Replacement for Denon HD2500 [Archive] - Mobile Disco Directory Forum

BeerFunk

18-09-2013, 09:44 PM

It's incredible that this isn't out there already. I don't understand why DJs just 'accept' that every controller requires a computer to be attached to it, when the computing power should be part of the controller.

When you consider that a laptop is built for general use, then you're only utilising a fraction of it's capabilities when coupling it with a controller for music playback. A dedicated unit would only need half the power of whichever laptop you're using for the job.

However, this isn't different to any other industry - it's supply and demand. And if we don't demand...

Sapphire Disco

18-09-2013, 10:09 PM

When you consider that a laptop is built for general use, then you're only utilising a fraction of it's capabilities when coupling it with a controller for music playback. A dedicated unit would only need half the power of whichever laptop you're using for the job.

I think a laptop has a lot going for it a built in mouse & keyboard a large enough screen that even I can see without glasses , you can download and edit your music collection directly on it even at a gig in an emergency, if you take two it's easy to change to the back up should you run into problems, if are you unexpectedly presented with a backing track CD for some kid to sing to as I have a couple of times you can play it. I'm sure there are other advantages I haven't thought of although I'm sure there will be some smart arse along soon with a list of disadvantages :D

Shaun

18-09-2013, 10:25 PM

Come on mate, join us Laptop Larrys, you know you want to. :D

No nay never!!!!

It's incredible that this isn't out there already. I don't understand why DJs just 'accept' that every controller requires a computer to be attached to it, when the computing power should be part of the controller.

:like: :agree:

There is one in the pipeline. It's being fine tuned at the moment. ETA next year some time.

:like: :like: :like:

I'm actually amazed that after the Denon HD2500 they completely discontinued such a device and moved on to midi only. Going by all the forums at the time of the 2500 release (both here and stateside) the Denon HD 2500 looked to be one of the biggest selling and most revolutionary devices in the last god knows how many years. Then GONE..nothing but midi after that. It took a long time for me to move from CD as I ultimately wasn't interested in a laptop/software based system, then Denon popped up with the perfect solution, only to discontinue it within a couple of years. And to this day I still don't know why. From what I gather it was a HUGE seller for them?

Shakermaker Promotions

19-09-2013, 01:10 AM

DJIanScott

19-09-2013, 07:38 AM

I still use my Denon week in, week out with no problems whatsoever.
I have VDJ and a laptop as back up but I do like the Denon.
I'd be interested to see what this new thing is like when it finally arrives.

New one? Really? I'd love to see that. Anyone got a link to info about it? I own the 2500 and a pair of 5500's too. Still using them as Serato DJ (via my DDJ-SX) doesn't like over 70% of my MP3 files!
The 2500 is bombproof. Denon had an awesome product and should have continued its development. The naysayers who disliked it complained mainly about the small screen.......mostly DJs who need a telly upon which they can see huge playlists because they can't think for themselves. A real DJ knows what to play next!

Excalibur

19-09-2013, 07:47 AM

However, this isn't different to any other industry - it's supply and demand. And if we don't demand...
Seems to me we've been asking for various things for years, but our voices don't get heard. We'vbe had a thread dedicated to building the perfect HDC, and that was many years ago, I believe. It's not here yet.

At BPM I suggested to a supplier that there was an overwhelming need for a small LED moonflower with gobos, at a sensible price. I know I and others are eagerly seeking this. He said it had never been considered. :bang:

I'd be interested to see what this new thing is like when it finally arrives.

Forgive my scepticism, but " If " rather than "When". I seem to remember we've been promised this before. I'm not holding my breath.

The 2500 is bombproof.
I beg your pardon? A colleague found it so "bombproof" that he sold it, and got an MC6000. I've sen his 2500 fall over many times, and bailed him out with my playout.

deltic

19-09-2013, 08:20 AM

I beg your pardon? A colleague found it so "bombproof" that he sold it, and got an MC6000. I've sen his 2500 fall over many times, and bailed him out with my playout.

can honestly say the old Dansette never let me down absolutely bombproof :):):) however the same can't be said of the HD2500 i had!!!

funkymook

19-09-2013, 08:42 AM

DJs who need a telly upon which they can see huge playlists because they can't think for themselves. A real DJ knows what to play next!

