USB DJ Controllers

I bought the mixtrack pro 3 to replace my aging Vestax VCI-100. I intend to use it for mixing in bars and parties. I’ve owned it for a month now. I especially like the integrated audio interface and the total integration with Serato Dj. The jogs are nice. There are 4 cue points per song. Several loop modes, manual, automatic and a mode for launching loops. The FX management is quite interesting. You have three switches and a touch strip to control FX levels. Assigning the FX can be done simply and there’s a tap tempo mode to control quantization. VU-meters are efficient ans headphones can be managed with the cue per deck and mixing the headphone volume.. It also has lopass and hipass filters. Sinally, the browse key is very practical – a click to go further in browsing and shift+click to go back. Lately, a TSI allowing setting and compatibility with Traktor Pro 2 was uploaded on tracktorbible. It works sensibly the same. Although not an experienced DJ (I’m a composer first), I believe this controller to be able to satisfy both beginners and advanced users. A real jewel of a device.

The Numark Mixtrack is a digital DJ controller that is housed in a plastic shell with two jog-wheels, three volume faders and one cross-fader, playback and cue buttons, and a small effects rack. For what is included this piece of equipment is a fairly good deal for new DJs or DJs looking for a fairly small, durable, cheap and portable unit. With regards to the price the Mixtrack will only set you back $149 if you buy it new - not a bad deal if it's not being used in a professional context. I lucked out and got a year-old used version from a friend for only $40 dollars. Unfortunately after only a year seeing intermittent use the unit I was given had issues with the left jog-wheel and some of the lighted buttons. However I was still able to play around with the device in both Traktor and V-DJ Pro and it still works today. The aspect of the Mixtrack that is the biggest set-back and really turns me off to recommending this device is the fact that it requires an external sound-card for cueing and play-back. No headphone, RCA or XLR inputs, just a USB cable to connect to your computer - to be expected with the low price I guess. The funny thing is Numark released the solution to their self-created problem in the form of the Numark DJ I/O, which I will also provide a review for if you are interested in getting the combo. Fortunately I got my DJ I/O used as part of the $40 deal for the decks. All in all the Numark Mixtrack is a cheap and easy to use unit that is durable and aesthetically pleasing. However if you are a professional DJ who has money to be spending on better portable units it's certainly not worth getting the Mixtrack unless it is purely for entertainment purposes.

Unit has 2 RCA outputs, one 6.5mm stereo Jack for headphones and one 6.5mm for mic. After 4-5 months left 6.5mm Jacks' channel died. There is an usb connector for midi data, no addition power source needed because of that. Jogwheels have nice feel to them, but they seem to be a bit too small compared to Jockey 3 for example. Buttons and knobs are a bit plastic, but they also feel good at fingertips. Faders though look and feel just cheap. And they are not durable, so I suggest to change them soon after purchase. Pitchfaders have nice weight on them and they have huge resolution. But they are a bit too short to set them precisely. Cuemix fader is nice addition too, which is normally not seen on units in this price range. Another cool feature is a dedicated knob for led brightness and jogwheel touch sensitivity. It is also possible to change midi channels for 2nd unit use on one pc/laptop. UTILIZATION Installing was plain simple, almost plug n play (for midi side), one driver for audio interface (IE edition). SOUNDS This depends only on IE editions Headphone output is loud enough and both headphone and master outputs sounds clear. Both outputs have dedicated level knobs in the middle of unit. Mic input also have level knob and 3-way switch - off, thru (sends audio directly to main output) and on (sends audio through usb cable to your pc/laptop). But it has a little bit of unwanted background noise or hiss. OVERALL OPINION This product has great value for money. There is no compromises in build quality to lower the price, but in amount of functions this unit gives. But it still gives you little something from everything in digital djing. But if I would buy again, I would choose differently. I would probably buy unit which is more specialized in one direction, not all-in-one solution. Because in this price range you either get poorly built or poorly equipped. But thank god this one is well built.

I've been using it for a month now. I have previously used hercules, american audio vms4, and behringer mixers, plus Denon and Pioneer complete sets. In terms of mixing, it's the easiest way to mix. If you know your songs, it's impossible to get it wrong. In terms of use, it's at the same level as traktor or Virtual dj. What I like most about it is its ease of use, the fact that it's all-in-one (no need of a PC) and that you can play back songs from a USB drive and even an iPod. There is a couple of things I don't like in terms of quality, for the price, it has a plasticky look (even if the knobs and slider are great), no gain control per channel, no possibility to extend to a CD (unlike the vms4), and how long it takes to estimate a beat if you don't use the beatgrid software. I'd surely buy it again If it cost the same I paid for it originally, because it's an all-in-one. If you are hesitating about getting it, try it out and trust your first impression :-)

Very Nicely build and decent quality. I like also the fact that it is designed in belgium and not just a one-one copy from our Eastern friends. Perfect audio quality and easy to install on your computer. Looked first for other brands even more expensive but this one Felt good en does everything the right way. Also nice the possibility of adding 2 mikes. Good for the extra service during wedding partys. I have more tools from Synq and am always very happy with there design and quality level. The brand is a little bit under estimated in France but this will chang as soon as people are realy looking for quality.

