Where Should I Go With My Setup?

[Roshanbhoj]

So right now I have American Audio VMS4 and 2 Stanton Str8-60 turntables for a timecode setup in VDJ. I use that as my home setup. I take just the VMS4 to the club. I want to start taking the turntables too so I've looked into flight cases. But now my VMS4 is starting to act up and I'm not sure if I want to deal with it. So what I've thought of is either keeping the turntables and try out serato(this option is kinda out there for me) which I'm not sure how it would turn out cause I would miss all the controller functions and an emergency sync button. By emergency I mean it's faster to just sync the pitches and then drop it in instead of using the pitch fader to match the bpms. BUT please don't make this a thread about the sync button. Anyways my other option would be replacing the VMS4 with another controller that has timecode support or 4in/4out. This I would need help with on deciding which one. So to sum it up here's my options from what I know of:

-Replacing the VMS4 with a mixer and SL1
-Replacing the VMS4 with another controller

[DJNR]

I would go with another controller personally. If you're used to only having to carry a controller to the club, I think you should stay that way; carrying turntables can be a bitch. If that's the case, I would consider a Traktor Kontrol S4.

[Roshanbhoj]

I see. Well the thing is, is that I want to be more professional. In my area there are only a few DJs actually bigger than me and they use TTs and SSL. I just need to step up my set up really. I like what you're saying about mixvibes but I already have serato timecodes already but I know that I could Torq pretty cheap. But then again comes the look of unprofessional when you're not using serato, ya know? And then I've tried out torq and mixvibes and I don't really know if I'll like it.

[DJ Highline]

In this case...if you decide you want to take your tables with you, then the best thing might be to get a SL box if you decide to go with Serato or a Traktor certified mixer. These mixers allow you to have access to the Traktor Scratch Pro without adding anything extra in your set up. A really good one is the Denon DN-X1600 which can be had for about $1000. Another option would be going with a Traktor S4. This is a full on Traktor controller and is the only controller that allows you to use Traktor Scratch without an Audio# sound card.

[Roshanbhoj]

Hm well I don't have $1000 to put down. I haven't really put that much thought into the S4 but I think I'll consider it. That's still brings in the question of using traktor instead of serato. Not sure if I want to do that.

[ampnation]

If you don't have $1000 right now but you need to move on something now, and you need 4 channel support, and considering you want to be moving toward Serato, think about a Numark NS6. It and the A&H Xone DX are the only 4 channel Itch controllers I know of. I don't think you can go 4 channel SSL for under $1000. I could be wrong. Then save up and start acquiring a full SSL setup.

Also consider if Serato is really going to make a difference vs. Traktor as far as being seen as professional. It might. I'm not saying it doesn't, just consider if that is real or just your perception. Because from an cost effective upgrade point of view, getting an S4 controller now with full Traktor and then upgrading your hardware might be the much less expensive way to go.

One other tack... the Denon MC6000 has an analog mixer section so you could use that as a transition controller as you add decks if you're using Traktor or VDJ. I believe it comes with VDJ (not the Pro Version) which you already have the Pro version if I understand you correctly. So you would have that immediately.

Unfortunately, I think any decent 4 channel controller, whether Traktor or Itch, is going to run you around $700+ so hopefully you can swing that.

[Roshanbhoj]

Well when I meant Serato I meant SSL. I don't really need 4 decks. I haven't ever really used it on my VMS4. And yes I do have VDJ Pro. I could maybe do a SL1 which goes for $250 I think and then a budget mixer. Then I would just have to decide which mixer.

[KLH]

I want to be more professional. In my area there are only a few DJs actually bigger than me and they use TTs and SSL.

It sounds like you really have gear envy. Lugging a TT setup is a pain, so I'd recommend staying with a controller... but you seem set on getting SSL.

Regardless, you're at the point where your gear is going to require real money. Forget the SL1; it's discontinued. Consider the SL2 or TTM57SL. Also consider getting either ST/STR-150s or 1210s.

Get ready to start saving.

-KLH

[Roshanbhoj]

Thanks KLH. You know me so well. I've carried a TT setup to the club only a few times and it wasn't too bad. I didn't have flight cases though so I just carried them bare. I didn't know there was anything wrong getting the SL1. A TTM57SL is $1,000 isn't it? I guess I could put down for SL2. And yeah I know I'll have to get some better turntables sometime soon too. Whenever I let go of the platter it takes a second for it to get to full speed and you can hear it getting up to 32 rpms. Not sure if that's because it's a budget turntable. I guess that's what low torque means? The fix is just giving it a little push.

[Roshanbhoj]

Ummm...Anyone? KLH? P.S. Thanks for the rep!