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Styled to look great sat next to your Mac, the Vestax Spin is smaller than you might imagine.
Vestax Spin
Price: US$279
Rating:
Supplied software: djay; Sound card: yes; Phono/line inputs: no; Digital decks: 2; Booth/record out: no; Mic in: yes; Power; USB; Size & weight: 14 x 9.5 x 1.5″ (356 x 241 x 38mm), 3.3lb (1.5kg)
They say: Designed for Mac, Spin is the perfect all-in-one bundle of digital DJ hardware and software. It offers total control to mix, scratch, and play music as a DJ would.
We say: Compact home DJ set-up, even comes with a mike. Consumer-quality but a joy to use with good jogs & easy, dedicated software including great iTunes integration.
Learn more: Vestax Spin DJ Controller Review
Buy from: Amazon.com
Its bold styling may not be to everyone's taste, but it's fun to use thanks to Vestax's top-quality jog wheels.
Vestax Typhoon
Price: US$265 / £199
Rating:
Supplied software: Traktor LE; Sound card: yes; Phono/line: no; Digital decks: 2; Booth/record out: no; Mic in: yes; Power: USB; Size & weight: 14 x 9.5 x 1.5″ (356 x 241 x 38mm), 3.3lb (1.5kg)
They say: Typhoon is an all-in-one bundle of digital DJ hardware and software, offering total control to mix, scratch, and play music as a DJ would right at your fingertips.
We say: Compact home DJ set-up. Consumer-quality but fun to use with good jog wheels. Sliders are a little unusual but if you can live with the styling, it’s a good basic Traktor controller.
Learn more: Review: Vestax Typhoon DJ Controller
Buy from: Amazon.com, Amazon.co.uk
The Vestax VCI-100 was the first controller people started taking seriously, and it was immensely popular. It is still a good buy today.
Vestax VCI-100
Supplied software: Traktor LE; Sound card: no; Digital decks: 2; Power: USB/external; Size & weight: 14.1 x 9.9 x 1.4in (360 × 252 × 35mm), 5.7lb (2.6kg)
They say: The VCI-100 is a highly professional MIDI controller that has two jog wheels built with sensor and control technology straight from our turntables.
We say: Arguably the first “serious” DJ controller. Built like a tank, highly popular, highly adaptable. Famously hacked by Ean Golden of DJTechTools. No sound card though.
Buy from: Amazon.com, Amazon.co.uk
More logically laid out but with blue underlighting that may not be to everyone's taste: The Vestax VCI-100 MkII.
Vestax VCI-100 MkII
Price: US$559
Rating:
Supplied software: Traktor LE; Decks usable with supplied software: ; Sound card: yes; Phono/line in: no; Physical channels: 2; Booth/record out: yes; Mic in: no; Power: USB/external; Size & weight: 14.1 x 10.6 x 1.5″ (368 x 270 x 38mm), 4.4lb (2kg)
They say: Over the years as the entire DJ scene made its shift to computer based DJing, we kept collecting requests and demands for a new model. Here it is: VCI-100 MkII.
We say: It’s lighter, still well made, it’s got 4-deck control, it has a built-in sound card, the jog wheels have torque controls, and it’s jam-packed with features. Would be better with a mic input and ideally external line/phono inputs too.
Learn more: Review: Vestax VCI-100 Mk II DJ Controller
Buy from: Amazon.com
Solidly built and impressive in matt silver and black gloss, the VCI-300 has won design awards.
Vestax VCI-300
Price: US$475
Rating:
Supplied software: Serato ITCH; Sound card: yes; Phono/line inputs: no; Digital decks: 2; Booth/record outputs: no; Mic in: yes; Power: USB/external; Size & weight: 14.1 x 9.9 x 1.4″ (410 x 272 x 40mm), 7.1lb (3.2kg)
They say: Sharing their technology and feedback from Pro DJs and users, Vestax and Serato have created a dedicated DJ system offering absolute control.
We say: Elegant, brilliantly made and highly professional DJ system that’s a joy to use – but sorely lacking effects.
