DJ Controller, I should choose 1 of the Controllers, help please.

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DJ Controller, I should choose 1 of the Controllers, help please.
Posted on: 23.02.2011 by Ailene Glovier
Hi guys, nowadays i'm looking for a DJ Controller.. I should choose one and go&buy..

I believe the best controllers are;

- Pioneer DDJ-T1
- Numark Mixdeck
- Denon DN-MC6000
- Traktor Kontrol S4

Numark MixDeck

I quite like Numark Mixdeck and I want it more than others because; the advantages are that you can use CD's/USB Flashdisk/PC/HDD, also it has LED Screen on it.. But I heard that the crossfader doesn't work correctly, is it true? are there any f.w. updates for fixing it ?
Maryanne Weatherill
27.02.2011
Originally Posted by DJTu
Mike really you are like a help-angel to me )) thank you very much again.. But i didn't understand something, can't i use my external sound card with traktor?

You can see my sound car in this link

http://www.newlaunches.com/entry_ima...-5.1-Pro-1.jpg
No problem i get loads of help on here.

Like i said im not very familiar with that sound card from the looks of it your only going to have mono sound (ie one side coming out from each deck as in deck A goes to speaker A and deck B goes to speaker B). You might be better off with posting a new thread in the general section of the community . Their will be dudes their glad to help if they can. It should work with traktor no problem i assume.

Im not sure if you can use your laptops on board sound card for head phone cueing and using the creative soundcard for your master out (if memory serves me traktor can only use one sound card at any given time) like i said just make a new thread in the general community and im sure someone will help you no problem from their.
Maryanne Weatherill
27.02.2011
Originally Posted by DJTu
Another question

Today I bought Creative T3 2.1 Speaker and X.Fi Surround 5.1 PRO External Sound Card.. Can I use these things with Traktor directly ?
Well if your buying an s4 i dont see why you would need an external soundcard.

Also i don't have any experience with those sound cards but the speakers should be fine just use a mini jack to phono to go from the s4 output into the 'aux in' on the speakers.

Heres a picture of the lead their quiet cheap:

http://www.google.ie/imgres?imgurl=h...ed=0CBkQ9QEwAQ
Maryanne Weatherill
25.02.2011
Originally Posted by DJTu
@michaeldunne109 thank you very much bro for your replies and information about mixdeck they will really help me choosing the device..

And another question (i believe you are bored )) ) you said that if you have the $, you'd go with the s4..

Why ? what are the 3 or 5 main reasons to choose S4 not the Mixdeck ? (don't believe about the software program comes with s4)

And why vci-100 gives more creativity to you than the mixdeck does ?

And when you are comparing the two gears(mixdeck-s4) are there BIG differences between them when mixing?

Forgot to mention i dont have an s4 But with the s4 you just have more control over your music (from what i can see) i.e mixing 4 decks, sample banks, cue points ect. Same can be said about the vci.

While the mixdeck has fx control it isn't anything like the s4 or vci. They control the tiny'est aspect of fx while the mixdeck really only gives you wet dry options and has no control over cue points.

The only use of buttons i get on the mixdeck are:

-Looping (Dedicated buttons for 2bar, 4bar, 8bar size)
Also has a loop roll feature which makes use of the lowest size in traktor 1/30 of a bar i believe, to a 32 bar loop)

-Scroll (the mixdeck allows you to scroll threw your tracks with a fat ass knob:P

Overall The mixdeck is perfect for me because at mobile gigs i dont do much fx or cue juggling. I like it for these gigs because it has its own high quality soundcard takes almost no setup time compared to what the vci takes. It has a front mounted high quality microphone input (i use a microphone alot at mobile gigs). and its rugged as f**k six months on the road after a couple of bashes and its still soldiering on

Creativity: I supose the simple reason im more creative with the vci is because it has more features i.e more control for loops, cue points, fx the mixdeck could never match up to the vci in terms of control.

Big difference when mixing?? I basically only loop and beatmatch on the mixdeck because of the nature of the gigs i do. So its perfect for that.
Havent used my vci out of the bedroom but its a pleasure to use. One thing i do prefer about the mixdeck is its larger general footprint and larger jog wheels.

It really boils down to personal preference bud They both serve the purpose of what i bought them for.

Mixdeck: Mobile gigs (i.e weddings, parties ect)

vci: mashing Various forms of music together.

