Need advice on new setup :-)

Hi there!

I want to buy a new DJ setup for with Traktor Pro. For now a 2 track deck setup will do but in the near future I want to be able to use 4 track decks.
I have done some research myself and regadring my max budget of € 800,- I came up with 3 options.
But I'm not quite sure whether they are expandable to 4 deck control and what Audio Interface I would need.

1: X1 + Z1
2: X1 + Z1 + F1 (if I'll be able to control decks C and D)
3: 2x X1 + Behringer DJX 750 + Audio Interface
And I already own a Maschine so that will be part of the setup to.

So down to the questions
Option 1. No need for separate audio interface, but will I be able to control all the decks with the Z1 when I buy a second X1(like switching or so)?
Option 2. Can I control track deck C and D (so no remix deck) with the F1? I know you can use it for sync, cue etc, but will I be able to control the faders and EQ to?
Option 3: This would be the perfect setup I guess. Is the Behringer compatible with Traktor (if not what would you recommend withing the same price range?) and what Audio Interface am I looking at? Audio 6,8 or 10?. I'm wondering because the mixer will be acting as a MIDI controller so do I really need the 4 stereo in/out channels that comes with the audio 10? because that's a little above the budget;-)

Like this guy:
I.E.

Thanks in advance!

 

You might want to look at some mixers with built-in interfaces; like the DJM 750, DN-X1600, and DB2. They should all be in budget if you buy second hand, and have much better build quality and features than the Behringer.

 

You can get a mapping that allows you to control 4 decks on the Z1, for what it is it's quite good to be honest! As for the F1 it's a great piece of kit and I love it, but the use you will get out of it depends heavily on what you're trying to achieve with your music. To answer your question, yes you can get an additional mapping for the F1 which allows it to control decks C and D as track decks instead of remix decks so it is a good investment.

External mixer wise, unless it's traktor certified you are going to need a soundcard. The A6 will work just fine for a 4 channel mixer.

 

The F1 is a great and flexible controller and opens up the remix decks as well as being quite versatile if you map it well. But it's by no means perfect at Deck control if you need EQ, given there are only four rotary knobs. The most sensible mapping I'm currently using for F1 deck control is from http://djendo.com that uses each knob and fader combination as the filter and channel volume fader to one for each deck constantly.

Using the Z1 with a 4 deck mapping has another limitation that will impact workflow - namely the different position of EQs when switching between decks. For example, you pull out the bass in Mode 1 (Deck A/B) but then switch over to Mode 2 (Deck C/D) and while the Z1 EQ knob is turned, it is centered in the software and you need to be conscious of that and end up looking at the screen more to confirm knob states. It's just a limitation using any two deck controller with a four deck mapping, really.

From your original post, I was wondering if you have any gear now to help guide your decision? Have you considered the S2/4 as combined controllers and audio interfaces? The modularity of the Z1/X1/F1 is both beautiful and a pain. Each individual controller and audio interface needs a USB cable, which can mean more setup time and the need for USB Hubs and snakes of USB Cables. If you go down the external mixer setup, then you'll really want to look at getting at least an Audio 6 for flexibility.