Aaron Nicdao

I have both the VCI380 and VCI400 but not the DDPSP1.

Id agree with DJ Vintage that at this point with product support its not advisable to pick up the 400.

You are right and cannot add additional decks with the SP1 and I wouldnt consider adding it to either controller except for maybe the VCI400 if you really wanted to have the larger pads and slicer feature more accessible and easier to use.

Maybe you can clarify if your looking to upgrade the number of channels or a particular feature and that could help us steer you to another option.

The SB2 will definetly be quieter then the SX2 there is nothing you can really do about that.

Having the PA mixer is nice because it will boost or dampen the sound as you need it. I’m not familar with the model mixer you have but I can say my Yamaha MG06x is more then sufficient.

Pluses:
1. Small form factor
2. Ability to run main and backup sources with EQ in mono.
3. Ability to run four separate mic or instruments (no EQ) in a pinch

Overall I like having a PA mixer to shape the sound and control the bass for my subs remotely and the extra inputs it provides in my mobile setup. I think you could probably get by with a smaller mixer then the one you currently have.

Yes, I’d say that makes a difference.

Depending on the area your covering (and if your set up on the long or short side) maybe dual 18 subs (or two 21 inch subs) might do it with all the sound bouncing off the walls along with a couple three ways.

Get the speakers as high as you can.

Home setup
– Technics turntables with Mixars Duo for scratching
– A&H DB2 with the same TT and a K2 (looking for a second K2) and two MF3D and two MF Twisters

Mobile setup
– Vestax 380/400
– Backups are a Stanton SCS4DJ and a Akai AMX/AFX combo with IPAD

I love the controllers because their portable but I’m heavily leaning towards buying a second set of TT or CDJs (should have kept my Denon SN3500) with another 4 channel mixer in my mobile setup. I started on DVS and have been getting back into it the past while.

Although I’m heavily tempted by the Prime series I think I’ll probably find a second hand of Techs along with a Denon X1600 when I’m out and about.

I own a VVCI 380 and and I’ve seriously considered picking up a backup unit for some of the prices I’ve seen.

Still, I’d steer someone away from picking this up only because of the lack of future support. From your list I’d select the Denon MC4000 if you want to stick with Serato.

Another consideration is to wait to Mixar’s Primo controller due out later this year I believe. If my 380 were to die today that would be my replacement purchase.

Akai LPD8

Slimline controller with multiple banks, velocity sensitive pads, and knobs.

I’ve also volunteer DJed for the Neon Run and I’ll share a couple things”

1. Everything will get dirty! You, your laptop, your controller, speakers, lights…everything. At our station they kept throwing colored dust into the air to drop onto runners heads and even though we were a good 20 meters away the wind blew it our direction and it was nasty. Protect what you can by saran wrapping your laptop, garbage your speakers, put an invisible force field around your gear and pray the wind doesn’t come your way.

2. You’ll likely get waves of runners come through so expect maybe five minutes at a time where people will actually be able to hear you play and the rest of the time there is you and maybe a few people around. You may get a few people stop, dance crazy around you and take a few pictures. Enjoy it for those flashes and show some energy! It’s different then playing in front of people at a party but its fun all the same.

3. Don’t stress too much about the lights. Heck I didn’t have any. Just three pairs of 12″ speakers and a 15″ sub and it worked. Sure you’ll see people with trusses, fancy lights that looks like they are playing at a wedding but unless your able to sell any tickets they give you to recoup your cost then its not worth it to shell out a whole lot of money.

It’s a fun time, I totally recommend doing it. In fact I’ll do it again this year most likely. It wasn’t the first time I played out but it was the first time I played for that type of crowd and it was awesome! That feeling you get when you first see people getting hyped to you playing music is like an addiction and you’ll want more and more of it.

Do it! Take action and it’ll motivate you to do more!

Good luck!

Not familiar with the Seismic Audio but I have the Yamaha MG06x (version with FX) and its a great piece of kit…I don’t think you could go wrong with that option and you can definitely grow into it. If there is an XLR or TRS out on your controller then you’ll need at least two. Otherwise I’d go RCA out on your controller and then RCA to 3.5mm to your speaker. You could go XLR out from the PA mixer but you wouldn’t get any benefit sound wise I think other then a more secure connection but I’m not 100% sure on that so don’t quote me.

I started off with one speaker as well but that’s because I didn’t want the hassle of renting. My thought was when I buy two more mains I’ll use my first as my booth monitor. Now I’m thinking about getting another pair for sound reinforcement at larger gigs. As for actual recommendations I have a pair of EV ZLX 12P and they will definitely do the job. Sound fantastic, look great, and very reliable. The low end Altos sound nicer then Mackie Thumps to my ears but definitely have a listen and if you can find something used or on clearance thats a great option too.

If your playing at college parties the only thing I’d probably do is rent a sub because it will make all the difference in your sound. Finally unless you don’t mind blowing up someone’s home speakers then don’t play out with those…bad idea all around.