Learn more: Vestax VCI-300 & Serato ITCH – 3 Months In
Buy from: Amazon.com
To look at, the VCI-300 MkII is identical to the VCI-300. the changes are all under the hood.
Vestax VCI-300 MkII
Price: US$475 / £589 / €701
Rating:
Supplied software: Serato ITCH; Sound card: yes; Phono/line inputs: no; Digital decks: 2; Booth/record outputs: no; Mic in: yes; Power: USB/external; Size & weight: 14.1 x 9.9 x 1.4″ (410 x 272 x 40mm), 7.1lb (3.2kg)
They say: Preserving the concept of the VCI-300 and ITCH, the VCI-300MkII comes with usability improvements based on feedback from VCI-300 customers.
We say: Just a few niggles from the original VCI-300 (headphone volume being the main one) have been corrected. It’s on offer at time of writing with free VFX-1 effects unit.
Buy from: Amazon.com, Juno (UK), Juno (rest of Europe)
The metal-built Vestax VCI-400 is aiming to be the ultimate controller, especially for those who like to map their own controls.
Vestax VCI-400
Price: US$999 / £699 / €832
Rating:
Supplied DJ software: Virtual DJ LE, Serato Intro; Sound card: yes; Phono/line inputs: 2; Digital decks: 4 ; Booth/record out: no; Mic in: yes; Power: external; Size & weight:
They say: The VCI-400 is the hardware solution for DJs who have been seeking an instrument that perfectly adapts to their style of performance. Shifting focus from integrity with bundled DJ software to any DJ software has made the VCI-400 the most versatile and intuitive DJ controller in its league.
We say: It’s probably the fullest featured, best built four-channel Midi controller there is, and all packed into a box slightly smaller than the Traktor Kontrol S4. You’ll want to upgrade the software though.
Learn more: Review & Video: Vestax VCI-400 DJ Controller
Buy from: Juno (UK) / Juno (rest of Europe)
The VCM-100 will appeal to minimalists - especially if you're happy to use your laptop itself for cues, looping etc.
Vestax VCM-100
Price: US$499 / £303 / €362
Rating:
Supplied software: Traktor LE; Sound card: yes; Phono/line ins: 2; Digital decks: 2; Booth/record out: yes; Mic in: no; Power: USB/external; Size & weight: 1.8kg 13.8 x 5 x 1.6″ (350 x 126 x 40mm), 4lb (1.8kg)
They say: A compact USB Midi & audio system, Despite its size, the VCM-100 comes with stereo x 2 in/out connection, phones output and high quality controls.
We say: Highly portable and well made, nonetheless it misses too many features for us to be able to recommend it in 2012.
Buy from: Amazon.com, Juno (UK), Juno (rest of Europe)
Conclusion
There are some truly magnificent controllers here. The truth is that you could record killer DJ sets on absolutely any of them.
Our advice is to choose first and foremost whether you want a built-in sound card or a separate one, then whether you want two or four decks, then set your budget and start sifting through.
There are some truly magnificent controllers here. The truth is that you could record killer DJ sets on absolutely any of them.
In the end, go with your gut feeling. You’re going to spend a lot of time in the company of the one you choose, so go with something that looks good to you, and that you can see yourself performing on in front of a crowd of people.
Good luck!
Do you agree with our ratings? Are there any controllers we’ve left out you’d like to see included? Have you had good or bad experiences with any of these controllers? Please let us know in the comments.
Now go to:
Digital DJing On A Shoestring
Choosing a Digital DJing Controller
5 Reasons Why Digital DJing Beats Vinyl
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DJ Controllers: The Ultimate Buyer’s Guide 2013.
Pages: 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11
Tags: dj controller, DJ Midi controller, midi controllers
This work is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution-NonCommercial-NoDerivs 3.0 Unported License.
Really good one Phil, always love your work, im going for the reloop contour which is not in the list
[ link ]Yeah, expect the Contour, the K2 and a few other “different” DJ controllers to be added shortly…
[ link ]Can you add the 4midiloop to your guide? It is an amazing piece of kit and is custom made for Traktor.
