Controller Clinic #37: What’s A Good Pro-Quality Backup System?

Forum reader Carl says: “I have been a mobile DJ for years. Recently, I purchased a Traktor Kontrol S2 which has allowed me to lighten my load considerably, and set up faster onsite (as opposed to using an analogue mixer, and external sound card). I never do any scratching, so having the S2 seems like real overkill. However, I like it, and will probably keep it anyway.

“Now, onto my question. What can I use for a simple, professional, back-up system (something that I can use in the event that the S2 fails)? Ideally, whatever it is would contain a mic input, a nice sound card, and would be small enough to easily carry. Professional grade is required.”

Digital DJ Tips says:

By “S2 fails”, I presume you mean the laptop crashes or something like that. So you’re going to want either a full separate digital backup, or some kind of analogue fall-back. And are you envisaging being able to DJ all night on the new system, or just while you reboot?

If it’s just to get you back on your feet, why not just have a tiny analogue mixer through which you plug the S2 and your DJ microphone, plus a simple audio out from an MP3 player or even your mobile phone (or iPad if you have one)? That way you can use the phone, iPad etc to provide music while you sort out the computer (ie reboot).

If you’re worried simply about the S2 failing and not the laptop, a small mixer like the Xone:23C has a decent mic input, good quality sound card and digital channels so you can DJ from your laptop, using the mouse and keyboard rather than the S2.

What do you use as your back-up system in the case of laptop or controller fail? Please share your thoughts below.