DJ Trinity from Philadelphia tries out an iPod DJ controller
Here at Digital DJ Tips, our ethos is simple: DJing should be done digitally, and you should be able to fit all your DJ gear in a bag. That means a laptop, a controller, and anything else that will fit in the pockets and compartments of your DJ trolley, backpack or shoulder bag, such as headphones, soundcard etc.
Your controller is probably the most important choice you’ll make when it comes to DJ equipment, and it’s an intensely personal one. You can get by with any old laptop as long as it has the power to do what you need it to, but the controller is literally going to be in (or at least under) your hands all the time when you’re DJing.
Let me tell you about the controllers I’ve used through the years to illustrate…
Hercules MK1 – My first controller
The Hercules MK1 was one of the first digital DJ controllers to hit the streets.
Kudos to Hercules for being there at the start. I was working for IDJ magazine at the time (end of 2004) and they sent me this to review. To say it blew my mind was an understatement – to be able to control music like that was totally new to me. I was about to move countries, so personally the idea of not having to carry records around but still DJ was fantastic. Plus I’d never taken to CDJs.
I was DJing every Saturday night in a club at that time, and immediately started using the Hercules there, to many strange looks. It crashed a couple of times, but I always had some vinyl lined up “just in case”.
After a few weeks, though, it started to irk me. This was essentially a cheap, plastic unit; a lightweight, toy-like thing. The cueing was spongy. The unit was too small and I knocked the wrong controls when I was trying to do things. I was sent the MK2 by IDJ mag too, but same thing – it didn’t impress.
(Since then, I’ve used the Hercules RMX, just recently when my current controller was off for repair. It’s their top-end unit and while not professional quality, it’s very good for the price. Well done to Hercules for staying in the game.)
DJing with all kinds of kit
The Evolution UC3 is a great all-round controller, useful for Ableton as well as other DAWs and even DJing.
What happened next was curious, though: I was hooked on Virtual DJ, the software that came with the MK1. (I’d tried Traktor, but found it a bit gimmicky and not very user-friendly.) Virtual DJ, with its big waveforms and cute skins, was great fun to use. I was so hooked, in fact, that I bought the full-power version.
I still needed a controller though, so I tried DJing with an Evolution UC-33e I had knocking around, and even an M-Audio O2 controller. (Cue more weird looks from the clubbers. DJing with a piano keyboard?) Nothing did it for me, though.
Who needs a controller anyway?
What I ended up doing was realising I didn’t need any extra kit apart from my laptop at all. I spent a day programming Virtual DJ to work with my keyboard using custom shortcuts, mirror-imaging the computer keyboard down the middle to give myself a left and right deck set of bass, mid, treble, kills, nudges, skips and sync controls. I put samples along the function keys and anything else I could think of, including a crossfader, on the other keys. From then, I DJed in the club with just the laptop. I bought an Indigo DJ soundcard that plugged into the VCI slot of the laptop, so literally I just had to take the laptop and some headphones to gigs with me. (Cue more very weird looks in the clubbers.)
The Indigo Echo DJX soundcard is great for sheer convenience and the sound quality is top of the tops. It's not cheap, though.
This set-up actually served me well for five years, DJing on and off in bars, parties and the odd club (I’d moved to Spain by then and was busy doing other stuff too). I loved Virtual DJ, and it was easy to set this up on any laptop, as long as I kept the XML for the keyboard shortcuts handy (I lost it once and had to program the whole lot again from scratch). My laptop WAS my DJ controller. As I am not a scratch DJ and don’t often scratch (maybe with acapellas a bit), it didn’t bother me to much.
Meanwhile, I kept an eye on the developing controller market, but nothing grabbed me enough to dip in again.
The seven year Itch
(Well, six years actually, but I couldn’t resist the subheading.) When I decided to DJ a bit more often again, I wanted to get the tactile “fun” back into it, and so I started looking for a high-quality controller. I was being paid for my gigs, so I could justify spending what it took (which meant a new MacBook Pro, too. Hard life…). Once I had the MacBook, I wanted a controller/software combination that “just worked”, and was drawn to Serato Itch. I had to think long and hard about abandoning Viurtal DJ, which I loved, but took the plunge and went for the Serato Itch / Vestax VCI-300 combo.