Hope im answering your questions like i said keep firing
Maryanne Weatherill
24.02.2011
Originally Posted by photojojo
S4 comes with the software which would be an extra $200 in the US so I'm sure that more than makes up for the difference.
+1 if you don't have Traktor already you might want to take this into consideration.
Maryanne Weatherill
27.02.2011
Originally Posted by DJTu
Mike really you are like a help-angel to me )) thank you very much again.. But i didn't understand something, can't i use my external sound card with traktor?

You can see my sound car in this link

http://www.newlaunches.com/entry_ima...-5.1-Pro-1.jpg
No problem i get loads of help on here.

Like i said im not very familiar with that sound card from the looks of it your only going to have mono sound (ie one side coming out from each deck as in deck A goes to speaker A and deck B goes to speaker B). You might be better off with posting a new thread in the general section of the community . Their will be dudes their glad to help if they can. It should work with traktor no problem i assume.

Im not sure if you can use your laptops on board sound card for head phone cueing and using the creative soundcard for your master out (if memory serves me traktor can only use one sound card at any given time) like i said just make a new thread in the general community and im sure someone will help you no problem from their.
Kandra Fagler
27.02.2011
if the ddj-t1 comes with full version of traktor pro then it'd be sweet

but having to pay $149 (or something) to upgrade to traktor pro 2 when it comes out is kinda sh1t

S4 owners get free TP2 upgrade wheeeeeee
Ailene Glovier
27.02.2011
Mike really you are like a help-angel to me )) thank you very much again.. But i didn't understand something, can't i use my external sound card with traktor?

You can see my sound car in this link

http://www.newlaunches.com/entry_ima...-5.1-Pro-1.jpg
Maryanne Weatherill
27.02.2011
Originally Posted by DJTu
Another question

Today I bought Creative T3 2.1 Speaker and X.Fi Surround 5.1 PRO External Sound Card.. Can I use these things with Traktor directly ?
Well if your buying an s4 i dont see why you would need an external soundcard.

Also i don't have any experience with those sound cards but the speakers should be fine just use a mini jack to phono to go from the s4 output into the 'aux in' on the speakers.

Heres a picture of the lead their quiet cheap:

http://www.google.ie/imgres?imgurl=h...ed=0CBkQ9QEwAQ
Ailene Glovier
28.02.2011
Another question

Today I bought Creative T3 2.1 Speaker and X.Fi Surround 5.1 PRO External Sound Card.. Can I use these things with Traktor directly ?
Ailene Glovier
25.02.2011
Yes, after this message i believe i gave my decision I'll go for S4, because it has many advantages as I see.. And I believe it's a pro gear ..

The only advantage of mixdeck is that I can use my CD's with it..

Maryanne Weatherill
25.02.2011
Originally Posted by DJTu
@michaeldunne109 thank you very much bro for your replies and information about mixdeck they will really help me choosing the device..

And another question (i believe you are bored )) ) you said that if you have the $, you'd go with the s4..

Why ? what are the 3 or 5 main reasons to choose S4 not the Mixdeck ? (don't believe about the software program comes with s4)

And why vci-100 gives more creativity to you than the mixdeck does ?

And when you are comparing the two gears(mixdeck-s4) are there BIG differences between them when mixing?

Forgot to mention i dont have an s4 But with the s4 you just have more control over your music (from what i can see) i.e mixing 4 decks, sample banks, cue points ect. Same can be said about the vci.

While the mixdeck has fx control it isn't anything like the s4 or vci. They control the tiny'est aspect of fx while the mixdeck really only gives you wet dry options and has no control over cue points.

The only use of buttons i get on the mixdeck are:

-Looping (Dedicated buttons for 2bar, 4bar, 8bar size)
Also has a loop roll feature which makes use of the lowest size in traktor 1/30 of a bar i believe, to a 32 bar loop)

-Scroll (the mixdeck allows you to scroll threw your tracks with a fat ass knob:P

Overall The mixdeck is perfect for me because at mobile gigs i dont do much fx or cue juggling. I like it for these gigs because it has its own high quality soundcard takes almost no setup time compared to what the vci takes. It has a front mounted high quality microphone input (i use a microphone alot at mobile gigs). and its rugged as f**k six months on the road after a couple of bashes and its still soldiering on

Creativity: I supose the simple reason im more creative with the vci is because it has more features i.e more control for loops, cue points, fx the mixdeck could never match up to the vci in terms of control.

