DJ Controllers Review 2010 Traktor Vestax Numark Cortex
Ben G, one of our readers was looking for dj controllers himself and decided to whip up an article with his findings as he continues to look for his next dj controller. With lifestyles and hobbies ever encroaching into the digital realm, DJs have learned to embrace non-vinyl swagger. The world of turntables, MIDI and Digital Vinyl System controllers has expanded to reach almost every boundary to reach almost any DJ’s needs.
Vestax VCI-300
The additional control with jog wheel controllers as opposed to smaller DJ software controllers is apparent through the VCI-100 which has smaller jog wheels which ac
t as the platters. Mobility remains a strength, as the unit is small, portable and built to rugged specifications. What makes it unique is the integration with Serato’s ITCH software, designed in direct conjunction with Vestax; the hardware and software were literally built for each other. ITCH is professional DJ Software that speaks directly to iTunes, and while not as full-featured as Traktor or it’s sibling Scratch, it gets the job done seamlessly.
Touch-sensitive jog wheels, full-feature buttons, mic/headphone input, along with two forms of output define the VCI-300 as a very compact and powerful controller. For the money, it is a great option for a DJ looking to jump right into powerful mixing with a reliable, easy-to use software.
Numark OmniControl
This jog wheel controller developed by Numark ships with Traktor LE software, and uses USB interface to connect to a computer. Like Serato’s ITCH, it is a diet version of the professional version of the software; so DJ’s looking for full-featured software for samp
ling or production purposes will need to do minimal. The unit has it’s own auxiliary and RCA outputs on the backside, and a headphone input on the front, which is oddly not complimented with its own independent volume knob.
Physically, the OmniControl is pieced together from high-grade aluminum and altogether showcases Numark’s recent efforts towards durability. Sacrifices arise when given the advantage of mobility; the OmniControl is not large, resulting in a crowded face. Multiple reviews have warned that careless fingers or large hands will have trouble with accidently tweaking knobs or bumping faders. While scratching on the jog wheels is possible, it comes nowhere close to the feel and performance of 12” vinyl, and most users of the unit will not use it primarily for scratching.
Overall, the OmniControl caters to some specific features well, and doesn’t sell itself on the ones it doesn’t, which positions the product towards the entry-level DJ who wants to learn the basics and develop skills at a moderately low price.
Cortex DMIX-300/600
Similar to the other jog wheel controllers in shape and size, the Cortex DMIX 300 offers similar features with a 2-channel mixer, 3 RCA outputs, but with an interface that speaks to an external storage device instead of designated software. The user can connect an external hard drive, a USB flash drive or an iPod, and play all tracks directly from that one device. Navigation is easy with LCD displays and keyboard support.
The easy-to-use, all-in-one system essentially eliminates the need for all other hardware, even a laptop. PC integration is possible however, and Cortex includes database software that allows the user to conveniently organize crates, update firmware & update the iPod.
Unfortunately, the unit is somewhat limited. Saving cue points is a hassle, because the iPod must be specially formatted through Windows, there are no full EQ kill switches, no BPM detection and no key lock – features that were added onto the older brother, the updated Cortex DMIX 600, which possesses the same qualities that set the DMIX 300 apart from other jog wheel controllers, with altogether better hardware and broader database management options.
A cheap option, with the 600 being the recommendation, as it is only $100 USD more than the younger 300.
Hercules RMX
Separating itself from other jog wheel controllers through its extreme level of durability and build quality, the Hercules RMX delivers full-fledged entry-level control, and comes with a diet Virtual DJ version. In contrast to a higher-end controller like the VCI-300, which runs on Serato ITCH, the differences are highly noticeable. Many reviewers dislike the native limited Virtual DJ software, which is unattractive and insufficient. However, you can map the controller with other compatible software. For some, the price and durability of this controller is right up their alley, but those who want a high level of performance and broader compatibility, it is in the shadow of controllers such as the VCI-300.
Numark NS7
Upon it’s release, the Numark NS7 was in a league of its ow
n in the world of software controllers. Full 7” aesthetic vinyl turntables, a software navigation panel, a CP-pro crossfader, five hot cue buttons, strip search and professional build all around make this unit a software DJ’s dream. Like the Vestax VCI-300, Serato helped develop it’s ITCH software directly in conjunction with Numark’s hardware. The software navigation panel near the top of the NS7 allows the user to do 95% of track surfing without touching the laptop. DJ’s who have used software with latency issues will instantly notice the instantaneous reaction the software gets from the hardware. Scratching is more natural with the vinyl surfaces and much wider room to work in contrast to the cluttered jog wheel controllers. For beginning DJs who have never owned or operated any equipment before and are looking to get right into full-featured professional software mixing, this is the cutting edge setup. Numark’s price is steep compared to the jog wheel mixers, but compared to dropping thousands of dollars on CDJs, it is a rather reasonable solution.
Mobility is the only issue that raises a flag. The entire rig weighs in at about 35+ pounds, and is extremely unwieldy unless contained within a travel case, which cost another ~$300. Most reviewers agree, you get what you pay for, and if you are in need of new hardware or a solid upgrade, and money isn’t extremely tight, this won’t miss.
Recently, Numark added an effects controller, the NSFX, and also introduced the V7, which is essentially one of the NS7’s turntables sold separately, with the ability to work with any mixer and ITCH.
Overall, in recommending controllers for potential buyers, it essentially comes down to how much you’re willing to spend. Functionality, ease of use, mobility and build quality are all factors that are highly proportional to how much you’ll spend.
For controller searchers with a smaller budget ($100 – $300) I’ll recommend the Native Instruments Traktor Kontrol X1 for DJs who are looking for a great way to ease through their Traktor software, or DJs with an existing setup that want to integrate software into their spinning. The jog wheel controller that I feel provides the best value is the Hercules RMX; essentially the same price as the Numark OmniControl with a little more versatility and the build toughness worthy of the name Hercules.
Buyers with an intermediate budget will likely not regret the choice of a Vestax VCI-300. The sleek design, the myriad of features, the seamless integration with Serato’s ITCH, and the stellar reviews all reflect the wonderful value you’ll get out of this unit.
For high-end buyers looking to make an investment for the sake of professional-style mixing and scratching, the Numark NS7 is still in a legue of its own. At first glance, it’s still an expensive product, especially since it’s release was more than a year ago, but after dissecting everything you’re really getting, the reasonability of the price will reveal itself. If money isn’t a high priority in your shopping, this is the software controller that will keep raising eyebrows longer than it’s competitor controllers.
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Great post. There are so many controlers out there now and many of them just crap for a lack of a better term. I bought the NS7 and am currently looking for a smaller unit for backup and just times when I want to whip it out to practice and your assessment of the Vestax 300 is right on with what I thought.
Comment by John — June 23, 2010 @ 8:01 am