christianwheel
Hi all,
I'm a nightclub DJ and am currently on the Numark NS6-II. The main things I love about it are the sheer quantity of buttons that I can map to VDJ scripts and functions, also the touch-sensitive knobs are fantastic and I'll be sorry to lose them if I move away from it.
But I'm on my fifth unit now because the logic boards keep going bad, so I need to find something more reliable.
Wondering if you might have any suggestions for a high-end controller for mixed-format nightclub use. The requirements are two full-sized scratch-capable platters like CDJs, something that's not too heavy (no motorized platters please), EQ knobs for each channel that I can re-map to stems, and as many fx buttons and pads as possible.
What controller are you using with VDJ? Are you happy with it?
Thanks in advance for any recommendations.
I'm a nightclub DJ and am currently on the Numark NS6-II. The main things I love about it are the sheer quantity of buttons that I can map to VDJ scripts and functions, also the touch-sensitive knobs are fantastic and I'll be sorry to lose them if I move away from it.
But I'm on my fifth unit now because the logic boards keep going bad, so I need to find something more reliable.
Wondering if you might have any suggestions for a high-end controller for mixed-format nightclub use. The requirements are two full-sized scratch-capable platters like CDJs, something that's not too heavy (no motorized platters please), EQ knobs for each channel that I can re-map to stems, and as many fx buttons and pads as possible.
What controller are you using with VDJ? Are you happy with it?
Thanks in advance for any recommendations.
Posted Sun 19 Nov 23 @ 2:05 pm
wickedmix
Posted Sun 19 Nov 23 @ 2:35 pm
groovindj
The link is for the Reloop Mixon 8 Pro.
They don't look like full size jogs to me.
They don't look like full size jogs to me.
Posted Sun 19 Nov 23 @ 2:39 pm
wickedmix
well he has a controller with a 6in wheel so one would think that's what he means by full size :-)
anyways it's just our "opinion" about what that means, unless there is some "official" definition somewhere?
who knows anyways it's just a suggestion
anyways it's just our "opinion" about what that means, unless there is some "official" definition somewhere?
who knows anyways it's just a suggestion
Posted Sun 19 Nov 23 @ 2:59 pm
groovindj
christianwheel wrote :
full-sized scratch-capable platters like CDJs
full-sized scratch-capable platters like CDJs
Posted Sun 19 Nov 23 @ 3:10 pm
wickedmix
@ christianwheel
sorry i was just trying to be helpful .. also sorry for loading this thread with useless posts that contribute nothing to the OP
sorry i was just trying to be helpful .. also sorry for loading this thread with useless posts that contribute nothing to the OP
Posted Sun 19 Nov 23 @ 4:14 pm
christianwheel
@WickedMix, I appreciate you! Thank you for your suggestion. This actually looks really cool and I will consider it. Something I LOVE about it is that it has a symmetrical layout. Most of the controllers out there have simplified their manufacturing and stick two identical platter modules together with a mixer in between. This actually has the pitch sliders on the outside on both ends. Love that.
Prior to your post I was leaning towards the Pioneer DDJ-SX2, but it too is discontinued and there doesn't seem to be a spiritual successor to it with the same button layout.
But I'm definitely going to give the Mixon 8 Pro a good look and compare them. Thanks again!
Prior to your post I was leaning towards the Pioneer DDJ-SX2, but it too is discontinued and there doesn't seem to be a spiritual successor to it with the same button layout.
But I'm definitely going to give the Mixon 8 Pro a good look and compare them. Thanks again!
Posted Mon 20 Nov 23 @ 2:07 am
DJ6473
DDJ REV 5
Posted Mon 20 Nov 23 @ 3:55 am
groovindj
So you don't actually want full size platters?
[confused]
[confused]
Posted Mon 20 Nov 23 @ 8:22 am
christianwheel
@groovindj I would prefer them but it's all about compromises. Thank you for your input though!
@dj6473 Thanks for the suggestion but the horizontal orientation of the pitch sliders is probably gonna be a no-go for me. I'd also prefer 4 channels (although I didn't specify that in my original post). But I appreciate the suggestion!
Thanks to everyone for chiming in. There are so many options these days and it's tough to even know the entire current landscape with how fractured everything is.
