Portable traktor controller for house parties n such

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Portable traktor controller for house parties n such
Posted on: 23.11.2011 by Evelyn Navarijo
Heya.

At home, I've got a pretty decent setup, X1, Turntables and a Denon DN-X1500S, NITA2 + laptop. I do have a Mixtrack Pro as well, but I'm in the process of selling it. Still it'd be fun to have an additonal controller to take to house parties, just grab my laptop and a controller and throw them in my bag and be off, unfortunately the Mixtrack isn't quite that portable. So I wonder, do you guys have any recommendation on something slightly smaller, preferably with both faders and jogwheels, that works well with Traktor, something around the size of the Novation Twitch (which looks nice, but it seems to be so-so with Traktor, and I'm a jog man myself)
Chasidy Heckenbach
29.11.2011
Originally Posted by spiz
Map two LPD8's. You could easily fit everything for 2 deck control and wouldn't care much if something happened to one of the controllers.
u can even fit the basics on a single lpd8. PAD mode for deck A, CC mode for deck B and the 6 pots for eq+levels. has to be the cheapest and most portable option, so no worries if someone spilled some vodka on it.

not sure if anyone has mentioned the dj2go yet. it might look like a toy but could get the job done if remapped. it does at least have 4 pots, 3 faders and 3 encoders and 16 buttons. i don't really like the look of it or the layout but it has enough controls to do some not bad clever mapping with.

the lpd8 may be basic but at least less toy like than the dj2go tho...
Chasidy Heckenbach
24.11.2011
Originally Posted by Cybertrash
I have considered the Icon iDJ, but it seems to be a bit of a rarity around here, and it's soo tiny, I'm not sure I could EQ properly.
yep - it's definately small but thats partly why i bought it. eq'ing is fine - i ignore the labels they put on them and use the central 4 for hi/lo and the next two for mids. the ones right above the jogs are a bit fiddly to use - but i put taller caps on mine which helps with that a lot. the buttons are pretty good, the jogs are actually very good, the faders are ok-ish. built in (and easy to change on the fly) xfader curve is very nice.

there's so many pots that i don't need to use them all anyway. the worst thing imho about the idj is lack of midi feedback for leds. it does the job tho and i could quite happily mix on nothing but the idj at a party or something.

it does have built in layers but i don't use those.

edit: each pot also sends out an additional noteon message at the half way point - very useful for turning on/off or resetting stuff like filters etc. the midi spec has been very well thought out.
Evelyn Navarijo
24.11.2011
Originally Posted by zestoi
fecking awesome setup - tho possibly too much expensive to take to a house party where it might all get drowned in beer...

personally i would just take my icon idj to a house party. it has stacks of pots+faders+buttons. the pots are too close to each other, but i'd live with that for a house party. the touch sensitive jogs are very nice - and it has an awesome midi implementation for mapping to traktor. plus it only costs about 100quid and is smaller than just about anything else - so nice and portable.

also picked up my djtech djm101 2nd hand for 20quid which actually isn't a bad 2 channel midi mixer...
I have considered the Icon iDJ, but it seems to be a bit of a rarity around here, and it's soo tiny, I'm not sure I could EQ properly.
Chasidy Heckenbach
24.11.2011
Originally Posted by truewind
2 Denon dn-sc 2000's and one xone K2. BOOM! That imo beats everything.
fecking awesome setup - tho possibly too much expensive to take to a house party where it might all get drowned in beer...

personally i would just take my icon idj to a house party. it has stacks of pots+faders+buttons. the pots are too close to each other, but i'd live with that for a house party. the touch sensitive jogs are very nice - and it has an awesome midi implementation for mapping to traktor. plus it only costs about 100quid and is smaller than just about anything else - so nice and portable.

also picked up my djtech djm101 2nd hand for 20quid which actually isn't a bad 2 channel midi mixer...
Evelyn Navarijo
24.11.2011
Originally Posted by djproben
If you really want it, look for deals on used gear. They are built like tanks so a used one will probably be just fine; I've seen them sell on ebay as well as here as low as $300, maybe 400 for arcades. And with the DJTT mappings you might find you wind up using it at home too - I have a real mixer too but with the VCI in fader FX mode there's nothing redundant about having it out as well.

