DJing has progressed to a new era with the evolution of digital media.  In a world that was once first dominated by vinyl, then CDs, and now the emerging USB and streaming devices, it’s time to revolutionize the DJ booth, because right now as a DJ you make a choice between DJing with a turntable, a turntable and software, or a CDJ/Controller. No one device has ever managed to give you the flexibility to choose depending on your performance, style or your audience.

That is, until now.

Denon DJ is proud to introduce the SC3900: Digital Turntable and Media Controller with 9-inch Active Platter.  Utilizing a completely redesigned High-Torque Direct Drive Motor that exactly mirrors the feel of vinyl, the SC3900 brings home that familiar feel but with the choice of CD, USB, Software, or even a networked Media server as your source of tracks.

“The 9-inch platter makes scratch moves more nimble by being that little bit smaller, but maintains the perfect amount of space to grip it, scratching & mixing tracks feels no different than using vinyl” --DJ Switch, SC3900 endorsee and 3x World DMC Champion.

Years of development with top international DJs has allowed Denon DJ to perfect the platter of the SC3900 for use with digital media without losing that feel of vinyl (the surface of the platter is actually a 9” vinyl disc!) – all allowing Scratch DJ champions like DJ Switch to push their performances even further than possible with a vinyl ‘record’.

“Doing DMC-style hard-core scratch sets are made so much easier without worrying about needles & skipping records” --DJ Switch

Playback and scratch tracks from a myriad of sources including USB ‘sticks’ or USB Hard Disk Drives via the top mounted USB port.  This allows the move from venue to venue with just a single USB device and not a laptop or CD collection, although the SC3900 can also playback CDs via the front loading CD slot, giving you true flexibility of your media choices.

The SC3900 also comes complete with the brand new ‘Engine’ music management software that has been designed with players such as the SC3900 in mind, allowing the ultimate in DJ set preparation, playback and control.

Prepare the perfect set in the studio or on a computer at home, then export it to a USB stick or Hard Disk Drive and have everything needed for your DJ performance in a device small enough to fit in your pocket. Then, when it’s time to perform simply plug in and play, and even share the USB drive’s files with up to three other compatible players over a network.

Once your networked players are sharing the music from one USB device, it’s easy to manage, cue, and play to any player via an iPad with the new Engine iPad app (requires downloading from the App Store).  Engine for iPad seamlessly controls your set wirelessly through a network – all via its large full-colour touchscreen.  And there is no need to worry about computer or connection problems; should the iPad become disconnected, your music is still securely connected to the player via USB, leaving playback, and your audience’s attention, uninterrupted.

Additionally, playback of files on your PC or MAC is possible with the included ‘Engine’ music management software which doesn’t even require a high specification computer to work quickly and efficiently.  With file searching speeds that leaves most other software standing still, Engine’s power is achieved by leaving the intensive audio processing at the player so the software is free to run before, or during your performance, utilizing the full capabilities of your computer.

Prepare music on a USB device, playback music through Engine PC or Mac software, and control via networked players or even through a network connected iPad.

Hybrid MIDI mode has been a flexible feature and a great benefit to previous Denon DJ devices and it’s no different with the SC3900. Complete with the ability to be MIDI mapped to work with a wide variety of applications, the SC3900 can control DJ software utilizing DVS, without using time code CDs, making the SC3900 the most complete and flexible player Denon DJ has ever produced.

For performers who can’t or don’t want to choose between software, vinyl, CD, and digital media as well as those who want the ability to use one controller that doesn’t rely on a high-spec computer to perform, the Denon DJ SC3900 is the player that you have been waiting for.”

Back in 2008, our sister mag Future Music took a trip to Berlin for the launch of Traktor Pro, the coming-of-age overhaul of Native Instruments' popular DJ software. While there, they pleaded for an official controller with everything you see at your fingertips.

NI gave nothing away, but when the first incarnation of controllers dropped earlier this year, we got excited about the inevitable main event - enter Traktor Kontrol S4.

Size matters

Lifting the S4 out of its box, the first thing you notice is how light it is, considering its size. The S4 is a big beast, and is unlikely to fit in most shoulder bags or even backpacks.

VCI-380 is a 2 channel DJ controller with a built-in Digital DJ mixer, powerful and creative, opening the door to limitless possibilities of controllerism. Mix, scratch, cue, effect, sample, trigger, loop and slice. Every feature of the VCI-380 is optimized to enhance the DJs performance and take a new approach in manipulating music. Designed hand in hand with Serato, VCI-380 is bundled with ITCH, providing an arsenal of musical craft tools with perfect integrity, straight out of the box.