[ link ]Good point, it’s in the DJ Controllers PDF but for some reason missed the boat here. It’s on the list for the first revision!
[ link ]Yes, please add the 4midiloop. I’ve been using it for almost a year now and it really is the ultimate Traktor controller when it comes to digital DJing. It has a hefty price tag, I know. But it’s totally worth it.
[ link ]Great stuff, as always..
It still bugs me the VCI-100 got only 3/5 tho
Any estimation when we can expect a full review of the Numark N4?
[ link ]Numark has promised us an N4 in the next week or two, so the review will be mid January latest. Like I say VCI-100 is only a 3/5 because it’s old now, it’s still a classic!
[ link ]But it’s been revamped with the new firmwaaaare.. okay, I’ll stop whining now
[ link ]Looking forward to the N4 review, I’m seriously thinking about buying it to replace my classic VCI-100 but I would like to wait for your opinion on it (as always).
Yeah, I sometimes disagree with the ratings, too.
Nevertheless, this guide is a great resource and I’m sure I’ll come back to it several times.
[ link ]FYI – you can use the sample decks with the Twitch, but currently only on the open beta version which seems pretty stable.
[ link ]Good news! You mean the open beta version of an update to ITCH presumably?
[ link ]yes indeed. you press shift and the hot queues button and the 1-6 pads drop the sample. can’t remember what the other two do…
…i looked on serato’s website:
Novation TWITCH
[ link ]Left and Right deck :
Hot Cue buttons 1-6 = Trigger sample slots 1-6 respectively.
Hot Cue buttons 7/8 = Toggle between sample banks left/right.
Note : You need to get into SP6 Hardware Trigger Mode independently for both decks (Shift + Hot Cues). Turning it on for the left deck will not turn it on for the right deck, this is by design.
how many fx can you control from the mixage ie?
[ link ]Traktor LE has three effects and a filter, you can control all of those. give us a shout over on the forum if you need to know more / go deeper into this.
[ link ]just bought the 4 set. i think its easily a 4 star, maybe even 5
[ link ]It’s the poor looping / FX controls that lose it marks in our judgement.
[ link ]yes i have to agree with that. well put. with a mit of re-mapping its good to go
[ link ]Having tried out a DDJ-S1 a few months back I was quite impressed by it and had it locked in as my next controller (plan to upgrade early next year). But having read some less positive things about it here, and then the glowing write up for the NS6 here and elsewhere… I’m now thinking it’s the Numark all the way (plus the extra 2 channels will be good to have up my sleeve). Would still like to have a play on one first though, just to be sure!
[ link ]Its not a bad controller per se, just overpriced in our view for what you get.
[ link ]wow. will definitely be directing anyone with a question of which controller to buy to this article directly. wonderful work!
as an s4 owner, i’m pleased to see you give it 5 stars. in my opinion it fully deserves it. ultimate traktor controller hands down. (i also have to give some love to my MIDI FIGHTER for being so damn fun. didn’t see it on the list but i think for the fun factor it deserves a bit of attention.)
ps. i don’t believe the traktor s2 is us-$899, more like $699? we’ll forgive the typo.
[ link ]The guide incorrectly states that the Torq Xponent does not have any extra inputs or outputs. Xponent features a separate booth output with a very accessible control. Always has.
[ link ]This is an absolutely amazing piece of equipment, I have been using it live in clubs now for roughly 6 months and it has taken the live performance to a whole new level. With a added little mapping I got from the traktor guys Im running the 8 sample decks directly without having to switch decks and can load 4, 8 or 16 bar loops/samples directly into a sample slot from the track Im playing synced in beat so my live remixing an mashups far beyond what it used to be. All in all I can’t understand any1 wanting to use anything else. My mates have also got the s4 and various allen & heath controllers but this baby puts them all in the tool shed in my humble opinion lol.
