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Topic: Help me decide on a controller - Page: 1

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Hey guys, I want to get into DJing and I am trying to decide on a controller to get. I am going to be doing primarily digital DJing and therefore I believe a good DJ controller will be all I need at first. My max budget is $500 and here are a few I'm considering:

Hercules 4-MX
Hercules RMX
Numark Mixtrack Pro
American Audio VMS2
American Audio VMS4

I am leaning towards the VMS2. I like the simplicity of 2 decks and I don't care for how Hercules implemented 4 decks into the 4-MX although it is a good product. Both my friends have the Hercules controllers and they are very good but the RMX is a bit outdated. The VMS2 is $350 and I feel it would last me a little longer and be a little more professional looking than the Mixtrack Pro (though it is a great beginner DJ controller). So I just want to know your thoughts and if anyone knows any information about the VMS2? I've already seen it listed on some sites for $350 but no reviews :(
 
geposted Sat 05 Mar 11 @ 10:20 am
I have the mixtrack pro and love it. The people that see it at the clubs & such says it looks cool & they are suprised that I can do the same things as a bigger piece of equipment. I'm just curious you said the VMS2 looks more professional than the mixtrack pro, I'm curious why is that your opinion? looking at them they are very similar except the fact that it looks like the VMS2 has one set of LED's on it. But all of those controllers that u listed are pretty similar so it's really just up 2 your personal preference.
 
Hi
I used to have a VMS4 - it has some technical issues so have a look on the forums to get an idea BUT it was a great piece of kit - well made and loved working on it just couldn't cope with the audio problems - don't know if the VMS2 has the same issues or not - I would hope not as it was released alot later. As I say it was fantastic to work on and really well made for going on the road.

If you can I would suggest going to your local store and having a go on them etc but this isn't always possible.

Hope this helps - and good luck.
 
Why do you say that the Hercules RMX is outdated?

I have an RMX and I am pleased with it. I can't say that I have tried any of the other controllers that you mention so I cannot offer an opinion to allow you to compare. I can say that I am very happy with the Hercules RMX and can't offer any major complaints.
 
In my opinion, the VMS2 looks slightly more professional because it's an all-metal construction versus plastic. Plastic is lightweight and probably more durable than people give it credit.

I think I can find all these in-stock at a local Guitar Center or Sam Ash except the Hercules 4-MX is hard to find but a friend has that one so not bad. I don't think I will find the VMS2 in stock anywhere yet except online.

The RMX is not outdated but older than the other models on this list. It's still a great kit but just made before the focus on improved jog wheels came about which these all have.
 
I haven't had very good luck with my Hercules RMX. Lots of static and popping sounds when pushing buttons. It will even randomly disconnect from my computer. It's possible I just got a bad unit but I'll never buy another Hercules product. I traded up to a Denon DN-HC4500 and will never buy a cheap piece of hardware again. You'll end up spending more in the long run.
 
I have th RMX and has been the most stable equipment i have ever had i love it.... If you can save a little more you should get the Denon MC-6000 I love that mixer and when you buy that you wont have to worry about upgrading for a while. But if you dont have the money i would go with the hercules its very stable.
 
I have to agree with bingham, my first controller was a RMX and I've yet to use it out on a gig. I don't know how they even justify a $350 price tag for it.
Its like a Suzuki Katana... yeah, its a sport bike, but you'll outgrow it in a season and then want a GSXR1000.
 
Doomtb wrote :
In my opinion, the VMS2 looks slightly more professional because it's an all-metal construction versus plastic.


The Hercules RMX is metal. The knobs are plastic but the case is all-metal. I think the jog wheels perform very well. I find it easy to make minute adjustments to the music when mixing, etc. I think the construction of the device is excellent.

Just an opinion...
 
bmbingham wrote :
I haven't had very good luck with my Hercules RMX. Lots of static and popping sounds when pushing buttons. It will even randomly disconnect from my computer. It's possible I just got a bad unit but I'll never buy another Hercules product.


That's too bad because I've used mine for many hours, with no popping sounds ever noticed and it's never disconnected or failed in any way.
 
You also mentioned that you were leaning towards the VMS2 and I thought I'd at least give you a little nudge towards the VMS4.

One thing to consider if you end up going out to do a gig is that the VMS4 has an independent mixer so if VDJ crashes on you at a gig you can have an ipod plugged into one of the extra channels on the mixer and keep the music going until you get your computer restarted.

Crashes don't happen too often but when they do you'll wish you had a backup.

Also external gain control is nice to have.
 
 
I love my MixTrack Pro, great controller and the price can't be beat.

You can't go wrong with most of the hercules stuff, they make great controllers as well.
 
It depends on 1) your need 2) how much you have to put in the controller ($) and 3) how much ($) are you putting in the notebook. I have the RMX (2 years using at home & gigs) with a Toshiba T6500 / 3GB RAM / 250 GB HD exclusively for music (don't have even anti virus). In the beggining I confess that I didn't like 2 much the buttons - too hard to press, plastic no rubber as, for example, the Numark series (for Ipod)... However, I got used to it. And, more important, zero problems with the pro version of VDJ. Very stable and usefull. BTW, I know another Brazilian DJ who likes a lot the Numark OMNI control (same price level and size compared to RMX). Like the RMX, it is kinda of "old", but you can consider that it was already tested by several Djs worldwide...
If you do not intend to take the control with you every place you go (mobile) and you can afford more ($) I agree that maybe the best choice could be the DN-MC6000. I've seen in posts / blogs some people having problems with the American Audio VMS4 (large, too), especially with VDJ - but I really can't opine on that. I have a Traktor Kontrol X1 and didn't like it mainly because of it lacks a good cross fader. On the other hand, I have tried the Tracktor Kontrol S4 in a Guitar Center store last month and I liked it very much (but I suppose that you'd need to build your own mapper to use with VDJ - they had installed the Traktor pro).. and it's not cheap (USD899,00 + tax...). Cheers
 
I use a RMX as a backup and a Herculies 4-MX as my primary. Beach audio has the 4-MX's for $448.00 and free shipping. With my 4-MX and vdj pro there isn't much I can't do.
 
I ordered the VMS2 from bhphotovideo.com but it's on back order until the end of May >_< I don't think I can wait 3 months.

On another note, so you are telling me the VMS4 has the independent mixer and the VMS2 does not? or they both do?

Unless I find another place that has the VMS2 in stock, I'm probably gonna go with one of the Hercules controllers...

BTW, the Denon DN-MC6000 is amazing from what I've seen but I don't think I can shell out $799 until I am a serious DJ.
 
if 4-mx did not release so recently, i would say go with that. the rmx is usually a safe choice to start off with
 
Thats funny I had tons of problems out of my RMX and none at all with my 4-MX unless i just jinxed myself.
 
never had problems with my rmx since i got it, knock on wood.
 
I found the Denon DN-MC6000 for $700 and I'm so tempted... any thoughts on this one?
 
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