Looking for Controller recommendations (based on actual experience,)

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Proformance

Proformance

Mac Daddy DJ
Nov 6, 2006
9,851
7,230
I've reached the end of the runway in my flight with Denon HC4500 controllers. I sold about a dozen HC4500 units a decade ago and kept two for my own use. These controllers are not going to work well with new PCs for lack of hardware support and unreliable audio and MIDI drivers. I'd like to find a decent controller (not a toy) that will work with multiple DJ software and fit within a standard rack width (even if it requires that I fabricate a custom face panel, mount, or drawer. )

I just need something I can use to mix old-school. A loop function is sufficiently convenient enough for me (it's like having a 3rd turntable) and it should obviously have true instant start and reliable hardware. (Not a toy.) I also do not want an audio mixer built in (though that seems to be inevitable) just transport control.

I'm beyond the need to "look like a DJ" so all of the fashion items are off the table - I'm more interested in form factors that would be at home in an editing suite. I just want something that I can use for production gigs that will also be equally useful for me at a straight forward wedding, teen dance, etc.

Anyone have experience with such an animal?
 
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Has anyone used a Hercules Impulse 500 ? Impressions? Accuracy of conrols? Longevity?

It's essentially an entry level piece but with a more rugged build than other controllers in it's price class (including Pioneer, and others.) Could be better if it had balanced outputs, but like an iPod this will just function as a source devcie, not a central mixer.

The unit is 21.5" wide which is still under the standard external width of a security rack. I could build something based on my prior setup that retains my rack content and positions the controller at a nice 15+ degree slope.

Could need to draft some OHML files for other software, but can check that out,
 
I don't know any controllers today that don't have a mixer built in the controller. Tunes4046 said he bought a Roland 707 and he likes it. He said it makes the music sound better and it has 2 ports to use 2 laptops with it. I understand you when you say you don't want a toy, you want something that will work well and it is a solid built unit. I would suggest you go to a store that has controllers on display that you can check out and see if you can find something you like.

Myself I love a controller that eliminates using a mixing board. I like a controller that you can hook speakers up to the controller to get sound. Unlike those cheap beginner controllers that you must use a mixing board or you can't get it to work.

Another thing I would suggest you check for the weight of the unit. You don't want a controller that you need to have wheels for you to move it. My partner bought a Numark NS7. That thing was made for mobile DJing. The case on wheels and getting it up stairs was a PITA.

A lot of controllers today have pads built in for effects. That might be something you don't need. Good luck.
 
MIXMASTERMACHOM said:
I don't know any controllers today that don't have a mixer built in the controller. Tunes4046 said he bought a Roland 707 and he likes it. He said it makes the music sound better and it has 2 ports to use 2 laptops with it.
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That's a good choice. You might be onto something. I like the Roland and it's size is perfect. It's Serato centric, but that might be a plus in certain circumstances. Personally, I don't need a full scale performance board, just some tactile control. This is for production so it's not going to be the center of the system, or even center stage and when it is - it's likely to be a very simple gig where a full feature board would be overkill.

I build two racks, so maybe I could do one of each, and take whichever rack fits the particular situation. I no longer do rentals so, that's also a reason not to have more board than necessary.
 
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If you only need tactile control, the Hercules controller is fine. So are any of the smaller Pioneer ones that are USB powered and have RCA outputs.

The Roland DJ707m is a different beast altogether... and it's pretty awesome. I bought one a month ago and I'm impressed by all of its' features, most notably the 1/4" stereo inputs on the front panel. I can plug my piano right into it. Got a guitarist who needs amplification? Plug him in right there. The only con right now is that NOBODY makes a case for it. Not even a soft case. NLFX made their own batch of slider cases for it, but I heard that there were problems with it (the DJ707m is about a half-inch taller than most controllers, so any shelf above it needs extra clearance or it's not going to work for transport). Pro-X is supposedly bringing back their discontinued case soon... maybe just a week or two from now.

Other pros: Ridiculous control of everything, including impressive anti-feedback control, EQ and signal routing, with "scenes" that allow you to save settings for different venues and uses. 2 USB ports and 3 microphone inputs, including 2 XLR mic inputs. Slight con: it's kind of hard to use in the dark. The pads and meters light up, but that's it. There's no jogwheel displays either.

Basically, it does a lot, really really nicely and in a small form factor. At just 7 pounds, it's perfect.
 
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Let me suggest this for a case for that Roland controller. Go on Ebay and look for a case for that controller. Either a hard or soft case. I also sent you a PM.
 
sonic-vision said:
Got the link Mixxy??
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It's KPODJ.com. I have dealt with them for many years and they are great. That's where I bought the Yorkville 801P subs and for a super great price. I can't remember how much it was. I do know nobody could beat that price. They are located in Hopatcong, NJ. They moved a few years back to a larger space. You have to go down a dirt road off a main road to get there. It's not that far down. They sell FBT and RCF speakers just to give an ideal of the stuff they sell. Ask for Mike or Tom.
 