[ link ]And a HUGE thank you to you Phil for all you have done for us DJ’s so much time and effort you put in.
I thought I published this on the Denon mc6000 page ha ha ha so if you were wondering what I was nattering about noe you know
sry lol
[ link ]Any way we can get a link that isn’t on Facebook. I liked the page but i keep getting an error message that “this app does not yet support secure browsing (HTTPS)” even when i take the “S” out of the link it don’t work.
[ link ]Look again at the download page on FB. There are instructions on how to get around this. Sorry for the hassle
[ link ]Why not, talk about Numark Mixdeck.
It´s a great controller.
It´s a succes to me.
It´s out iof market.¡
Greatings from Mexico.
[ link ]Because this is pure digital; we should look more at CD/digital in the future, though.
[ link ]As a new DJ looking form something ranging from about £250 – £350 what would you recommend? Ideally I want a built in soundcard, and irt will be used with traktor pro 2, so included software is irrellavent! Also being suitable for DJ’ing small parties ec would be a plus, not something thta will break etc, what would you reccommend? I’ve looked through them all and have a basic idea but would love a proffessional opinion… Thanks and Happy Christmas!
[ link ]Mixage or Digital Jockey 2 would be good.
[ link ]I too would like too know which one do you think is better, mixtrack pro or mixage?
[ link ]They’re different, Mixtrack is bigger, more plasticky and the more popular of the two, Mixage is slightly more expensive, smaller, made of metal. Choice is yours, you won’t go wrong with either.
[ link ]you always impress me with your articles Phil…buh here’s ma glitch….i’m in africa, Nigeria precisely so gettin these controllers is mo like a problem….i got d vdj 7 pro already, what’s d best controller to use wit it?
[ link ]Mixtrack Pro is a good and widely available controller.
[ link ]Hi Phil.
Congrat for your job. I watched your review about twitch and as a new aspiring digital dj I’m going to this side, because I don’t need jog wheels.
I saw brand new hercules dj control air, and I’d like your opinion because I haven’t found many reviews on the web.
Twitch looks perfect to me but still expensive. Something you could recommend?
greatings from brazil. (:
[ link ]Not reviewed the Air yet, but it’s going to be in a different league to Twitch.
[ link ]Oh Geez… the Roland D-Beam rears it’s ugly head again? This was a very unpopular option for Roland and they discontinued it’s inclusion on keyboards after only 5 (or so) years. It sounds sorta’ like a Theramin, but it’s a gimmick that looks like it will be accidentally triggered a bunch seeing that those trigger pads are close to it.
[ link ]I miss the Vestax TR-1
[ link ]http://www.facebook.com/#!/groups/225712820773472/
[ link ]Can any of these be used with an ipad? Seeing the future is alligned with ipad and tablets.
[ link ]Only the iDJ Live and the Vestax Spin.
[ link ]Hey,
I’m a vinyl dj and it’s really annnoying when half the stuff I want takes ages to be released on 12″!
I’m not gunna ditch my 1210s with a Vestax PCV 275 mixer, but want to instead add a controller to my existing set up.
I’d probably want a cheap one if at all possible, that I can stick on the third channel of the mixer so I can go from record to mp3 etc.
Would it be simply a case of running a cable from the controller into the mixer?
[ link ]Yes, exactly. Treat it like just another music source.
[ link ]Hi, I’ve been wanting to get into DJing and mixing for a while now and haven’t quite pulled the trigger, until now. What equipment do you recommend? I don’t want something that is going to last a while and is worth it. I eventually want to be able to Dj in clubs in the future. Thank You
[ link ]Read the guide and try the free downloads of the software. You don’t need to spend much now – you need to work on your skills and get your first gig. At that point you’ll have abetter ideas of what route you want to take and what gear you therefore wish to buy. Mixtrack Pro is a great starter controller, or if you want to spend more, a Traktor S2.
[ link ]Yeah, I’ve been looking into the Trakor S2 for sure and my buddy also recommended the Numark MixDeck… what are your thoughts?
