Good controller...

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DJChas

New DJ
Aug 27, 2007
147
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Ok, so I'm making the jump from playing CD's with a Dual CD player and a mixer, to a Mac laptop and a controller for my mobile gigs. Anyone have a good controller that they like?? So it will be just my controller and my Macbook. I know nothing about controllers. I want one that is reliable and easy to use.

Cd's will just be a backup in case my computer crashes.

Also, has anyone here ever had thier computer crash at a gig?? This is why I have stayed doing CD's for so long...

Thank you!
 
At my first gig with a laptop I forgot to turn off auto updates. When the updates were done it restarted the laptop. Lucky for me it was at a bar gig and we had just started the show.
 
DJCC said:
At my first gig with a laptop I forgot to turn off auto updates. When the updates were done it restarted the laptop. Lucky for me it was at a bar gig and we had just started the show.
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Its stuff like this that scares me ;)
 
Don't let it scare you. What I do now is every time I set up a new gig computer is set the system up in the shop and invite the neighbors over on a weekend night to have a little party and karaoke. Not only do we have a good time, I get to put the computer through a pre gig test to make sure everything is working correctly.
 
I have a Denon MC6000. Love it. Best DJ gear I have ever owned. It's got so many features, and all of it is mappable to whatever you want it to be. I wish all DJ gear was like that lol
 
I have been using a computer full time since 2002. I have had a handful of issues at gigs over the years...but I had that when I was CD based as well.

Most controllers have an "affinity" for one software package over another. So...first pick your software for DJing. I like Traktor...but most are about the same...in terms of core workflow. After that, you need to determine what kind of workflow you want to use. Are you beatmixing? Are you scratching? Are you doing something else?

I have a Native Instruments Kontrol S2, and a Vestax VCI-100 Arcade Edition. I like both, but the S2 is a nice upgrade from the VCI-100. The S2 has really tight integration with Traktor, and that makes it *really* nice to work with. The VCI-100 Arcade is awesome for beat juggling. I would LOVE to pick up a MidiFighter....or maybe some of the new Behringer gear (which looks good...but needs a more proven track record to make me part with $$$).

Ean Golden on the VCI-100 Arcade



Ean Golden on the Kontrol S2


There are TONS of other videos on controllers and controllerism from the two videos I posted.
 
This is what I use. If the Laptop goes down I can let this take over because there is an external Hard Drive attached to it plus it can play MP3s & CDs. You can also attach a Keyboard and Flat Screen TV or Monitor to it! Some of the Connections (Not Shown) are behind the Control Unit.

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DJChas said:
How do you like this unit? I have the CMX 3000 right now...
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I love it. Only issue I have had was unplugging a Hard Drive from it without using the proper ejection procedures. The Hard drive got messed up (I still believe the HD was defective). It has an excellent Soundcard, it can be a standalone without a computer.
 
ahoustondj said:
I love it. Only issue I have had was unplugging a Hard Drive from it without using the proper ejection procedures. The Hard drive got messed up (I still believe the HD was defective). It has an excellent Soundcard, it can be a standalone without a computer.
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How are the mix functions? Will it mix the music for you? How good is it?
 
DJChas said:
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How are the mix functions? Will it mix the music for you? How good is it?
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Excellent Mixing. You can create Playlists, Auto Mix in several Modes etc. Of course you can connect to a Computer/Laptop and use the unit as a Controller.
 
ahoustondj said:
Excellent Mixing. You can create Playlists, Auto Mix in several Modes etc. Of course you can connect to a Computer/Laptop and use the unit as a Controller.
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What is the best mix mode on this unit? Cut, Zip, Echo or crossfade?

Also, how much was this unit, and what mixer are you using?
 
DJChas said:
What is the best mix mode on this unit? Cut, Zip, Echo or crossfade?

Also, how much was this unit, and what mixer are you using?
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Crossfade is the best if using Automix. I use a Behringer VMX 1000 The Pioneer MEP 7000 runs about $1,500. Remember it is like three units in one. Computer, Controller and CD/MP3 Dual Players.
 
Houstonute! You are breaking my heart with this automix raas. Big Trini DJ like you should done know how fa mix pon di ones and two's..You never hear of such a bumbo non sense of auto mix inna di 80's or 90's. Tun off di automix raas and mix di tune the correct way.:bzsuspicious:
 
ahoustondj said:
This is what I use. If the Laptop goes down I can let this take over because there is an external Hard Drive attached to it plus it can play MP3s & CDs. You can also attach a Keyboard and Flat Screen TV or Monitor to it! Some of the Connections (Not Shown) are behind the Control Unit.

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Agreed. Hands down one of the best units on the market. Would be my first choice if I were looking for something new.
 
DJ JohnThe1 said:
Houstonute! You are breaking my heart with this automix raas. Big Trini DJ like you should done know how fa mix pon di ones and two's..You never hear of such a bumbo non sense of auto mix inna di 80's or 90's. Tun off di automix raas and mix di tune the correct way.:bzsuspicious:
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I use Automix when I am doing a cocktail/Dinner hour at a Gig or before I start a show while I am installing Lighting. I mix Live. I am not a Wedding DJ that just pushes play. This is the reason I have a Four Stereo Channel Soundcard. I don't even use my Horizontal Fader Slider, instead I use the Vertical Channel sliders. Not many DJs can independently control two vertical sliders at once.
 
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