The 400 looks nice too but I don't even know if I'd want to trade up. I like being able to use any sound card or mixer I want (I'm sure the Vestax sound card is fine though) and the 400 looks bigger and heavier, and the jog wheels don't look as functional thanks to those adjusting knobs in the middle. I'm sure it's an upgrade and the extra knobs and buttons make it worthwhile (especially if you use traktor's sample decks and stuff) but I'm pretty happy with the sweet spot the VCI-100 hits.
Oh, I've looked, unfortunately the only VCI-100 available on the local version of Craigslist was sold already :c
Danae Dumler
24.11.2011
Originally Posted by Cybertrash
I have considered the VCI-100SE, sorta in love with it, it looks so pretty and functional and... Wonderful. Problem is, I wouldn't use it at home at all (as I've got a real mixer) and putting out that kind of money on something I'll just use every now and then.

Then again... Soo pretty...
If you really want it, look for deals on used gear. They are built like tanks so a used one will probably be just fine; I've seen them sell on ebay as well as here as low as $300, maybe 400 for arcades. And with the DJTT mappings you might find you wind up using it at home too - I have a real mixer too but with the VCI in fader FX mode there's nothing redundant about having it out as well.

The 400 looks nice too but I don't even know if I'd want to trade up. I like being able to use any sound card or mixer I want (I'm sure the Vestax sound card is fine though) and the 400 looks bigger and heavier, and the jog wheels don't look as functional thanks to those adjusting knobs in the middle. I'm sure it's an upgrade and the extra knobs and buttons make it worthwhile (especially if you use traktor's sample decks and stuff) but I'm pretty happy with the sweet spot the VCI-100 hits.
Evelyn Navarijo
24.11.2011
Originally Posted by djproben
+1 to VCI-100, especially the SE with 1.4 firmware and of course arcade buttons As far as I'm concerned, all the newer all-in-one controllers still don't hold a candle to it. You'll need a soundcard though.
I have considered the VCI-100SE, sorta in love with it, it looks so pretty and functional and... Wonderful. Problem is, I wouldn't use it at home at all (as I've got a real mixer) and putting out that kind of money on something I'll just use every now and then.

Then again... Soo pretty...
Chasidy Heckenbach
29.11.2011
Originally Posted by spiz
Map two LPD8's. You could easily fit everything for 2 deck control and wouldn't care much if something happened to one of the controllers.
u can even fit the basics on a single lpd8. PAD mode for deck A, CC mode for deck B and the 6 pots for eq+levels. has to be the cheapest and most portable option, so no worries if someone spilled some vodka on it.

not sure if anyone has mentioned the dj2go yet. it might look like a toy but could get the job done if remapped. it does at least have 4 pots, 3 faders and 3 encoders and 16 buttons. i don't really like the look of it or the layout but it has enough controls to do some not bad clever mapping with.

the lpd8 may be basic but at least less toy like than the dj2go tho...
Noble Check
29.11.2011		Map two LPD8's. You could easily fit everything for 2 deck control and wouldn't care much if something happened to one of the controllers.
Galina Mancinas
28.11.2011		This is a standard Targus laptop bag. I can fit my VCI-100 plus my Laptop and all of my accessories in it.



I got mine used from Guitar Center for $150 (around $160 shipped if I remember right). I just checked and they have two of them priced at $200 ATM.
Evelyn Navarijo
25.11.2011		I've actually been in contact with a guy who's selling a VCI-100SE (1.3 fw) on the community s, hopefully we can work out a deal :3
Janyce Henningson
24.11.2011		I'd go for a vci100 mkII

Built in soundcard, I had a play with one and it was great
Kesha Pietrak
24.11.2011		I would suggest getting a vci 100se used off ebay or something, sometimes you see them going for around 300-400ish on ebay
Chasidy Heckenbach
24.11.2011
Originally Posted by Cybertrash
I have considered the Icon iDJ, but it seems to be a bit of a rarity around here, and it's soo tiny, I'm not sure I could EQ properly.
yep - it's definately small but thats partly why i bought it. eq'ing is fine - i ignore the labels they put on them and use the central 4 for hi/lo and the next two for mids. the ones right above the jogs are a bit fiddly to use - but i put taller caps on mine which helps with that a lot. the buttons are pretty good, the jogs are actually very good, the faders are ok-ish. built in (and easy to change on the fly) xfader curve is very nice.

there's so many pots that i don't need to use them all anyway. the worst thing imho about the idj is lack of midi feedback for leds. it does the job tho and i could quite happily mix on nothing but the idj at a party or something.

it does have built in layers but i don't use those.

