looking at some beginner dj kits. opinions?

[Mike Nicolosi]

Please keep in mind my lack of experience, and that I have not worked with vinyl as of late.

http://www.ebay.com/itm/NUMARK-DJ-In-A-Box-for-iPod-Vinyl-Turntable-Includes-Headphones-/350519675757?pt=DJ_Gear_Lighting&hash=item519c99cb6d

http://www.ebay.com/itm/Numark-CD-DJ-IN-A-BOX-Complete-Mixdeck-System-w-NDX-200-/230669898288?pt=DJ_Gear_Lighting&hash=item35b4ff5230

http://www.ebay.com/itm/REFURBISHED-Numark-DJ-In-A-Box-Complete-DJ-System-/150795963442?pt=DJ_Gear_Lighting&hash=item231c23cc32

[Sigma]

I can't speak on the CD deck package, but the 2 turntable packages are rubbish. The turntables are very low end belt drives. The mixers are usable as long as you don't want to scratch, but they're also very low end. Unless you absolutely cannot save up to buy something better, I would avoid a set up like that.

[Mike Nicolosi]

what about going digital with something like this:

http://www.ebay.com/itm/Numark-MixTrack-Pro-DJ-Controller-/150792316137?pt=DJ_Gear_Lighting&hash=item231bec24e9

[laurentkm3]

I don't know to much about the gear, but it's cheaper here (and seems to have good reviews) http://www.musiciansfriend.com/pro-audio/numark-mixtrack-dj-controller?source=3WWRWXGB&ktid=37-4336067

L

[ampnation]

Are you looking at these specifically because you don't want to use a computer? That and being incredibly cheap seem to be the common denominators. If you don't want to use a computer, the best thing I can recommend to you is look for Numark TTX turntables and a used good quality, no frills mixer like the Ecler Nuo 2 (the predecessor to the current Nuo 2.0), or an older Denon 2 channel mixer. I don't know what preceded the DN-X120... check out used X120's too. I generally don't like Numark but some of their equipment is very good like the TTX turntables. I've heard some say they're even better than Technics 1200's. I would much rather buy used quality gear then new garbage gear.

By the time you're done, you'll be looking at around $300 for turntables and $200 for a mixer, a little less if you're lucky. Also factor in protective cases and cartridges depending.

If you're okay with using a computer, I would look seriously at the Native Instruments Kontrol S2. It's the only controller in its price range that is solidly built, includes a full version of the software bundled with it, and has balanced outputs meaning it can be used in a professional environment depending on your situation. That way you can concentrate your future funds on things like music. I don't know if you can still find the deal, but it was going for $399 through March.

If your goal is to play in clubs, consider instead, saving up for first, a DDJ Ergo (with free Serato DJ Intro) or DDJ S1 and then, when you can afford it proper club gear which will run you a minimum of about $2000 for technics 1200's, an SL2 and a mixer. That's in the future so I won't elaborate.

[Mike Nicolosi]

Are you looking at these specifically because you don't want to use a computer? That and being incredibly cheap seem to be the common denominators. If you don't want to use a computer, the best thing I can recommend to you is look for Numark TTX turntables and a used good quality, no frills mixer like the Ecler Nuo 2 (the predecessor to the current Nuo 2.0), or an older Denon 2 channel mixer. I don't know what preceded the DN-X120... check out used X120's too. I generally don't like Numark but some of their equipment is very good like the TTX turntables. I've heard some say they're even better than Technics 1200's. I would much rather buy used quality gear then new garbage gear.

By the time you're done, you'll be looking at around $300 for turntables and $200 for a mixer, a little less if you're lucky. Also factor in protective cases and cartridges depending.

If you're okay with using a computer, I would look seriously at the Native Instruments Kontrol S2. It's the only controller in its price range that is solidly built, includes a full version of the software bundled with it, and has balanced outputs meaning it can be used in a professional environment depending on your situation. That way you can concentrate your future funds on things like music. I don't know if you can still find the deal, but it was going for $399 through March.

If your goal is to play in clubs, consider instead, saving up for first, a DDJ Ergo (with free Serato DJ Intro) or DDJ S1 and then, when you can afford it proper club gear which will run you a minimum of about $2000 for technics 1200's, an SL2 and a mixer. That's in the future so I won't elaborate.

i want to go digital. but i'm just looking for a good simple usb controller for use in VDJ Pro most likely. I don't need all the bells and whistles because i'm just starting out. so i'm not so sure the Native Instruments Kontrol S2 is right for me especially because I have to buy PA speakers, Audio Techinca ATH M50's, and other small things like fold out's, cables, and cases.

[samga]

check out a vestax typhoon. thats what i started on, good first time controller. comes with traktor though not vdj

[Mike Nicolosi]

check out a vestax typhoon. thats what i started on, good first time controller. comes with traktor though not vdj

yea i saw that one on musicians friend. looks good, and i like that it has its own sound card

[ampnation]

I would never consider a controller without balanced outputs unless I was using it with a mixer so I don't really look at those and they start at about $325 I believe. Example: Hercules RMX. Under that level, you'll need someone else to advise but brands that seem to be recommended a lot are Vestax and Numark. I understand about budgets!

