Denon Mc3000

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Denon Mc3000
Posted on: 21.09.2012 by Iluminada Vandevoort
Hey everyone


How does everyone find the Denon Mc3000? I'm buying my first controller, and my primary goal is to reach a club level as a resident (and yes, I know how much work, dedication, patience, and a persistent attitude it requires). I have been leaning towards the numtrack pro, as I've heard it's the perfect beginners controller. My only gripe is that, I'm not interested in buying a beginners controller. I know that mastering the basics is absolutely crucial and if not, a complete must in order to progress. I'm interested in buying a controller which can be used as a semi professional level, if that makes any sense. A controller that offers something above and beyond a beginners controller could present.

I have been believeing about the Denon Mc3000, I made a thread on the general section regarding what controller to get, and a couple of users has mentioned the Denon Mc3000.

My question is, for it's price (419 on ebay), will it be what I'm looking for? A controller I can progress with in an extended duration, rather then a controller that'll get me through the basics, forcing me to buy yet another piece of gear in order to match the higher level mechanics.

I've also been believeing about the S2, which I know has it's foot on the doorway of a more professional level, however the price tag is a bit too steep.
Lizabeth Peight
12.10.2013		???????????????????????????????????????????? You are aware that the MC3000 has LED level meters yes. Let me explain level meters to you Se
Lizabeth Peight
12.10.2013		???????????????????????????????????????????? You are aware that the MC3000 has LED level meters yes. Let me explain level meters to you Se
Lizabeth Peight
12.10.2013		???????????????????????????????????????????? You are aware that the MC3000 has LED level meters yes. Let me explain level meters to you Se
Lizabeth Peight
12.10.2013		???????????????????????????????????????????? You are aware that the MC3000 has LED level meters yes. Let me explain level meters to you Se
Lizabeth Peight
12.10.2013		???????????????????????????????????????????? You are aware that the MC3000 has LED level meters yes. Let me explain level meters to you Se
Lizabeth Peight
12.10.2013		???????????????????????????????????????????? You are aware that the MC3000 has LED level meters yes. Let me explain level meters to you Se
Lizabeth Peight
12.10.2013
Originally Posted by foxdanger
Same here It's perfect, good and portable. Excelent controller.



Man, i had the VCI-300 and the MC3000 is better... Traktor S2 I dont believe is better too..

Now, the CMD and DDJ We-Go are too much far away from MC3000. MC3000 sooooo much better...
And the volume output for headphones, master and channel gain is off the hook! I red line channel level meters with gain between 11 and 12 0/c, less than midway. Another great thing is that even though it is not a standalone mixer, the master volume is independent of software. Changing master out volume on MC3000 does not change master in software. A very nice touch for a internal mix mode software controller!
Roxy Susano
12.10.2013
Originally Posted by dillinger23
had it for a few months now, and couldnt be happier. Incredibly well made, true tank like build, and for house/funk/nu-disco mixing it is superb. For scratching I cannot say though. Jogs and all buttons brilliantly responsive and tactile, and because of the couple of extra buttons for video which Traktor doesn't use, I have mapped flux and a few other tweaks with no problem without doubling up too much.
The only possible gripe is the short throw pitch faders, but I came up with a great solution for that made possible by Denons propriety pitch bend + and - buttons. I removed that functionality in the mapping and remapped them to increase or decrease % on the pitch faders. So for tracks requiring only a small increase/decrease in speed the short throw can still be very sensitive, but it can also be ramped up when a larger change in speed is needed without resorting to the sync button! Also doing it this way allows for more increments than simply having 3 or 4 resolution options as is normally the case when there is only one button mapped to toggle.


Same here It's perfect, good and portable. Excelent controller.

For a $300 controller, it seems pretty good. I would go for it if it seems to fit your standards, there are always other options like the Behringer CMD Studio 4A or the Pioneer DDJ-WeGo or Traktor S2, maybe even the Vestax VCI-300"
Man, i had the VCI-300 and the MC3000 is better... Traktor S2 I dont believe is better too..