edit: each pot also sends out an additional noteon message at the half way point - very useful for turning on/off or resetting stuff like filters etc. the midi spec has been very well thought out.
Evelyn Navarijo
24.11.2011
Originally Posted by zestoi
fecking awesome setup - tho possibly too much expensive to take to a house party where it might all get drowned in beer...

personally i would just take my icon idj to a house party. it has stacks of pots+faders+buttons. the pots are too close to each other, but i'd live with that for a house party. the touch sensitive jogs are very nice - and it has an awesome midi implementation for mapping to traktor. plus it only costs about 100quid and is smaller than just about anything else - so nice and portable.

also picked up my djtech djm101 2nd hand for 20quid which actually isn't a bad 2 channel midi mixer...
I have considered the Icon iDJ, but it seems to be a bit of a rarity around here, and it's soo tiny, I'm not sure I could EQ properly.
Chasidy Heckenbach
24.11.2011
Originally Posted by truewind
2 Denon dn-sc 2000's and one xone K2. BOOM! That imo beats everything.
fecking awesome setup - tho possibly too much expensive to take to a house party where it might all get drowned in beer...

personally i would just take my icon idj to a house party. it has stacks of pots+faders+buttons. the pots are too close to each other, but i'd live with that for a house party. the touch sensitive jogs are very nice - and it has an awesome midi implementation for mapping to traktor. plus it only costs about 100quid and is smaller than just about anything else - so nice and portable.

also picked up my djtech djm101 2nd hand for 20quid which actually isn't a bad 2 channel midi mixer...
Evelyn Navarijo
24.11.2011
Originally Posted by djproben
If you really want it, look for deals on used gear. They are built like tanks so a used one will probably be just fine; I've seen them sell on ebay as well as here as low as $300, maybe 400 for arcades. And with the DJTT mappings you might find you wind up using it at home too - I have a real mixer too but with the VCI in fader FX mode there's nothing redundant about having it out as well.

The 400 looks nice too but I don't even know if I'd want to trade up. I like being able to use any sound card or mixer I want (I'm sure the Vestax sound card is fine though) and the 400 looks bigger and heavier, and the jog wheels don't look as functional thanks to those adjusting knobs in the middle. I'm sure it's an upgrade and the extra knobs and buttons make it worthwhile (especially if you use traktor's sample decks and stuff) but I'm pretty happy with the sweet spot the VCI-100 hits.
Oh, I've looked, unfortunately the only VCI-100 available on the local version of Craigslist was sold already :c
Danae Dumler
24.11.2011
Originally Posted by Cybertrash
I have considered the VCI-100SE, sorta in love with it, it looks so pretty and functional and... Wonderful. Problem is, I wouldn't use it at home at all (as I've got a real mixer) and putting out that kind of money on something I'll just use every now and then.

Then again... Soo pretty...
If you really want it, look for deals on used gear. They are built like tanks so a used one will probably be just fine; I've seen them sell on ebay as well as here as low as $300, maybe 400 for arcades. And with the DJTT mappings you might find you wind up using it at home too - I have a real mixer too but with the VCI in fader FX mode there's nothing redundant about having it out as well.

The 400 looks nice too but I don't even know if I'd want to trade up. I like being able to use any sound card or mixer I want (I'm sure the Vestax sound card is fine though) and the 400 looks bigger and heavier, and the jog wheels don't look as functional thanks to those adjusting knobs in the middle. I'm sure it's an upgrade and the extra knobs and buttons make it worthwhile (especially if you use traktor's sample decks and stuff) but I'm pretty happy with the sweet spot the VCI-100 hits.
Evelyn Navarijo
24.11.2011
Originally Posted by djproben
+1 to VCI-100, especially the SE with 1.4 firmware and of course arcade buttons As far as I'm concerned, all the newer all-in-one controllers still don't hold a candle to it. You'll need a soundcard though.
I have considered the VCI-100SE, sorta in love with it, it looks so pretty and functional and... Wonderful. Problem is, I wouldn't use it at home at all (as I've got a real mixer) and putting out that kind of money on something I'll just use every now and then.

Then again... Soo pretty...
Danae Dumler
23.11.2011		+1 to VCI-100, especially the SE with 1.4 firmware and of course arcade buttons As far as I'm concerned, all the newer all-in-one controllers still don't hold a candle to it. You'll need a soundcard though.
Yong Aptekar
23.11.2011		@gapout - be nice, your new here
@OP - the S2 is a really nice unit if you don't want the size of the S4. Or VMS2 lots of buttons, got the knobs, jogs and faders. The time spent mapping is well spent, and offers so many possibilities. You can also use either as 2 decks and a mixer with the X1 to compliment it as an FX controller.
Candy Vardy
23.11.2011		VCI 100?