So you play everything totally on the fly by memory alone? Pick the next song with no hesitation or deviation, never forget any tune ever, no notes made of clients 'must plays' etc. That's amazing.

I need to browse my tunes for inspiration - oh if I only had a brain!

sweetie

19-09-2013, 09:05 AM

Doesn't the numark mixdeck quad work standalone and as a midi controller (and takes an idevice too)

DJIanScott

19-09-2013, 10:17 AM

I beg your pardon? A colleague found it so "bombproof" that he sold it, and got an MC6000. I've sen his 2500 fall over many times, and bailed him out with my playout.

I can only speak from personal experience, and in seven years of owning/using a 2500, it fell over just once and that was user error.......I didn't push the USB plug in properly!

Really like to see the idea redeveloped though, negating the need for a PC/Mac as a platform.

Solitaire Events Ltd

19-09-2013, 10:35 AM

So you play everything totally on the fly by memory alone? Pick the next song with no hesitation or deviation, never forget any tune ever,

To be fair, when I used vinyl (for nearly 15 years), the answer would have been yes!

funkymook

19-09-2013, 10:47 AM

To be fair, when I used vinyl (for nearly 15 years), the answer would have been yes!

and did you think anyone who flipped through their collection for a bit of inspiration wasn't a 'real DJ'.

It wasn't so much the mechanics of it (I used a HD2500 for a few years myself, but I prefer having a larger screen to browse) it was the superior attitude.

DJIanScott

19-09-2013, 10:49 AM

To be fair, when I used vinyl (for nearly 15 years), the answer would have been yes!

My point exactly. A lot of 'knowledge' has been lost since the advent of computerised listings, with the ability to sort into genre/BPM/key order.

funkymook

19-09-2013, 11:09 AM

My point exactly. A lot of 'knowledge' has been lost since the advent of computerised listings, with the ability to sort into genre/BPM/key order.

If that was your point you should have made it!

I think you're back-pedalling now that someone's thrown you a lifeline...

Nothing was stopping any collection in any format being listed in whatever category the DJ wanted - musical knowledge is still required whether you have a crate of vinyl or a laptop screen, having a tiny display doesn't make you a better DJ just because you can't see more than a few tunes at once. Do you not have your own collection arranged in folders?

Solitaire Events Ltd

19-09-2013, 11:10 AM

and did you think anyone who flipped through their collection for a bit of inspiration wasn't a 'real DJ'.

No of course not. I suppose it's just a different way of looking and storing music. I used to have boxes of records sorted in the same genre and decade and my folders on my laptop are similar but a lot easier to manage.

DJIanScott

19-09-2013, 11:23 AM

If that was your point you should have made it!

I think you're back-pedalling now that someone's thrown you a lifeline...

Not at all. Why back-pedal? In case I get arrested by the Forum police?! Life's too short....
My point was that naysayers who disliked it were predominantly hung up on not being able to see all their songs, thus impeding their DJ abilities. As a former retailer, this was by far the most common feedback from the less-experienced jocks visiting our store.

So, to respond with a question of my own.....if you had no access to view pages upon pages of tunes and you could only type in the title from memory/experience, would that affect your performance?

funkymook

19-09-2013, 11:54 AM

Not at all. Why back-pedal? In case I get arrested by the Forum police?! Life's too short....
My point was that naysayers who disliked it were predominantly hung up on not being able to see all their songs, thus impeding their DJ abilities. As a former retailer, this was by far the most common feedback from the less-experienced jocks visiting our store.

So, to respond with a question of my own.....if you had no access to view pages upon pages of tunes and you could only type in the title from memory/experience, would that affect your performance?

And a reply to my own about having your music in folders would be appreciated.

I used a HD2500 for a few years and that's exactly the reason I wanted to change - I prefer browsing my tunes (like looking at favourite compilations when I used CD's).

Relying totally on memory limits you to what you can remember, and you probably end up going to the same old tried and tested tunes every time - boring! If you can instantly recall every single track on your HD, never have to make a note of your clients 'must play' requests, never have a brain freeze - then good for you.