Now, the CMD and DDJ We-Go are too much far away from MC3000. MC3000 sooooo much better...
Lizabeth Peight
26.06.2013
Originally Posted by SlvrDragon50
As an actual owner of an MC3000, what makar1 is saying is true.

Also, one hell of a necropost dillinger23.
fair enough, but i was responding to (i thought) the previous poster saying it was 4 channels! I thought has 2 channels that control Traktor decks A & B, and optionally C & D. As others have mentioned (but in my defense many still seemed to miss this point after others had clearly stated it) and that you can't plug in additional sources and pass them through the 2 channels to cue and mix, you have to use the pots off to the side and cannot monitor these in headphones. However, I've just partly run the Traktor setup wizard and there is an option for 2 track decks AND TWO LIVE INPUTS!!!!

Does this mean that Denon/NI have found a way internally (maybe through firmware) to run the two external inputs into tracks C & D of Traktors internal mixer? So you COULD in theory connect CDJs or turntables?? That would be awesome! Sorry for the necromancy by the way..
Lizabeth Peight
17.10.2013		er..... yes. That is not news. They are the levels of your virtual decks, which means they are the levels of your decks so your point is, in a word... pointless. Also when they are in master mode (it has both) they give a read out of your master volume, and as I have said the master volume on the unit is actually independent of the internal software master volume, a very nice touch as when you are recording (on internal mixing mode), any adjustment to the master volume does not affect the volume of the recorded mix, which is NOT the case in most other midi controllers that are basically 'internal' mixers. I'm sorry for my earlier rudeness makar1, but you seem to deliberately misinterpret my words or be obtuse just to write on this thread, when all I was doing was giving the unit respect and love. Also, whether they are virtual decks being represented visually by LED meters or physical decks being represented visually by LED meters is COMPLETELY irrelevant. They are two sources of music whose volume is being represented visually, end of story.

PS, the LED meters are cute on the MC3000, but unfortunately not nearly good enough to rely on for public performance.
Alphonso Deitchman
12.10.2013		Meters on MIDI controllers aren't the same as on hardware mixers like the MC6000 for example.

Anything you see on the MC3000 channel LEDs (when set to "Deck") is not related to the sound card as you are mixing internally; they are only there to help you balance the virtual gains between your decks.
Lizabeth Peight
12.10.2013		Basically I was making a simple comment praising the volume outputs of the unit, both the channels and the headphone output. I imagine this is because A, it is a mains powered unit, and B, Denon use good soundcards. But you seem to want to nitpick something whereas I can't be arsed to debate pointless minutae (look the word up if you need to) with trolls.
Lizabeth Peight
12.10.2013		???????????????????????????????????????????? You are aware that the MC3000 has LED level meters yes. Let me explain level meters to you Se
Alphonso Deitchman
12.10.2013		Do you mean the meters on the MC3000 are redlining? Since it is not a standalone mixer there are no physical channels, only a headphone and master output.
Lizabeth Peight
12.10.2013
Originally Posted by foxdanger
Same here It's perfect, good and portable. Excelent controller.



Man, i had the VCI-300 and the MC3000 is better... Traktor S2 I dont believe is better too..

