Isaiah Furrow

Haha, yeah, I’d been away from the laptop for a bit. Been working on filling the shed full of firewood, getting chilly here in Idaho lately…. 🙂

This site is already more than AWESOME, hats off to the DDJT crew, mods included of course! Keep up the good work guys, we can wait on the PMs for a while, keep doing what you do! Your work is most appreciated, without sites like DDJT I would never have made it even close to this far. Keep shining ….. Isaiah

Chuck broke it down pretty simply above, unfortunately my posts are never usually that short or to the point. I typed a huge response, that would have been useful for the OP or others trying to decide upon a controller, but somehow it was lost in the interwebs. I’ll try again…

To the OP, no offense but you really have to give us more before anyone can give you any really helpful response. Mostly what you’re going to get from your post above is standard, “read the sticky”, “use the search”, etc…. While those are great suggestions, I’m going to try and dive in a little deeper. I would totally suggest that you dig through the forums and also watch as many YouTube videos as you have time for. It’s worth it if you consider the size of the purchase in question. Also, check out the controller buyers guide.

First, I would echo some great advice from other threads and sites about this type of question. YOU and only YOU can make this decision. But given the right information, we can help point you in the right directions so that you’re thinking about the right things, and can then make the proper decision for yourself. Small things to some, can be dealbreakers to others, for example, pads above or below the jogs, or even pads vs no pads.

Check out Serato as much as you can, videos, try a friend’s setup if possible, etc…. Also, try Virtual DJ Home, and the demo of Traktor. There are some small/big differences between the different software options and that is going to be a biggie. What type of DJing are you wanting to do, what workflow are you looking for…? Maybe even have a look at Ableton Live if you like what you see with Traktor. It’s not aimed to traditional DJs really, and Traktor is somewhat a happy medium, but for some it’s the right path, and there are some videos on YouTube that would be able to show you what I mean much easier that text on a forum can describe. But definitely choose your software first, then a controller to work with that choice. Even coming back to us with a short list, telling us what you think you like, and are still researching, and WHY, would help us to be able to give you more useful input.

Some things to consider, with an entry level controller, you are spending less to start with, but also consider the cost of upgrading to the full software, if it’s not included. Also, consider the controls/layout of these entry level controllers, as they are for the most part not designed to fully take advantage of the full software. For example, if spreading cost over time and a small initial budget is what we’re working with, a Denon MC2000, then later adding the full Serato and a Reloop Neon might be a decent route. If you can hold off and wait, while saving up for a more expensive option, a Relopp Terminal Mix 8, or even a DDJ-SX2 would both be a great choice. It just depends on what you’re aiming to do, what type of music you play, what type of gigs you see yourself doing, etc.

So, have a look around the forums, read the other similar threads and check out the buyers guide. Have a look at what is available from your choice of retailers. Have a go on some other people’s kit if that’s an option. Try the demos. Watch plenty of videos. Then come back to us with some more info, such as what caught your attention and why, and we can likely give you some more specific suggestions.

For Traktor, S2, S4, modular with X1, F1, Z1, etc…. or even the Z2 with other bits….

For Serato, MC2000, MTP2 for more entry level options…. TM8, DDJ-SR/SX2, Denon MC6000 Mk2 for middle of the road to higher end options, or from there up you really need to be making this decision mostly for yourself, with more specific questions between this and that, for us to help out….

Get back to us with some more specific info and we can likely help steer you in the right direction/s, but ultimately it’s a highly personal choice, with personal preference between slight differences being a biggie…..

Keep in mind, I’m still basically a NOOB, and my .02 is US currency so may be worthless depending, this is also in NO way a complete, all inclusive list of the options available…. for instance, Serato now has some modular controllers coming out, the Akai stuff, and the Reloop Neon… they look pretty cool, and could be great for Serato users that want a similar experience/workflow/flexibility to what modular Traktor DJs enjoy… There are also other options galore, so definitely come back to us with a short list, and let us know why those things made your list, not just the price either….. Hope this helps, keep us posted……. and best of luck….

I missed something, but indeed Chuck rocks… Terry as well….

I’d like to ask Chuck a question, if possible hit me up …. santacreekfurrows at gmail …. with the dot com of course…
have a question about 19″ rack setups, using a Denon and DMX controller… figured you might have some input.

