Traktor - Which controller?!?!

[boomer]

I have the MC6000 and use Traktor and have never had any problems “love it ”

[DJDC]

it was the first time out with the mc6000, I had loaded Traktor LE which is quite basic, but a bit better than PCDJ DEX that I was using, DEX2 never worked for me properly.

So I upgraded to Traktor Pro then the sound kept dropping out a mate help sort that out Friday night, but the pub had booked a Karaoke disco so I did not get to run it before last nights 40th, all started good and as I was setting up the next track (8.55) the other stopped, don't know whether it was me trying to load the live deck or inadvertantly catching the mouse on the deck?, I had to resort to CD (fortunately I always leave something in the CD, although on this occasion it was a RnB Grandmaster mix). Because on both occasions I went into over drive grabbing mic, etc I did not really take in what exactly what was the cause. First time I restarted the software second time just loaded next track up.

[Gazza75]

So I upgraded to Traktor Pro then the sound kept dropping out a mate help sort that out Friday night, but the pub had booked a Karaoke disco so I did not get to run it before last nights 40th, all started good and as I was setting up the next track (8.55) the other stopped, don't know whether it was me trying to load the live deck or inadvertantly catching the mouse on the deck?.

It's possible to disable the ability to load a track onto a deck that is currently playing, this is the current setup I use, it inadvertently prevents crashing a track with another. You can turn this on in the settings menu if you want to know how I can describe in more detail if required.


Back on topic I currently use a Traktor Kontrol S2, great value for money and does have an internal sound card, so eliminates the issued mentioned of choppy sound, which is normally caused by soundcard compatibility. I would highly recommend it, it runs off usb or mains AC if you want all the lights 100%. On the rear it has 2x 1/4" outputs which I use with a 1/4" to xlr cable, and for £12.99 something like this allows you to use upto 3 mics with it.

You can also custom map it so you can really have full control over the ins and outs of the controller. However it will not work without your mac or as a standalone mixer but at £329 (last time I checked) it's an absolute steal.

If you want any info give me a shout and I can help as required.

[DiscoMagic]

Thanks Gazza,

I was sorely tempted by the S2 / S4 solutions, but really wanted to consolidate my setup into one 'box', and quite often someone will ask me if I can play off their Ipod / Iphone etc. I am equally nervous about putting all my eggs into one basket, in case the Mac crashes and I am left with the deadly silence zone and at least with the likes of the MC6000, I can hit a switch and play direct of my iphone, whilst the computer reboots...

Alternative solution is the S2 and to then buy an seperate line mixer like this...

Oh what to do

[Gazza75]

Thanks Gazza,

I was sorely tempted by the S2 / S4 solutions, but really wanted to consolidate my setup into one 'box', and quite often someone will ask me if I can play off their Ipod / Iphone etc. I am equally nervous about putting all my eggs into one basket, in case the Mac crashes and I am left with the deadly silence zone and at least with the likes of the MC6000, I can hit a switch and play direct of my iphone, whilst the computer reboots...

Alternative solution is the S2 and to then buy an seperate line mixer like this...

Oh what to do

I have a similar setup however if my mac were to crash, it takes 20sec to reboot from anything which helps. I'm not promoting one product over another here but I purchased a macbook pro with retina, with 512gb solid hard drive and 16gb of RAM i averages 10-15% cpu usage on a gig more than enough to keep the fan off and reduce the likelihood of a crash.

This is of course a very expensive route to go down, I do keep a mic plugged into a speaker as a direct input just incase.

My confidence comes from knowing the S2 and S4 are used in major clubs worldwide but again it's what people are used to and most comfortable with. It's difficult to say if one mixer is more reliable than the other, I do know that when it does work it allows me to work very quickly and creatively.

[ianforest]

So what Denon mixer do you have? A X500 or X900 something like that? If so, grab a Denon HC4500...that will do the job just right. You won't have access to all of Traktor's bells and whistley features but if all you're doing is playing music with the occasional mixing and use of loops/hot cues then you really do not need anything else.

No sound card needed either as Traktor will quite happily use the HC4500.

I use Traktor currently with the Native Instruments Kontrol S4...and it's AMAZING...the best controller for Traktor hands down. The trade off however is that you need a proper external mixer if you want to use a microphone. I use the Allen & Heath Zed 10...but you can use that little Alesis thing no bother at all.

[DiscoMagic]

So what Denon mixer do you have?

DNX500

The trade off however is that you need a proper external mixer if you want to use a microphone. I use the Allen & Heath Zed 10...but you can use that little Alesis thing no bother at all.

that IS interesting. Why do you say that, bearing in mind the S4 has in mic input? is the quality poor??? I did find this in my early days of using a Numark Idj2, and had to resort to an external mixer for this very reason

The denon is possbily looking more favourable at the moment?



On a seperate note, is anyone using anything other than Denon or Native instruments? I heard other possiblities are Vestax and/or Numark FourTrak /ns7 any or all opinions would be great!!!

[ianforest]

The mic input is poor to be honest...very low gain. You could use a gain attentuator I guess to increase it, but I like the benefits an external mixer gives me so that i can plug in extra mic's/other inputs if required.

I've tried the Stanton SCS.4DJ with Traktor...eurgh...forget it.

I've used the Numark Mixdeck Quad with Traktor...mmm...bleurgh, not brilliant.

I've used the Novation Twitch with Traktor...AMAZING

I've used the Vestax Spin with Traktor...a bit gimmicky...not nice.