Now, the CMD and DDJ We-Go are too much far away from MC3000. MC3000 sooooo much better...
And the volume output for headphones, master and channel gain is off the hook! I red line channel level meters with gain between 11 and 12 0/c, less than midway. Another great thing is that even though it is not a standalone mixer, the master volume is independent of software. Changing master out volume on MC3000 does not change master in software. A very nice touch for a internal mix mode software controller!
Roxy Susano
12.10.2013
Originally Posted by dillinger23
had it for a few months now, and couldnt be happier. Incredibly well made, true tank like build, and for house/funk/nu-disco mixing it is superb. For scratching I cannot say though. Jogs and all buttons brilliantly responsive and tactile, and because of the couple of extra buttons for video which Traktor doesn't use, I have mapped flux and a few other tweaks with no problem without doubling up too much.
The only possible gripe is the short throw pitch faders, but I came up with a great solution for that made possible by Denons propriety pitch bend + and - buttons. I removed that functionality in the mapping and remapped them to increase or decrease % on the pitch faders. So for tracks requiring only a small increase/decrease in speed the short throw can still be very sensitive, but it can also be ramped up when a larger change in speed is needed without resorting to the sync button! Also doing it this way allows for more increments than simply having 3 or 4 resolution options as is normally the case when there is only one button mapped to toggle.


Same here It's perfect, good and portable. Excelent controller.

For a $300 controller, it seems pretty good. I would go for it if it seems to fit your standards, there are always other options like the Behringer CMD Studio 4A or the Pioneer DDJ-WeGo or Traktor S2, maybe even the Vestax VCI-300"
Man, i had the VCI-300 and the MC3000 is better... Traktor S2 I dont believe is better too..

Now, the CMD and DDJ We-Go are too much far away from MC3000. MC3000 sooooo much better...
Lizabeth Peight
12.10.2013		had it for a few months now, and couldnt be happier. Incredibly well made, true tank like build, and for house/funk/nu-disco mixing it is superb. For scratching I cannot say though. Jogs and all buttons brilliantly responsive and tactile, and because of the couple of extra buttons for video which Traktor doesn't use, I have mapped flux and a few other tweaks with no problem without doubling up too much.
The only possible gripe is the short throw pitch faders, but I came up with a great solution for that made possible by Denons propriety pitch bend + and - buttons. I removed that functionality in the mapping and remapped them to increase or decrease % on the pitch faders. So for tracks requiring only a small increase/decrease in speed the short throw can still be very sensitive, but it can also be ramped up when a larger change in speed is needed without resorting to the sync button! Also doing it this way allows for more increments than simply having 3 or 4 resolution options as is normally the case when there is only one button mapped to toggle.
Carita Allerdings
11.10.2013		I would really like to know if the OP is true since I am also in the process of getting a MC3000
Lizabeth Peight
26.06.2013
Originally Posted by SlvrDragon50
As an actual owner of an MC3000, what makar1 is saying is true.

Also, one hell of a necropost dillinger23.
fair enough, but i was responding to (i thought) the previous poster saying it was 4 channels! I thought has 2 channels that control Traktor decks A & B, and optionally C & D. As others have mentioned (but in my defense many still seemed to miss this point after others had clearly stated it) and that you can't plug in additional sources and pass them through the 2 channels to cue and mix, you have to use the pots off to the side and cannot monitor these in headphones. However, I've just partly run the Traktor setup wizard and there is an option for 2 track decks AND TWO LIVE INPUTS!!!!

Does this mean that Denon/NI have found a way internally (maybe through firmware) to run the two external inputs into tracks C & D of Traktors internal mixer? So you COULD in theory connect CDJs or turntables?? That would be awesome! Sorry for the necromancy by the way..
Dia Laryea
26.06.2013		For a $300 controller, it seems pretty good. I would go for it if it seems to fit your standards, there are always other options like the Behringer CMD Studio 4A or the Pioneer DDJ-WeGo or Traktor S2, maybe even the Vestax VCI-300.
Gaynell Rydberg
26.06.2013		As an actual owner of an MC3000, what makar1 is saying is true.