Its the size of a laptop, strong as hell, and the mapping for Traktor are immense and brilliant. One of the best controllers ever built IMO.

I can't believe nobody has suggested it yet?
Georgianna Eurick
23.11.2011		I was also gonna say S2
Rodger Seferovic
23.11.2011		Numark Omni/Stealth Control is pretty small but heavy.
Patrica Giancaterino
23.11.2011		I'm surprised nobody has said the S2?
I'm pretty sure the flight case for the S4 fits the mixtrack so if they are the same size, then the S2 must be pretty small. Plus Ean's new mapping make me drool
Jenni Philippsen
24.11.2011
Originally Posted by Gapout
ummm....i already stated that a midi fighter and an X1 you can pretty much do everything...

As well if u look the OP already stated he wanted Jog Wheels and faders...

Thanks for trolling come again
Thanks for trolling? He was merely stating his opinion...


Kids these days... -.-
Sarai Suchman
24.11.2011		that would be a sick setup...but no way in hell would i bring that expensive gear to a house party.

Too much risk of some stupid drunken asshat spilling shit on your gear.
Leonora Synstelien
24.11.2011		2 Denon dn-sc 2000's and one xone K2. BOOM! That imo beats everything.
Sarai Suchman
23.11.2011		ummm....i already stated that a midi fighter and an X1 you can pretty much do everything...

As well if u look the OP already stated he wanted Jog Wheels and faders...

Thanks for trolling come again
Alexandra Nerby
23.11.2011
Originally Posted by Gapout
Prove me wrong.

saying I call bullshit with no backup is pretty redundant.

Point me to a controller that has even 3/4s of the options as an S4 but 1/2 the size.

Something that doesnt take hours of re-mapping with shift modifiers etc. and which you can actually gig with.
Your statement was vague. After the fact you discuss modifiers and mapping. That was what I was referring to. A midifighter, if mapped correctly, has endless possibilities. But the X1 is where the money is at. One of the smallest controllers and can do just as much as the S4......

OP is not "gigging" anyway. He is playing small house parties where the crowd could not care less what he is tapping away at.

I believe you are assuming you need faders and jogs to play. Well you don't
Sarai Suchman
23.11.2011
Originally Posted by Gryz
I call bullshit
Prove me wrong.

saying I call bullshit with no backup is pretty redundant.

Point me to a controller that has even 3/4s of the options as an S4 but 1/2 the size.

Something that doesnt take hours of re-mapping with shift modifiers etc. and which you can actually gig with.
Alexandra Nerby
23.11.2011
Originally Posted by Gapout
The Smaller the controller the less functionality.
I call bullshit
Sarai Suchman
23.11.2011		The Smaller the controller the less functionality.

The Mixtrack imo is pretty good for taking to house parties and is fairly cheap compared to most other controllers. I would suggest using a Mixtrack and a X1 and you can pretty much do anything you want at a house party. As you have said you are a Jog Man and the Mixtrack has some of the best jog wheels for its price. VSM2's jog wheels i cant stand.

Personally im not a scratcher and use my jogwheels to control effects, so i prefer having a larger platter makes it a lot easier to control the effect amounts...which is probably the same for scratchers lol.

Hell if you are looking for ultra portability use 1 midi fighter with deckadence/IG mapping and 1 X1 and you can do everything...but you do lose the jogwheels
Kenya Zaretsky
23.11.2011		I'd recommend

- Vestax VCM-100
- Faderfox DJ3 + A2DJ

...if you dont need any jogs.. if you do:

- Vestax Typhoon
Julio Tewell
23.11.2011
Originally Posted by Cybertrash
Are you serious? The S4 is *huge*
denon mc3000
hercules rmx
american audio vsm2
Evelyn Navarijo
23.11.2011
Originally Posted by lucasmanning
s4
Are you serious? The S4 is *huge*
Vikki Jeannoel
23.11.2011		s4
Evelyn Navarijo
23.11.2011
Originally Posted by Lew
Vestax Typhoon?
Considered it (or well, the spin, but it's same-same), but the quality seems a bit so-so for the price, afraid it's going to blow up to tidbits if someone knocks it over.
Gavin Rachor
23.11.2011		Vestax Typhoon?

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