New controller

[Daryll]

Well having to get used to a three channel VMS 4.1 , its time to replace....................

What I would like.

Decent inbuilt sound
Xlr out`s
1/2 mic channels
2/4 tracks
EQ
NO jog wheels , I never use them , and for me they just take up space.
Robust
In other words a VMS2`ish without jog wheels ( having looked inside my VMS 4.1 I would like a lot better build Quality as well)

Cheers

Daryll

[Nakatomi]

Sadly the only controllers that are even close to fitting your needs all have jogwheels. Controllers sans joggles don't have much if anything in the way of mic channels.

It really is a shocking state of affairs. I don't want jogwheels either. I don't scratch & if I need to search within a track I generally scrub with the mouse.

[Daryll]

I will keep looking , jog wheels are great for Club DJ`s , but for general party's and weddings they are way over the top , respect for those that use them , just not for me

[Nakatomi]

Your best bet might, if you can tolerate separate bits of kit,
be to go for a very basic controller & separate mixer with builtin soundcard.

If you're not impressed with adj vms build quality don't even go near Pioneer stuff. They've got boards plugged into boards plugged into boards with cables & cables inside too.

There was a traditional 19" format mixer ADJ used to do, that was also a basic playout controller. Darned if I can remember what they called it though.

Now me, I couldn't go back to not having hotcues & loops. There's a button & fader based controller by Roland but it's only got 1 1/4" mic channel with no eq or on/off switch

[rth_discos]

The Denon MC6000 Mk2 has jog wheels, but they are quite small.

An excellent mixer, great mic inputs and about the best mobile DJ controller there is.

[Jim - Scotland's Party DJ]

The Denon MC6000 Mk2 has jog wheels, but they are quite small.

An excellent mixer, great mic inputs and about the best mobile DJ controller there is.

I've used a Mk1 for years and love it. Recently got a steal on a brand new Mk2 so I'll be breaking it out on Saturday when I've got a bit of time after soundchecking to work out any kinks.

As for the jog wheels - I don't use them a lot but they're handy for scrolling through intros of tracks if you want to skip bits or for getting a cue point spot on. Plus it's always nice to do a big naff rewind brake now and again :D :o

[Nakatomi]

I've used a Mk1 for years and love it. Recently got a steal on a brand new Mk2 so I'll be breaking it out on Saturday when I've got a bit of time after soundchecking to work out any kinks.

As for the jog wheels - I don't use them a lot but they're handy for scrolling through intros of tracks if you want to skip bits or for getting a cue point spot on. Plus it's always nice to do a big naff rewind brake now and again :D :o

I absolutely love my MC6000 MK1 too. It was a bit of a fixer-upper but it's been the backbone of my show for the best part of a year now. I agree with the jogwheels' occasional usefulness though - I think I'd probably miss them - not much though. As for the problem with the mic channels.. what problem? Set yer gain structure right & all is well - no need for any attenuators here.

[Daryll]

I am looking at the Denon DJ MC4000 , I can always remove the jog wheels and use them as side plates.....:Laugh:
Any one have experience with this model

[Nakatomi]

I am looking at the Denon DJ MC4000 , I can always remove the jog wheels and use them as side plates.....:Laugh:
Any one have experience with this model

Side plates? The VMS5's could be used as dinner plates :rofl:

[Imagine]

The Denon MC6000 Mk2 has jog wheels, but they are quite small.

An excellent mixer, great mic inputs and about the best mobile DJ controller there is.

No it' not....the MC7000 is (because I got one last week). Didn't have the guts to go with the 8000 because I can't imagine working without a laptop just yet, but the 7000 allows me to plug both laptops in at the same time (liking that redundancy).

I've also got a 6000mk2, but the fader on Channel 2 is busted (it's almost as if the metal contacts are broken). It works if you apply pressure in the right places and will remain as a backup for now. I did look at replacing the fader....but got to around 200 screws out of the thing and gave up.

[rth_discos]

No it' not....the MC7000 is

If it can't fit in a 19" flightcase, it's not mobile DJ friendly ;):daft::p

[Imagine]

If it can't fit in a 19" flightcase, it's not mobile DJ friendly ;):daft::p

Got to admit - the flight case for it IS a beast - it's enormous. Surprisingly not as heavy as you'd think though

[Excalibur]

Side plates? The VMS5's could be used as dinner plates :rofl:

Bang goes my suggestion, then. Can't justify a swap currently, but that would be my choice. I know nothing about the current Denon offerings, unfortunately.