Controllerism is the art and practice of using musical software controllers (e.g. MIDI, OSC, Joystick, etc) to build upon, mix, scratch, remix, effect, modify, or otherwise create music, usually by a Digital DJ or "Controllerist".
The term was coined by Moldover in 2007 and popularized by Ean Golden to describe the process while paying homage to and giving respect to the art of turntablsim. (From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia)


EVERYTHING IS AT YOUR FINGER TIPS
The 2 x 8 banks of FSR trigger pads on the VCI-380 are jam packed with creative Performance Modes such as the Slicer, Roll, Sampler, Loop, Hot Cue and Pad FX. With the given features you can trigger cue points, samples, loops, slice up beats, and shoot off Pad FX together.
Pad FX creates amazing combinations to manipulate music in ways nobody else has before: holding each pad (aftertouch) will modify the FX parameter, along with triggering Performance Mode functions.FX are an essential tool to spice up your performance; in addition to Pad FX, each deck features classic FX controls.The Ribbon control on each deck alters the parameters of Pad FX, swipes, holds and needle drops tracks.

ULTRA-STABLE  PERFORMANCE
The legendary jog wheels from the Vestax VCI series have stepped up in their game with an advanced structure and larger platters for extra stability and smoothness. The platters of the VCI-380 are highly responsive, transmitting MIDI signals with extreme accuracy. The LED needle point embedded in the jog wheel provides excellent visual monitoring, indicating the decks playback position.  The torque of the jog wheels can be adjusted to your preference, and as like all VCI series controllers you can pitch bend the track by touching the sides of the jog wheels.

STAND ALONE MIXER
The stand alone mixer function of the VCI-380 has great capacity for adaptability. The two hybrid channels are capable of mixing external devices such as CD players, turntables and MP3 players, together with tracks and samples Serato ITCH is playing. Each channel has an RCA Phono/Line input for limitless connection options, and the crossfader and input faders curve can be adjusted like any DJ mixer.  Mixes with the input source can be tweaked with Trim, EQ and in addition, the FX knobs on each channel function as Hi-Pass filters, to add an extra touch to your performance.

(Connetion)
for Controller system

Despite the CDJ-2000s offering full Traktor control over HID, and Traktor Scratch allowing you to get your hands on Native's pride-and-joy using the industry standard DJ booth regular, it was almost inevitable that Pioneer would join the dedicated controller party.

Over the past year we've been graced with a shift in the approach to DJ controllers and more and more companies are opting for the large, bespoke software specific units, either mimicking what you see on screen or sticking to a traditional layout.

"The T1 tames some of Traktor's complex functions and takes away the learning curve in the process."

The excellent Glanzmann Digital DJ Solutions 4midiloop has its feet planted firmly in the former category while NI's flagship Kontrol S4 gives you clear control of a specially made software version. Pioneer's DDJ-T1 falls somewhere in between with a classic layout and familiar components joining forces with Traktor-specific features.

Familiar interfaces

Familiarity is in fact the strongest aspect Pioneer have got going for them with the DDJ-T1. The jogs, cue and play buttons and general design replicate that of their industry standard booth equipment.

Though it might seem odd that Pioneer are pitching this as a bedroom or house party device, it actually makes sense as what you learn on at home will be familiar if you have to make the move to CDs or USB sticks in the club.

The result is instant comfort for anyone who's used CDJs coming to the controller new and vice versa. In fact, we roped in some friends who had never used Traktor before but were CDJ veterans and they got it within seconds. This kind of fluency is absolutely vital when it comes to performance controllers, and is definitely the strongest advantage the T1 has over NI's S4.

Speaking of the S4, we think it's fair to say, despite Pioneer's claims that the T1 is for home use, a lot of potential buyers will be directly comparing the T1 and Native's flagship controller.

To cut a long story short, it really comes down to what you need. With no Sample Deck or Loop Recorder control on the T1, now available to all Traktor users through Pro 2, you're limited to Cue Points, which we'll get to later.

On the other hand, the CDJ-2000's Needle Search has found its way on to the T1, so quick searching and cueing is possible via the ribbon controller, something the S4 lacks, though it's not really a deal-breaker.

What is nifty is pressing the Function button activates five hotspots on the ribbon, which are unmapped by default but could become your Sample Deck controls or whatever you can think of.

Traktor Pioneer Edition

Bundled with the DDJ-T1 is a special edition of Traktor Pro developed for and by Pioneer. It's pretty much the same as Traktor Pro LE except it includes the Record function - although Broadcast is still out of the picture.