[Mike Nicolosi]

I would never consider a controller without balanced outputs unless I was using it with a mixer so I don't really look at those and they start at about $325 I believe. Example: Hercules RMX. Under that level, you'll need someone else to advise but brands that seem to be recommended a lot are Vestax and Numark. I understand about budgets!

yea I'm shooting for under $400 for my entire setup. That's with a controller, fold out, Audio Technica ATH-M50 headphones, PA speakers, stands & cables, etc.

[Alex Murphy]

sounds unlikely to happen at $400, unless you find a very very good second hand deal. Or you will have to compromise with very very crappy speakers.

[sephi]

If you only have $400 and want a PA, headphones, DJ gear, etc. - you might as well want a Lotus and a bale of cocaine in there too. It's just not going to happen.

Step back and answer this short questionnaire:
Who are you going to be playing for?
Where are you going to be playing?

If you don't know how to beatmatch and all that fun stuff yet, the answers to those two questions should be "myself and maybe my buddies/girlfriend/whoever I can get to listen to me trainwreck for a few weeks", and "in my bedroom", respectively. Grab a Vestax Typhoon and get to know it intimately.

If you do know how to beatmatch and phrase and generally string together tracks in a sensible manner without hitting a sync button and/or making an awful racket of it, then let us know what your goals are and we can recommend some gear for you. It won't be $400 for $4000 worth of gear, but it will be what you need and want to get the job done.

[Mike Nicolosi]

If you only have $400 and want a PA, headphones, DJ gear, etc. - you might as well want a Lotus and a bale of cocaine in there too. It's just not going to happen.

Step back and answer this short questionnaire:
Who are you going to be playing for?
Where are you going to be playing?

If you don't know how to beatmatch and all that fun stuff yet, the answers to those two questions should be "myself and maybe my buddies/girlfriend/whoever I can get to listen to me trainwreck for a few weeks", and "in my bedroom", respectively. Grab a Vestax Typhoon and get to know it intimately.

If you do know how to beatmatch and phrase and generally string together tracks in a sensible manner without hitting a sync button and/or making an awful racket of it, then let us know what your goals are and we can recommend some gear for you. It won't be $400 for $4000 worth of gear, but it will be what you need and want to get the job done.

So you really just think I should spend the whole $400 on a controller? no headphones or anything else? I mean I understand what you're saying, and yes I wouldn't be out a doing parties, I would just dj for some friends and myself. As for the PA speakers, I don't really know if they're crappy or not so you tell me.

http://www.ebay.com/itm/200645217783?ssPageName=STRK:MEWAX:IT&_trksid=p3984.m1438.l2649

[ampnation]

yea I'm shooting for under $400 for my entire setup. That's with a controller, fold out, Audio Technica ATH-M50 headphones, PA speakers, stands & cables, etc.

Sorry, but that's a completely unrealistic budget. Even for equipment I would never recommend we're talking $80ish for a controller with a sound card, (no idea what a fold out is), ATHM50's $120 refurbed, cheapest powered PA speakers I can think of $90 each = $180, stands... cheapest at Guitar Center = $60 per pair...let's say you get lucky and find used for $30/pair, cables... let's say you have 10 foot RCA's or get them from Goodwill for a nominal amount because any controller you get for $80 isn't going to have balanced outputs... That's $410 and your controller will be mediocre at best and your PA will be complete garbage.

I assume you already have a computer. Consider forgoing a PA for now and getting just the controller and headphones and getting PA once you've practiced and saved up for speakers.

For a variety of reasons, if your first gigs are going to be house parties or other similar events with 30-100 people, I highly recommend the B52 Matrix 1000 v2 which can be had for about $500-600 used, sometimes with everything you need and sometimes with just what it comes with meaning you need to add some stands and cables. This gives you an entry level system that will actually sound like a full range sound with decent sub bass for dancing. Anything else in this price range just won't give you what you want IMO unless you're doing music for some seniors who want to hear Wake up Little Susie or Moon River, or possibly very young kids for a birthday party. (or possibly weddings, but getting into weddings the right way is far from cheap) With the Matrix, you can then do some gigs, save some money, and eventually get a more powerful, better sounding system in the $2000 to $2500 range that will cover up to about 500 people depending on the application and specific system selected. In short, the Matrix is the least expensive PA that has a good chance of making you money IMO.

[Finnish_Fox]

Do you need/want Traktor Pro 2?

[Mike Nicolosi]

Sorry, but that's a completely unrealistic budget. Even for equipment I would never recommend we're talking $80ish for a controller with a sound card, (no idea what a fold out is), ATHM50's $120 refurbed, cheapest powered PA speakers I can think of $90 each = $180, stands... cheapest at Guitar Center = $60 per pair...let's say you get lucky and find used for $30/pair, cables... let's say you have 10 foot RCA's or get them from Goodwill for a nominal amount because any controller you get for $80 isn't going to have balanced outputs... That's $410 and your controller will be mediocre at best and your PA will be complete garbage.