[Nakatomi]

No it' not....the MC7000 is (because I got one last week). Didn't have the guts to go with the 8000 because I can't imagine working without a laptop just yet, but the 7000 allows me to plug both laptops in at the same time (liking that redundancy).

I've also got a 6000mk2, but the fader on Channel 2 is busted (it's almost as if the metal contacts are broken). It works if you apply pressure in the right places and will remain as a backup for now. I did look at replacing the fader....but got to around 200 screws out of the thing and gave up.

The pins on faders denon & pioneer use, instead of going straight down into the board come out of the fader body at right angles. Where the bend is, they tend to crack. You can help prevent this in future by using a bead of silicone along both sides of the slider body to take the strain off the leads.

Getting into the blimmin thing though... That's an operation! I did the xfader, 2 play, 2 cue buttons & 2 faders in about 90 minutes. Pie in ear controllers make it easier by virtue of their much poorer build methods. Though why in God's name the faders aren't all on removable panels I'll never know.

[yourdj]

That Denon is the best all round mobile controller - I reviewed it for PM when it came out. :)
They kindly gave it to me, but I sold it and bought a camera but that only because I still prefer my USB powered Vestax.

In terms of no jog wheels, the Novation Twitch was my first thought, not used one but the layout looks nice and simple.
Loads of cue points and a small size.

https://djworx.com/djs-even-want-jog-wheel-anymore/

18476

Native instruments Tractor control:

18480

Vestax TR1 (I am a big fan of Vestax controllers):
Its old but if its anything like the VCI its solid and has everything you want.

18478

[Benny Smyth]

Native instruments Tractor control:

18480

You've suggested an S8 for mobile use, and not the S5?

Interesting.

[yourdj]

You've suggested an S8 for mobile use, and not the S5?

Interesting.

Yes good point. I meant the S5: https://www.native-instruments.com/forum/threads/comparing-s5-and-s8.261484/

[Nakatomi]

Yes good point. I meant the S5: https://www.native-instruments.com/forum/threads/comparing-s5-and-s8.261484/

Hmm but only one mic input & it's a 1/4" jack. No mic EQ or On/Off switch either. Absolutely useless!

[Benny Smyth]

Hmm but only one mic input & it's a 1/4" jack. No mic EQ or On/Off switch either. Absolutely useless!

I use an S4 MKII which has no Mic EQ, no On/Off switch, and one input that is 1/4 inch jack and it is not absolutely useless.

[Nakatomi]

I use an S4 MKII which has no Mic EQ, no On/Off switch, and one input that is 1/4 inch jack and it is not absolutely useless.

Well, if I don't knock a bit of bass off my mic... EEW. I don't eat the mic either, FWIW

[Excalibur]

I use an S4 MKII which has no Mic EQ, no On/Off switch, and one input that is 1/4 inch jack and it is not absolutely useless.

Let's just say that with those specifications, it was never designed for use by a Mobile DJ. :zip:

[Shakermaker Promotions]

I am looking at the Denon DJ MC4000 , I can always remove the jog wheels and use them as side plates.....:Laugh:
Any one have experience with this model

Yep, I have one mate. Spot on!

[Nakatomi]

Oh yeahhhh that's why I didn't opt for the MC4000... no mic on/off switches :( :( :( Yes, all my (radio) mics have switches but...

[ukpartydj]

Hmm but only one mic input & it's a 1/4" jack. No mic EQ or On/Off switch either. Absolutely useless!

You can route the mic to take up a track deck in Traktor so you can apply all EQ and effects you would with a track however you've only got 3 channels left :( or you can use am odd combination of knobs and buttons to get volume and keep 4 decks.

Add a mixer for mics and its awesome bit of kit. Had mine over a year.

[Nakatomi]

You can route the mic to take up a track deck in Traktor so you can apply all EQ and effects you would with a track however you've only got 3 channels left :( or you can use am odd combination of knobs and buttons to get volume and keep 4 decks.

Add a mixer for mics and its awesome bit of kit. Had mine over a year.