I'm more than capable of thinking about my next tune - in fact you need to do that to start a search anyway, you don't just randomly dip into a collection that can have tens of thousands of tracks in it and hope something appropriate pops up. if I'm in the middle of a Motown set (for example) then I prefer being able to see as many possible choices at once - that doesn't mean I don't know the music I'm looking at (which your original comment seemed to infer) or I couldn't do it by memory and knowledge alone, it just means I have more choice at my finger tips and can have my memory jogged by seeing an artist or song name I may not have considered - what's your problem with that?

Excalibur

19-09-2013, 12:11 PM

My point was that naysayers who disliked it were predominantly hung up on not being able to see all their songs, thus impeding their DJ abilities.

My dislike was that the bugger was deaf! As for lack of information shown, my Cortex showed far less, and I loved that.

DJIanScott

19-09-2013, 12:15 PM

And a reply to my own about having your music in folders would be appreciated.

Yes, all my music is in folders.

funkymook

19-09-2013, 12:25 PM

Yes, all my music is in folders.

Why do you need to sort them into folders?

Obviously you can see where I'm going - you organise your music rather than having an A-Z collection - does that make you an inferior DJ to someone who doesn't use folders? Obviously not.

Some people prefer a large screen to look at, some prefer a small screen, some prefer a laptop, some prefer a dedicated DJ unit - neither makes any real difference to ability, they're going to be great, good, OK or rubbish DJ's regardless of which they favour, they're just a tool to get music coming out of the speakers.

yourdj

19-09-2013, 12:36 PM

Relying totally on memory limits you to what you can remember, and you probably end up going to the same old tried and tested tunes every time - boring!

I bought one and found it very limiting as its invaluable using Serato and being able to browse all of my playlists on a proper screen rather than a tiny window.

DJIanScott

19-09-2013, 01:09 PM

Why do you need to sort them into folders?

Obviously you can see where I'm going - you organise your music rather than having an A-Z collection - does that make you an inferior DJ to someone who doesn't use folders? Obviously not.

Some people prefer a large screen to look at, some prefer a small screen, some prefer a laptop, some prefer a dedicated DJ unit - neither makes any real difference to ability, they're going to be great, good, OK or rubbish DJ's regardless of which they favour, they're just a tool to get music coming out of the speakers.

Naturally my music is organised into folders, it's a basic requirement of almost all mp3 based systems....and even in my vinyl days, the records were sorted in boxes of similar genres.....but my point was the importance placed upon having a big screen by the customers I was serving. They totally dismissed a truly innovative and very reliable product simply because they couldn't view forty tracks/albums at once, and by their own admissions, needed to see lists for constant inspiration.

We are all different, let's keep it that way

funkymook

19-09-2013, 01:31 PM

and by their own admissions, needed to see lists for constant inspiration.

You say that as if it's a bad thing - there's nothing wrong with being inspired, in fact I'd be concerned if a DJ wasn't. Seeing a tune you wouldn't have thought of and haven't played in ages and just knowing it's going to work is a great feeling and helps keeps things interesting.

You can't possibly think of all the possible tunes that could follow the one your playing using memory alone - why limit yourself.

2Groove

19-09-2013, 01:36 PM

I think there sometimes can be a perception from clients/party goers/band members that if the Dj uses a laptop, then the software is doing most of the work (e.g.. creating its own playlists/mixing)

I've use the 2500 as my primary PO and have an old laptop with PC-Dj as back up but I've had comments along these line..."Oh, your a laptop Dj then..." And the tone isn't necessarily positive.

DJIanScott

19-09-2013, 02:17 PM

You say that as if it's a bad thing - there's nothing wrong with being inspired, in fact I'd be concerned if a DJ wasn't.

Twist to fit.......I said 'constant inspiration' in the context that, without it, they would be devoid of inspiration.

funkymook

19-09-2013, 02:23 PM

Twist to fit.......I said 'constant inspiration' in the context that, without it, they would be devoid of inspiration.

Really - that's what they told you, without a screen they had no idea what to play next? How on earth did they get through even one gig with the HD2500? Twist to fit indeed!

DJIanScott

19-09-2013, 02:34 PM

Really - that's what they told you, without a screen they had no idea what to play next? How on earth did they get through even one gig with the HD2500? Twist to fit indeed!

