Brand new DJ, gear recommendations please?
Brand new DJ, gear recommendations please? Posted on: 29.01.2012 by Alvaro Kuczewski Hi.Been believeing on starting up a DJ hobby with my new-found interest in EDM. Interested in going the midi-controller route, but looking for some advice. I will be using the gear for home use only. I should also mention that bundled DJ-software doesn't matter, as I'll be using Mixxx on a resource-light Linux distribution. Budget: My budget unfortunately consists of 200$ worth of Best Buy giftcards, and is unlikely to become higher than this. I suppose I could "buy" a loadable visa giftcard at BestBuy (usually requries a $5 activation fee), and use it elsewhere to pick up a different controller. Best option I can see would be the Numark IDJ3, for $199.99. I don't really care about the iPOD dock stuff, but I'm really looking for something with a built-in soundcard. Another option would be the Hercules MK4, but I noticed that it doesn't have touch-sensitive jog-wheels (are these useful?). Additionally, the pitch-control knobs have a "click" to them, which reviews have said gives a less precise control over pitch. Does anyone here have any experience or suggestions regarding either of these 2 controllers? Thanks. | |
| Chasidy Heckenbach 10.02.2012 |
Originally Posted by Just Friday
Zestoy, about Ladpsa (Linux Audio Developper's Simple API) : It's an API (obviously) you can integrate in a lot of different programs and wich provides you a wide range of different effects (Audacity, Ardour and Hydrogen use LADPSA AFAIK). Some people seems to have compiled mixxx with LADPSA support, but there's no GUI for it...
http://www.mixxx.org/wiki/doku.php/ladspa |
| Chasidy Heckenbach 08.02.2012 |
Originally Posted by PsycoCarrot
As far as beatmatching goes, by ear is the only method I will use. Personally, I do find the sync button/waveriding to be "cheating" a little bit. I understand the arguments in support of the sync button, but some of those amazing DJs can beatmatch by ear in no time, leaving tons of time to make the set more dynamic. In my opinion, overuse of the sync button seems like it would prevent a person from completely mastering the skill, and therefore restricting themselves from being the best DJ they can be.
personally i believe being able to beat match is a very good thing but don't see anything wrong with using sync if u have it, just not to 100% rely on it. if nothing else learning to beat match manually really teaches u how to listen to the beats/music... |
| Chasidy Heckenbach 08.02.2012 |
Originally Posted by Just Friday
The other -wise- thing you can do is to compile mixxx with jack-support, wich let you use mixxx in combination with any other jack-supported linux music apps (do I mean a FX machine program???) wich can suplly the mixxx lake of effects and boasts his efficacity.
|
| Simona Schar 08.02.2012 |
Originally Posted by zestoi
I started toying mixxx with a rmx on Ubuntu studio and switched to traktor when I started to search something more. Starting with mixxx is a must-do in my mind cause it forces you to learn beatmatching, and djing. Concerning the fx, yes, mixxx is a pita. I rode something about people who compiled mixxx with lapdsa, but it's a kind of urban-legend you can notice on mixxx community s... The other -wise- thing you can do is to compile mixxx with jack-support, wich let you use mixxx in combination with any other jack-supported linux music apps (do I mean a FX machine program???) wich can suplly the mixxx lake of effects and boasts his efficacity. Here's the link where you can find all supported controllers : http://www.mixxx.org/wiki/doku.php/h..._compatibility Hope it helps... Check the mixxx certified mappings : Wich give you choice to : American Audio VMS4 Hercules DJ Console Mk2 Hercules DJ Console RMX Hercules DJ Control MP3 e2 Stanton SCS.3d Stanton SCS.3m Stanton SCS.1m Stanton SCS.1d DJ TechTools MIDIFighter M-Audio X-Session Pro eks Otus Vestax VCI-400 |
| Chasidy Heckenbach 10.02.2012 |
Originally Posted by Just Friday
Zestoy, about Ladpsa (Linux Audio Developper's Simple API) : It's an API (obviously) you can integrate in a lot of different programs and wich provides you a wide range of different effects (Audacity, Ardour and Hydrogen use LADPSA AFAIK). Some people seems to have compiled mixxx with LADPSA support, but there's no GUI for it...
http://www.mixxx.org/wiki/doku.php/ladspa |
| Simona Schar 10.02.2012 | Personnaly, I love Mixxx and his philosophy, but I switched slowly to traktor cause I wanted to do more things with my tracks, and because in a controlerist way (beatmashing, beatslicing, looping,...) traktor goes far beyhond. But Mixxx is the dream program to start (and even to keep on, if you want a vinyl/cdjs like way of mixing). About the sync button. Nothing to say before we start trolling each others... There's pro and cons. End of story. Zestoy, about Ladpsa (Linux Audio Developper's Simple API) : It's an API (obviously) you can integrate in a lot of different programs and wich provides you a wide range of different effects (Audacity, Ardour and Hydrogen use LADPSA AFAIK). Some people seems to have compiled mixxx with LADPSA support, but there's no GUI for it... http://www.mixxx.org/wiki/doku.php/ladspa |
| Chasidy Heckenbach 08.02.2012 |
Originally Posted by PsycoCarrot
As far as beatmatching goes, by ear is the only method I will use. Personally, I do find the sync button/waveriding to be "cheating" a little bit. I understand the arguments in support of the sync button, but some of those amazing DJs can beatmatch by ear in no time, leaving tons of time to make the set more dynamic. In my opinion, overuse of the sync button seems like it would prevent a person from completely mastering the skill, and therefore restricting themselves from being the best DJ they can be.