Sort of defeats the object of having a controller with built-in audio though doesn't it if you have to 'add a mixer for mics'. The best thing about the Denon MC6000 and upwards controllers is they don't need an external mixer to cope with more than 1 mic. I don't often need a 2nd mic, but when I do I'm glad I don't have to haul another mixer up onto the booth just for that!

Right now the MC6000 is the best controller for my needs - but that's still not saying it's my ideal. Oh no

[Excalibur]

. I don't often need a 2nd mic, but when I do I'm glad I don't have to haul another mixer up onto the booth just for that!


Maybe it's me, but how on earth does a mobile DJ go out with only one mic? :confused:

" Can I borrow your mic to announce the raffle/ thank the guests for coming/hand out the prizes/ whatever"?
DJ replies: " Er, no. It's a cabled mic, in my mic stand with a two metre cable, and I've got it set for my voice, and perfectly positioned for my height and stance".
Charming!

Two separate channels, with tone control and kill switches are absolutely essential. No ifs, no buts. Simples.

[yourdj]

I don't often need a 2nd mic, but when I do I'm glad I don't have to haul another mixer up.

I can see the benefits of having an on controller mic especially with 2-3 band eq, The controls are up there with you and its all in one unit. Plus you have talk over, but i don't see whats wrong with the volume slider really? However, the usability, quality and reliability of the mixer comes before that with me, especially the compatibility with software. If your a chat/sing over the mic and introduce each track sort of DJ then maybe it's different. :p :o

I have a little mackie mixer, for my mics, it's in my electrics & wireless DMX control box with the mic receiver too, so I would argue takes less time/hastle that if you have to plug in your mics etc (unless you have it built into a flight case). Really handy having a separate audio supply for that as well as back up sound, just incase the mixer goes down. I also have 3 band EQ, XLR in (I have noticed a massive increase in quality from jack) and other tings (like phantom power). More importantly it is an impressive preamp for my LD Dave, really boosts the sound quality and volume. I used to have a Behringer one and despite loosing a channel, the quality on this is miles better (especially the pitiful power supply). Worth a thought if the jog wheels are such an issue??

18481


Well, if I don't knock a bit of bass off my mic... EEW. I don't eat the mic either, FWIW

Its amazing how many DJ's don't do that, depending on the mic, controller/sound and user techniques it sound terrible even with my mic under my chin level. My EQ is usually at 10pm on the bass and 2pm on the treble for a natural crisp sound. :)


Two separate channels, with tone control and kill switches are absolutely essential. No ifs, no buts. Simples.

Agreed. Plus a back up wireless receiver and bare minimum 1 additional mic (ideally 2). Nice also to have a lapel set for some uses. Corded mics are great for when you really have issues (BM has notes and a clicker/props), or a singer breaks their one and only SM58!! I would make them sweat a bit first though. ;)

[Nakatomi]

Talkover? Never use it. Sounds awful. How even with DSP can they get a simple sidechained compressor setup so wrong? Best talkover I've ever encountered was on a cloud twin deck console way back in the 80s. You could adjust everything from the threshold to the fade level to the recovery time!

Anyway yes mic kill switches are essential for me too. You can never trust a mic user 100%. If they bang it on the top, off it goes. Oh you broke it you plum! If they step in front of a speaker with it, off it goes til they move. There's a reason mics never feedback when they're in front of speakers in film & telly -they're not really on. Feedback is added in post. It's the law dontcha know

[ukpartydj]

Sort of defeats the object of having a controller with built-in audio though doesn't it if you have to 'add a mixer for mics'. The best thing about the Denon MC6000 and upwards controllers is they don't need an external mixer to cope with more than 1 mic. I don't often need a 2nd mic, but when I do I'm glad I don't have to haul another mixer up onto the booth just for that!

Right now the MC6000 is the best controller for my needs - but that's still not saying it's my ideal. Oh no

I thought the same - another thing to setup, what a pain! I had the MC6000 and I thought it was okay but I found the layout cramped and not laid out as nicely for use with Traktor. So I bought a large controller flight case and put S5, wireless mic, mic, Alto Zephr mixer and other bits and peices inside. All wired up together which saves time and now I've got much more controls, backups and flexibility with other entertainers.

[Daryll]

OK , I`ll have jog wheels...............
So I have narrowed it down to...............

