Top 5 DJ Controllers for Beginners - July 2015

The world of DJ controllers is ever-changing. Before you know it, the latest and greatest is old school. As the digital age progresses, the world of DJ equipment is playing hardball to try and keep up. Taking advantage of what software can do, is what makes the hardware successful. For those in the entry-level world of DJ controllers, here are your top 5 beginner DJ controllers for July 2015.

Numark Mixtrack & Mixtrack Pro 3

It's been a tough call on whether or not we want to separate these, but ultimately, they were built with the same concept in mind. The Mixtrack series has long been a best-seller in the DJ world. With advanced features, quality build and a long, successful track record, it's never surprising that there's a new, better edition. The strip search on these units won us over.






Pioneer DDJ-SB

It's honestly impossible to rank Numark over Pioneer DJ or vice versa. But for Pioneer to rock the DDJ-SB as their beginner DJ controller really creates a stepping stone to the ultimate DDJ-SX2. While there's a lot missing, the look and feel of the SB is much like that of its older brother, for a much lower price. The jog wheels of Pioneer have always been a favorite of mine, and while you miss out on the digital display in the center, you certainly get a feel for what your future could hold.




Gemini Slate

Gemini has long been known for excellent price points, and the Slate 2-channel controller is no different. The prime placement of the pads above the jog wheel is something not often seen, and while it may take you out of your comfort zone, we think you'll enjoy not accidentally slamming pads when you're getting into your mix.





Numark Mixtrack Edge

Some might say size matters, but the slim and small wins us over on the Numark Mixtrack Edge. At 3/4" tall and just over 10 1/2" wide, this is the David of DJ controllers. Utilizing an 1/8" master and 1/8" headphone output, the Mixtrack Edge is able to keep itself hidden, and makes the perfect backup or entry level DJ controller with all the fixins.








American Audio 10MXR

What do you get when you pull the jog wheels off a DJ controller? The MXR series from American Audio. That why this mixer-looking piece made the list. This DJ controller is perfect for beginners. Play and cue buttons. Hot cues, and XLR OUTPUTS!! While the big brothers have more features to them, all of these "mixers" can be classified as a DJ controller. Fully midi-mappable to any DJ software, but built for VDJ, these units rock.






The full range of DJ controllers is one of the most massive selections in the DJ equipment world. It's important that you explore your options. When it comes to DJ controllers for beginners, don't hesitate to ask questions and make sure you have everything you need.

#RealDJing

It has been little over two years since A-Trak has released a routine video, and what better time to release a new one than in a time when DJ's are viewed as pose-striking jukeboxes. Although some DJ's do prove these stereotypes true, a much larger scale of club, bedroom, garage, and festival DJ's beg to differ. His new routine video, which is a prime example of #RealDJing, showcases not only his skills, but his versatility with hardware, and software (since he began using analog, then Serato and so on).

It all began when A-Trak hit the nail on the head with his #RealDJing Instagram Post that captioned, "There's a lot of talk lately about what DJing is becoming. I've seen it evolve a lot over the years. I started DJing when I was 13, scratching vinyl and playing strictly hip hop, winning championships. The DMC judges thought I was pretty good at it, but think my definition was narrow back then."But I have my style and it's my passion. I love standing for something that means something, as Pharcyde would say. When you come to my show you know you'll see me cut. And take risks. DJing is about taking risks. I represent #RealDJing #YouKnowTheDifference."

#RealDJing

Convert Vinyl to MP3 the EASY Way Using the Numark TT-USB

When I first started moving my vinyl to my computer, it was several years ago, long before the inception of USB within a turntable. My RCA jacks were plugged in to the back of my audio card (which seemed way ahead of its time then). In most cases I used audio editing software to record. I believe I won't point, I even used Windows Media Recorder...not really sure what I was thinking there.

The biggest drawback of using this method was I was taking an analog signal, inputing it in to my computer, and creating a digital audio file. While no matter what, the audio of vinyl will go from analog to digital at some point, the convenience of turntables today makes things much easier.

The Numark TTUSB turntable was designed to make what I was doing so long ago, a much simpler process. Complete with EZ Vinyl/Tape Converter software, the Numark TT-USB uses a USB 1.1 jack to connect right to your Mac...no RCA output to your computer audio card required.

While this unit would certainly serve as a great beginner belt-driven turntable, the purpose of the USB ultimately seems to be for the vinyl collectors that are looking to preserve their collection on MP3. The TT-USB also rocks a 3.5mm jack. Grab your tape decks and other audio sources, and feed them directly through the TT-USB to convert them to MP3 as well.

I wish I could say I have a way of magically converting all of my vinyl easily, but unfortunately, that's not the case. Vinyl preservation is an art in itself. I'd always recommend listening to the vinyl version of any song, if for nothing else, nostalgia and appreciation. But if you need your tunes in MP3 mode and don't feel like downloading them from Amazon, go for the Numark TT-USB.

Note: The EZ Converter Software required Mac OS 10.4 or higher

Want to try EZ Converter Software? Click Here to Download

From DMC Champions, To Bedroom DJs. The Rane Sixty-Two IS The New Standard DJ Mixer

If you haven't already noticed, Rane's Sixty-Two has been making countless appearances in bedroom set ups, to even its usage in DMC, AND Redbull Thre3style championship performances! But it's no surprise the Sixty-Two is one of, if not the most popular mixer out now. The Sixty-Two has earned the spotlight that it shares with the DJM-900 series.