MIXMASTERMACHOM said:
It's KPODJ.com. I have dealt with them for many years and they are great. That's where I bought the Yorkville 801P subs and for a super great price. I can't remember how much it was. I do know nobody could beat that price. They are located in Hopatcong, NJ. They moved a few years back to a larger space. You have to go down a dirt road off a main road to get there. It's not that far down. They sell FBT and RCF speakers just to give an ideal of the stuff they sell. Ask for Mike or Tom.
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KPODJ doesn’t have a case. They don’t sell Roland gear, either, so they’re not helpful here. In general, they have ok prices though.

No case on eBay, hard or soft. There are bigger cases that it’ll fit in, but not snugly. And there’s no reason to buy a bigger case if you’re looking to keep things small in the first place.

I got my Roland from my b2b rep at Guitar Center. He usually beats everyone on pricing, and they had it in stock.
 
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MIXMASTERMACHOM said:
It's KPODJ.com. I have dealt with them for many years and they are great.
Click to expand...

VIP Account​

Members save an average of 22% across all items. Specific discounts vary from product to product, but it only takes seconds to join.
 
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sonic-vision said:

VIP Account​

Members save an average of 22% across all items. Specific discounts vary from product to product, but it only takes seconds to join.
Click to expand...

While they've saved me some money at times, it's nowhere near 22%. Sometimes the savings is only a penny, due to manufacturer restrictions.
 
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First let me say at GC depending on the product you buy and it's cost you get a 15% discount on the item. So if KPODJ is giving 22% that's better than GC. Let me suggest for that controller check the measurements and see if you can find a universal case that will work.
 
Oh I forgot also you can buy padding to put in the case so the controller stays put in the case.
 
MIXMASTERMACHOM said:
First let me say at GC depending on the product you buy and it's cost you get a 15% discount on the item. So if KPODJ is giving 22% that's better than GC. Let me suggest for that controller check the measurements and see if you can find a universal case that will work.
Click to expand...
You realize you’re talking to Pro? he doesn’t come on here and ask the simplest questions without doing own research first, unlike some on here.
 
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B-Sharp said:
If you only need tactile control, the Hercules controller is fine. So are any of the smaller Pioneer ones that are USB powered and have RCA outputs.

The Roland DJ707m is a different beast altogether... and it's pretty awesome.
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Thank you for the experienced overview.

I've looked at the Roland before, and I have other Roland gear I like so this might be the way to go. Financing puts it at $21 /mo (0%) which means I make money on it from the very first trip out the door even if the gig is thrifty. If I don't like it I can sell well before I've actually extended any real money for it.

I'd likely use the Roland as a stand alone solution for Weddings and other gigs that are entirely centered around the DJ/emcee and dance music. For these the Roland mic input would be fine.. (These controllers are cased above a fully digital audio rack mixer which is the preferred mic and source solution for ceremonies or any other kind of audio support/prodution.)

For a second rack the Hercules would be ideal for production gigs where the music is a soundtrack to some other show. In that setting the Hercules is ideal for just having finer and faster control over cues, loops, drops, and other material. The Hercules would not be used to process mics or other audio sources, just the PC source material.

I really just want to have 100% confidence in the match up to PCs - and right now I'm having to use legacy PCs and software versions to keep the unsupported Denons running.
 
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MIXMASTERMACHOM said:
First let me say at GC depending on the product you buy and it's cost you get a 15% discount on the item. So if KPODJ is giving 22% that's better than GC. Let me suggest for that controller check the measurements and see if you can find a universal case that will work.
Click to expand...

There are people further up the chain at GC that can get you better pricing than a 15% coupon discount. It's all who you know.

MIXMASTERMACHOM said:
Oh I forgot also you can buy padding to put in the case so the controller stays put in the case.
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I hate DIY-ing cases and having to buy stuff to modify something that should've been designed right in the first place. The thickness of the DJ707m is also a problem... even in a modified soft case, the knobs and encoders are likely to get crushed. Roland's service department isn't the best and I'd prefer not to need them if I can help it.
 
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Proformance said:
For a second rack the Hercules would be ideal for production gigs where the music is a soundtrack to some other show. In that setting the Hercules is ideal for just having finer and faster control over cues, loops, drops, and other material. The Hercules would not be used to process mics or other audio sources, just the PC source material.
Click to expand...

I think you'd be better off buying two of the Roland controllers. Less of a learning curve, smaller form factor, and better build quality (and sound card). I used a Pioneer DDJ-SZ (big) for 10 years and recently switched to a Rane Four (smaller but slightly heavier), and bought the Roland because there are still times when I'd love to have the convenience of something small and lightweight. If I had a case for it, I'd probably take it out more than my Rane Four.
 
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B-Sharp said:
There are people further up the chain at GC that can get you better pricing than a 15% coupon discount. It's all who you know.



I hate DIY-ing cases and having to buy stuff to modify something that should've been designed right in the first place. The thickness of the DJ707m is also a problem... even in a modified soft case, the knobs and encoders are likely to get crushed. Roland's service department isn't the best and I'd prefer not to need them if I can help it.
Click to expand...
Please explain how the knobs and encoders would get crushed, damaged? I was talking about putting foam cushions on each side to keep the controller from moving in the case causing damage to the controller. Are you talking about putting foam under the top part of the case underneath it? I do agree it's best to find a case designed for a specific controller and be done with it.
 
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