Denon MC 4000

18484


ADJ VMS 5

18485

Both will work with Ultramixer software , I have both Midi maps

Over to you

Daryll

[Excalibur]

The two contenders are not surprising. All I will say is that regardless of badge, I'd be unhappy using a 2 channel unit as main playout. Not really flexible enough. That would ( for me ) mean an additional mixer, which may well be an advantage, rather than a drawback, so I suppose that doesn't narrow it down much.


Except to say that if my VMS 4.1 died tonight, a VMS 5 would replace it without a moment's thought. . :)

[sweetie]

Would you consider second hand, an mc600 km2 would be about the new price of a Mc4000?

[Excalibur]

Would you consider second hand, an mc600 km2 would be about the new price of a Mc4000?

As much as I'm not a Denon fan, that would be a comparable alternative to the VMS 5.

[Daryll]

As much as I'm not a Denon fan, that would be a comparable alternative to the VMS 5.
Thats what I thought , I have sent a PM , haveing used the Denon X900 and the 4500 I found them perfect for my needs , then again so was the VMS4.1 , what ever happens I shall either a VMS 5 , or a Denon as a back up

Daryll

[Megamix]

I have the MC4000 and don’t use the jog wheels - I’m pleased with it

[Daryll]

Well thats me and ADJ finished forever.
My VMS4.1 not only dosent work with USB , none of the channels work on phono either ( Yes I did move the switches from USB to Analogue]
So the back up laptop dident work with the VMS either , so in the depths of my cable bag was a Sound blaster X-fi with 5m phonos , so from laptop to sound card.
Sound card to SRM 450`s ( wow are those nice speakers) , so the gig went on , bit of a pain using the software EQ in ultramixer , same set up tomorrow , in the mean time I brought a Denon MC6000 Mk2 in the bay , that wont be here until Tuesday , I may get it all working with Ultramixer , but no hurry , as I can now gig ( pain using windows volume control , but that`s the way it goes) , the VMS will get stripped down to find the problem , but I am in no hurry to do that.
It shows the importance of Backup equipment...

Daryll

[Imagine]

OK - I now realise why I shelled out best part of a grand for the MC7000!

I got it for failover purposes....if laptop 1 dies, laptop 2 kicks in - I got the chance to test that theory today! :eek:

The scenario - a kid's/family type party this afternoon. Thankfully not something important like a wedding and even better, the customer is a personal friend so no real stress...except I take this job way too seriously and expect to put on a professional show regardless of who the customer is (so yes....I was sweating gallons!).

I'd stood talking to said client for way too long before I even got the gear out of the van...time was very tight for setting up and sound checking everything...my bad :(

Turned on, started playout on MacBook 1, and everything seemed fine.

What was strange though is that it took a couple of minutes for the distortion to "appear". I'd turned on background music and it was fine. Nipped outside for a crafty smoke before the guests arrived, came back inside and the sound had degraded....A LOT!. It sounded like I'd wrapped the columns in the McDonalds bags sitting in the cab of the van! Nothing was peaking, it certainly wasn't loud, but it sounded fatal :(

Soooo...MacBook 2 is the lighting controller, but also the backup playout. It hadn't been updated with this afternoon's playlist (including a couple of important tracks I needed to play but hey-ho....that's what 4G is for right?). Press two buttons on the MC7000 and abracadabra....laptop 2 is in control (and not distorting). The best part is...this party is such a walk in the park that I hadn't planned on even firing up the second laptop but for some reason (maybe habit) turned it on anyway. What I certainly didn't bother taking with me was backup PA (because we can run on one side can't we??? Well BOTH sides were sounding rough).

I suspect (but have been dozing on the couch since I got home so haven't had the time to test), that the problem possibly lies with the USB cable from laptop1 to the controller (although wouldn't like to put money on it because it was working the last time it was out on Friday night). I'll test this out in the next couple of days and deafen the neighbours. It could also be down to a recent Mac update which has been applied to MacBook 1 (and tested on studio monitors yesterday at home) but NOT MacBook 2...testing will find the root cause

So...just shy of £1k for a controller with dual inputs? One hell of an investment in my book because it saved my bacon this afternoon.

[Excalibur]

Alternatively, deploy Laptop 2 with ESI soundcard and DJ2GO into channels 3 and 4 analogue inputs on the VMS 4.1,significant cost saving over your system. :p:D:D

[Imagine]

Well there's one I've never heard of......

