Set-up advice please

Hi guys,

So here's the situation - I had a traditional set-up (1200s and a DJM500 etc.) a few years ago and had the set-up for 5+ years) but for many reasons (school etc.) i stopped mixing for the last few years. For the last year or so I have been getting back into my mixing using Traktor with a BCD3000. This was fine to start with but obviously I want to move on now from this 'toy'

I have just ordered a Kontrol X1 which will take care of my midi requirements. What I need advice on is which direction to go now? Although I miss vinyl, mp3's/wav are much cheaper and more convenient and so I don't think I will need a DVS system. So basically I need a soundcard and some channel control. Would you recommend a traditional mixer or a further midi controller to control channel faders, eqs etc.? My budget is probably around $400-500.

I am running a macbook and generally spin techno/prog house/trance. I have slowly been getting into controllerism and so multi-deck mixing is something I will probably be interested in the future.

sorry for the long post and thanks for you help.

p.s. I really enjoy reading these forums, especially the show your set-up thread - makes me very jealous!

 

hey G_E, i think if you're mostly playing tech/house/trance you'd be better to get further midi control for faders, more buttons and knobs. depending on what you get, you'll want a sound card too. if you eventually want to be spinning 4 decks in TPRO, you'll want either a four channel mixer with usb connection or the Audio 8 DJ sound card and a mixer or midi controller. either one will probably cost more than 4-500. Depends tho- is that USD? you could get an Audio 8 DJ and an X-session pro and pretty much cover what you want. or you could get something like an Allen & Heath Xone 42 (4 channels, USB connection) but then you're controlling EQ's and fader levels externally and no pitch control really (unless you use the X1 for that).

I know what you mean about being envious of all the sick set-ups in the "show your set up" some people have a really nice selection of gear.

you could hold out and get an American Audio VSM if the quality is there. then you'd get everything you need. check it out. there's a couple different posts right now discussing whether or not it's gonna be worth the money.

 

Thanks decophono.

As I said, I currently have a BCD3000, which is OK, but just feels too flimsy and cheap. I expect the X-session pro would be the same.
I would really like an A&H mixer/midi controller, but they are just really expensive (isn't all the good stuff!). I am thinking of going for an audio DJ 4 and a decent mixer (maybe a DDM4000) or maybe one of the new 4 deck midi controllers that are on the horizon, like the VSM. Pitch control isn't really a problem thanks to sync...

 

if you get teh ddm4000, i don't think you need an audio 4 dj. that would be a decent choice. with your budget, you might be able to get a ddm400 and x1.

 

im a ddm4000 owner and i love it - if that helps

 

Thanks TBTT. I actually had a play with the DDM4000 today at Guitar Centre. It seems ok. A bit of play on the knobs and the faders weren't the smoothest, but for $350...

Has anyone used DJ-Tech products? Specifically:

http://www.djtechpro.com/product_detail.asp?category_id=63&sub_id=105&product_id=451

http://www.djtechpro.com/product_detail.asp?category_id=63&sub_id=105&product_id=349

 

Not my place to bash or promote companies but i will say that you always get what you pay for with DJ equipment.

I cant think of one example of cheap gear that is worth a lot more than it costs.

If its cheap, its rubbish. Dont be fooled by the price.

You may just end up spending twice as much buying stuff to make up for mistakes.

Buy carefully, buy wisely. You dont have to pay top dollar but you will end up regretting that 'bargain' when its busted after a few months.

Karlos

 

Very true Karlos! I remember when I first started mixing in the late 90's and was buying my first TT's and mixer. I didn't have a lot of cash and it was a choice between 1200's and a DJM300S or a 'cheaper' brand that had lots of bells and whistles - Technics and the Pioneer won and was definitely a good decision!

I've been thinking it might be better to hook up Traktor with a decent soundcard and a basic 4-channel mixer and mix externally... man it's so hard to choose! At least I have already ordered my X1!

 

X1 and good external mixer is a great combo. You can decide if need anything more after trying out that combo.

 

Cheers guys. Has anyone ever used the Stanton SCS.1M? This looks like it would be an decent mixer/midi controller?

http://www.enterthesystem.com/system/scs1m_mixer/index.php