The effects section differs in that it's not possible to switch to Advanced mode and some effects are missing. Chained is the only option, but if you already own the full version of Traktor Pro, there is an option to switch to Advanced on the controller.

It also allows four-deck control, unlike LE. There is an upgrade path to Pro for 120 Euro. Furthermore, if you already own Pro, installing Traktor Pioneer Edition will simply add the DDJ-T1 to the list of Pioneer controller in the controller Setup Wizard.

Lay it out

As we've already said, the T1 is somewhat of a hybrid of Pioneer's CDJ-350s, DJM mixer range and Traktor's features such as hot cues, effects and sync functions. In fact, the jogs are lifted straight from the 350s and feel rather plasticky and, despite being slightly bigger, don't have the torque of the S4 equivalents. There is no way you're going to be scratching on these.

There are two master outputs - phono and TRS - though they operate on a single channel. Like the S4 there is no dedicated Booth Out, though the second output can be used if you have a passive volume controller.

Another oversight is the lack of LED meter levels. Sure Traktor offers auto gain but you lose that reference and the mixer section feels less like an actual mixer and you don't need us to tell you the less you look at the screen, the better.

The familiar yellow In Out buttons controls loops and the much-loved Auto Loop has also found its way onto the T1 too. Another thing we really love about the T1 is a simple one - one knob filter with an on/off button. That button is sorely missing on the S4.

The T1 tackles Traktor's Hot Cues in a fairly tasteful manner. Switch to Hot Cue mode and the loop size adjustment and seek buttons become cues one through four. Press shift and they're five through eight.

It's simple, and it works well. That's kind of the mantra for the whole controller. It tames some of Traktor's complicated functions, presents them in a familiar format and takes away the learning curve in the process. Any DJ coming to Traktor from CDJs would do well to take a serious look at the T1.

So we come back to Pioneer's emphasis that this is aimed at the bedroom DJ market. Seeing as very few beginner or amateur DJs will buy CDJ-2000s for their homes, let alone have enough money left over to pick up Traktor Scratch Pro, it makes sense that the T1 with Traktor Pioneer Edition is the logical choice, if you're dedicated to the Pioneer range.

Price wars

So what of the price? £900 is a lot of money for a beginner, especially if you need to add the price of a laptop. Then there's the size - we dissed the S4 for its large footprint, and this is even bigger - 18cm bigger to be exact.

However, Pioneer has saved space by incorporating a slot for your laptop's keyboard to rest under the controller, which is a nice idea. Although a USB slot for a mouse on the controller would have sealed the deal - we found ourselves having to lift the controller to access the trackpad more than once, though if you're prepared, it won't be an issue.

Furthermore, there's only one phono input versus the S4's two, meaning you couldn't run two CDJs or turntables alongside the T1. There is a mic input but it's switchable with the aux in so you can't run them at the same time. And while the T1 does run over USB bus power, the external ins can't be used unless the power adapter is in.

Secret Time Code

A recent announcement by NI will make your decision even more difficult. Soon the inputs on the S4 will read timecode signals. This means you can hook up two turntables or CDJs to the S4 ins, load up a timecoded CD or vinyl and control the third and fourth deck (or any combination) of Traktor.

This costs 129 Euro, comes with a pair of timecoded CDs and vinyl, upgrades your Traktor Pro 2 to Traktor Scratch Pro 2 and is available now. This means for the same price as the T1, you can get the S4 and Traktor Scratch Pro meaning you could still use CDJs in the club as a controller.

This makes the argument of familiarity a little less relevant, and future-proofs your investment even further. Something to think about.

T1 party

Let's ignore the price for a second and take a look at pros and cons of the T1. The familiar user interface will go a long way to both introducing beginners to the industry-standard equipment and also linking CDJ veterans to digital DJing.

At the same time, that dedication to standards has meant some of Traktor's most unique functions being left out completely. At times, the T1 already feels out of date and at others, it feels timeless.

Again it comes back to what you want to do - if you want to sample on the fly, hook up extra audio sources, loop, scratch and generally perform while you DJ, you will feel limited by the T1. If you're playing fairly upfront House and Techno, without the need for any sampling or complex looping or triggering, the T1 will delight you in its simplicity and quality.

The only question left is, are you willing to pay £100 more for less features? Are you willing to sacrifice the extra performance options of the S4 for the benefits of immediacy and familiarity and pay more in the process?

When it comes down to it, if we could choose either of these controllers to take home for free, we'd choose the Pioneer. It's more immediate, it's simple and it's fun. But if we were parting with almost £1,000 for a controller, we'd choose the S4. It's a better investment as NI is guaranteed to continue to support it, they won't change the software so that it becomes redundant and with the upgrade path to Traktor Scratch Pro you can continue to use CDJs in the club with the S4 as your soundcard.