On the one hand, I'm hoping for some decent Black Friday / Cyber Monday sales next week, on the other hand, I'll be at NAMM in January to see the new controller models for 2024 (but experience has taught me not to make purchasing decisions based on those since they can take months or years to actually materialize, if at all). There are also more and more controllers coming out with built in stems, but none of them sound as good as VDJ's algorithm, so really the most important thing is lots of midi controls and a form factor you're comfortable with.
Cheers
@dj6473 Thanks for the suggestion but the horizontal orientation of the pitch sliders is probably gonna be a no-go for me. I'd also prefer 4 channels (although I didn't specify that in my original post). But I appreciate the suggestion!
Thanks to everyone for chiming in. There are so many options these days and it's tough to even know the entire current landscape with how fractured everything is.
On the one hand, I'm hoping for some decent Black Friday / Cyber Monday sales next week, on the other hand, I'll be at NAMM in January to see the new controller models for 2024 (but experience has taught me not to make purchasing decisions based on those since they can take months or years to actually materialize, if at all). There are also more and more controllers coming out with built in stems, but none of them sound as good as VDJ's algorithm, so really the most important thing is lots of midi controls and a form factor you're comfortable with.
Cheers
Posted Mon 20 Nov 23 @ 10:56 am
IIDEEJAYII
Speaking of waiting
Yes I am waiting for this controller :P
https://www.virtualdj.com/forums/255282/Wishes_and_new_features/Hardware_-_Dreams___Wishes.html
______
PS
Most (prob all) controllers are manufactured for very limited DJ softwares... and do NOT have the ability to unleash all the amazing power that VJD is capable of.
(a compromise, among those that may come closer)
Yes I am waiting for this controller :P
https://www.virtualdj.com/forums/255282/Wishes_and_new_features/Hardware_-_Dreams___Wishes.html
______
PS
Most (prob all) controllers are manufactured for very limited DJ softwares... and do NOT have the ability to unleash all the amazing power that VJD is capable of.
(a compromise, among those that may come closer)
Posted Mon 20 Nov 23 @ 11:15 am
groovindj
My suggestion would be the controller used by both PhantomDeejay and myself (Pioneer DDJ-RZ). Full size jogs and "high end" (expensive!).
Posted Mon 20 Nov 23 @ 12:22 pm
kradcliffe
One of my friends is selling his RZ, hardly used like new. Would love to buy it but the wife would throw a hairy fit.
Posted Mon 20 Nov 23 @ 1:06 pm
DJ VinylTouch
If you want a club standard layout as well as CDJ like jogs (especially if are trying to practice for a club), DDJ-FLX10 or DDJ-1000. The DDJ-RZ is good too (same layout, excellent sound), but if I'm not mistaken the jogs are capacitive on that, not mechanical, and so will feel different to CDJ jogs (CDJs are mechanical DDJ-FLX10, DDJ-1000 are mechanical and closest to CDJs). I personally use a DDJ-1000 for that practice/mobile gigs.
Posted Mon 20 Nov 23 @ 2:10 pm
christianwheel
Thanks everyone for your suggestions.
Unfortunately the Pioneers (DDJ-1000 and RZ) have been sold out everywhere for months and there are only used units available. Same with the SZ2 which is nearly the same as the RZ except mapped for Serato. Given that my current issue is controller reliability I really don't want to buy any more used units.
The FLX10 is an option but it has a lot that I don't need and is missing a lot that I do. I'd really like something with effects buttons above the platters like the RZ if I can help it (I can't stand the way you route effects on the FLX10, seems to make it more difficult to run multiple effects on multiple channels at once), but in any case the high-end Pioneer controllers are seemingly vaporware except the FLX10 at the moment.
Unfortunately the Pioneers (DDJ-1000 and RZ) have been sold out everywhere for months and there are only used units available. Same with the SZ2 which is nearly the same as the RZ except mapped for Serato. Given that my current issue is controller reliability I really don't want to buy any more used units.
The FLX10 is an option but it has a lot that I don't need and is missing a lot that I do. I'd really like something with effects buttons above the platters like the RZ if I can help it (I can't stand the way you route effects on the FLX10, seems to make it more difficult to run multiple effects on multiple channels at once), but in any case the high-end Pioneer controllers are seemingly vaporware except the FLX10 at the moment.