Big difference when mixing?? I basically only loop and beatmatch on the mixdeck because of the nature of the gigs i do. So its perfect for that.
Havent used my vci out of the bedroom but its a pleasure to use. One thing i do prefer about the mixdeck is its larger general footprint and larger jog wheels.

It really boils down to personal preference bud They both serve the purpose of what i bought them for.

Mixdeck: Mobile gigs (i.e weddings, parties ect)

vci: mashing Various forms of music together.

Hope im answering your questions like i said keep firing
Ailene Glovier
25.02.2011
@michaeldunne109 thank you very much bro for your replies and information about mixdeck they will really help me choosing the device..

And another question (i believe you are bored )) ) you said that if you have the $, you'd go with the s4..

Why ? what are the 3 or 5 main reasons to choose S4 not the Mixdeck ? (don't believe about the software program comes with s4)

And why vci-100 gives more creativity to you than the mixdeck does ?

And when you are comparing the two gears(mixdeck-s4) are there BIG differences between them when mixing?
Maryanne Weatherill
24.02.2011
Originally Posted by photojojo
S4 comes with the software which would be an extra $200 in the US so I'm sure that more than makes up for the difference.
+1 if you don't have Traktor already you might want to take this into consideration.
Maryanne Weatherill
24.02.2011
To be honest i wouldnt use the cd functions that often. But any time i have they work perfect. The usb inputs have also worked flawlessly to date Like i said i use it for my mobile gigs. But this is what i like and dislike

*You can see the system im running on in my sig below....

Like:
- soundcard is very good over big and small sound systems (iv used it on everything from small speakers to large festival type rigs)

- 'lag' between controller and laptop is un-noticeable.

- the pre-maped functions in my opinion are very good. They included everything from sync to going threw your libary.

- Intergration with Traktor is excellent the setup wizard is a great tool to get everything working in seconds. Not minutes like the vci can take.

- The aux in's/ out are handy.

-Having the mixer section separated from the software side of things is great just incase everything goes wrong. Touch wood.

- The mixdeck is also very reliable iv had drink spilt on mine and it hasnt caused traktor to crash or freeze in the time i have it (which is about 7 months)

- Overall ease of use is what i like and short setup time.

Dislikes:
- First off with the newest update of Traktor the pitch bend functions of the outer edge of the jog wheel don't work when scratch is active (they did in earlier versions)

-The new ipod touches (ones with cameras) dont seem to work with the inbuilt ipod dock.

*I do believe the above could be fixed with a firmware update. Which quiet frankly im too lazy to do.

This is all that comes to mind right now. But to be honest like i said i use the mixdeck for things like weddings, birthday/ kids parties, top40/ chart evening clubs and everyother gig a mobile dj could encounter.
For my own sets like messing around at home i prefer the vci it allows me to be more creative. If you have the $$$$$$ id go with the s4 mate to be honest.

Like i said any inquires you have don hesitate to ask
Leeanna Ayla
24.02.2011
S4 comes with the software which would be an extra $200 in the US so I'm sure that more than makes up for the difference.
Quiana Sedey
24.02.2011
I believe if you dont need cd functionality, get the S4. If I had the money to spend, it would be the S4 or the XONE DX mapped to traktor.
Ailene Glovier
24.02.2011
Originally Posted by michaeldunne109
What country you in??

Ch**st its expensive:O

Iv a mixdeck so throw any questions my way if you want

Im afraid i dont really use the cross fader in my sets but lately iv been getting into scratching and it dosnt feel very sturdy imo.

I use a vci at my electro/ performance sets and use the mixdeck for mobile gigs the cross fader on the vci is 100% better than the mixdeck.
I live in Turkey so thats why they are expensive

Have you got problems with the LED screens on cdplayers? I heard that when you are playing a song from a CD or from USB it shows the wrong name of the trach (I mean if you are playing the 3rd track in the CD, it shows the name of 4th song)..

How is the reaction of cd players? Are they fast enough when loading?

What are your comments about mixdeck generally? Do you advice it ?
Maryanne Weatherill
23.02.2011
What country you in??