If DDJT ever revamps the website and/or forum again, profiles with some sort of PM setup would be a GREAT addition….

I would totally not limit yourself to just adding weddings. Although “mobile DJ” to me doesn’t limit when or where I play, I have yet to really seek out wedding gigs. Once I do start to seek out other gigs, it will be all sorts, corporate Christmas parties, weddings, anything that goes on in my area will be in my target.

Make sure that you’re prepared, with the proper gear and skills, for whatever you venture into. Having a bad show could hurt you more than you’d think. DJTLM had a video on taking gigs which you don’t normally do, or playing music that you don’t normally play. Good into on that channel, check him out.

Before I start really looking to do weddings, I have my sights set on having backup gear, that means a second setup for DJing, either a mixer and CD players or a second laptop and controller, and also at least one spare powered top, in case one decides to fail, or gets knocked over again but doesn’t fare as well as the last time that happened. I also have more uplighting on my list of gear to get. Uplighting is something that I plan to use to help me get those wedding gigs, once I hit the wedding show circuit. At this time I don’t have the gear to offer the services I think will make me stand out in that area, so I’m sticking to what I’ve been doing already. If a friend or referral asks me to do a wedding, I will likely take the gig, but not until I have talked with them and explained fully what I can and can’t offer, and also not without taking a backup along. For now, my backup is the fact that my powered tops are just that, and I COULD play on just one if I HAD TO, I also have a backup source ready to go on the aux input of my controller, in case I need to reboot or something. Add to that an analog mixer in the truck, and a borrowed pair of CDJs, for something like a wedding.

In the near future I plan to pick up some wireless mics, lapel type and also a handheld, along with a mixer(live sound type) that will allow me to record. This, like uplighting, is one of the things that I plan to use to sell my wedding services. Being able to mic up the official and bride/groom, and put that over PA speakers so everyone can hear the ceremony, would be a big plus. Add the ability to record the ceremony and also to play the vows during the couple’s first dance, and I think I have a couple things to offer to help me stand out from the rest of the DJs in my area.

I eventually plan to branch out into doing lighting and SR for live shows, so most of the gear on my list serves multiple purposes. These same things could be used for corporate parties, seminars, etc.

Keep us posted, and let us know how things progress…. Oh, and depending on the name you’re using, you may or may not want to “relaunch”… if you’ve made an impact locally, and people know your name, you might want to keep it… there could be a number of factors involved there, let us know what name/s you’ve been using and are considering. For instance, I’ve been using Benewah Beats for my name, not the name of a DJ, but the name of my mobile entertainment company. I don’t call myself DJ (insert name here), instead go by my real name. Depending, this might work out for you, by using your current DJ name for referring to yourself, and having a name for your company as well. Again, let us know what name/s you have been using and are considering and we might be able to give more input. My two cents would be that there is no need for having two separate companies, that seems like a lot of unneeded hassle doing two sets of licensing, tax, banking, insurance, and other papers. Also, equipment purchases would have to be for one or the other it seems, not sure how “sharing” inventory and overhead between two companies would work, when you get down to the nittty gritty as far as the taxman is concerned.

Lots to think about, I feel for you as I’m also in the process of growing and moving beyond private parties and a bar now and then, and into doing more upscale gigs. Definitely not to be taken too lightly. Best of luck to you, and definitely keep us posted…

Just my thoughts…. or questions….
What kind of controller is the OP using? What software? Would the OP not be able to get the “feel” and satisfaction of using CDJs, and also the practice so he/she’d feel comfortable using them, by just getting one media player and using in conjunction to a controller. Be it a Denon 2900/3900, or a Pioneer if Recordbox is wanted/needed?

To Chuck and Terry, just wondering, as there aren’t really any clubs near me, but I hope to travel and check out a few sometime in the next year. Are clubs mostly ALL having Pioneer gear in them? I mean, are there any that have other than DJM mixers, such as Rane, A&H, Kontrol Z2, etc? Just mostly curiosity on this part.