Also, one hell of a necropost dillinger23.
Alphonso Deitchman
26.06.2013		The MC3000 is a MIDI controller with a basic passthrough function. It is not classified as a mixer.
Lizabeth Peight
26.06.2013		NOT true. It is classified as a 2 channel mixer (internal mode) with optional 4 deck control. " Physical channels only for sound, 2 external sound inputs that do NOT pass through the 2 mixer channels, but have a separate volume control for both. Each of the two channels can (alternately) control two decks: A/B & C/D, but make no mistake. This is a TWO channel mixer.
Lizabeth Peight
26.06.2013		NOT true. It is classified as a 2 channel mixer with optional 4 deck control. " Physical channels only for sound, 2 external sound inputs that do NOT pass through the 2 mixer channels, but have a separate volume control for both. Each of the two channels can (alternately) control two decks: A/B & C/D, but make no mistake. This is a TWO channel mixer.
Roxy Susano
13.01.2013		No man, is not BCD is MC, from DENON
Awilda Boggie
12.01.2013		Behringer CMD controllers?
Roxy Susano
12.01.2013		Sorry for the late...

I bought mine MC3000, and here is the review for who need that:

http://community .djranking s.com/showthr...p?t=6591565915
Roxy Susano
26.09.2012
Originally Posted by DirtyNerd
I am also almost settled on the MC3000...just feel like it will be better for me than the S2...
for me too
Leota Dolney
26.09.2012
Originally Posted by foxdanger
I create one other topic about this some days ago:

http://community .djranking s.com/showthread.php?t=58336

I decide to get MC3000, I believe is the best option under $600.

But if u can spend $800, so GET MC6000, this one is perfect.
I am also almost settled on the MC3000...just feel like it will be better for me than the S2...
Roxy Susano
26.09.2012		I create one other topic about this some days ago:

http://community .djranking s.com/showthread.php?t=58336

I decide to get MC3000, I believe is the best option under $600.

But if u can spend $800, so GET MC6000, this one is perfect.
Leota Dolney
24.09.2012		I have been looking at one of these too. I can't decide whether I want to go full modular, or use an all-in-one plus one or modular controllers (e.g., X1, F1).

I mainly need only 2 channels as I either A) mix only 2 decks or B) mix mainly with 2 decks and use my F1 for remix decks and it has its own faders and filter knobs. 2 channels would limit ability to EQ for the 3rd and 4th decks...but I find that I don't need EQs for the Decks C & D as much as I tend to mix with the faders and filters for those decks anyway.

So, an MC3000 or a Kontrol S2 may work for you. The MC3000 has dedicated filter and gain knobs (unlike the S2)...build quality, by all accounts, seems pretty good though some people have reported problems with buttons getting stuck when you press them.

I may likely pick up one of these eventually. The HID Traktor integration of the S2 is nice, but the jogwheels seem off to me, and I really like having a dedicated filter knob plus I don't mind making my own mappings for controllers.

Anyone own an MC3000 care to comment?
Evia Nitch
21.09.2012		A mixer section can send midi to the PC, using the internal mixing software to generate a mix output coming from the computer (or audio interface)

A standalone mixer means that there are at least two stereo audio interfaces in the unit that feed into the mixer section that mixes the two channels together (either analogue or digital). So if you'd connect two external audio sources you can mix them without a pc.
Iluminada Vandevoort
21.09.2012
Originally Posted by thisisian
Just to clear one thing up. The Denon MC3000 isn't a proper standalone mixer. It's a midi controller.

Yes, it's got audio inputs, but they route straight through to the output bus. ....the only control you have over external inputs is the funny little rotary crossfader to fade between the two inputs.

If you want full mixer functionality, then you want the DN-MC6000. Which is a midi controller & a fully featured DJ mixer.

Here's a quote from the djworx.com review, that explains probably better than I can;

Auxiliary Inputs
The MC-3000
Latia Sotak
21.09.2012
Originally Posted by deevey

However the Denon IMHO is a more practical controller (standalone mixer) and better built IMHO than the S2.
Just to clear one thing up. The Denon MC3000 isn't a proper standalone mixer. It's a midi controller.

Yes, it's got audio inputs, but they route straight through to the output bus. ....the only control you have over external inputs is the funny little rotary crossfader to fade between the two inputs.

If you want full mixer functionality, then you want the DN-MC6000. Which is a midi controller & a fully featured DJ mixer.