Posted Tue 21 Nov 23 @ 6:21 am
DJ VinylTouch
The DDJ RZ, DDJ SZ and DDJ 1000 are pretty much discontinued products, so it makes sense that you can't find them (easily) through regulsr vendor channels.
If you really need one of those, used is probably your only option and that should be fine if you do your homework (I bought my DDJ 1000 used, and I've had it for 2 years...no issues in sight).
As for the DDJ FLX10, it is the successor of the DDJ 1000 - it's laid out in the same way and can do everything the DDJ 1000 can do and more...I'd go for it if you have the money for it. Anything that is missing you can bring to it using custom pad modes or remapping buttons using vdjscript.
The FX routing on the SZ and RZ are traditional (3 separately selectable/activatable FX), but the DDJ 1000 and DDJ FLX 10 share their tyoe of FX layout with the DJM club mixers (they are trying to replicate that setup). If regularly playing on a CDJ club setup is your goal, you should be familiar with it (or get familiar because you will encounter it on that path).
If CDJ club setup is not a priority, there are many others to chose from...Denon's prime series and the Rane four immediately come to mind, but none of their jogs are comparable the CDJ mechanical jogs for scratching/manipulation.
In the end, it's up to you...see if u can get to try them out and choose the one that suits you best 🍺.
If you really need one of those, used is probably your only option and that should be fine if you do your homework (I bought my DDJ 1000 used, and I've had it for 2 years...no issues in sight).
As for the DDJ FLX10, it is the successor of the DDJ 1000 - it's laid out in the same way and can do everything the DDJ 1000 can do and more...I'd go for it if you have the money for it. Anything that is missing you can bring to it using custom pad modes or remapping buttons using vdjscript.
The FX routing on the SZ and RZ are traditional (3 separately selectable/activatable FX), but the DDJ 1000 and DDJ FLX 10 share their tyoe of FX layout with the DJM club mixers (they are trying to replicate that setup). If regularly playing on a CDJ club setup is your goal, you should be familiar with it (or get familiar because you will encounter it on that path).
If CDJ club setup is not a priority, there are many others to chose from...Denon's prime series and the Rane four immediately come to mind, but none of their jogs are comparable the CDJ mechanical jogs for scratching/manipulation.
In the end, it's up to you...see if u can get to try them out and choose the one that suits you best 🍺.
Posted Tue 21 Nov 23 @ 6:31 pm
christianwheel
Thanks everyone for your suggestions. I ended up getting a black friday deal on a ddj-sx3 and pulled the trigger.
Appreciate everyone's input!
Appreciate everyone's input!
Posted Sat 25 Nov 23 @ 9:47 am
Ramtuff
christianwheel wrote :
Thanks everyone for your suggestions.
Unfortunately the Pioneers (DDJ-1000 and RZ) have been sold out everywhere for months and there are only used units available. Same with the SZ2 which is nearly the same as the RZ except mapped for Serato. Given that my current issue is controller reliability I really don't want to buy any more used units.
The FLX10 is an option but it has a lot that I don't need and is missing a lot that I do. I'd really like something with effects buttons above the platters like the RZ if I can help it (I can't stand the way you route effects on the FLX10, seems to make it more difficult to run multiple effects on multiple channels at once), but in any case the high-end Pioneer controllers are seemingly vaporware except the FLX10 at the moment.
Unfortunately the Pioneers (DDJ-1000 and RZ) have been sold out everywhere for months and there are only used units available. Same with the SZ2 which is nearly the same as the RZ except mapped for Serato. Given that my current issue is controller reliability I really don't want to buy any more used units.
The FLX10 is an option but it has a lot that I don't need and is missing a lot that I do. I'd really like something with effects buttons above the platters like the RZ if I can help it (I can't stand the way you route effects on the FLX10, seems to make it more difficult to run multiple effects on multiple channels at once), but in any case the high-end Pioneer controllers are seemingly vaporware except the FLX10 at the moment.
Love my RZ
Posted Tue 28 Nov 23 @ 9:51 pm