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Beginner Digital Controller Help


Adrift
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Hi, I am a beginner dj looking into buying a digital controller. I have never djed before but have fiddled around with traktor once or twice.

My price range is 100-150 dollars and i play mainly house and dubstep music. I have narrowed my search down to 2 controllers but i would like some help with the final decision.

My 2 controllers are the Numark Mixtrack and the Numark Total Control. I have made a list of pros and cons for these 2 controllers.

(Mixtrack) Pros: Cheaper, Newer, More attractive Cons: Harder to use with Traktor pro

(Total Control) Pros: Comes fully compatible with traktor pro, better (imo) layout. Cons: Slightly more expensive, older

I would like to make a decision between these 2 and i hope you can help me with my search.

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I learnt on a Mixtrack Pro, they are a pretty good beginner controller. By looking at a photo of the total control (however never used one) the mixtrack pro has better jog wheels.

Also, the mixtrack pro is fully compatible with traktor pro, you just need to purchase the upgrade from traktor le, so don't let that turn you off it.

As I said, haven't used the Total Control, but did learn on the mixtrack pro, and when i was looking to buy a controller it seemed the best bang for buck.

Hope this helps

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Just want to make sure you are aware of the difference between a mixtrack and a mixtrack pro as you mention both in your OP but may be only thinking about one.

The mixtrack pro comes with audio, the mixtrack will require a seperate soundcard. This will affect price.

Both are fully midimappable and work with any software so as mitch says that is not an issue. You may have to cost in upgrading software on mixtrack pro though.

If poss get a hands on test of both and buy which ever feels more comfortable.

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I think i may have not been clear enough in my post. When I said 'Mixtrack Pros:' i meant the pros of the mixtrack controller, not the mixtrack pro controller. I am looking at the mixtrack and total control but not the mixtrack pro. I don't think i need a sound card as i have one in my desktop computer. I know i will get lots of suggestions to get a laptop but right now i just want to learn and i don't have enough money for one.

Also, where would be a good place to test both controllers as i live in Sydney and most of the DJ stores do not have them in the shop

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I dont know much about computers but i havent heard of anyone who uses anythign other than a specialised soundcard dedicated to streaming DJ audio, especially as these have all the correct input and outputs. But if you have checked your spec you will know.

If you dnt need to move to gigs then it makes no dif wether you are desktop or laptop.

am in uk tho so cant help you find one.

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Hey mate you need an external soundcard. No standard internal soundcard on a computer has the ability to have 2 separate outputs (master + cue). Therefore If you get a mixtrack you will also need to buy a soundcard. When I bought my mixtrack pro, it was cheaper to buy a mixtrack pro than a mixtrack + an external soundcard.

This is the most common mistake beginners make When buying a controller, so hope this clears it up

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I have not made a decision yet but i think i will save more money up and buy either a Mixtrack Pro, Reloop Mixage or some type of vestax controller.

One last question, if i buy something from amazon will it be able to be used in Australia?

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Hi again guys,

My search has changed its perspective in the past few days and I'm adding a new possible controller into the mix. I was looking at similar controllers to the Mixtrack Pro and i stumbled upon the Vestax Typhoon. This controller looks very good as it is smaller and lightweight, comes with Traktor LE and is cheaper and available for about 250 on Amazon.

I was wondering if i could get peoples general opinion on this controller.

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I've not actually played on one but all the reviews say it has the same platter as the VCI series. That makes it much better than the mixtrack for scratching if it's true.

It does look like it has buttons to browse playlists whereas the mixtrack has a rotary pot which makes it much quicker to scroll through your playlists.

Less buttons in general than the mixtrack too. IN case you arent aware all the buttons on a midi controller can be altered by you to do whatever is available in the software. So generally more buttons = better even if you dont know what they do: you can always choose something for them to do later. This is not the case in traktro LE tho, it doesnt allow midi-mapping. But I would try and upgrade the software whatever you get ( see below )

Otherwise it's much of the same IMO.

both options still only come with traktro LE so i would def advise plannign to upgrade the software to traktro 2.0. Lots of offers exist right now so negotiate.

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OK i think I'm leaning towards the typhoon as it seems easier to get and more suited for me.

As i said before, i have a desktop and quite a large free desk so i was thinking of having my keyboard in front of the controller. I know this isn't the best option but i was thinking i could map some keys for hot cueing and effects.

I am definetely thinking of upgrading to traktor 2.0

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Check out gumtree too man, should be able to pick up a second hand one quite cheep

and make sure you do the "mixtrack pro +gumtree" search to look in all states, most people are willing to ship to you.

also, out of curiosity, you looking at playing in clubs or house party's?

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