Reply to New Traktor User Help With Gear Selection

Hey everyone-

I have been using Virtual DJ for the past year or so. Its a great piece of software, but I'd like to expand my musical horizons a little bit. I looked into Traktor and I have to say I'm extremely impressed. I like the software, the customization options, multiple decks, and built in FX. So I'd like to make the proper migration over to Traktor (software and hardware).

My current setup is as follows:

1) Controller - Numark Total Control
2) Sound Output - Utilizing internal laptop line out (Channel A) and external 24 bit soundblaster (Channel B)
3) Mixer - Utilizing external Tascam analog mixer (nothing fancy, basic functions, no FX)
4) Laptop - Apple Macbook Pro

As you can see I have a very basic, minimal setup. I basically use the Total Control to start/stop tracks, adjust pitch, and use the limited FX in Virtual DJ. I use the cheapo external mixer to mix all my tracks.

Moving over to Traktor, I'm a little bit torn between using an external mixer or the internal mixer via a controller (something like a VCI-100). I love the tactile feel of a regular mixer and I was believeing of possibly upgrading to a DJM-800 (even though that is a pretty big chunk of change) sometime in the future to allow for more FX options over my current setup.

After much research, I've decided to do away with the external mixer altogether and move towards using a controller to fully utilize the internal mixer in Traktor. So here is my setup as of now:

1) Controller - Vestax VCI - 100
2) Sound Output - M-Audio FastTrack Pro or NI Audio 8
3) Mixer - Utilize internal Traktor Mixer
4) Laptop - Apple Macbook Pro

Few questions for you guys:

1) Would you recommend any other other controllers other than the VCI-100? It looks like its the gold standard for Traktor, but wanted to see if anyone had any other recommendations.

2) Money is a little bit of an issue here, so if I can save on gear I'd like to. So going back to the controller issue, would there be any way to salvage the Numark Total Control? I know its compatible with Traktor, but has anyone made the switch from the Total Control to the VCI-100? Has it made a world of difference (I can always get sell the Total Control if it does)?

3) Should I get the M-Audio Fastrack Pro or the NI Audio 8? I don't plan on using external cd decks or turntables. Would this be the only reason to get the NI Audio 8? I plan on routing one master cable to the external mixer (the one hooked up to the club sound system) and using another output for headphone cuing. The M-Audio Fastrack Pro should be able to do this by itself right? In what other cases would I want to get the NI Audio 8?

Thanks in advance for your help. I'm pretty stoked to moving to a 100% digital solution so any advice you could give on making the transition would be much appreciated.