[ link ]Hey Phil, I’ve always wanted to get into DJing and have worked up the courage to purchasing my first midi controller. I really like Numark so I’m trying to decide between the N4 and NS6. My question is, as a beginner, which would benefit me more at this stage? To go in for the NS6? Or go with the cheaper S4? Thanks!
[ link ]Roughly in order of build quality: N4, S4, NS6. Any would be a good start – what’s your instinct? Bear in mind though that the N4 doesn’t come with any full-strength software so you’ll need to factor in buying Traktor Pro 2 or Virtual DJ Pro for that option. Also bear in mind the NS6 is Serato ITCh and the S4 is Traktor Pro 2, so look at both softwares and ask yourself which you prefer the look of.
[ link ]Hi,
I’ve been looking into alot of controllers lately but like most newbies, I’m confused!!
I’ve been interested in 3 of the controllers listed…
Numark Mixtrack Pro
Reloop Digital Jockey 2 ME
Reloop Digital Jockey 3 ME
My mate recently played at a club using the reloop DJ 2 ME. He said he liked it but said the eq was not the best and did’nt have the power when it was needed… true?? He usually plays with a normal 2 channel mixer via traktor kontrol X1.
So your opinion pls!! I have upto £500 to spend on a controller.. your verdict.
Thanks in advance!!
[ link ]Any of those will do you fine, look at the features and your budget. I think the Jockey 3 is the best of the three. EQ is a Traktor thing, not a hardware thing.
[ link ]Remember that you’ll need headphones and a computer for these controllers… unless you already have them.
[ link ]Hi everyone.
This post is directed to the author of this article.
I am curious as to why the Denon HC1000 was not included in this comparison. Was it because its strictly a controller vs some of these controllers that are packaged with software?
As far as Serato Scratch Live is concerned, it is probably hands down the best compact control solution, not to mention the best overall value. The layout perfectly mirrors Scratch Lives functions, and is the most portable and complete as possible solution. Try taking some of these other controllers to a cramped club environment.
I would be interested to see how the HC1000 ranks against these controllers in a future or revised comparison.
Thank you.
[ link ]Hey Phil, Love your site and has been a great help. I have an S2 but thinking about getting an S4…should I or shouldn’t I…I’ve had it for about 2 months and love Traktor and feel I would get more out of it if I got an S4, so I guess ami I wrong in this thought process. Your thoughts would be greatly appreciated. Thanks
[ link ]Unless you have a solid reason, no. Sure the S4 has extra features but unless you’ve squeezed every last drop out of your S2, which is going to take any DJ years, I think you should play out more, learn new techniques listen to your heroes and learn on what you have. You can DJ on anything; the gear isn’t the skill.
[ link ]will numark release a successor to the successful mixtrack pro?
which are the best controller in the $250 price range?
mixtrack pro
vestax spin
vestax typhoon
anything else?
[ link ]I am sure they will one day. Get our full guide here: http://djtips.co/free.
[ link ]I have a question(newbie):
I am thinking about buying my first midi controller. Have being looking at M-Audio Torq Xponent, Hercules DJ 4Set and the Vestax Typhoon. Are all 3 of these controllers compatible with Traktor, Virtual DJ? Thanks….
[ link ]Yes, they can all be mapped to both software packaged. Get our free guide http://djtips.co/free for full details of what they come with.
[ link ]Thanks…
I saw on M-Audio website that Torq Xponent uses a Torq system? What is that? Is that their our software like Traktor, Serato and Virtual DJ? Also which one is more suitable for scratching? I have played around with Trakror LE and Mixx before with a Stanton system.
[ link ]Torq 2.0 is very similar to Serato Itch, but has MIDI mapping somewhat like Traktor and the interface is more customizable than Itch. While it’s about as good as all the other High-End DJ software, it is rather fun to use and has 4 deck control although the Xponent is listed as only a 2 deck controller (I’d find a way to set up a “Toggle Mod” so I could do a Deck A/C / Deck B/D toggle arrangement if I had one of these. The one unique factor regarding the Xponent is the X-Y pad in the top center of it… which could be used for something fun… like a Korg KAOSS pad.