(I’d had my eye on the VCI-100 and played with it enough to know it was the real deal, but meanwhile had fallen for Itch, so my controller choice was limited, especially as the fantastic Numark NS7 was far too big to carry around on my shoulder.)
The VCI-300, apart from being well built and having well-spaced controls, is simple, simple, simple. The jogwheels are a complete joy, the touch sensitivity means scratching is easy, and the way the jogwheels have two functions depending on whether you touch their edge (like a record edge) or their top (like a record’s surface) is fiendishly clever and not repeated by any other manufacturer that I know of.
You forget you’re using it and enjoy the music, the selections, the night, the people – everything you should be enjoying as a good DJ. It feels almost TOO simple, and indeed on-board FX control would have been nice, but it’s a 9/10 for me. And that brings us up to date…
The next two years will be really interesting…
The Allen & Heath Xone DX has it all - except best-in-class jogwheels
My point is that digital DJing lives or dies by the quality of its controllers. DJing with just the keyboard is clever and convenient, but DJing is a lot about playing with controls at the end of the day.
Forget the big, cumbersome CDJ-2000s and that route. Yeah they’re standard in superclubs and the old boys love ‘em, but it’s still shoehorning new technology into old. You don’t need that stuff any more. And while we’re at it, virtual vinyl is great if you already have decks or are a diehard scratch DJ (yawn), but really, would you go and buy decks then a DVS? They don’t even MAKE Technics any more, for Pete’s sake. There are iPod DJ controllers (see first pic) too which have a certain appeal, but it’s nice to have a proper display.
No, the way forward is proper laptop-driven DJ controllers. Vestax already have lots of spin-offs (sorry for the pun) of the VCI-100 and VCI-300, no doubt with more to come. Allen & Heath’s DX is interesting for the 4-deck technicians who want to have a a few tricks up his or her sleeve – although that jogwheel looks like an afterthough to me. There are loads of quality controllers coming out, but the point is, there’s no industry standard yet, and that’s exciting. The reason is that while the popularity of digital DJing will certainly mushroom when everyone unites behind one standard set of features (if not one standard manufacturer), in the meantime – who knows what will happen next?
How much fun could DJing be with the Akai APC40 and Ableton? Watch this space...
Another very interesting development, is DJing with digital audio workstations (DAWs), led by Ableton, which itself has got some very tasty controllers. This changes the very nature of DJing in that all of the beatmatching and “vinyl” control is gone. I am planning to invest some time in this area and am looking at the Akai and Novation controllers to see what these can bring to my performances, so watch this space on that one.
So – which controller to use?
So, what has all of this spending and experimenting led me to conclude, kit-wise? Well, I can only recommend what I’ve used, and so my current recommendations to new DJs go like this:
If you don’t have much cash, get the Hercules RMX, which comes with a version of Virtual DJ and has a built-in soundcard. It’s a well-built, solid unit which, while lacking the finesse of the VCIs, will last you a long time and won’t make you look stupid in pubic (obviously an important thing.) Don’t buy anything cheaper. It will probably break. You’ll definitely end up hating it.
If you have a bit more to spend, especially if you want to play with scratching digital files, go for a Vestax. Go for the VCI-100 if you think Traktor will be the DJ software for you (although you’ll need a soundcard, and here I still recommend the Indigo series for sheer convenience), and go for the VCI-300 if you think Serato Itch will be better.
(Regarding the software, Itch is the one for you if you prefer to just “let the music play”, Traktor has got more tricks up its sleeve but sacrifices ease of use.)
Whichever option you go for, try and look at and play on the kit first. Like your bed or your shoes, a DJ controller badly chosen will cause you no end of strife. Pick carefully, and come on inside. It’s a lot of fun over here on the right side of the digital divide!
Are you looking for your first controller? Have you DJed on weird and wonderful Midi equipment over the years? Did you buy something you ended up wishing you hadn’t? We’d love you to share your thoughts.