For which specific applications or uses have you chosen this product? For small performances and home use. How long have you been using it? I've owned the SX1 starting June 2014, then the SX2 since February '15 Have you tested other comparable or competing products before purchasing this one? No other controllers, but just before I had a CDJ 1000 + DJM 700. What are the pros and cons of this product? Pros: easy to transport, intuitive and easy to use (except for Serato Flip but I think it's because I don't use it enough...), does what it's expected to do. Cons: I had CDJ1000s before the SX, which I bought for transportation purpose since my live use didn't require so much, but I have a lot of regrets. The jog is too small for me, even if I don't scratch much (I love to but it's not made for it! :-D). The controller feels like a toy at first sight (that's just my opinion), effects are not bad but it's still better on an external hardware - not with a software. Frankly, the controller is perfect for mobile DJs who have to transport all their gear every weekend, as it's light and easy to transport (especially with the DJC-SC5 bag). But, if you like to mix/scratch and develop your creativity "as much as can be", this won't do for you. So, all CDJ1000/2000 or SL1200 (or any other turntable, by the way) owners should think twice and skip this one, there's no enjoyment to expect from it (except the moment you put it back in its bag at the end of the evening :-D). Otherwise, the concept is not bad but it won't replace a CDJ/SL1200 + mixer setting. Yet, it's a good start for beginners. A word to the wise! ;)

How long have you been using? Few weeks Did you try many other models before buying it? Yes many consoles from Hercules to Pioneer ... What feature do you like most? Able to manage the effects completely solo or triple with NI Traktor, the 2 X 4 + samples + loops and of course the mix ... Manufacturing quality + +, good sound card, checks thoughtful, intuitive, taking hand we can not fast, it lacks ANYTHING! It is a treat with Traktor especially at this price the least? The same 4-true ways (4 faders) ... How do you rate the quality / price? Excellent Machine super full at a price that leaves far behind other With experience, you do again this choice? ... Yes Yes three times Yes

The Vestax VCI is a 2 Channel DJ control that also has a digital mixer on it. This control has everything needed to be a gigging DJ for any style of venue. If you are a “true scratching” DJ than this console will fit you perfectly. It has two turntable style platters that feel great. Pretty much everything you could as for in a unit like this is available in the VCI 380. There are 2 x 8 banks of trigger pads that can be used as a slicer, looping functions, or even FX functions. I mainly only used the pads for FX triggers and maybe some hot cue’s, but for the most part FX functions so I could quickly and easily just throw FX sounds in on any mix at any time. The pads are touch sensitive as well, I was able to hold the pads down and that would let me modify the FX parameters easily. Setting up this unit was pretty simple and didn’t take much effort being that I am pretty seasoned in setting up DJ controllers and digital mixers. But even the “newbie” should not have any issues setting it up because the manual is well written and easy to read through. There are mic inputs that are balanced on this unit and RCA line inputs. The bit depth is 24 bit and there are AD/DA converters. You can use this unit on either a Mac or a PC but if you are on a PC you will need to at at least be running Windows 7, I have tried with previous versions of Windows and it didn’t work properly and had many driver issues. I am not sure if they have fixed this issue or not with a driver update. But on the actual box it even said that minimum requirements are Windows 7 on a PC. Also 2GB of RAM is needed as well. The Mac requirements are not bad. You just need to be running OS X 10.6 or higher.