Here's a quote from the djworx.com review, that explains probably better than I can;

Auxiliary Inputs
The MC-3000’s line-level auxiliary inputs bypass the main mixer controls completely. Instead, you pan between them using a pot, with the first set of inputs being to the left of the pot and the second set of inputs to the right. The effect is like fading between a cued channel and the master with a PFL pot. Sadly, you can’t cue the auxiliary inputs individually, which means you can’t use this system to mix if your laptop malfunctions, and there’s only one volume pot for the auxiliary system anyway. Still, it’s a better auxiliary system than is seen on a lot of controllers at this price and it means you do have some method of fading between tracks should your laptop have a strop.
You can also route the line inputs through Traktor as a live input, so that you can use the MC-3000’s mixer section to mix audio from those sources.
Kellie Myrum
21.09.2012		Also you can check Digital DJ Tips, it's great for beginners and you have nice midi controller reviews in there as well.
Rolanda Clodfelder
21.09.2012
Originally Posted by boarderbas
S2 is a toy.

Are you sure you want to be limited to two channels?
The S2 is far from a toy, its got the same build as the S4 and while it has "only" 2 channels, it does have the benefit of being well integrated with traktor and INCLUDES a licence for Traktor. The majority of bigname DJ's spinning on Pioneers only use 2 channels as well and dont find it limiting whatsoever.

However the Denon IMHO is a more practical controller (standalone mixer) and better built IMHO than the S2.

For someone starting out, I'd be saying learn to master 2 channels, thats not something you are going to do in any short period of time unless you are some kind of DJ prodigy, at the price of the Denon its a good deal, and you will get endless hours of fun and use from it and sell it for more than half what you paid once you are done, I dont believe $200 to get you on the DJ train is a big investment.

Why not start out with entry level stuff and evolve to more pro stuff. Get a decent mixer with seperate controllers. change the controllers as you progress.
Denon still is a 2 channel controller...


A "decent" mixer is going to cost more than the Denon Alone, add the cost of a few half decent modular controllers like the x1/f1/k2/sc2000 and you are approaching the $800 mark and havent even bought a soundcard yet

It's a 4 channel controller.
Its a 2 channel controller - I dont care how many layers you use, its got 2 channel faders and soft-takeover will drive you nuts.

how to dj fast online course.
Sounds like a scam. I honestly believe any course you buy, especially online ones for DJ'ing, a complete waste of time. Look to ellaskins youtube videos, much more practical advice from a seasoned veteran and its free.

http://www.youtube.com/user/ellaskins

My question is, for it's price (419 on ebay), will it be what I'm looking for? A controller I can progress with in an extended duration, rather then a controller that'll get me through the basics, forcing me to buy yet another piece of gear in order to match the higher level mechanics.
There will always be more gear .... and gear lust goes hand in hand with the DJ business. get used to wanting more regardless of what you have.
Iluminada Vandevoort
21.09.2012
Originally Posted by boarderbas
Why not start out with entry level stuff and evolve to more pro stuff. Get a decent mixer with seperate controllers. change the controllers as you progress.
Denon still is a 2 channel controller...
It's a 4 channel controller.


That's a really good idea, but it seems like I'd get more familiar with the basics if I bought a controller and the how to dj fast online course.
Evia Nitch
21.09.2012		Why not start out with entry level stuff and evolve to more pro stuff. Get a decent mixer with seperate controllers. change the controllers as you progress.
Denon still is a 2 channel controller...
Iluminada Vandevoort
21.09.2012
Originally Posted by boarderbas
S2 is a toy.

Are you sure you want to be limited to two channels?
Yeah I was reading up on both controllers and it looks like you can do a lot more with Denon then the S2. Think I'm gonna go for the Denon and pay whatever it costs for traktor pro.
Evia Nitch
21.09.2012		S2 is a toy.

Are you sure you want to be limited to two channels?

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