personally i believe being able to beat match is a very good thing but don't see anything wrong with using sync if u have it, just not to 100% rely on it. if nothing else learning to beat match manually really teaches u how to listen to the beats/music... |
| Alvaro Kuczewski 08.02.2012 | Well, my laptop's harddrive pooped out today, so it looks like I may be on Windows for a period. I still plan on staying with Mixxx, because once I get that laptop back up, I will be using it. I have yet to purchase my controller, but I've been playing around with Mixxx trying to do it mouse+keyboard style. I'm still finding it pretty hard, having a hands-on piece of gear would definitely make it faster/easier for me (clumsy with mouse/keyboard, tbh). I'm struggling to beatmatch/phrase then mix a song before the previous song is over. As far as beatmatching goes, by ear is the only method I will use. Personally, I do find the sync button/waveriding to be "cheating" a little bit. I understand the arguments in support of the sync button, but some of those amazing DJs can beatmatch by ear in no time, leaving tons of time to make the set more dynamic. In my opinion, overuse of the sync button seems like it would prevent a person from completely mastering the skill, and therefore restricting themselves from being the best DJ they can be. Of course, if you can already beatmatch like a god, go ahead and use it. Time is money. Lastly, the FX that Mixxx has are plenty for me for now. If I ever feel myself outgrowing them, I may consider switching to another OS/software. However, by that time, Mixxx may have all the FX anyone would need. |
| Chasidy Heckenbach 08.02.2012 |
Originally Posted by Just Friday
The other -wise- thing you can do is to compile mixxx with jack-support, wich let you use mixxx in combination with any other jack-supported linux music apps (do I mean a FX machine program???) wich can suplly the mixxx lake of effects and boasts his efficacity.
|
| Simona Schar 08.02.2012 |
Originally Posted by zestoi
I started toying mixxx with a rmx on Ubuntu studio and switched to traktor when I started to search something more. Starting with mixxx is a must-do in my mind cause it forces you to learn beatmatching, and djing. Concerning the fx, yes, mixxx is a pita. I rode something about people who compiled mixxx with lapdsa, but it's a kind of urban-legend you can notice on mixxx community s... The other -wise- thing you can do is to compile mixxx with jack-support, wich let you use mixxx in combination with any other jack-supported linux music apps (do I mean a FX machine program???) wich can suplly the mixxx lake of effects and boasts his efficacity. Here's the link where you can find all supported controllers : http://www.mixxx.org/wiki/doku.php/h..._compatibility Hope it helps... Check the mixxx certified mappings : Wich give you choice to : American Audio VMS4 Hercules DJ Console Mk2 Hercules DJ Console RMX Hercules DJ Control MP3 e2 Stanton SCS.3d Stanton SCS.3m Stanton SCS.1m Stanton SCS.1d DJ TechTools MIDIFighter M-Audio X-Session Pro eks Otus Vestax VCI-400 |
| Chasidy Heckenbach 06.02.2012 | i believe mixxx is a good pretty app to use to first learn basic mixing etc and does seem to be improving all the time. it does have multiple cues and sample decks now i believe too. the OP said he was going to be using linux and not any bundled software. effects is one area where mixxx definitely seems to be lacking... edit: also... in mixxx the mixtrack seems to be working out of the box http://www.mixxx.org/wiki/doku.php/numark_mixtrack |
| Rolanda Clodfelder 06.02.2012 | Ahem ... Mixxx doesn't really have proper FX, you'd probably be better off with the version of traktor / vdj that comes with the Mixtrak for now. |
| Alvaro Kuczewski 06.02.2012 | Mind made up then, Mixtrack Pro it is. I answered some of those questions I had. It appears that you can map Mixxx to "soft takeover mode" which, when you switch back to Decks A/B from C/D, keeps the original settings of A/B and only allows you to change them again when you move the sliders/knobs back into proper position. Mixxx also seems to be able to be modded for 4-deck control, so I would take the superior FX controls of the Mixtrack Pro over the 4SET, since all else is now equal. Thanks for everyone for the input, really helped me out. |
| Chasidy Heckenbach 06.02.2012 | between those two i'd definitely go for the mixtrack. if you could wait a few months the new behringer "cmd studio 4a" might be tasty... |
| Rolanda Clodfelder 06.02.2012 | Between the two choose the Mixtrak pro .. 4set is utter shit |
