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It’s DJ Expo week in Atlantic City, NJ so it’s no wonder new DJ products are cropping up around the internet. I posted links to the Kontrol S4 yesterday and today the Denon DN-MC6000 hit the nets. No flashy video for this one yet but check out the official press release and full write ups at both Scratchworx and Create Digital Music. See also Scratchworx coverage of the stand alone DC-SC2000 controller and check back to their blog for detailed updates on DJ Expo as I’m sure they’re knee deep. We’ll follow the top headlines and repost them here as well.
So it looks like there will be four new four deck controllers this coming year in the form of the Traktor Kontrol S4, the Denon DN-MC 6000 (above), the American Audio VSM4, and the Allen & Heath Xone DX (which is already out). We’re planning on getting our hands on all of these and trying them out to give you the full scoop so check back for updates!
My thoughts on this mp3 controller:
The good:
-Compact and portable, smaller than a 14 inch laptop (May also be a con, more on this at the end)
-Less than $130 (Unit, with software included plus USB sound card for headphones monitoring)and you are ready to DJ (assuming you have laptop, music and speakers).
-Fast response, not noticeable delay between pressing play and the start of the music.
-Intuitive software, bpm counters and graphical display of music that will make it easy for beginners (like me) to start beat-matching.
-Backlit buttons is a nice feature.
The bad:
-The included software is Virtual DJ DJC Edition. Unless you upgrade to the Pro version for an extra $250 there are going to be some limitations of what you can do with the software, the most important in my opinion:
-The software does not open if the unit is not connected. Big issue if you want to prepare music with your laptop without carrying the controller with you at all times.
-No skin customization (the default one is fugly)
-No keyboard shortcuts, makes browsing slow.
-Scratching, it does what a budget unit should do, but do not expect the plastic faders to survive heavy duty treatment. You would not be looking at this unit if you were interested in scratching anyway.
-knobs for pitch control instead of sliders, not a major issue for me since the unit has pitch bend buttons and the jog wheel can be used to adjust the tempo (when not in scratching mode).
-Due to small size is relatively easy to unintentionally press buttons.
Overall,
For an entry level unit that is very easy on the budget, this controller is GREAT. Combined with the right skills, and the right sound system, the audience will not know the difference between this mp3 controller and a more professional set up.
Is it possible to use Denon DN-MC6000 to Traktor Kontrol S4 software with loop recorder functionality? Thanks.
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