Using the Denon DJ SC3900 was a decent experience for me and there are not too many negative things that I can say about it except for the price. I am not happy with the price tag by Denon. Most of all the equipment that they make is very well built but its just not as good as some of its competitors and I think they should take the price down a little bit to make it more appealing. The Denon DJ SC 3900 come with a music management software that can really help you out with getting your music in order for your set. They have implemented a “file share” network with the new Denon’s where you can now share your files between other users whether they are using the SC3900 or not, but if they don’t have the 3900 then they have to have a compatible model (which most of the new Denon DJ systems are compatible). This new feature isn’t a feature that will make you run out and buy the SC3900 but it is a pretty cool feature if you are around other DJ’s that use the newer Denon models. You can now play your stuff directly from the USB hub with the new “USB playback” options. Denon now has an iPad app that will allow you to use your iPad to control your stuff via wireless , which can come in handy because you will be able to do it on the iPad’s large touch screen and then you will not even have to touch the Denon DJ SC3900 at all. All you have to do is download the app from the Itunes App Store and it is very easy to set it up and start using it. I have tried many other models from Denon but the SC 3900 is my favorite one that they have recently come out with. It is a good investment with a lot of cool features.

It's essentially 2 decks an a full mixer, set up in such a way that the whole unit interfaces as well as possible with traktor. It's a true plug and play unit made to take the guesswork out of the whole, "how do I get my mixer and deck to work with traktor" problem. It's a true stereo unit with mic inputs and USB obviously. Ready to work fully with a PA. Effects and EQ are onboard. You obviously need a laptop or PC to get any real use out of it. Let me say I've been a huge fan of traktor since I discovered it as a budding DJ and my love of Traktor is what motivated me getting this controller. It seems pretty popular even though the price had me scratching my head a bit. I am using the most up to date drivers and they work fine. No hiccups or crashing really. Seems to work 100% with traktor, and I've never used it for anything else. Typically I like to use this controller when I'm at home or when I have a serious show that I don't want to drag my "full rig" out to. It's probably the most functional and full featured thing I've ever used that only requires I plug into a laptop and PA really. This board is configured a lot like a traditional mixer/deck as far as the layout goes, but there's a lot of modern control features due to the whole traktor integration thing. Not only does it have a very very extensive effects and eq section, but it has the 4 hot cue buttons, which might be the most useful feature I never knew I needed. The thing about this unit is you are really only limited to what you can do in traktor, which is a whole lot. At first this is a little intimidating because you feel kind of overwhelmed. I personally like to set it up as a more traditional mixing deck despite the fact that I could probably do a lot weirder things. But I suspect most users will do what I do anyway. The decks actually feel really good, which I didn't expect. Honestly this controller doesn't look like much but when you get your hands on it you realize it's a seriously functional device. I don't have many complaints really. Yeah it's not cheap, but what you are paying for is the traktor support. I'm not a huge fan of the look of this controller. At some shows I will have DJ's check it out and kind of laugh if they are the more high brow types who prefer more organic looking units. This is definitely the future of DJ mixing decks I think, or where it's going. The possibilities when connected to traktor are just too awesome to ignore. I still think NI needs to improve this one though, as it's not 100% all it can be. But the quality is there. I'm keeping mine for now.

Best mixer in the world right now for the hard core skratchers... and I got all the other great mixers too! I can only recommend this mixer for deep nerdy skratchers. If you're just gonna do club mixing and some skratching here and there, then just get serato based mixers or anything else... Those will do just fine. But if you are a pro skratcher that really knows the little tiny detailed techniques, then you already should be aware of Traktor's mixer capabilities! It has double the processing speed compared to the highest competitor mixers. I need this extra edge for those complex intricate skratch techniques. It's so close to the real thing, I sometimes can't even tell the difference from real vinyl anymore! I thought it would take forever to get here, but we are truly living in the future.

The Stanton SCS.1m can control any software, I used it with about 3 different programs and it never gave me any issues. You can use this as a mixer or as a control, or both! There are EQ controls right on it and every single option can be synced with your programs functions. The only issues that I ran into were when trying to save presets so that I didn’t have to re-MIDI everything up each time I wanted to turn on the device and use it. UTILIZATION This unit connected to my computer via fire wire connection. I experienced no issues with the communication back and forth between the SCS.1m and my PC. The latency was very low and pushing all of the buttons/knobs was very responsive and the lag was very minimal. GETTING STARTED Outside of using this with my PC I also used it directly with my CDJ and turntables because there is an auxiliary input to use. The auxiliary input is a great addition to have with this type of unit because it makes it useable with any set up for any DJ. I did hear a loss in audio quality when using my CDJ’s and running them through the aux in puts on the SCS.1m. It was more like just a volume loss and not really a overall sound quality loss. OVERALL OPINION I say that this mixer/controller is priced right where it should be. It is affordable and has all of the functions that I needed. The build of it is pretty solid though it is not has “heavy” or durable as I like my gear to be. But the functions and portability make up for it. In this price range you will not find something with the ability to work with any computer and CDJ or Turntables as smoothly as the SCS.1m can. This is great for bedroom DJ’s and performing DJ’s as well.