Pioneer has made an excellent professional controller, and has priced it accordingly. True Pioneer protégés and DJs for whom £900 is but a number will love the T1. The rest will have to carefully consider the cheaper S4 before committing.

Reputable DJ brand Denon offers up an alternative to the standard two-jog-wheels-and-a-mixer configuration with this CDJ-style single deck controller.

Build quality is great and the SC2000 maps nicely with Traktor Pro, its conveniently placed Deck Change button allowing easy control of two virtual decks. However, a separate controller or hardware mixer is required to get the most out of the software. A great option for home and house party DJ setups.

Read the full MusicRadar review

Key spec

Included software: none
Jog wheels: 1
Channels: 2
I/O: none

DJ controller is an increasingly tricky term to define. Essentially, with the advanced nature of modern music software, it’s possible to DJ - to some extent - with pretty much anything that spits out MIDI information.

As a result, some controllers designed primarily as tools for producers or live performers - such as Novation’s Launchpad, NI’s Maschines or Akai’s APC range - are also proving to be popular tools in the DJ booth. Indeed, if your DJ sets are likely to veer into the realms of live performance, or you want a controller you can use to make tunes with too, these are all options worth investigating.

Here, however, we are restricting ourselves to looking at controllers designed specifically for digital DJs, to accompany a computer-based DJ setup. So we're ignoring - for the moment - timecode systems, CDJs that can be used as controllers, the fledgling iPad DJ market and other such options.

There are a few factors to consider when choosing DJ controllers, the biggest being your choice of software. If you favour Serato Itch, it’s important to note that the software is only compatible with certain controllers, built in collaboration with Serato - a full list of which can be found over at their site. In fact, the majority of DJ controllers will be designed with one or two specific bits of software in mind, and many come with a certain application included in the price - so your choice of controller is likely to be very much influenced by your preference in DJ application (or possibly, vice versa).

It’s also worth considering whether you’ll need an audio interface built-in - i.e. the capability to connect turntables, CDJs or an instrument to you setup - and if you might want to expand with timecoded vinyl or CDs in the future. Some controllers included here also work as a stand-alone mixer, without the need to connect to a computer, which could be another consideration.

Then there’s size, looks, build quality, price... the list goes on. In short, it’s difficult to crown any one bit of kit ‘the best’ controller. Instead here are a range of our favourite of the options currently available.

The Numark NS7II Professional Digital DJ controller is the successor to the original (and wildly popular) NS7 which was released a few years ago by Numark as the first all-in-one DJ control surface to include motorized platters with real vinyl and slip mats instead of jog wheels for track control. The new NS7II keeps the same stellar build quality, footprint size, and actively spinning platters as seen on the original, while adding two additional decks of control, touch sensitive EQ and FX controls, and 16 authentic AKAI Professional MPC pads to control features such as loops, hotcues, and slicers.

The Reloop Terminal Mix 8 is the newest and top-tier Four Deck Digital DJ controller with a very high quality build, smooth-oversized jog wheels, and an intuitive 16 Performance Pad section that control popular features like hot cues, loops, slicer, and sampler. The Terminal Mix 8 also comes bundled with the full Serato DJ software that unlocks all of the potential of this powerful controller straight out of the box.

The Pioneer DDJ-SB is the recently released entry-level Digital DJ controller for the Pioneer and Serato DJ lineup. This new compact and fully USB-Powered controller has the familiar 16 Performance Pad layout, aluminium-top jog wheels, built-in Low Pass/High Pass filter knobs, and comes bundled with the Serato DJ Intro software for the very low street price of only $249.

The Denon DJ MC6000MK2 is an update to their original top-of-the-line controller which adds Serato DJ compatibility, Slip Mode, Aluminum-Top Jog Wheels, the Loop Roll feature, and more. The MC6000MK2 is a high-powered and well-built four-channel DJ controller and standalone mixer that has the versatility to work with all popular DJ software. This versatility makes the MC6000MK2 a mobile DJ’s dream with that same durable build quality and compact footprint that made the original a huge success.

April 22, 2013

The Pioneer DDJ-SR is a compact and professional Digital DJ Controller that fits nicely within the new Pioneer DDJ controller range as a trimmed down two-deck version of the DDJ-SX which is still capable of controlling all four virtual decks of Serato DJ. The new Pioneer DDJ-SR has a smaller footprint than the DDJ-SX and adds a new PAD PLUS button that gives the 16-performance pads even more functions than before.