Ch**st its expensive:O

Iv a mixdeck so throw any questions my way if you want

Im afraid i dont really use the cross fader in my sets but lately iv been getting into scratching and it dosnt feel very sturdy imo.

I use a vci at my electro/ performance sets and use the mixdeck for mobile gigs the cross fader on the vci is 100% better than the mixdeck.
Ailene Glovier
24.02.2011
Haha No I saw that problem in another community ..
Tatum Ansaldo
24.02.2011
maybe you imagined it!
Ailene Glovier
24.02.2011
Thank you very much mate.. I searched about the problem i mentioned before (mixdeck crossfader) in this community but couldn't find. :S
Tatum Ansaldo
24.02.2011
Assuming that your system is already powered (the S4 does not contain an amp), and you have the right cables, yes.
Ailene Glovier
24.02.2011
so can I connect directly my Solo6 ? And also I have Logitech Z-5500 5+1 Music System too can I connect ?
Tatum Ansaldo
24.02.2011
What's amfi? The S4 has a high quality built in soundcard.
Tatum Ansaldo
24.02.2011
And how much is a copy of TP2? Does that make up the difference?
Ailene Glovier
24.02.2011
By the way can I use my Microlab Solo6 1+1 Speaker directly with S4 and Mixdeck ?? Or should i get Amfi or something ?
Ailene Glovier
24.02.2011
Yes you are right mate, TP2 CD is important and worth to believe about..

CD compatability is not a need for me, but its a good option anyway.. In my country the best prices for an un-used (new) S4 is approximately 1.120 Euros and for a new Mixdeck is 1.000 Euros..

I really can't decide which one to buy..
Tatum Ansaldo
24.02.2011
Originally Posted by DJTu
I can only try Traktor Kontrol S4 mate, i don't have any chance to try numark

And also, as I said in my first message, i heard a problem about the crossfader/faders in Numark Mixdeck have you heard that?
No, but do a search on this community for 'mixdeck' and you'll probably find something if it's a problem.

The mixdeck won't feel nicer than the S4, it's up to you whether CD compatability is important. Also, the S4 comes with a free copy of the new Traktor Pro 2 which is worth bearing in mind.
Ailene Glovier
23.02.2011
I can only try Traktor Kontrol S4 mate, i don't have any chance to try numark

And also, as I said in my first message, i heard a problem about the crossfader/faders in Numark Mixdeck have you heard that?
Tatum Ansaldo
23.02.2011
I've never tried it so I can't really comment on the Denon, but I know they generally make good gear . I find the mixdeck a bit too plasticky, and I don't like anything with an ipod dock

I'm sure you'd have fun with it though and I'm equally sure that many owners are very happy with them, so don't let my prejudices stop you if that's what you want!

Any chance you could try them out before buying? Got any DJ shops near you?
Ailene Glovier
23.02.2011
I'm using Windows mate, I don't go for the T1 too because its expensive and i can't find it easily in my country i guess..

What are your opinions about denon's controller? and why dont you want to buy mixdeck?
Tatum Ansaldo
23.02.2011
Are you on mac or windows? The Mixdeck is well featured but I'm not a fan of Numark products, and the T1 is overpriced for what you get. It'll be good quality but I'd go for the S4 over the T1 if i were you.
Ailene Glovier
23.02.2011
Thank you for your quick reply bro, The size of the machine is not important for me. I'll use it in my house to practice and to enjoy. Also sometimes i can carry it to little parties but not so often. I use Traktor and VirtualDJ
Tatum Ansaldo
23.02.2011
Originally Posted by DJTu
Hi guys, nowadays i'm looking for a DJ Controller.. I should choose one and go&buy..

I believe the best controllers are;

- Pioneer DDJ-T1
- Numark Mixdeck
- Denon DN-MC6000
- Traktor Kontrol S4

Numark MixDeck

I quite like Numark Mixdeck and I want it more than others because; the advantages are that you can use CD's/USB Flashdisk/PC/HDD, also it has LED Screen on it.. But I heard that the crossfader doesn't work correctly, is it true? are there any f.w. updates for fixing it ?
Welcome to the community .

There are hundreds of threads on here asking 'which controller should I buy', you really need to say a bit more about what you plan to use it for. I mean, do you really need to play CDs? The mixdeck and T1 are BIG units, are you going to be using them in clubs, in which case size might get in the way? Do you already use DJ software? if so which program?

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