Also, has anyone tried to just plain mix on turntables and beat-match vinyl through the MCX8000 as a standalone mixer? The reason I ask is because I have played on Gemini, Pioneer, Numark etc and can match a beat anytime, anywhere, but not on this thing. The Analog inputs are not just passing through the board, theres definitely some digital processing that happens with them. When you adjust the pitch on your turntable, the adjustment is very apparently delayed on the Master output of the controller. Also, my vinyl sounds great through all mixers but its got way to much bass through the 8000. Every record has to be perfectly EQ’d, I’d much prefer a straight Analog pass-thru of what you put in you get out. The 8000 is built well but has software / processing issues imho.
-X
Hi!
I played with a friend b2b a couple of times lately and he does not have rekordbox analyzed files so we have to play without sync. Wheras this is not too difficult we found that even having the cdj or xdj set at the same tempo and having a 100% tight mix the tempo starts to drift after a while. We had the problem on pioneer xdj 700, xdj 1000 mk2 and cdj 2000nxs2.
So as I said beatmatching isn’t the problem (I can play with 1210 as well) but from my understanding having two tracks set at the same tempo should result of these tracks being absolutely the same tempo. Once they are alligned properly there shouldnt be even the slightest drift.
The problem (apart from being just unrelieable) is that it is very hard to tell which one drifts into which direction or let me rephrase the misallignment needs to be audible to be able to tell which player drifts into which direction and obviously once I can hear them drifting the audience can as well.
Is there any solution to this?
cheers,
jens
I need a new mixer, but do I listen to my head or my heart? I use Traktor Scratch Pro 2 with my SC3900’s, been using a Denon x600 + Audio 8 DJ for years. So far, so 2 channel. But where to go next?
My heart insists I get a Denon x1700, found an ex demo model with guarantee for a good price. Great sound, love the FX section (old mixer was a Denon x600).
My head says that this mixer is now 8 years old, further releases of Traktor probably won’t have it certified and it is officially a legacy product although Denon will still service it should the need arise.
My head also keeps pointing me towards the Allen & Heath PX5, which although it’ll be 4-500 quid more expensive than the Denon after I drop an Innodafer in it, is also an excellent piece of kit from what I’ve read. The FX aren’t as good, although I do get the filter, but it is new tech and therefore way more future proof than the Denon.
So am I wise to spend more and go for the up to date technology, or does the price difference mean that the Denon is actually a good idea? Thank you taking the time to read this, and for any replies you may offer 🙂
NB: Suggestions of Pioneer mixers, or considerations of Macbook class complient USB, are not factors in this thought experiment.
Just found this thread in July 2017 and thought I’d chime in with some info.
I researched the Pioneer DDJ-SX2 and the Denon MCX8000 & MC 7000 for a while before making my purchase. As I am not playing live anymore, I don’t have as much pull toward the Pioneer brand that most DJs do. That being said I had not ever laid my hands on any Denon DJ equipment, until now. I come from the mid 90’s rave era, OG 2 technics 1200 MKII’s and actual vinyl with music on it, stopped playing live in 01-02 as everyone went digital, I did not follow. I did however have my fair share of time playing with Pioneer mixers and CDJs. I personally have always thought Pioneer makes great equipment, but very pretty pricey for what they offer. No matter what Pioneer is several hundred more for a comparable product, they are proud.
So, I found a Pioneer DDJ-SX2 and Denon MCX8000 & 7000s open and setup at a music store and decided to mess around. I immediately found these differences.
1. The Denon MCX8000 and MC7000 seem to have a bit more latency with the Jog-wheels than the Pioneer DDJ-SX2 but they were still pretty sweet.
2. The Denon controllers feel better to me though. The all metal case, faders, buttons and everything felt better to me personally. The Pioneer felt cheap and very plasticky, no resistance whatsoever on any of the faders or pitch adjustments and the knobs and everything just feel better to me on the Denon.
I ended up purchasing the Denon MCX8000 and absolutely love it other than the latency (which someone has now told me that can be adjusted in Serato.) It feels and looks great and has all of the features the DDJ-SX2 has and more. I did however crash the sound card on the first day I had it. I set a loop,live sliced on that loop, tweaked the filter knob, added an effect, and then it crashed. If someone like me who has not played live in 16 years can load that thing up so bad that the sound card/processor craps out and the unit has to be restarted, there’s an issue. I will be contacting Denon Customer Support to see if there is anything that I am doing wrong and/or if I’m not running incorrect/incompatible versions of software etc.
Long story short, I like the make and feel of the Denon but if it doesn’t work perfectly, I may have to switch to the Pioneer.
-X
Thanks very much for the replies.
The Numark NVII looks like a beautiful piece of kit, but is unfortunately a bit out of my price range.
Interesting to note that the Pioneer SB2 has also been recommended. I had someone who DJs professionally also recommend that to me the other day so it’s a very likely contender. I also have tended to like the feel of Pioneer equipment when I’ve used it previously.
I’ll make sure to read the guide on the main site – apologies for not going there first. Thanks for all your help though guys!
I would recommend checking out our article on the subject at the main site and getting our free controller guide.
However our recommendations for first controller are:
– Numark Mixtrack Pro Series
– Pioneer SB2
– Denon MC Series
– reloop Beatpads
These are the entry controllers that we think work best.
I cannot suggest the wide range of controllers, but I can share my experience of using few of them. but I think the main task is to choose a software (there is Recordbox DJ, by the way):
-My first was Traktor Z1 – works great with Traktor Pro 2 and Traktor DJ on iOS. On that time, fully satisfied my need – i used to travel a lot and a compact setup was needed. But the sound quality is mediocre and Z1 works perfectly only with NI software.