I assume you already have a computer. Consider forgoing a PA for now and getting just the controller and headphones and getting PA once you've practiced and saved up for speakers.

For a variety of reasons, if your first gigs are going to be house parties or other similar events with 30-100 people, I highly recommend the B52 Matrix 1000 v2 which can be had for about $500-600 used, sometimes with everything you need and sometimes with just what it comes with meaning you need to add some stands and cables. This gives you an entry level system that will actually sound like a full range sound with decent sub bass for dancing. Anything else in this price range just won't give you what you want IMO unless you're doing music for some seniors who want to hear Wake up Little Susie or Moon River, or possibly very young kids for a birthday party. (or possibly weddings, but getting into weddings the right way is far from cheap) With the Matrix, you can then do some gigs, save some money, and eventually get a more powerful, better sounding system in the $2000 to $2500 range that will cover up to about 500 people depending on the application and specific system selected. In short, the Matrix is the least expensive PA that has a good chance of making you money IMO.

So to shorten all of that. Should I get then just a decent controller i.e. the Vestax Typhoon and ATH-M50's? and a fold out is the felt carpeted stand a DJ put all his equipment on during gigs. at least that's what I call it.

[Mike Nicolosi]

Do you need/want Traktor Pro 2?

No, I already have Traktor and VDJ full purchased editions ready to go.

[ampnation]

As for the PA speakers, I don't really know if they're crappy or not so you tell me.

http://www.ebay.com/itm/200645217783?ssPageName=STRK:MEWAX:IT&_trksid=p3984.m1438.l2649

Those are SO crappy, if my dog took a dump on them, it would make them LESS crappy.

The specs are complete fantasy. 250w RMS = 1000w peak, not 500w., so RMS is more like 125w. Sensitivity of 93db is very weak meaning those 125w won't give you much volume and considering the rest of the design and price, they'll sound like crap doing it, and fail quickly. Another thing... minimum power requirement???WTF? There's something very odd about a speaker that has a minimum power requirement. Suppose you only wanted 93db? That would be accomplished with 1w which isn't up to the 5w minimum. In short, these people either know NOTHING about speaker design, or they DO and they're just trying to make money without delivering an honest product. So don't even THINK about buying those speakers. PLEASE. The only thing these speakers are good for is separating you from your money and contributing to the landfill.

Even if you were to buy those speakers, you would then need to add an amplifier which would cost you a bare minimum of about $200 for a used, low power product. Now you're talking $250+ and trust me, even what we normally call crap here, would walk allllll over that combo. example, a single powered Behringer B210D which doesn't need an amplifier because it
is built into the speaker (that's what powered speakers are -- speaker with built in amp) for about $170-200 plus a Behringer Xenyx 502 mixer for $40 to get you stereo signal into a mono output -- not even sure that works... depends on if the RCA input can be panned somehow, or the line inputs will take an unbalanced signal. Don't get me wrong. I'm not recommending the Behringer stuff -- I'm definitely not. Read my other post.

[DjDisArm]

Those are SO crappy, if my dog took a dump on them, it would make them LESS crappy.


:lol:

[sephi]

tl;dr get a Typhoon and use what's left over for nice headphones and music.

[laurentkm3]

You're on a budget............

Don't but the best stuff and don't buy the worst stuff, just get something in the middle. Wait another couple of months and save up more money. I know you want to dive into the dj-ing stuff right now, but the scene will still be around in a couple of months, so save your money.

The reality is, is that you'll get what you paid for. Buying weak/low end equipment will effect your dj experience with frustration.

[Mike Nicolosi]

Okay, can someone please (who understands my budget) find a good controller to start with?

[ampnation]

Should I get then just a decent controller i.e. the Vestax Typhoon and ATH-M50's?


check out a vestax typhoon. thats what i started on, good first time controller. comes with traktor though not vdj


Grab a Vestax Typhoon and get to know it intimately.


tl;dr get a Typhoon and use what's left over for nice headphones and music.


Okay, can someone please (who understands my budget) find a good controller to start with?

:shrug: So the Typhoon is too costly?

[AsiaPacific-DNB]

If your'e not into something fancy and just for personal entertainment go for the Numark MTP, and maybe grab a cheapish pair of decent headphones from somewhere.

[Finnish_Fox]

Okay, can someone please (who understands my budget) find a good controller to start with?

Yes, that person is named Google. Chat him up some time.

[Dave Daschofsky]

For what you spent on traktor and VDJ pro you could have bought an NS7 or S4. (if you actually bought them, someone with only a $400 budget for gear usually isn't spending neraly that much on software either)

[Celestial]

For what you spent on traktor and VDJ pro you could have bought an NS7 or S4. (if you actually bought them, someone with only a $400 budget for gear usually isn't spending neraly that much on software either)

production software is $450 and up usually :ninja: , unless we're solely talking about djing software

[spiz]

I'd look around for a Native Instruments S2. You can probably find one used for around 300. You would have to use a computer with it of course, but at least you'd have something usable and not cringe worthy. I wouldn't waste time on the prepackaged dj setups. Also, just spend a lot of time on your local (and biggest) craigslist... see what you can find.