[ link ]The XY pad is actually a mousepad. If there’s fun to be had with that, I’d love to see!
[ link ]Torq is also, afaik, the only DJ-app that has Rewire wich is HUGE for those that like to sync your DJ’ing to say Ableton/Reason. Rewire has NO latency at all. Serato has The Bridge, but then you’d need Itch-hardware and Ableton Suite. The only way to do this with Traktor is with major latency-issues in Windows, or buy a Mac where it works flawless. I’m currently looking for a used Xponent for this purpose, wich is totally doable seeing as the controller is getting old these days. The current price is also quite nice on these. About 250 euros in some stores in Norway (Kr 2500,-).
And yes, the XY pad can ALSO be used as a mousepad, or as a midi-control like the Kaoss Pad.
[ link ]Thanks a ton for the review. With the last year, when i started out-I took your review seriously and picked Hercules MK4 as my learning tool. I have been using it in my in-house setup, private pool parties, small gigs. I have been filling time (warm up sets) for club DJs. Lol – people thought I am a joke when i took the small box out – But it did its job well
[ link ]Now to the next move, I am picking the Denon MC6000 – for mobile DJing, home practice. Please suggest if thats good or I should consider the Pioneer DDJ / American Audio VMS4 ? I use Tracktor Pro 2. Planning to invest a heavy duty midi, Tracktor X1 (X2 or X4 are they real ? )
The Denon is a good choice.
[ link ]im looking at the pioneer DDJ-ergo or the Denon DN-MC6000 would you mind telling me the differences (pros and cons) and which you like better and why
[ link ]thank you much
Ergo is more for consumers, MC6000 is a pro controller.
[ link ]ive decided to buy the dennon BUT when i was looking at places to buy it i saw the dennon mc3000 what is the difference
[ link ]I have the NS7FX unit system already but looking for a smaller more portable system. I’m currently looking at the Numark N4, 4trak, Novation Twitch, NI Kontrol S4( what porter robinson uses) and maybe the Denon Mc6000, which of the above would be better for use with Traktor, and option of Serato Itch( since I could just still use my crates). But that’s not important. I just want something powerful like along the lines of the NI Kontrol S4 without spending $600, just a price range of $400 + or – $50-$75.
[ link ]Hey Bizeek,
I rounded this up for you: Please take a special note that the software “Serato Itch” only works with specific hardware and unless your controller is on that list, it won’t even leave “Browser Mode” until you hook up a controller that is supported, however all of these Controllers can be used with the software “Traktor Pro 2.X.”
Numark N4:
Price: US $499
Supplied DJ software: Virtual DJ LE & Serato Intro (not Itch but it’s almost the same thing)
Numark 4trak:
Price: US $999.95
Supplied DJ software: TRAKTOR 2 (Pro) 4TRAK Edition
Novation Twitch:
Price: US $426
Supplied DJ software: Serato ITCH 2.0 (Comes with Traktor Overlay but not the software).
Native Instruments Kontrol S4:
Price: US $899
Supplied DJ software: Traktor (Pro) S4
Denon Mc6000
Price: US $709
Supplied DJ software: Traktor LE
The only controller in your price range ($400 + or – $50-$75) that will control both software platforms you asked for (for use with Traktor, and option of Serato Itch) is the Novation Twitch. I have one of these controllers and never felt lacking for anything and works beautifully with Itch, Traktor, and (if you’re up for it), Ableton Live. If you want a jog wheel and you don’t mind not being able to use Itch, the Numark N4 (with 4 volume up-faders) is your other option (although slightly above your stated budget.
[ link ]I actually just bought a mix track pro today and later found the article which was helpful since I was debating between that and the hercules rmx. You helped me decide to keep it. Question though. I have vdj 6.1.2. Do you know if its compatible with the controller?
[ link ]Hey Phil, thanks so much for the fantastic reviews!!!