Yes! On more than half a dozen occasions, we were told by customers that they had to have 'full view' (or words to that effect) of their files for constant perusal and that's why they wouldn't purchase the 2500! They didn't even get as far as gigging with one!
Believe me, we saw some proper numpties in our store....people who thought DJing was an easy ticket to a few quid. Set up some playlists, off you go.......they're the 'DJs' I speak of.

funkymook

19-09-2013, 02:44 PM

Yes! On more than half a dozen occasions, we were told by customers that they had to have 'full view' (or words to that effect) of their files for constant perusal and that's why they wouldn't purchase the 2500! They didn't even get as far as gigging with one!
Believe me, we saw some proper numpties in our store....people who thought DJing was an easy ticket to a few quid. Set up some playlists, off you go.......they're the 'DJs' I speak of.

Well I'm a DJ who used the HD2500 for quite a while and I prefer a big screen for exactly the same reasons as them. In fact had I had been a laptop DJ before then I probably wouldn't have got it in the first place. Even with CD's it was easier to flip through your collection. They had a valid point regardless of what you think of their knowledge or skills.

Shaun

19-09-2013, 02:54 PM

I've never thought the small screen on the 2500's was an issue. It's absolutely fine for my needs.

Shakermaker Promotions

19-09-2013, 03:18 PM

The small screen on the Denon does not bother me in the slightest. It's an awesome machine.

Solitaire Events Ltd

19-09-2013, 03:24 PM

Shaun

19-09-2013, 03:29 PM

The small screen won't bother you until you use something bigger. Trust me, I've used both and once you use a big screen it seems a lot more difficult to use the HD2500. I like to see the whole of the tag, which the Denon doesn't always show.

I can appreciate that. I use a midi setup for playing around with at home (Pioneer DDJ-T1). For gigging though I can cope with the smaller screen if it means not having to start adding laptops.

Shakermaker Promotions

19-09-2013, 03:35 PM

The small screen won't bother you until you use something bigger. Trust me, I've used both and once you use a big screen it seems a lot more difficult to use the HD2500. I like to see the whole of the tag, which the Denon doesn't always show.

I have used something bigger Darren. I also use VDJ on the laptop too but I still don't have any issues with the small screen.
Yes, it doesn't show the whole tag but that's not a problem.
The one thing that I miss about DJing before it went digital or whatever you want to call it, is the actual browsing through CD's or Vinyl and getting ideas. It's not the same browsing folders but saying that, one of the things I find myself doing is looking at the laptop (which is a mirror of what I have on the Denon) and using it as a reference base. You have to have an idea of what to play next in your head, yes...that's true but sometimes I get a mind blank so I use the reference base to jog my memory.

Excalibur

19-09-2013, 03:37 PM

The small screen won't bother you until you use something bigger. .

Darren has struck the nail firmly and accurately on the head.

Solitaire Events Ltd

19-09-2013, 03:43 PM

I have used something bigger Darren. I also use VDJ on the laptop too but I still don't have any issues with the small screen.

The difference is Gary, I used the laptops as my main playout. You aren't going to get used to something using it as a backup or occasionally. Use VDJ for a few months and then go back to your HD2500, then tell me the same thing!

Excalibur

19-09-2013, 04:30 PM

Use VDJ for a few months and then go back to your HD2500, then tell me the same thing!
( I would think it exceedingly likely that ) Anyone using VDJ with a suitable controller will not go back to a Cortex, Denon, or Numark.

Shakermaker Promotions

19-09-2013, 04:41 PM

That's where we differ though isn't it (apart from the obvious differences :))
I LIKE the Denon the way it is, it does what I want it to and I don't have any issues with it.
I'm used to it and I know it inside out and more importantly, it's never let me down as yet.
You can argue or debate it until you're blue in the face, it's each to their own at the end of the day.

DJIanScott

19-09-2013, 05:11 PM

My first MP3 PO system was a laptop and PCDJ. In clubs I've used Virtual, Traktor, Ableton, etc....but still have no issues with the 2500 screen.

Shaun

19-09-2013, 05:48 PM

What we need is a new 2500....with a monitor output. Everyone will be happy. :)

funkymook

19-09-2013, 06:05 PM

From a business perspective a high quality stand alone player would probably get a resounding 'I'm out' on Dragon's Den.

The professional DJ market isn't very big - but the hobbyist and wannabe market is massive in comparison.

