Hey Kiran, it's a good question but really depends on what suits your needs best.

It's a very subjective question as one person will disagree with another yet agree on something totally different so only you can decide on what evidence you have.

From what I've seen from a controller like the SB is that they really are beginner level controllers for hobbyists and light users but can still rock a crowd so don't lose faith.
A friend of mine this year took a Numark Mixtrack Pro II out to Greece and uses it to rock a crowd for hours on end and all seamlessly. It was by far the best vibe and busiest place but as soon as another DJ clocked his gear the remarks came and they bashed it with snide comments, forgetting he was smashing it and was busier than the other clubs combined on the strip. It was gear snobbery and proof a DJ could use two iPods / tapedecks / saucepans to get a crowd moving.

He never used the CDJs that were installed once.

So they are lightweight and have plenty of buttons but the price obviously reflects functionality so you miss a few things you may like,not much though.

I'd sum it up like this.

AMX & AFX combo gives you full Serato DJ and not the 'Intro' lite version you get with the SB style controller.
They are seen as a bit more 'pro' as Numark quite cleverly used the Akai branding on them which is renowned for their production range of products.
Being modular you can separate the AFX and use it with another controller if you wanted.
The AMX can support DVS with a paid for plugin which is good for expansion.
Small and easy to carry to gigs or on planes/trains/etc.
Small enough to cause a stir with other DJs that notice what your using. The SB would just be another generic, budget controller compared to the Akai units which have great build quality.

The SB has jog wheels for a real analogue feel to mixing which could be a draw. The Akai units just have a very rough pitch (that could get fixed in doftware). You really have to sync as the pitch isn't the best, although very usable.
The Akai units don't sport a mic input.

The SB follows Pioneers other controllers for design so if you progress up the Pioneer ladder each controller would be a small learning curve but if you want to invest in something you can add to the Akai units are a win. You would need both though and not just one.

Either way, I'd suggest having a play at a store near you and deciding from that. Personally (which may not be right for you) I'd go for the two Akai units in a heartbeat but it all depends on budget and what's right for you.

I've had a few different controllers and the Akai units are great. I have an SX but have more fun on the little modular buggers!

One HUGE difference between the two also. They are almost the exact same price BUT the DDJ-SB as Mr. Wilks said is a beginners controller thus it comes with Serato DJ Intro and you MUST pay the Serato DJ expansion upgrade fee to use Serato DJ full.

The AMX comes with Serato DJ standard.


ALSO the AMX IS compatible with DVS (DVS upgrade ready to be exact) while the SB does not (and never will) support DVS.

The AMX is pretty much the very definition of flexibility while the SB is an all in one (a very limited on at that) which does not offer much flexibility at all.


Both are pretty great though.

I think it's about finding a budget and getting the best you can for that amount of money.

A Mixtrack Pro II is super cheap and can be picked up on eBay. If your playing at home or doing small gigs then it's a good way to start.

Remember that anything upto 300 punds/dollars would get grown out of as you progress. Going in higher with more features would reduce the need to upgrade sooner but depends on how well you progress.

I know people who bought pro level gear to learn on and just sold it all when they got bored. They could have spent 200 on a controller and saved the heavy investment for 'when' they need it.

As Dave said... The Akai units offer so much more for only a little more cash.

And they are pretty cool.

Absolutely agree. I am bored if I don't get a new toy monthly LOL. Due to high depreciation rates with controllers I tend to keep all my gear. I used to sell when I had an apartment but after getting the house space is one of those things I am not short on LOL. Both good and a curse!!

I have personally seen individuals grow out of the DDJ-SB. Not even to the units fault as the thing held up solid. The SR & SX and even SZ become the next step (so to speak) when moving on to future gear. This is by no means a necessity and always keep in mind these may be the two you are currently comparing but there are SO many great controllers coming out every day. Even furthermore going the opposite direction you could purchase a not so "current" yet awesome controller from a previous year............ just an idea.

Thanks so much for the detailed replies guys!
I am definitely leaning towards the Akai units. If for nothing else, as you said it comes with full SDJ and DVS support. And (although I really can't say for sure because of lack of experience), I don't really see the point in having platters on a controller..

A couple more questions.
1) Is it viable to start out with just the AMX? or do I really need the AFX as well?

2) Is there an upgrade path for Serato Video? Or is it a separate purchase?

To be honest, I was going to go with traktor and x1/z1, but I want to mix video too, so that's why I started researching serato and VDJ.

Cheers

Keep in mind the AMX is DVS upgrade ready NOT DVS enabled. The expansion must be purchased but the point is you at least have the option.

Yep, I'm not diving into DVS yet. But it's nice to know the option is there if I want to in the future.

I wouldn't dismiss this too quick. Platters are the more traditional way to "connect" with the music and manipulate the tracks.
I would look into SOME sort of control device. The AMX will allow you to play music but no real manipulation. The AFX is an option but don't dismiss cheaper options. If you have an iOS device (iPhone or iPad) you could look into the use of Serato Remote. serato.com


Separate but COOL little side note the SDJ software as well as Video are on sale 50% off as we speak.store.serato.com but this will expire VERY soon. Like two more days soon.
Another great option. TBH if you were digging the Z1/X1 setup then the AMX/AFX option is the way to go. It have also seen the AMX/AFX combo compared to the closest thing to a "Twitch 2" although Mr. Wilks would be able to confirm/deny this more than I as he has personal experience with the Twitch.

Thanks again.
Yeah I could see the platters being useful.. but I figure if I want that kind of control, I'd rather use a proper turntable (which I may do later). I may very well be wrong about this though, and change my mind later.. lol


Control devices.. hmm. Yeah I guess I need to research that a bit more. I thought that I could at least get started with just the AMX...
I do have an iphone5 I could use with remote. I don't know much about remote, but will read up on it.


I had also researched the twitch, and really liked the look of it. But it seems quite dated now... so yeah, AMX and maybe AFX seems like the way to go

I'd be honest and say I loved the Twitch and although it had a boatload of issues with one thing or another it got back up to speed recently.

The biggest issue with the controller (for me) was the FX section. When SDJ arrived it just didn't translate the FX section into a workable option. That could be fixed with a cheap £30 add-on midi controller though.
Oh, and I can't see the buttons in the sunlight which rendered it impossible to see during sunny beach gigs!

However that controller went all over the world for two years in hand luggage. I loved it!

It's pretty much the Akai combo but missing a mic. Bear that in mind as I will have to buy a cheap small band mixer to add a mic but that's nothing. A used Twitch could be super cheap now but that's depends on how important platter control is to you. Twitch/Akai/Native S8 style or, as Dave said, traditional platter control for nudging.
If it's electronic music you wouldn't miss the platters as much as you would if you spin other genres.

I think a play in a store would be fun. Oh, and whatever option you go for remember Serato will raise the price in a day or two of full DJ software and the video combo.

Hope else helped explain a few options or there at the moment and deejdave is one of the best to ask regarding high end gear as he owns pretty much any high end controller worth owning!

I have used the platters in non-vinyl mode to nudge or pinch a beat that I just couldn't pitch or even use sync to lock in... most often it is due to one or the other tracks being "analog" in nature... meaning recorded on instruments by human hands. Even the best drummers and percussionists aren't always perfect. :)

you don't NEED it, BUT...
when you get it you will say to yourself, WOW, i shoulda bought this a long time ago :-)

Thanks guys. I think I'm gonna pick up the AMX today, and buy Serato Video while its on special.
Once I at least get my head around the basics of all that stuff, I might pick up an AFX too :)

congrats

Im loving the AMX

(tho I now REALLY need to fix my library - Im and old skool DJ and still using CDs and Vinyl - this is a new world for me)

Ok, now I understand what people are saying about wanting to add a controller to the AMX. lol

I've been messing around the the AMX for a couple hours now. Just trying to learn the software and hardware. Having a lot of fun, but it is a bit frustrating that there is no real way to scrub through the track. (besides using the mouse).

But does the AFX solve this? I seem to recall reading that the touchstrip is not really setup for scrubbing yet..

Im old skool, so Im still not sure what people mean by scrubbing.