Before I begin to brag to another extent about the Sixty-Two--which it deserves to be--let me state that this is coming from a Traktor user...

Countless Features

The bullet-proof structured Sixty-Two might look like a section of a Boeing's cockpit, but with a simple USB plug, and a laptop, you are one step closer to becoming the next DMC world champion. And Rane didn't stop there! They added in an extra USB port for back to back sets with your DJ peers! The Sixty-Two supports both analog, and DVS playback. And don't worry button pushers, the Sixty-Two has an SP-6 sample player! Hello carpal tunnel!  

With Serato Scratch Live included, and a fully integrated audio interface, and MIDI controller for software controls YOU ARE SET! For you knob twisters... well, just check out all those KNOBS! There are knobs for just about everything; EQs, Filter, PAN, depth, browsing, main levels (master, booth, session out etc.) and for your main source (Phono or CD).

The Sixty-Two is your all in one mixer... if Z-Trip approves of it, it has our vote! 

Chauvet Wash FX Offers Unbelievable Control and Coverage

If it's lighting your after, then chances are the name Chauvet has come across your desk. With a variety of lights spanning potentially thousands of different applications, Chauvet DJ and Chauvet Professional have both been big players in the game of lighting. With so many lights, it's not uncommon for one unit or another to float a little under the radar. While the Chauvet DJ Wash FX is small in size, the offering that this unit has is above and beyond what we know as wash lights today.

Unbelievable Control
Most wash lights offer a 3-4 channels of DMX control. As pars or linear bars go, you get control of color mixing and brightness, with linear bars with all-in-one LEDs adding in individual control of each LED unit. The Wash FX, takes that kind of control to a whole new level. The 7 channels of DMX give you simple control; channels 1-3 control your colors (Red, Green & Blue), channel 4 controls strobing, channel 5 controls auto programs and sound active mode, channel 6 controls auto program speed, and channel 7 controls auto versus sound-active mode. Auto Program? Yeah, there's 16 different patterns to choose from. But to really maximize your control of the Wash FX, utilize the 23-channel mode. This mode allows you to control red, green and blue of each of the 6 sections of the light (as seen in the picture). Add in the auto program and sound-active control from the 7-channel mode, and you've got control that can't be beat.

Unbelievable Coverage
Think you've got coverage now? Most basic pars and bars offer a 25-degree to 45-degree beam angle, which is superior when you want more dynamic control of lighting in specific areas of your venue. But if you need a lot of wash, with not so much worry about being specific, the Chauvet Wash FX wins, hands down. With 90 DEGREES (yup, 90-degrees) of coverage angle, this unit packs a super-wide punch, making it the perfect resource for small venues, or DJ's that want a lot of lighting without a big budget.

The best part of this unit? That's a tough call. The street price runs a more-than-fair $149.99. At the same time, it's a small unit, running only 10" wide, and 8.5" front to back. The Wash FX is certainly the David of Chauvet DJ's lighting lineup.


Check out the Wash FX tested in our showroom below:

Why Electro-Voice's EKX System is Super Important for Wedding / Ballroom DJ's

On our Thursday entrance in to the NAMM show, one of the first booths we bolted for was Electro-Voice. For the last four years, EV has released one great family of speakers after another. They're the only guys in town with a demo room that allows us a real opportunity to see what their speakers can do.

We're constantly impressed with EV and the EKX family of speakers is certainly no exception. Our video of the series was up as soon as we got back to the hotel room.

As someone that's trying to get information out as fast as possible, and the less than optimal internet/cell services on the floor (ok, we'll say it...the Anaheim Convention Center has garbage for cell phone service), It's easy to falter in convey certain things. 

Our closer look at the EKX awoke us to Cardiod Technology within the EKX subs. This feature essentially pushes all power of the sub forward, rather than all around the sub. Get yourself in front of one of the EKX subs ASAP to hear it...and here's why. 

As you circle the sub, the front sounds like it should. A dark, beautiful low end rumbles the floor and gets your ear drums intrigued. Circle to the back, and the sound drops by 35db. In case you're wondering, 35db is A LOT. 

This poses huge potential for wedding DJ's. If you've ever been in a venue with multiple rooms, you've more than likely encountered the venue manager or another DJ asking you to turn your subs down. With these, your sub audio only goes where you point the sub. This isn't just awesome technology. This is a freaking contract saver. We've heard countless nightmare stories of guys with their subs rumbling entire rooms and losing contracts or getting complaints. Sit back, relax...and check these bad boys out. 

Electro-Voice hears you. You need to hear Electro-Voice.

Blizzard Lighting Can't Get Any Cooler...Can it? Meet the HotStik 5 COBII

If NASA did lighting, they'd be called Blizzard. With outside the box thinking, innovative shell designs and a belief that more color rules, we're diggin what these guys can do.

RGB is cool. RGBA is really cool. RGBAW is just intense. The new HotStik 5 COB II kicks out 25 watts of intensity with each of the 12 5-in-1 COB LEDs. With strobes, dimming, and chase modes, we're pretty much sold on this piece of eye candy.

Of course it's not just about the light but overall construction that matters. Blizzard Lighting nails it every time. Each light is a work of art even when the lights are out. Plus, the PowerCON connectors are a secret obsession that we have with Blizzard, locking in your power cables so you're not climbing ladders mid show. Thank you NASA...err...Blizzard.