Audio 8 soundcard doesn't it? Would I then be able to switch between analogue and timecoded vinyl using the S2 as a mixer? |
| Natasha Garity 31.10.2011 | No, you can't plug turntables into a Traktor s2, you would need another soundcard (Audio 4, 6, 8) to do that. The traktor s4 might be a better option as you can plug in turntables and use them as timecode for Decks A and B, or play vinyl off them through Deck C or D as a live input channel. |
| Kayce Mesia 31.10.2011 | The S2 doesn't have DVS support. That's only the S4. :/ The MC6000 by Denon looks pretty good. Can be used as a standalone analog mixer, but doesn't have DVS support. Have you also considered other controllers such as the VCI-100? Stanton's SCS.1D/1M? The list goes on. :U Also, what's your opinion on Behringer and the BCD3000? |
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