Denon Mc4000 Djay Pro
I just downloaded the free trial of djay and set it up with my denon MC4000 turntable. It is plugged into 2 Yamaha HS8 W powered studio speakers. As soon as I drop any song into djay it plays at the most deafening, distorted, clipped, loud as hell volume. Pioneer XDJ-RR mapping for DJay Pro 2 about 1 month ago: by Mark Ayres: 2 likes, 0 dislikes. 26 downloads. Denon MC4000 with 4 track decks Traktor Pro 2 (Martin Paquin edit) 6 days ago: by Martin Paquin: 0 likes, 0 dislikes. By DJ Techtools: 39 likes, 4 dislikes.
This topic contains 4 replies, has 3 voices, and was last updated by 4 years, 4 months ago.
Denon Dj Mc4000
Well I just loaded up images of both of them to stare at, and the control layouts really aren’t all that different – so nothing to overwhelm you more so on one than the other.
That takes the debate to hardware: I’ve only quickly touched an SB (1 not 2) and while it was solid, it was clearly an entry level product. The 4000 (which I have not touched, so this is based on reviews only) is built like a tank (as pretty much all Denon controllers are). That’s one point for the Denon.
Inputs & Outputs: Denon kicks the SB hard here. Absolutely no competition. Balanced master outs, balanced booth outs, aux input, dual mics. You may not need these right now, but you could take this controller and plug it into any top-of-the-line system without issue. Trust me, more output options is always better. Always. So that’s another point for Denon.
Basically, unless there is something you really, really like on the SB2 control surface, the Denon looks like a better, more useful product from where I’m sitting.
I’d say the SB is a starter controller, the MC4000 is as pro-grade as the MC6000mk2, just in a 2-deck/2-channel and less cluttered version.
I would think you have two options (well you have millions, but effectively imho):
1) Buy yourself one of the controllers on our starter list:
a) Pioneer SB
b) Numark Mixtrack Pro (any type but preferably the 2 or 3)
c) Denon MC2000
d) Reloop Beatmix 2
My suggestion would be to get one used. There should be a fair amount of them around. Since they will most likely have seen only bedroom use, chances are more than fair that they are in good shape. And if you have someone who is disappointed in DJ-ing, they might even be almost new for a fraction of the cost.
This gives you a cheap step into controller use and you can still sell them 6 months down the line without losing too much on them even.
2) Buy the MC4000 and be done with it for the foreseeable future (you won’t outgrow this controller quickly and as Todd said, it’s built like a tank and will most likely outlive you 😀 ).
The thing is that buying a controller is something that is directly linked to your workflow. That dictates first your choice of software, then the choice of controller (in between there is a budget decision as well).
You may find that you want to check out other software when you have a controller. You may not be quite sure about what your workflow will be like (when using a controller setup).
Option 1) then gives you a cheap entry into controller use, the chance to try out other software (most will let you use Serato Intro, VDJ, Mixvibes Cross and even Traktor (don’t though!)) and to figure out what it is you do want and need in your next controller, which might then no longer be the MC4000. No or very little money invested and wasted and when you start spending the serious bucks you have better assurance that it will be on the gear that is right for you.
I’d even spend some of the money you are not initially spending on a new controller on the How To Digital DJ Fast course here. It will help you kickstart a practice regimen with your controller that prevents you from lots of trial and error.
Just my two cents, as usual.
Still a lot better than the SB which has NO meters at all :D. But yeah, them only being master output level meters is a missed opportunity. I have no idea if that is something fixable with a firmware upgrade.
Another feature the MC4000 has that you will find on very few other (including all Pioneer) controllers is the split cue option, which is VERY handy if you need to mix in your headphones for whatever reason.From EDM, Dubstep and Hip-Hop to Latin, Metal and Blues, whatever beat your song needs, there’s an incredible selection of musicians to play it.Each drummer has a signature kit that lets you produce a variety of groove and fill combinations. Jam with drummers of every style.Drummer, the virtual session player created using the industry’s top session drummers and recording engineers, features 28 beat‑making drummers and three percussionists. Garageband mac how to paino.
Ok, over here (Netherlands) I have seen some pretty low priced starter controllers. And we have heard stories here about readers that picked up really cheap used gear.
As for build quality. Without being too unfriendly to Pioneer, but Denon build quality exceeds that of Pioneer (with a margin I might add). And frankly, Pioneer isn’t THAT known for their build quality although it depends on who you ask.
As for the software. Like most midi controllers you can indeed map them to most software. Exceptions are Traktor, technically possible but works way better with Native Instruments/Traktor gear and Serato, your controller needs to be supported – but lately the number of supported controllers has increased tremendously. VDJ and Mixvibes Cross have good support for lots of different controllers or the option of (simply) creating your own mapping. VDJ definitely in the lead there though.
Having said that, it takes time to prep your tracks properly in your software (cues, loops, beat grids and such) and not always can you transfer that hard work when you switch to another software platform. Also there is a learning curve and “muscle memory” involved in getting to know your software intimately, you’d have to do that all over too. I switched a couple of years ago and I won’t switch again unless there is a very good reason.
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This topic contains 4 replies, has 3 voices, and was last updated by 3 years, 3 months ago.
Denon Mc4000 Djay Pro 2
I had the exact same experience with the 4000 on my MBP using both VDJ8 and Djay Pro. I loved this unit. It sounded great, worked great, felt great… It was going to be the last controller I ever bought. Originally, I had the first unit I bought (day one as soon as it was in stock) fixed under warranty. That made it worse by actually breaking something else, so I talked them into sending me a new unit. My gig at the time was a 4-hour gig and randomly during my next gig, same mixed midi issues as you describe. I dumped it on eBay and moved on. Shame.
I’ve had mine for over a year and never had any issues that could be tied back to the controller. There was one instance where it didn’t want to play nice with the new drive I installed, so I just swapped it back to the old HDD until after the gig, but that’s the only problem I’ve had, *knocks on wood.*
Denon Dj Mc4000 Djay Pro
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