Been diagnosing the problem I had on Sunday with the MC7000 degrading in sound....it looks like sound card 1 has a problem :( (all leads swapped, physical laptops swapped, same laptop which was running when distortion kicked in has been put through the other USB channel etc.). The distortion even happens in the headphones....it's strange.

Looks like a trip to Colchester on Saturday morning for a straight swap out then :o

[yourdj]

OK - I now realise why I shelled out best part of a grand for the MC7000!

I got it for failover purposes....if laptop 1 dies, laptop 2 kicks in - I got the chance to test that theory today! :eek:


This would be my first choice if I moved to a new controller. One of my DJ's had a 7000 on Saturday and demonstrated the fact that he can run 2 different software systems. Perfect back up if the laptop dies! it a bit on the large side mind you. On the same night another of my DJ's had the 4000, which is more my style. I like both of them, good work Denon. Don't know how but i had not seen either of them (I tend to walk straight through the knob twiddler room at BPM). I am feeling a bit antiquated now with my Vestax VCI, but it still works perfectly and does everything I want it too which is the main thing; it runs on USB power, which is one of the key benefits.

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[Andy P]

https://www.gear4music.com/PA-DJ-and-Lighting/Hercules-DJControl-Jogvision-Serato-Controller/16DD?origin=product-ads&gclid=CjwKCAiAsejRBRB3EiwAZft7sOWvcZz3g1DdLwIAoGrZ KXRqgnwXlJFyAbgnrI3Iy3PSONVcd_DlThoC6AUQAvD_BwE

I had a play with the Hercules Jogvision at BPM this year and really liked it. I know hercules aren't a trendy name but I learned on an RMX/RMXII and found them really solid and reliable controllers with decent features (except mic but ive always used an external controller).

My NV is slowly failing so one of these could be on the purchase list this year

[Excalibur]

Looks like a trip to Colchester on Saturday morning for a straight swap out then :o


:zip::p:p

[yourdj]

18525

I have eventually replaced my Vestax VCI300 with this and its just perfect for my needs. I especially like the sampler pads, where you can throw happy birthday, drumrolls or even a few last tunes of the night and not have to use the main decks. Its very well built, simple and only cost me £205, so well pleased with the purchase. Looking forward to using it this weekend, especially the effects unit as that was the big thing missing from the Vestax. Jut have to remember that the hardwired low/high pass filter is below the main EQ! The only negatives as far as I can see are the EQ lights. Apart from that its one of the best wedding mobile DJ controllers I have seen for the money.

I think I might see both my Vestax VCI's (plus effects box) and buy an iPad controller for back up/ceremonies. Probably pioneer, not looked into it yet?

18526

18527

[ppentertainments]

18525

I have eventually replaced my Vestax VCI300 with this and its just perfect for my needs. I especially like the sampler pads, where you can throw happy birthday, drumrolls or even a few last tunes of the night and not have to use the main decks. Its very well built, simple and only cost me £205, so well pleased with the purchase. Looking forward to using it this weekend, especially the effects unit as that was the big thing missing from the Vestax. Jut have to remember that the hardwired low/high pass filter is below the main EQ! The only negatives as far as I can see are the EQ lights. Apart from that its one of the best wedding mobile DJ controllers I have seen for the money.

I think I might see both my Vestax VCI's (plus effects box) and buy an iPad controller for back up/ceremonies. Probably pioneer, not looked into it yet?

18526

18527

I had one of them, great for the price, but just wasn't confident having only 2 channels - much prefer a couple of spare ones to have backup/IPad etc ready to go if needed - plus on occasion I do still like 4 channels.

It is the one thing that has put me of any of the newer pioneer controllers.

[yourdj]

much prefer a couple of spare ones to have backup/IPad etc ready to go if needed

There is an analogue channel for iPad that still works if the unit is switched off, so good for a back up source. I know what you mean with having extra deck for other tracks (such as cake cut, father daughter, first dance & first party track), but they have bigger models If I want to expand. I have only ever used 2 decks so its not such an issue and wont be mixing 4 dance tracks at once anytime soon. I also think I will make use of the sampler as you can play music from that (like having happy birthday always cued). You can mix off it mind you. Might do some naff voice overs LOL. We shall see. :)

[Nakatomi]

Yet again someone has pulled off the feat of making a controller that's almost useful but not quite. A controller or mixer really needs mic muting switches on it!! :mad: