Any advice on a digital DJ controller?

A DJ friend of mine is a huge fan of M-Audio Torq and the associated control surface. However, that doesn’t really solve your problem of looking for a control surface to use with Traktor.

On a separate but related note, have you tried Ableton Live at all? If all you want is a transition from two turntables and a mixer to a computer and software, then it may be overkill. However, I also have DJ friends who are huge fans.

@OnaBoat I use Ableton already but more for production than DJing, I know it can be used for DJing I just prefer Traktor for that kind of thing

@OnaBoat been having a read on that M-Audio Torq, looks interesting, it supports VST plug ins and can act as ReWire slave so could link it up with my Ableton and Reason.

Given me some real food for thought there, thanks.

Check this out-just came out today (11/9)...Vestax is a well-known company, and this is the first consumer-grade DJ controller-includes the A/D/A converters, mic input, and a pretty decent dj software (DJAY) for $249.

http://www.djtechtools.com/2009/11/06/vestax-spin_apple_stores_controller/

It works as a general controller so it should be compatible with Traktor; otherwise, NI’s new controller should be real nice, for $200 for dual deck control. You’d just need to add a crossfader/mixer controller (maybe not if you’re just triggering)

http://www.djtechtools.com/2009/11/03/new_traktor_controller_kontrol_x1/#more-3108

@sndfreQ I looked at the Kontrol X1 but it appears to be a bit fiddly looking, and the vestax is an Apple only thing, I’m a PC as they say on the adverts

The pros use the big brother to the Vestax Spin which is the VCI-300 (or the VCI-100), but these get pretty pricey pretty quick ($500—$800). There are quite a number of alternative controllers-look up online on Musiciansfriend.com or other DJ sites, you can see products from Hercules, Behringer, M-Audio (TorQ), Allen and Heath (XONE-pricey), Stanton, and others. There are many ilks of controllers out there, it just depends on how you want to control. Some DJs insist on feeling vinyl, so they opt for an analog/digital solution such as the Serato Scratch Live or Traktor DJ Pro; both are cross-platform, so it shouldn’t matter what your OS of choice is; make sure you try these systems out in person before you buy, though, because this can get to be pretty subjective.

Im pretty sure a Controller would be along the lines of a Hercules or something of that sort. Torque is for emulating vinyl not really a controller, and Ableton is not a controller either but rather a DAW, although it is good for live mixing, it’s kind of wank for producing. The Audio Engine in Ableton pales in comparison to say Cubase, Logic or Pro Tools, most people do there arranging in Ableton but do there mixdowns in a better DAW.

If you are wanting a controller then i suggest a Hercules, M-Audio makes a X-Sessions and a couple others but are known for Driver issues.