[ link ]By the way, have you seen or have had the opportunity to try an iRig Mix, what would you think of such a unit for a beginner DJ on a budget, and it’s accompanying iOS app (provided you have an iPad and want to jam along with it).
We’ve got an iRig mix review coming real soon…
[ link ]Alright, thanks a lot Phil, will be looking forward to it.
[ link ]hey guys please suggest me amongst the two which one is better..
m audio torq expo vs hercules dj4set .?
[ link ]Please ask on the http://www.digitaldjtips.com/forum for answers to specific questions.
[ link ]Hello Phil,
Is there any chance to have a American Audio VMS4.1 review?
Thank you much!
[ link ]There’s one on the way
[ link ]I want to buy one in a week from now and i’m very confused if for a club/party DJ like me isn’t enough a VMS2 (no need for scratching). Any suggestions?
[ link ]Hello
I was just wondering if the reloop Terminal Mix 2 serato midi controller was any good for scratching and it if was worth my money. i am new to digital dj ing and am looking for a dj controller to scratch with (if you have any suggestions).
Thanks, James
[ link ]Excellent guide!! I went for the Mixtrack Pro because of the budget, but definitely this guide made me take my decision. Congrats!!!
[ link ]Hi Phil !
[ link ]What controller which one of these would you recommend to a young beginner dj to start with: Reloop Jockey 3 ME, Denon MC3000 or Denon MC6000, Vestax Vci-300 mkII or Vestax VCI-380. I am absolutely sure i want to DJ so i am looking a set which would allow me to play later, when i get good enough, in clubs.
Thank you so much !
The VCI-300 is a bit old now, the VCI-380 is not out yet, so that leaves the other three.
The Denon choice would depend on if you want a proper standalone mixer or not, and then it’s down to price and features. Get the PDF, look at the comparison tables, and feel free to ask any further questions over on the forum ( http://www.digitaldjtips.com/forum ) – there are no “right” answers here.
[ link ]Hi, i’m from latinamerica and started mixing in last october. I’ve been mixing in clubs and partys and I have a mate with the one we play a VS or B2B dj set. I play electro mostly… when I started DJing I bought an Reloop Mixage IE and for controlling effects and other stuff I have an Akai MPD 32 (16 pads, 8 encoders, 8 faders) I sold my Mixage and I’m looking for a new controller maybe the next step. I need built in sound card, good construction and quality… I’ve been thinking about:
Reloop Digital Jockey 2
American Audio VMS2
Reloop Contour IE
The digital jockey 2 has eq kills but reminds me too much to the mixage so I don’t feel it like a “growing”
The VMS2 seems nice but th 2 stars rating got me thinking
The CONTOUR is evrything I love but I will need 2 of them cause I’m not use to use “SHIFT”
What would you recommend me? thanks so much
[ link ]Best p`lace to ask this is over on the forum (http://www.digitaldjtips.com/forum), where the community can help you out properly. And get the guide of course: http://djtips.co/free
[ link ].
Hi Phil
are you planning to review Numark Mixdeck Express? It looks like Numark is merging two worlds with this one with quite acceptable price…. I’am contemplating the purchase reason being built in cd players and usb docks
best regards
DJ TC
[ link ]We may do at some point.
[ link ]Hi Everyone,
did any one of you maybe tried Numark Mixdeck Express at the live gig or home……any comments are welcome….thanks
[ link ]If none of our info gives you any idea, just buy the Mixtrack Pro. It’s the most popular beginners controller.
[ link ]hi
I want to start djing but i dont know which controller i should get. I would mostly use it for mixing and scratching. Which controller should i get? my price range is under 400.