(this was discussed in another thread which I can't find right now)

On the AMX, holding the SEARCH button (there are two, marked 1 and 2 for each deck) and using the BROWSE knob, while the track is stopped, will allow frame by frame searching through the track (frame defined as 1/80 of a second - if I recall correctly - as defined by the Red Book standard for a CD)

On the AFX - the touch strip shows the "full" track. It can be used for a "needle drop" into the track, or scrolling THROUGH the track, but it seems to be less granular than using the mouse (or in my case, a trackball)

The "nice" bit is that the touch strip will let you rapidly (and inaccurately) drop to say the 3/4 point in the track - the part I miss MOST about checking out new tracks on vinyl vs CD.

I think scrubbing refers to moving the playhead back and forth. Kind of like you would do if moving a platter or turntable.

The problem with the knob on the AMX is its way too fine. And from what I've seen in videos of the AFX it is only possible to needle drop roughly but not scrub the playhead back and forth with much control>?

CORRECT

Currently the touch strip on the AFX is rather "coarse" and the knob is "super fine"

Obviously - the joy of MIDI is that - fixing this, is a software problem, not a hardware problem.

My recollection is that SERTO has been made aware of the desire and is planning a fix?

I'd hope for a Twitch style implementation of the touchstrips if so. It's all software so hopefully Serato can chip in?

Yeah I have read that they are planning to implement this. But we will have to wait and see I guess

Just throwing it out there, there's an app called Tonetable for iOS devices that will output control signal and will allow you to get some control of your tracks. You will need to purchase the DVS bundle, but it's more economical than buying turntables.

I dunno about starting off with just the AMX to be honest heh, if you weren't planning on getting some way to control it (turntables, a V7, at least one AFX, a CDJ or a Numark NDX500), it's going to be really weird using it. If you can't pick up a viable way to control it, I feel like it would be better to start off with a beginner piece of kit like a Mixtrack Pro or something, see whether it's right for you, and then look toward the AMX or other pro gear again.

Well I already got the AMX, lol

So what do people think is a good controller to add to it?
AFX? or.. something else?

Congrats Kirin. The AFX obviously, a set of turntables or CDJ's.
It goes well with the DDJ-SP1 too.

i have added the AFx totally worth it.....

added the dvs expansion totally worth it..

serato remote.

used cdj 850, NDX500, 1200's all totally worth it

Yeah I would love to add DVS and a 1200.. but it is starting to get quite pricey at that point. And also, I don't have the space to put a turntable here right now. But in the future, definitely!

So maybe I should add the AFX first.

But can anyone tell me what is their experience with just using the AFX for cuing and finding spots in the track? Usable, or not so much?

This is exactly where tontable can come in handy BTW

Afx you just have to get used to the layout and how the shift button work...

With the touch strip get close to the spot where you want to be.... Then use the AMX and do a fine search to the exact spot.......

I have been using instant doubles so I don't have to change decks on the afx...

Im soo late on the tonetable app. I just downloaded it. Can't wait to get home and try it with the AMX.

You re gonna be surprised by how accurate it is. I am talking not just an emulation but a practical and effective tool in itself. Even better news unlike Serato Remote there is only one purchase for both the iPad and iPhone version.

Much better than I expected. I was using on an iPhone and will have to try it out on the iPad later. It's definitely a cool novelty and makes my AMX so much more of a great back up system. Well worth the 7 bucks.

I hope y'all don't mind me reviving this thread but I had a couple of questions I haven't seen answered. I'm a little concerned about this issue with AMX gain/trim knob turning infinitely and presenting some volume problems while mixing:

serato.com

any thoughts? also I haven't been able to figure out if the AMX has a button or buttons for nudging or if I'd have to use shortcuts on my laptop for that.

I mix a lot of non-quantized old disco & soul, so the platters appeal to me on the DDJ-SB. Unfortunately I can't afford both the AMX and AFX right now, but maybe I could cop the AFX later this year if I go that route.

and finally, any other budget controllers (under $300) you'd recommend for mobile Serato gigs?

the afx has pitch bend or map a midi controller

As he can't afford the AFX yet I would suggest waiting to get both together if you need transport buttons. Or maybe a small controller?

the sb is nice but there is a sb mk2 comming out... so wait for that one... has led meters and a few more improvements.

i have the sb i use it at small gigs or when a dj cant fit a large controller.