accessible dj controller that works with djay for the mac?

By Falco, 25 July, 2015

Forum
Apple Hardware and Compatible Accessories

Hello everyone,

I want to start using djay for the mac, but I'm searching for a good dj controller that is accessible and works fine. Does someone have some suggestions?

Regards

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Comments

By jcdjmac (not verified) on Wednesday, July 22, 2015 - 23:36

The Pioneer WEGO 2 is the best accessible dj controller that works with dj for mac. it is the best mixer by far that has tactual controls. You could purchase it online at proaudiostar.com the best pro audio store online. I also recommend you visit sweet water.com they also might have it as well.

By DJHey20 on Thursday, October 22, 2015 - 23:36

@Falco I use the Pioneer D DJ Ergo with Djay Pro on my MacBook Air. The buttons are very easy to use, and so are the nobs. Like the cross fader, volume, bass, etc. You can find it anywhere online. Hope this helps.

By Ryan Dour on Tuesday, December 22, 2015 - 23:36

Hello,

I know that this thread has not seen any posts in the last few months, but there's been some progress with adding newer professional level controllers to djay Pro for Mac. I jumped on the opportunity and bought the Pioneer DDJ-SX2 controller back in October. I've been performing as a DJ on and off for about 20 years, and this is by far the best piece of DJ equipment I've used since I fell in love with the Pioneer CDJ-500s and the older Pioneer DJM-600 mixer years ago.

The remaining information in this post is very detailed, I hope the following points help clarify why I appreciate this equipment:

• Large jog wheels allow for more accurate positioning and scratching. Very similar to what you find on CDJs from Pioneer.
• The large eight button drum pads are very useful for cues, loops, and beat slicer.
• The pitch/tempo slider has a notch that tactilely indicates the center, the same feeling you get with the CDJs.
• There are three effect knobs and on/off buttons for each, making it easy to apply layers of effects.
• There's a great touch strip that is wide enough to really accurately skim tracks looking for the correct position when setting cues.
• Dedicated cue/mix knob, seemingly missing from many controllers. For example, the Vestax Spin II didn't have proper dedicated knobs for this use.
• There's a dedicated knob for adjusting crossover curve, for those interested in scratching.
• The crossfader is buttery smooth, great for scratching. Additionally, it is replaceable when worn out.
• Dedicated load buttons for each deck, and a knob that can be used to navigate the library. VoiceOver follows the keyboard focus, so you will hear track details as you turn the knob.

Additional details for the advanced DJ:
• The drum pad and nearby bank of buttons can be given up to eight different roles. This makes assigning nearly every djay Pro function to a dedicated button entirely possible.
• The slicer feature is fun, but it also provides you an audible way to understand your current beat grid. This is super useful for setting the grid if you prefer using such tools.
• For low vision users, the majority of LEDs on the deck can be set to any RGB value you wish. This means you can for example create a high contrast setting for your slicer if you prefer in the colors you see best.
• There are no LCD panels on this controller that display information, so we're not missing out on any text or images that commonly appear on the LCDs of other controllers.
• If needed you can connect two additional analog audio devices, such as CD players.

Audio:
• This controller features proper XLR balanced connectors for main output. They can be set to different DB levels depending on your need.
• There's a nice Pioneer mic preamp built in if you need to talk over your mix. Secondary mic is also available, but keep in mind it is using a balanced TRS quarter inch port not XLR.
• Two ports for headphones, one quarter inch and the other eighth inch. The headphone amp works well with power hungry headphones. I'm using Focal Spirit Pro headphones with this device and it drives them well.
• There are four output channels on this device, 1 and 2 represent main output, 3 and 4 represent booth and headphone output.
• VoiceOver can be used with the headphones or booth output by configuring the default output of the Pioneer DDJ SX2 in Audio MIDI Setup. See more details at the end of the post.

Configuration:

These steps work for the mentioned Pioneer DDJ-SX2 controller, but also apply to other similar controllers:
1) Open Audio MIDI Setup on your Mac. It is located in /Applications/Utilities/ or you can use Spotlight to open it.
2) With the controller connected, select it in the table containing audio devices.
3) From the Utility popup menu, select speaker configuration.
4) Select the Stereo radio button found at the top of the window.
5) Change the left and right speaker configuration from channels 1 and 2 to channels 3 and 4.
6) Press the left speaker and right speaker buttons to test the configuration before applying your changes.
7) Press Apply button, then press Done.
8) Open VoiceOver Utility.
9) Under Sound, select the Pioneer DDJ-SX2 or your similar controller for VoiceOver output.
10) Confirm your change if you do hear the VoiceOver speech arriving on your Pioneer or similar controller.

NOTE: The earlier mentioned knob that mixes booth and headphone output between cue and mix does effect VoiceOver output. As channels 3 and 4 are meant explicitly for cue, turning the knob all the way to the right will result in not hearing any cue audio, and therefore no VOiceOver audio. Your mix obviously shouldn't include VoiceOver's output, as you want your audience to only hear the music.

If you have more specific questions, use the personal contact form or send me a tweet @ryandour.

If you want to hear mixes recorded using this controller, subscribe to my podcast feed, and listen to mixes made in October, November, and December. Mixes made before this were done using the Vestax Spin II.

http://dj.ryandour.com/rss/mixes.xml

Hello. Im embarking upon upgrading from the IDJ Pro to something that will offer more flexibility with the effects included in Djay and Djay Pro for mac. How does the WEGO 2 address this issue?ay

By DoubleM on Wednesday, February 22, 2017 - 23:36

In reply to by Ryan Dour

Thanks for the info you included in your article. Very useful in helping me choose my next controller. Question though. What is meant by "booth output?"

By DJ-Joyman on Thursday, March 22, 2018 - 23:36

In reply to by Ryan Dour

Thanks Ryan for the great discription of the "Pioneer DDJ-SX2

" Makes me realy want to get it! I am using the Denon MC6000 MK II at the moment but could use more funktions easily.

I will go and have a listen to your mixes on your website.

keep making Music!:-)

By DoubleM on Thursday, March 22, 2018 - 23:36

In reply to by Ryan Dour

Hello Ryan.
Thank you for an excellent review on the Pioneer DDJ SX-2. As a fellow blind DJ, I'm always on the lookout for advice on accessible hardware and software applications.
Several years ago I switched from CD's to digital. I was granted limited accessibility with the Vestax Spin 2, however, Djay 2 didn't allow Voice-Over to be dedicated to channel 3 and 4. And as you already know, Djay Pro resolved this issue.
With its nice compact size, I was able to carry this unit in a laptop case, but when I desired something bigger and with a more professional look, I went the IDJ Pro. In injunction with the iPad air, and a wireless keyboard, I've been given full functionality. But thanks to your information, the DDJ SX-2 will most likely be my next upgrade.

By Ryan Dour on Thursday, March 22, 2018 - 23:36

Hello,

I have a VX SPin II as well, and as of iOS 10 and on macOS for several years, you can assign VO to channels 3 and 4. If you need more details on how to do this just let me know, but the process is really no different when compared with Pioneer DDJ-SX2.

By Dherion on Sunday, December 22, 2019 - 23:36

Hi,

I know this post is old. I just purchased DJay Pro. I have a beringer podcasters studio that I used for podcasting, but I want to make the jump to the world DJ by hobby.
What controller accessible you recommend? A friend recommended me to get the hercules dj console mk2, but is no longer being sold, that controller is too old.
Is it still recommended the Pioneer DDJ-SX2 controller?

I am a newbie at this, I'm looking for something that is not very expensive, because I'm aren't planning earn money.

Sorry for my bad english.

Thanks you!