| Alvaro Kuczewski 05.02.2012 | Ok, so I've decided to turn my BestBuy cards into a pre-loaded Visa debit and buy something online with it. The 2 controllers I am really looking at are the Mixtrack Pro and the Hercules DJ4Set. The two controllers are pretty much evenly matched in terms of price (MixtrackPro 192, DJ4SET 197) and desired functionality (touch-sensitive jogs, EQ controls, built-in soundcard). I like how the DJ4SET has 4 decks, allowing for expansion of skills after 2-deck mixing has been mastered. I have a few questions for anyone with experience with either of these controllers: 1) Do the FX buttons on these controllers provide appropriate access to commonly-used effects? Does either controller offer up more options/easier access? 2) It appears that the Mixtrack Pro has got better FX controls (1 FX selector, and 2 control knobs [1 for frequency, 1 for time/rate?]) than the Hercules DJ4SET (seems like it just has FX on/off toggle). Would the more precise FX control on the Mixtrack Pro be necessary? Do you believe it would be worth trading for the 4 decks of the DJ4SET? 3) Having 2 physical decks and 2 "imaginary" decks on the DJ4SET seems like it would be awkward to switch between deck sets. If you cue up a third song on Deck C, then switch back over to Deck A/B, the parameters you just set for Deck C would carry over to Deck A, would it not? Is it difficult to get past these limitations, and what methods do you use to adapt? Any other input or experience on these controllers would be nice. I appreciate all the feedback I've gotten so far, and I thank you all for taking the time to answer my questions. |
| Chasidy Heckenbach 30.01.2012 | if it was me i'd probably wait a few months and look at the behringer "cmd studio 4a". it looks pretty sweet for the functionality and price point i'd definitely go for a controller with touch sensitive jogs, whether u wanted to map them to controlling the decks or for effects, having them touch sensitive is very useful. main reason i bought my icon idj was for the touch sensitive jogs - that's very cheap but i wouldn't buy it if it was my only controller. can't go too wrong with a mixtrack pro. this is the link i keep pasting to people asking the same kind of question as you as it sums up most/all of the best controllers from 2011 http://www.digitaldjtips.com/2011/12...rs-guide-2012/ |
| Alvaro Kuczewski 30.01.2012 | I believe I'm interested in a touch-sensitive jogwheel. Played around with a Stanton SCS.4DJ at BestBuy yesterday, the touch-sensitive jogs are more similar to vinyl in that you can touch them to stop the track (makes cueing for the mix easier? don't have to mess with the play/pause button as much). I'm doing my research on the MixtrackPRO and still considering the IDJ3, however it appears that the IDJ3 doesn't have dedicated buttons for Effects. Although, some existing buttons can be remapped to accomodate, I'm sure. I'm leaning towards the MixtrackPRO, but the only ones I can find are online, at around 190$+shipping. I will be sure to take a look at the BCD3000, and the Hercules RMX/4set. Any other experience or advice is appreciated. Thanks. |
| Yong Aptekar 30.01.2012 | Why tell him to buy a controller only to upgrade in a few months? He is on a budget, and blowing it and then re-buying is a stupid idea....... But, the BCD 3000 is a good controller, no touch sensitive jogs, but you won't need them for learning. Save up a bit, this isn't a cheap hobby, or put your gift cards up on craigslist so that you aren't confined to bestbuy only. |
| Jeramy Akinola 30.01.2012 | MIXTRACK PRO, BEHRINGER BCD3000, HERCULES RMX. Those are the top for beginners. MY RECCOMENDATION, buy the Behringer BCD3000, use it for a couple of months, so this could save you a buck, and wait for the new Behringer Modular controllers to come out, only in a couple of months, they look pretty good and have had some great reviews. |
| Alla Bluemke 30.01.2012 | you can probably find a rmx used fairly easily under 200. |
| Rolanda Clodfelder 30.01.2012 | Hercules Mk4 is complete dogpoo the only hercules controllers to get are a RMX or 4MX. The RMX is a really REALLY solidly built controller and should come in under $200. Also should mention with the RMX you can actually use timecode vinyl in or cd via the phono/line inputs from Mixxx. The Mixtrak pro is pretty decent as well, just doesn't feel as solid and you lose some inputs..but gain the touch sensitive platters. |
| Marcene Bixenman 30.01.2012 | Hercules dj4set was my first controller, it's reliable and only 225 at samedaymusic. It has 4 deck mode too so when you get tired of simplistic mixing you can work your way up or use the c/d as sample decks. EDIT: it's even cheaper on ebay you could probably get one with your cards. |
| Inez Marcinik 29.01.2012 | Instead of the IDJ3 you'd be better getting a mixtrack or mixtrack pro, they are pretty similar to the IDJ3 but without the ipod dock. The mixtrack pro is more expensive but has an integrated soundcard, which you should also be looking at getting. The soundcard allows you to use headphones to listen to tracks before you bring them into the main mix. Iv not personally used either controllers but they get good reviews for an entry level bit of kit. Cant say much about the hercules gear, dont really rate them. |
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