My future plans include getting some analog sources, and partly for the reasons I’m reading in the OP’s posts, to “experience” the other ways. I also would like to have some sort of backup in case my laptop decides to be on the fritz and need a reboot or something. Eventually I will likely make my TM8 a backup, and pick up a controller that can also function as a standalone mixer. Once I get that far I’ll likely have a pair of media players, and at least one turntable. These will be mainly for my own enjoyment, and not be the standard gear I set up for gigs, but the media players and a backup mixing solution will definitely be in the truck on more important gigs such as a wedding reception. I have an analog mixer already, Stanton M.203. I have access for now, to a pair of CDJs that I can borrow for such events, but will be hoping to pick up my own in the future. Likely a Denon, but I’ll have my eyes peeled for some reviews of the NDX500 when they hit the streets as well.

This is a topic with many angles and viewpoints, and I agree mostly with everything said above…. It is an expensive venture to get Pioneer gear. Only the person buying it can really make the call as to whether it is a good decision for them. The mods are just trying to make sure that you know what you’re getting into, and also the limitations of such a decision. If compatibility to Pioneer is what you’re after, DJM mixers aren’t cheap, and from what I’ve seen, they’re the only thing that is going to give you that specific workflow. Recordbox CDJs aren’t just ANY CDJ, and from what I’ve seen, I would DEFINITELY NOT BE HAPPY with a Pioneer CDJ, for the price it just doesn’t offer nearly as many features as the Denon players, or others.

I’ve toyed with the idea of a host of different setups, but have yet to find/research any that swayed me from wanting my controller always at the center of my setup. For my personal situation, having Recordbox or familiarity to Pioneer gear and workflow isn’t a biggie. If I ever have an opportunity to play a gig on CDJ/DJM type setup, I’ll burn my crates onto CDs and have a go on a borrowed set of CDJs to make myself ready.

I still however, have a want for analog players as a backup, as well as for personal enjoyment and such. I WONT pay the price of Pioneer, for one, the price is ridiculous compared to the feature list. I also don’t want something cheap, so won’t just jump onto the NDX500 without a bit of skepticism. I have a feeling that some Denon players are in my future, just have to decide if I want the 2900 or 3900. Maybe one of each….LOL

Best of luck to the OP…. keep us posted…..

I’m going to have a look into the Mackie HD series, but I’m mostly looking to get some 15″ subs, not 18s. Personal preference with the sound that comes from 12″ vs 15″ tops and 15′ vs 18″ subs. I’ll have a listen to some more the next time I can make it to a store. That is something I would highly recommend the OP do, listen to some and do A/B/C comparisons.

I’ve been using a pair of EV ZLX 12″ powered tops, and a single ZXA1 Sub. The sub is small and portable, and still adds nice fullness to the low end while leaving more headroom for the tops. The DSP features built in are nice on the ZLX series. For the price I would suggest looking into the ZLX line. Mine will eventually be monitors/fills, and I’m looking into what I’ll use for FOH(live sound situation).

The next time I go to town I’m hoping to have a listen to some higher end speakers, such as Mackie HD, QSC KW , EV ELX and ETX, etc. Just out of curiosity I’ll probably listen to the new Thump speakers, I didn’t really like the older Thumps, sounded muddy, but they have redone that series now, and it might be worth looking into.

I wouldn’t really buy speakers that are cheaper than Thumps or ZLX. One nice thing about getting GOOD PA speakers, if you decide the mobile gigs aren’t for you, you’ll have a much easier time selling them than with off-brand stuff. Renting wasn’t really an option in my area, but if that is an option for you that would be a good idea, make sure the client is paying for the gear, and for your services as well. Renting, if you could get a few different setups to try, would be a great way to compare. If you do have that option, check with as many rental outfits as you have nearby, and see what different speakers are available. This would also be a good indicator of what gear is a good buy, even without renting anything. Those companies don’t buy gear that isn’t good, or they wouldn’t make it through too many rentals and still be working.

Keep us posted, and best of luck….

right on, keep us posted…..

I’m waiting for my retailer to get the case on the Reloop site…. nice, black, reloop logo…. he said it might be a while yet though…. not sure what to suggest you do in the meantime, except that depending on how you’ll be traveling, such as in a car, you might just re-pack it into it’s box and be OK for a trip or two… Mine’s been in more than one state so far, no case yet…. although until I get a case I’m still using my MTP2 most of the time. For the jogs, let us know if you get that sorted…. best of luck!