It's got to compete against software (some of it free) that can be installed on a laptop that nearly every household has and can also be bought very cheaply new. The money is in making products that go with the software.

The price of developing a unit with a relatively niche market means it'll be prohibitively expensive, and it's a buy once item if it does everything it needs to do (look at the number of people still happily using the HD2500). Whereas entry level software and controllers and their upgrade paths mean there's a constant market.

Make something too good and you've shot yourself in the foot - sometimes great ideas are not great business ideas.

Excalibur

19-09-2013, 06:10 PM

What we need is a new 2500....with a monitor output. Everyone will be happy. :)

Like this? :whistle:

DJIanScott

19-09-2013, 06:16 PM

Like this? :whistle:

Pioneer ballsed it up by only being able to cope with limited HDD space (80 Gb I think)!

Excalibur

19-09-2013, 06:27 PM

Pioneer ballsed it up by only being able to cope with limited HDD space (80 Gb I think)!

Dunno about that, but only being able to do Karaoke from the drawers was a real own goal.

BeerFunk

19-09-2013, 07:12 PM

Well, this has certainly escalated!

With regards to looking for inspiration, I have playlists set up on the HD2500 - cheese, disco, hip-hop, dance 90s, dance 00s, rock, swing etc.
You can also search by BPM, if you're looking for inspiration within a certain tempo, or of course search by genre. I agree that the screen could be a bit bigger, but then it is a compact unit which makes for good portability. I can take it into tight DJ booths, or use a simple keyboard stand and take up less than a square metre (2 sq metres including P.A.) when space is at a premium.

Back to the topic in hand, I think it's worth mentioning that it is also extremely difficult to find quality (non-Apple) MP3 playback devices for home use too. I've been looking for a basic MP3 player to connect to my Hifi system (preferably one that can stream over a network, or has a decent size HDD built in) and there really is nothing much out there.

It could be that there's no profit in certain markets. Why invest into R&D for an all-in-one unit, when the target market (DJs) are quite happy to purchase a laptop separately? :confused:

Sapphire Disco

19-09-2013, 07:31 PM

What we need is a new 2500....with a monitor output. Everyone will be happy. :)

Sounds like a great idea put your name on it :D

DJIanScott

19-09-2013, 11:04 PM

Sounds like a great idea put your name on it :D

Like others on here have said, the market is now biased towards software platforms upon laptops.
I own a dedicated controller because I felt I should move with the times and get a few more toys onboard, yet I still use the Denon instead. I'd jump at an updated version, larger screen or otherwise!

deltic

20-09-2013, 07:51 AM

Pioneer ballsed it up by only being able to cope with limited HDD space (80 Gb I think)!

never had a problem with HD size,but had to have two drives connected,one for folder view and one for searching as you couldn't switch modes on the fly.

Dunno about that, but only being able to do Karaoke from the drawers was a real own goal.

karaoke was a total joke…..when in karaoke mode you could only play from karaoke disks on both sides and not able to play from the hard drive at the same time.

i held on to the MEP7000 in the hope a miraculus hope a firmware update would come along and allow mp3+g karaoke playback and also be able to have search and folder view combined,alas this never happened and we parted company.

BeerFunk

08-03-2014, 11:28 PM

Shaun

09-03-2014, 01:13 AM

I'd love to see a replacement too. I don't want to go down the laptop route.

yourdj

09-03-2014, 06:29 AM

I can ask the Denon people at the Pro mobile conference if you want?
Most the other key brands are there too so I can ask one of them as well if you have a model number.

I ended up having breakfast with Denon last year so can do the same this year. :)
I was chatting with them at developing a function where launch pads can be programmed like a GWDMX!
Now that would be handy!! lighting control with wireless DMX all in the same unit!

Excalibur

09-03-2014, 09:55 AM

Hate to resurrect an old thread, but has anyone heard anything about a new standalone MP3 DJ system?

I'm perfectly happy with my HD2500, but once it's flightcased with a mixer etc, it's quite bulky and heavy. I do have a Denon DN-X050 mixer which I use, but I find it's microphone input is poor.

I'm considering going down the MC6000 route, but it's so much money for redundant features (at least for my use). Pretty much all laptops are over-specced to be used solely as an accompaniment to a controller.

