In clubs or just at home?

"Expensive" is so subjective however. There are so many options for so many price points.

Are you looking at all-in-one controllers or CDJ-type units?

Cheapest option is to buy a used Rane SL2 and you can use vinyl or CDs to control the software

+1 to that. Or the Denon DS1

Thank you. was leaning toward a controller. Used to use a Cortex dmix 600 back in the day. Couple years ago was intrigued by the Roland w the drum pads because I cannot drop 2gs on an MPC Akai which would be just for fun as I no longer really make music. I will check the Rane sl2 and the Denon pieces out. I would just like a set of Pioneed cdjs as they seem like they would allow me to do events again which I do sometimes. Plus the higher end ones seem legit

Controllers with built in Serato DJ Pro license:
serato.com

Controllers with built in Serato DJ Lite license (you can upgrade to Pro with buying a separat license):
serato.com

Other Controllers won't work. Some controllers are DVS capable (for spinning with Controlvinyl/-CD on Turntables or CD Players, but you have to buy a separate license for DVS.

Mixers with audiointerface and separat audiointerfaces:
serato.com
Most have a built in license for Serato DJ Pro + DVS. Some have not and you have to buy separate licenses for that.


If you want to use your existing hardware (mixer, turntables, cd-player) this will be the cheapest solution.


Some Pioneer (and other companys) CDJs are capable to control the decks in Serato DJ Pro with HID/Midi, without ControlCDs. But they are only official accessories, the don't unlock Serato DJ Pro, don't processing audio and do not replace a seperate audiointerface or mixer with built in interface. In fact they are simple plug and play HID/Midi controllers to expand the controlls on an existing setup with official hardware and licenses, nothing more.
Here are the official accessories:
serato.com

The discontinued Mini Mixer and effects unit by Akai may also be an CHEAP option.

The Akai AMX mixer and the Akai AFX effects unit gives you many of the features of a controller but allow you to use your 1200's or CDJ (with the $99 DVS expansion pack)

Good review here - Watchwww.youtube.com

Still for sale NEW at some music retailers but very affordable on ebay for both units.

I am not going to lie used to do shows and events now more of myself at home use since the kid and work take a toll. I am leaning toward a set of Pioneers. Going to bust out my old school Gemini CDJ 700s to see if i still enjoy the feel. I thought cdjs would do it but still a vinyl fan.

If you are looking into getting cdjs, just get a pioneer ddj 1000 srt and call it a day. Portable enough to play out and you can still hook up your 12s for home use....

My bad... i read too fast. you already have gemini cdjs.

Akai amx is the cheapest option if you want to use your 12s and cdjs... numark scratch is also a good one if you want access serato effects without extra midi controller...

Been off for a min due to this craziness going on. What do you think about cable quality. I was thinking of hooking up some ifi Audio cables because i have from my headphone set up.

Most things labeled Hifi are actually smoke & mirrors. Not sure I understand your question. Are you talking about the cables between your turntables and your mixer or from an amp to speakers? If it’s the latter thick cables are better than expensive cables.

I was talking tables to mixer as I already have a nicer set but then will look at amp to speakers. I will let you know what I find. I run a headphone amp to with a nicer headphone so will try that usb with my dac and cpu first then try it on my cdj to see if i hear a difference.

Thank you