-Next one was Pioneer WEGO3 – I would suggest WEGO4 as a entry level contoller, but only for a complete beginners. Sound quality was good, a full support of djay 2 iOS app also a benefit, but, since I was using Traktor Pro 2 at that time, it was not perfect combination for me.
-After there was a combination of Z1 and X1, using Z1 as an audio interface. I think, its a really nice combination to play electronic music – Z1+X1+Traktor Pro 2 were totally fine for me, except the sound quality of Z1 and the fact that there was 2 USB ports taken on my laptop. After some time I’ve started to play at weddings and I understand that NI devices without jog wheels not really suitable for me playing that kind of events.
-Now I have Numark NVII. It works with Serato DJ, changing software for me was not easy and I found Traktor interface better than Serato.
Advantages of NVII:
1) It has screens – you don’t have to staring at your laptop
2) 4 decks
3) touch controls
4) XLR outputs
5) Price is ok for a 4 deck controller with full Serato DJ.
Disadvantages:
1) Works only with Serato DJ – for me its ok, but for someone might be a disadvantage.
2) Library navigation using screens and controller not perfect for me
3) There is 4 decks, but i don’t feel comfortable to use all of them on that controller
4) Don’t like how the fader works…
What up!
Hope everyone is well and doing what they do! I have a question regarding formatting an external hard drive that already has music on it to use with Pioneer XDJ 1000’s. I need to format this drive so it can be analysed with rekordbox with out losing any of the music already on it of course!. It isn’t being read by the XDJ’s. It is a 1TB Toshiba external that is USB powered.
Any help would be greatly appreciated as always!
Thanks in advance,
Karlton Bethea
aka “Antique”
-If Music Be The Food Of Love, Play On”
-Billy Shakespeare
If you want to stick with Traktor software, there is really one piece of good advice and that is to get a Traktor controller. Their entry level is the S2, which you can buy or used.
All other software it’s better to not use the Traktor controllers.
Numark = fine
Vestax = no longer supported as manufacturer went out of business. Don’t burn your fingers on it unless you like fiddling around with computers and even then there is a moment in the future that it just won’t work anymore.
Hercules = far be it from me to trash anything, but I would not recommend the Hercules.
Behringer = up to you. While some of their gear is ok or even good, overall I have been disappointed too many times and gave up on them a long time ago.
Some other controllers to consider:
– Numark Mixtrack Pro (1, 2 and 3)
– Pioneer DDJ-SB (all versions), DDJ-RB (but only if you are sure you want to use RekordBox and only RekordBox)
– Reloop Beatmix 2 (all versions)
– Denon MC2000 (no longer produced, bit should be available second-hand)
All these controllers are natively supported by almost all major DJ software, giving you a chance to figure out what software you like best without having to change controllers to accomodate that switch.
Well both are OK choices for practice, so I would go with what you like more.
The Pioneer prolly will have slightly better sound, while the Mackies are more versatile.
I am looking to purchase a small pair of speakers that I can use to mix in my bedroom / dorm / ect. I have been researching some different speakers and came across two that have my attention. I am interested in your thoughts as to what you like best or perhaps any other speakers I should consider.
https://www.amazon.com/Pioneer-DM-40-PAIR-Monitors-Excellent/dp/B01DW36BO0/ref=sr_1_1?s=musical-instruments&ie=UTF8&qid=1498662148&sr=1-1&keywords=pioneer+monitor+speakers
(I like these because they seem very good and durable)
https://www.amazon.com/Mackie-CR4BT-Channel-Studio-Monitor/dp/B015U623GW
(The bluetooth connectivity is a feature that has attracted me to these speakers because if I am not DJ’ing and want to just listen to music I can do so).
Is it possible: Yes.
Is it good: No.
Traktor is closing its system, so that mainly native instruments controllers work. So there will be significant downfalls when using Traktor on anything else and you really need a deep knowledge of the software to make it work.
So my recommendation would be:
If you are fixed on Traktor, get a Traktor controller from Native Instruments.
If you stay with the Pioneer go for Serato instead, it will work much much better.
Hi all,
Still new to the scene. I wasn’t sure if I actually wanted to get started DJing or not, so a friend lent me his Vestax Typhoon and I’m having a lot of fun with it! So now I want to get my own controller…
The choice I want to make is between the Numark Mixtrack 3 Pro and the Pioneer DDJ-SB2.
I am still learning controllers, software, etc so I’m not sure what is important in a controller. I know both are strong choices, but it seems the Mixtrack has a strength in its full size pitch sliders. Are these really important? The DDJ-SB2 also has a huge strength in trim controls, which the Mixtrack Pro does not.
Which is more important: Full size tempo sliders or trim control? I think the answer must be trim control because tempo can be adjusted in other ways as far as I know.
I need advice from experienced DJs. Thanks!!
I currently own a Pioneer DJ-Wego4 and was hoping to learn to DJ using traktor. While i know that pioneer equipment isn’t optimal for learning on it, is it at all possible? It seems like the information on the link below claims it might be.
If not should I consider Serato instead? I like to DJ predominantly electronic music but also enjoy other genres. Hope to play in clubs one day
https://www.pioneerdj.com/en-us/support/software-information/ddj-wego4/#traktor
Hi guys, I’m in a bit of a sticky situation, my xdj-rx will be arriving on the 1st of august. The problem is I have to take it back on a tour on the 7th of august.
I’m building a road case for it coz you can’t find any cases in Sri Lanka at the moment. For this I looked every where for a blue print / Technical drawing of the unit with measurements of each section. But was unable to.
I have attached an image for the measurements in in need for the time being… It will be great help if any one of you guys who has a XDJ RX could provide me with these info. Thank you in Advance!
https://ibb.co/gxc5Hk