Now go to:
DJ Midi Controllers: The Ultimate Buyer’s Guide 2011
Four New Budget DJ Controllers for 2010
What Extra Software Do I Need For Digital DJing?
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Tags: dj controllers, hercules mk1, hercules RMX, Indigo Echo DJ, Indigo Echo DJX, Serato ITCH, Traktor, vestax vci-300, Virtual DJ
I’m looking to get my first DJ controller but I’m on a tight budget. What would you recommend? I’ve narrowed down my picks to the Hercules RMX, Vestax 100 and Vestax Spin.
I want to be able to scratch and want the controller that allows me to do the most effects. I’m also very familiar with VDJ but not so much with Serato or traktor.
And finally I have a Thinkpad laptop (not the best for multimedia)
What would you recommend for me?
[ link ]Out of those three, definitely the VCI-100 – it’s a great controller, and very popular with serious DJs. RMX – don’t even try to scratch on this. Vestax Spin is a smaller brother the the VCI-100, so go for the VCI-100 out of these two. I’d rather have a second hand VCI than either of the others, if money is tight. The VCI-100 will work with VDJ. Check the minimum spec of Virtual DJ against that of your laptop first. Let us know how you get on!
[ link ]Hey thanks for the response. I’m leaning towards the VCI now but had one last question about another controller I saw, the Numark – Complete DJ Controller for Apple® iPod®. The main reason I’m considering this one is because it allows to mix straight from an iPod as opposed to having to carry around a computer.
What are your thoughts on this? Also do you know anything about this Numark controller, i.e. ease of use, quality, which software it runs?
And how easy is it to learn to use the VCI 100?
Sorry for all the questions but I wanna make sure I know what I’m getting myself into. Thanks!
[ link ]Funnily enough when I made the switch (I used to be a vinyl DJ) I thought about that controller for a short while too. But all I can tell you is why I didn’t go for it, which is that it is a bit toy-like; that you certainly can’t scratch on it; no professionals use it EXCEPT wedding DJs who don’t mix like club DJs (and they love it for the convenience, like you have spotted); and the lack of a propert display for your tune selections, waveforms and other goodies is a real disability. That final one is why I didn’t go for it in the end. Glad I didn’t though.
The VCI-100 is easy to learn to use, once you have everything set up. You’ll need a DJ soundcard too. If it is all looking a bit expensive, the Numark Mixtrack is actually an excellent buy. A bit “cheaper” in all ways but I’m hearing really good things. You’d have to use Traktor though out of the box, which is OK but not my favourite for ease of use. Again you’d need a soundcard.
Feel free to ask away, by the way
[ link ]That’s an excellent a to make – if I get into DJing, I definitely do NOT want to be of the wedding variety kind. That being said I still don’t want to blow a small fortune on a new instrument that may not stick.
I wasn’t aware that the VCI-100 didn’t have a soundcard built in. It seems that after factoring that in, the cost for just the set up is close to $600. Are there any controllers that have soundcards built in or any controller + a soundcard package that I can get and stay in the $300-400 range?
The criteria that I suppose are important are:
1. Ease of performance/to learn (the hardware and software)
2. Cost
3. Appearance
4. Functions
Also (and this may be a rather silly question) but the effects that controllers have (i.e. flanger, horn, beat cutting) is that determined by the software or by the hardware?
I’ve toyed around with Virtual DJ a lot and love working with the effects and would want to still be able to incorporate them into play.
Thanks again for all the help and insight.
[ link ]The Numark Mixtrack at $150, plus Native Instrument’s Audio Dj 2 which only costs $100 leaving the total price at $250, though you’d have to use Traktor LE software.
The Vestax Typhoon would be $50 more (Traktor too). I’d definitely seek those two out somewhere for a demo.
Traktor is fine. It has FX though you may wish to upgrade to the paid-for version later as LE is limited.
And yes, the FX are determined by the software.
[ link ]hello, was going to ask what happens if i recommend as a controller the numark NS7FX, its a nice controller with almost everything you need, including 7-inch vinyls instead of jog wheels,….it is not hard to mix with vinyls and it is just like 20 kilos in a hand for god sake.
