I do a lot of paid mobile DJ work so reliability and a backup plan is essential for me. I also DJ a clubs and special dance events from time to time.
I use a 6 year old Fujitsu laptop with 500GB harddrive, 4GB ram running Vista.
I went with the Denon DN-MC6000 and here's why:
1. I picked the MC6000 over the S4 because the MC6000 is an actual analog mixer and if my computer fails I can immediately jump to alternative sources, CDJs, Turntables or Ipods if I want. On the S4 it's dead in the water without a functioning computer. A rebooting computer in the middle of a packed dance floor is the worst thing that can happen to you, especially if you're getting paid good money to be there.
2. I picked the MC6000 over the S4 because a large number of people experience audio drop outs and crackling on the S4 unless they spend days extensively modifying settings and disabling wifi. I tested the S4 running Traktor Pro 2 on my computer and it could not handle it at all, simply not useable. As a matter of fact my friend who loaned the S4 to me had a 2 year old laptop that could not handle the S4 sound card so he bought a NEW LAPTOP and even the fastest laptop he could get STILL has audio issues. My understanding is the NI audio drivers not being compatible with other drivers on the system. As I looked at what I'd needed to upgrade to something reliable I was thinking I'd need to buy a mac book pro for $1,300 to run the S4 without audio issues and greater reliability. I was wrong!!! And good thing because buying an expensive laptop isn't really in the budget. When I hooked up the Denon MC6000 and installed the Denon ASIO drivers I was blown away. The controller was working on my 6 year old PC laptop with perfect audio and midi control!!! I was not impressed with NI's audio card products based on my own experience and lots of others on the forums, especially considering my old Numark controller's sound card worked great with no audio issues. It's important to understand that my laptop is fully functioning with WIFI running and NO ISSUES! This is key at private parties because I can download requested songs I don't have. The Denon product was true plug and play, took less than 10 minutes to be mixing on Traktor.
3. I bought the MC6000 over the S4 because the MC6000 has a 3 band EQ on the microphone inputs and ducking. This allows me to notch out feedback during presentations if someone walks too close to the speakers. (always happens)
4. The MC6000 has a smaller foot print and a solid all metal case as well as booth output with controls if needed. Using the standard 19" rackmount gives me unlimited mounting options when it comes to road cases. With the S4 you are limited to custom cases.
Performance:
Well I'm extremely excited about this controller. Mixing house music is easy and any controller can do it. What's harder is mixing hiphop or club tracks. I started on turntables in 87 so it's typical to scratch in the next track. With this controller you can scratch mix into the next track and it's very accurate on jog wheel release. It's even fun to adjust the slope of the crossfader and do some scratching... the jog wheels are so accurate you can get very very close to the sound of vinyl scratching. I don't know how the denon does it's touch sensitivity but it doesn't appear to be a mechanical switch like the S4.. If my hunch is true then their is no switch to wear out on the Denon.
The sound is great and the build is strong. I believe this is the best controller option for any DJ that needs high reliability, quality sound, and analog pass thru backup mixing. I like the option to go 100% digital mixing of 4 tracks/samplers or go analog mixer.
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Even though the traktor pro 2 CPU meter hits the red all the time there are no audio or midi drop outs on a 6 year old laptop using the Denon hardware! This fact gives me great confidence that I can buy a new high powered, quad core, laptop PC with a 17" screen for $700 range and it will work great vs. committing to a $1300 Macbook with a 13" screen. Don't get me wrong I would like to have Mac Book but that's almost double the cost for a lot less screen and hardware.
Hope this helps anyone who might be looking at these two options. I can see this unit becoming an industry standard.
Have fun!
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