[ link ]Hi Phil,
First of all great review. i’m in a dilemma to buy a controller among – american audio vms4, denon mc 3000 / Numark N4 / traktor kontrol s2. i know s2 comes with full software and i don’t want to spend after purchasing the controller on upgrading the software. but as denon supports both virtual dj as well traktor would it be better choice. and how about vms4 and n4 they have 4 channels which is handy for sure. for vms4 can elaborate this “midilog” feature..
at last.. which out of four i should go for.. please help
[ link ]Hi Sandy, please feel free to come and ask specific questions over on the forum, where the whole community can assist you! http://www.digitaldjtips.com/forum
[ link ]G’day, I am a very keen and eager learner with the DJing business but my problem is that i either want to choose with the Numark MixtrackPro or NI Traktor S2 i have no clue as to which does better or what. And If i went with either one of these what software would run with it. Please reply as i am very confused.
[ link ]i have the S4+F1 setup and you couldnt change me to anything else. Talk about remixing on the fly!
vci-100 and 300 should get 4 stars imo. Hercules RMX is also a tried and proven controller.
[ link ]What controller do you suggest for a budget range 500-600???
[ link ]All our best info is in the guide – http://djtips.co/free
[ link ]Hello,
[ link ]I have been looking through the other comments and I didn’t see anything that covered my situation. I currently use SSL with Technics 1200 turntables, the Rane ttm57 and Novation Dicers. I have been thinking about getting a controller for a while now in order to cut down on the amount of equipment I carry to a gig. My problem is that I want a controller that affords me the ability to control mp3s as well as I can with my vinyl (scratching and juggling beats) but I also want the ability to midi map like I can with SSL (which is where my Dicers come into play). I’m happy that you can now use Itch to spin video but I don’t like that you cannot control the SP sampler or other features in the program with a midi controller. What I’m getting at, is there a setup that would closely resemble what I’m doing now with my current setup or is there a way to combine some things to get the functionality that I am looking for? I saw someone post that the Novation Twitch can be mapped to control the SP sampler banks but it doesn’t have jog wheels for scratching. Thanks for any help you can give.
DJ Simple
Mmmm, you can control the sample decks in a limited way with some ITCH controllers but the answer basically is no, what you’re asking for isn’t out there right now.
[ link ]The Vestax Spin is a great entry level midi controller, light, portable and yes offers great ITunes integration.
The big problem though is the sound card – the output quality is really poor and only suitable for the house, its seriously lacks depth and bass. I’m now upgrading to the Numark NS6 after reading the reviews but the Vestax will definitely still travel with me when I go abroad on holiday. While the soundcard is poor the recording quality is great so you can record some great quality mixes on the move.
[ link ]KAM have discontinued their digital controllers, including the Digi mini.
[ link ]Thanks for the update, the 2013 guide is due soon…
[ link ]I have a budget of about £1200 and i really want the numark ns7, I’m still unsure. Do you think theres anything better?
[ link ]Theres nothing else quite like it, for sure.
[ link ]Love your work Phil, Just need you opinion. What would be the best midi controller for £200, ive played decks for years but fancy one of these, would really appreciate if you could help me out, also want a decent controller for scratching, thanks
[ link ]Mixdeck Pro, for sure.
[ link ]Thank you, Ive also been looking at the jb systems kontrol 3. Its looks pretty well built and i quite like the look of it, do you have anys views on it or the reloop dj 2 master edition, wich one would you choose? Thanks
[ link ]Hey,
[ link ]I really appreciate this post. This just saved me several hours of research which may still be wrong in the end. It only took a little bit of time and I already know the perfect controller to get for the holidays. You’re a life saver, and I bookmarked this website (not just this page).
Thanks again!
I have a translation to SPANISH of a PDF: DJ CONTROLLERS THE ULTIMATE BUYER’S GUIDE 2012… fOR much viewers on this page. I do with Google Translator and others softwares. If you need the PDF GUIDE, tell me about and I post the link. I upload the PDF in to Mediafire Server, because is the best for me. I help you with this PDF. Thanks for read my comment.
[ link ]Hi Phil, I have about £300 budget and thinking of splurging on the Numark N4. Any others that are in the pipelines for 2013 that I should consider holding out for? Thanks for your work, it is a great assistance.
[ link ]Watch the site in next couple of days!
[ link ]where i could find mixtrack pro. in egypt ?!
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