[ link ]What make you guys think about the NS7FX, it is good… common.
Hey, looking to get into DJing, and I’m thinking of ordering the Traktor s4. i know you’re not a fan of Traktor, but my question is whether most nightclubs (I know I’m getting a little ahead of myself here haha) can accommodate these USB controllers? Or are they more for mobile/bar DJs? Also, any thoughts on the S4?
[ link ]The answer is… some of them. The Traktor Kontrol S4 is quite big though which is one of my beefs with it (it’s still a fantastic controller). I prefer smaller controllers personally (the new VCI-100 Mk II looks nice). It’s not that I don’t like Traktor, I just think there are more elegant DJ solutions out there. I’d still recommend it.
[ link ]I went with the Vestax Typhoon as my first midi controller and love it. I think Traktor is pretty easy to use and the Typhoon has just enough controls. I can see myself moving to a more high end mixer soon but I definitely recommend the Typhoon and Traktor,
[ link ]what is your take on the VSM4, american audio?
[ link ]It’s built to a budget, and some people have returned them for that reason – print rubbing off the fascia, low quality microphone input and potentially weak jogwheels are the main complaints. It’s very cheap for what you get though.
[ link ]Hi Phil
Am looking to buy a digital controller after having previously just used vinyls, and more recently timecodes with Traktor and VDJ software. Don’t want to spend a great deal, maybe £150-200 (I’m from the UK) and was wondering what you would recommend to just get started with. Have been hearing good things about the Numark MixTrack Pro. What do you think?
Great site by the way.
[ link ]Definitely the Mixtrack Pro is a solid choice, it’s what I’d go for at this price point right now.
[ link ]Or is it worth paying a little more for an Omni Control?
[ link ]No, it is an old controller.
[ link ]I am planning on my First own usb DJ controller for my Traktor on Windows PC Laptop. I prefer one with 2 decks and inbuilt soundcard. I dont play in huge studio or clubs. I move often into private/house/corporate parties.
[ link ]I have already tried the Hercules MK2 and loved it. But its too limited. I would prefer it as my standby and worthy companion
Please suggest a good, feature loaded, soundcard inbuilt, 2 deck controller with a normal reasonable price. Thanks.
Mixtrack Pro is the one I would recommend.
[ link ]Thanks much for the reply..I am getting the same..Thought of investing on American Audio VS4..But as a starter your suggestions comes first
[ link ]I am Using Behringer bcd 3000 cheap with all the features and then upgraded to an M Audio xponent very nice.So you are welcome to review these.(Garth in South Africa)
[ link ]I got a Numark Mixtrack which i think the best controller in the market right now. Been spinning with in my bedroom and parties and Mixtrack never let me down. For those who has tight budget, go for Mixtrack.
Now i’m ready to go to the next level of djing, i’m thinking of 4 controllers right now i.e. M-audio Torg, Denon mc6000, pioneer T1 and S4. Which one is your recommendation?
[ link ]I am new a new DJ and cannot decide whether or not it is worth the extra 150$ (US) to get the hercules 4-MX instead of the RMX. They both look good and I am not sure whether or not it is worth it to upgrade for touch based jogs and 4 deck control.
[ link ]RMX is old now – definitely worth buying a newer controller, whatever you go for.
[ link ]Hey there Phil,
I have been using the Vestax Typhoon for a while now (and loved it, it’s light and fun to use) but found it to be very limited and not accurate as I would like it to be (sound leaks, EQ faders are glitchy and so on), yet it served me very well at home and in the clubs (using it with a NI Audio 4 Dh sound card).
I am working with another Dj who is buying now the APC 40 mainly to controll effects and loops (we are performing with a live drummer and the APC40 will be controlling his drum triggers effects).
And after going over a whole load of controllers I got my eye on the Novation Twitch (I don’t do scratching so found the touch strips to be a great option, and I love beat mashing and work a lot with cue points so the 8 pads will replace a Midi Fighter).