I'd love to see a replacement too. I don't want to go down the laptop route.

Come on lads, stick a tentative toe into the waters of today. D2, Cortex and HD 2500 are sooooooooooooooooooooo yesterday. :p I love my VMS, and wouldn't have anything else. Apparently the Mk2 Denon 600 has improved mic channels, so it's a contender, and there are others as well.

I can ask the Denon people at the Pro mobile conference if you want?

Apparently, it's " imminent " Toby. However, since it's been "imminent " for over two years, perhaps a more accurate word would be " forgotten ". :whistle:

yourdj

09-03-2014, 03:47 PM

Come on lads, stick a tentative toe into the waters of today. D2, Cortex and HD 2500 are sooooooooooooooooooooo yesterday. :p I love my VMS, and wouldn't have anything else. Apparently the Mk2 Denon 600 has improved mic channels, so it's a contender, and there are others as well.

Apparently, it's " imminent " Toby. However, since it's been "imminent " for over two years, perhaps a more accurate word would be " forgotten ". :whistle:

I will ask now :lol: - "Nothing in the next 6 months" whether its in 7 months + they do not know, but it will be a mk2 if anything.

They are a very friendly bunch. The new controller is very impressive i must say - its solid and very compact when compared to pioneer etc.

16455

Shaun

09-03-2014, 04:25 PM

I can ask the Denon people at the Pro mobile conference if you want?

If you could, that would be great. :).

Shaun

09-03-2014, 04:30 PM

Come on lads, stick a tentative toe into the waters of today.

I have done. I own one of these (see below). It's more or less just a toy though, for making mixes for the car. I still prefer my Denon - a single unit without the need for laptops.

BeerFunk

09-03-2014, 08:35 PM

I'd love to see a replacement too. I don't want to go down the laptop route.Me neither, but if nothing is even on the pipeline, I may be tempted to go that way. On the one hand, they (manufacturers) must be smiling wryly that they're getting away with not making an all-in-one unit. However, I'm sure cross-compatibility with multiple laptop/hardware configurations is also a bit of a headache.

I can ask the Denon people at the Pro mobile conference if you want?If you wouldn't mind Toby :) They might be able to shed some light on the decision not to follow up on the HD2500 :confused:

Come on lads, stick a tentative toe into the waters of today. D2, Cortex and HD 2500 are sooooooooooooooooooooo yesterday. :p I love my VMS, and wouldn't have anything else. Apparently the Mk2 Denon 600 has improved mic channels, so it's a contender, and there are others as well. It's not really about getting up to date though Peter, for me. It's about having a solid piece of kit which I can bank on. I've heard a lot of problems with latency and the like, between controllers and the laptops they're connected to. One thing I can be assured of with the HD2500 is that when I hit play, there is no delay, and I have total precision over the output.

That's one example of why I'm reluctant to change. The other is the introduction of another single point of failure to the chain - the laptop. That goes down, your controller becomes an expensive doorstop. I know you could say the same for any piece of hardware, but if you've got a professional grade deck which is specifically designed for music playout, and only that, you can have that bit more faith.

I'm also well aware that the failure rate of laptops is fairly low these days, and also that you can strip out a lot of unwanted processes on your OS to keep it focused on what you need it to do.

I am tempted by the MC6000, but will most likely wait a bit and see if anything else hits the market.

Excalibur

09-03-2014, 10:01 PM

.
The new controller is very impressive i must say - its solid and very compact when compared to pioneer etc.

According to the blurb, it has had a lot of work done to make it more user friendly, and the mic channels have been rejigged, so it ought to have had the bugs removed by now and be a fine piece of kit.

If you could, that would be great. :).
Shaun, I'm sure you'll understand if I don't hold my breath waiting for the Mk2. ;)

I have done. I own one of these (see below). It's more or less just a toy though, for making mixes for the car. I still prefer my Denon - a single unit without the need for laptops.