My only concern is the 4 decks VS 2 decks
I remember you saying in one of you Twitch reviews that it will give you so much options and versatility over the tunes that you won’t feel the need for 4 decks, but I never played with 4 decks so I can’t really know
So I struggling between the Novation Twitch, which seems to be the perfect 2 deck controller for someone like me who needs many FX’s controls and buttons (give me more buttons!), replacing the need of something external like a Midi Fighter
to the 4 deck controllers like the S4
Software is not an issue (worked with VDJ and Traktor loved them both) as long as it can send an external clock setting to sync me with the second Dj
Your thoughts for me?
p.s
[ link ]sorry for the long message
Hi – I’m going to answer this for you in a blog post fully in the next week or so, meanwhile I’ve emailed you a brief response
[ link ]Hi
I’ve tested a lot of controller and have owned or own Bcd 3000, Xponent, Ns7, V7 and Mixtrack pro.
Just sold of my Ns7 because its to HEAVY if you like me do mobile gigs too.
My new main controller is the Denon DN-MC6000 and I absolutly love it! Its like a pro verion of AD vms4, everything feels high quality, great mic preamps, perfect faders and nobs….
If it been just a little bit bigger it had been totaly perfect.
So, if you looking for a veratile controller with high quality, look no futher
[ link ]Hey there! I was looking forward to get into the djing thing, and I’m up to buy my first MIDI controller! I started with the Numark Pro as my first choice, later on I decided to go for the iCD DJ in a Box, that before realizing that the NDX 200 were kinda like a waste of time. So I kept searching and found myself with the Hercules RMX. I loved it. However, my search was not over and I found the DJ 4 Set and the 4-MX. So my question is: Which one? My plan is to buy a MIDI controller, and then a pair of NDX 400, please tell me which would work better with my future plans, and which one is more convenient based on price and funcionality!
[ link ]Thank you sooo much!!!
If you want to use CD players then you need a Midi controller with external inputs so of the two you mention, the 4mx is best.
[ link ]so i am a beginner DJ and I’m trying to decide between 3 controllers:
-Vestax Spin DJ Controller
-Vestax VCI-300 Controller (with a VFX-1 for free)
-Numark Mixtrack Pro
after reading all your reviews i was left deciding between these three controllers, and they all have their pros and cons for me:
-the Vestax spin is cheap and looks like fun for a beginner who owns a mac, i like the Vestax’s signature jogwheels and i enjoy the djay software. however the software and controller seem somewhat limited and i dont want to be looking to upgrade in the near future
-the vci-300 has all the features i like in the spin and has more features as well, however it is a fair bit more expensive and i dont know how much the extra features / free VFX-1 would be improve the experience (i.e. is it worth the extra $200 appx for the additional features / free VFX-1?)
-the newmark mixtrack pro seems like a great deal for its price, but i dont like the jogwheels and the unit looks cheap in pictures, and ive always been a believer in you get what you pay for. also i am willing to pay more for the vci-300 if you feel it is worth it?
not having used any of them, the opinion of someone who has would be very useful. any comments, input or suggestions are appreciated
[ link ]-thank you
The VCI300 with free VFX1 is the one I would go for our of the three.
[ link ]I have an Omni Control at the minute, which has been good enough for what I’ve been doing, but I’m looking to upgrade so that I can potentially do gigs and such and not look like an idiot.
I’ve seen and heard good things about the VCI-100 MK ii but not sure if it’s more for scratching or not.
Taking that budget into mind, what could you suggestion for me?
[ link ]Vci100 mk2 is good enough for scratching.
[ link ]Would you recommend the Numark Mixdeck? I’m thinking of buying it.
[ link ]We’ve not reviewed it so I’d hesitate to recommend it.
[ link ]Hi,
I am an old school dj, used to dj with sl 1200 way back. But my son ( who is 7) is getting the vibe for dj’ing now aswell, and i’m thinking to buy something that is good for him but also good enough for me,.
I have read a lot about digital controllers lately, and i am kind of leaning towards the Pioneer DDj ERGO, the Stanton SCS4DJ or the Numark Mixdeck Express, All of them have a nice selection of features that are good for a Person who wants to get into DJ’ing and a more advanced user. Which would you recommend? or is there a different alternative that is a lot better at the same price range?
Thanks,
[ link ]Jerry