I know you have one dear boy. And I know what you purchased before it. And why. ;)
For readers not up to speed in this area, Shaun went to an open day somewhere, to compare just about every brand of midi controller known to mankind under one roof. And dear reader, he wavered. He bought the model regarded by many as the " Industry Standard ", the workhorse of many mobile DJs. The only inference which can be drawn is that he was contemplating the remote possibilty of using it in anger as a playout system for his disco.
And then the moment passed, and he swapped it for the Pioneer, the very next day. :D:D:D

OK, to be serious, let me first say that if the Cortex play buttons had functioned faultlessly, and I didn't want to offer Karaoke, I'd still be using them, no question. I loved them, as much as Numark and Denon users love theirs. I could be making music minutes after their cases hit the stand. But those cases were heavy, and not easy to carry upstairs. I recently sold the gator case I put together for upstairs gigs, which held a Cortex and mixer. My VMS is lighter, smaller, neater and coupled with a laptop, easier to use.

For me, the only solution is controller and laptop. For Shaun, it's a Hard Drive Controller, like the 2500. And for a well regarded forum member, it's a sort of halfway house, a midi controller in a case, with a Denon 500 mixer to sort the sound, and a laptop for the main visuals. If you don't do Karaoke, an HDC is still perhaps the simplest solution, but for those of us with failing sight, and an inexplicable desire to listen to amateurs murdering classic songs, you need a laptop.

Shaun

09-03-2014, 10:26 PM

I know you have one dear boy. And I know what you purchased before it. And why. ;)
For readers not up to speed in this area, Shaun went to an open day somewhere, to compare just about every brand of midi controller known to mankind under one roof. And dear reader, he wavered. He bought the model regarded by many as the " Industry Standard ", the workhorse of many mobile DJs. The only inference which can be drawn is that he was contemplating the remote possibilty of using it in anger as a playout system for his disco.
And then the moment passed, and he swapped it for the Pioneer, the very next day. :D:D:D

What a good memory you have. :D I'd forgot you were there (apologies!) Lol.

BeerFunk

09-03-2014, 11:05 PM

OK, to be serious, let me first say that if the Cortex play buttons had functioned faultlessly, and I didn't want to offer Karaoke, I'd still be using them, no question. I loved them, as much as Numark and Denon users love theirs. I could be making music minutes after their cases hit the stand. But those cases were heavy, and not easy to carry upstairs. I recently sold the gator case I put together for upstairs gigs, which held a Cortex and mixer. My VMS is lighter, smaller, neater and coupled with a laptop, easier to use.

For me, the only solution is controller and laptop. For Shaun, it's a Hard Drive Controller, like the 2500. And for a well regarded forum member, it's a sort of halfway house, a midi controller in a case, with a Denon 500 mixer to sort the sound, and a laptop for the main visuals. If you don't do Karaoke, an HDC is still perhaps the simplest solution, but for those of us with failing sight, and an inexplicable desire to listen to amateurs murdering classic songs, you need a laptop.Very well written - pretty much sums it up really!

Added to that, I must admit, I like a few toys and effects on my playout system. Just a few, mind, but if I'm being honest - they're not strictly necessary. I love the filter and brake effects on the Denon, and sometimes use dump to slip past a sweary word, if I don't have a clean version of the track. I do a bit of mixing at times too, mostly at 18ths/21sts, which is where instant start and no/low latency is vital.

As for the heavy case, yes, it is an annoyance. On the flips side though, I have my entire playout ready to go in about 30 seconds. Pop the lid off the flightcase, plug into the mains, wait for decks to initialise. Also have headphones, one wired mic, one wireless mic, small mic mixer, external USB HDD, and a bag of spare cables in the flightcase. My only gripe is the solitary unbalanced mic input on the DN-X050 mixer - hence the need for the mic mixer. I've never been completely happy with the microphone quality, but it saves swapping out for a heavier mixer.

The MC6000 does tick all of the above boxes, and then some.... :)

yourdj

10-03-2014, 05:36 PM

According to the blurb, it has had a lot of work done to make it more user friendly, and the mic channels have been rejigged, so it ought to have had the bugs removed by now and be a fine piece of kit.

i think they may be sending me one to review so will look forward to that. I may upgrade I think as i have always liked Denon and apart from the external power requirement it ticks all the boxes. I still have the Peavy Hi Sys system sitting in my living room so hopefully Denon will forget they sent it too me :lol: Only joking - money well spent for such a compact unit as its smaller than the Pioneer SB I tested before Christmas!!

You can email the UK General Manager Miles Brooke as he will know more about these things when they come up. :)
I assume he can put you on a product mailing list.

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