Before the release of Serato DJ 1.7, DVS (digital vinyl system) options were limited. The only way to use turntables or CDJs with Serato was to have either a Rane soundcard mixer, the Pioneer DJM 900SRT, or the Pioneer DDJ-SZ. These options were all pretty expensive. With the release of 1.7, Serato has expanded their DVS support to a range of affordable hardware. Today we’re going to look at four Serato controllers that are now DVS-compatible to help you decide which one is the best for you.
Looking for more info on the latest Serato update. Check out our article on the Serato DJ 1.7 update. Also check out some cool techniques for using Serato DJ’s slicer.
Serato DJ DVS compatible hardware roundup:
In the following article we have looked at 4 great Serato DJ controllers including:
- Akai AMX – (Very portable and affordable) – $249
- Numark N4 – (4 channels, high resolution MIDI) – $499
- Denon MC6000 MK2 (Solid build quality, includes Serato DJ) – $699
- Pioneer DDJ-SX2 (Full featured) – $999
Akai Pro AMX
Price: $249 (available in the DJTT Store)
Number of inputs: 2 phono/line switchable
Ships with: Serato DJ – full version (Editor’s note: this previously incorrectly said Serato DJ Intro)
Bus Powered: Yes
Standalone mixer: No
Dimensions: 10.7” x 5.3” x 1.7“ (LxWxH)
This portable mixer would be the perfect starting point for first time Serato users looking to explore DVS or for anyone that’s looking for a second stay at home mixer. There is a ton of value in this mixer: 2 channels, transport controls, adjustable mini innofader, and touch sensitive eq’s and fx. It also includes a free license for Serato DJ. This mixer will be available in November for $249.99. You’ll need to purchase the DVS upgrade ($99) through the Serato app, but even at $349 this is the most affordable Serato DVS setup that has ever existed. Consider that the most affordable Serato soundcard, the Rane SL2, starts at $499, this makes the AMX a steal.
Numark N4
Price: $499
Number of inputs: 2 phono/line switchable
Ships with: Serato DJ Intro
Bus Powered: No
Standalone mixer: Yes
Weight:7 lbs
Dimensions:22.5” x 12” x 2.4” (LxWxH)
The Numark N4 has been around since September 2011 and it just recently received DVS support with the Serato 1.7 update. This means you have the option of using turntables, CDJ’s, or sticking with the jogwheels for portability. The N4 has 4 channels, high quality XLR outputs and RCA booth output, and it also has a mic input as well. Even though it’s 4 channels there are only 2 switchable line/phono inputs. It can also be used as a standalone mixer, meaning you don’t need to have a laptop connected, allowing you to mix 2 analog sources. There are a lot of controls for fx and loops however it is missing a pad section for hot cues. The N4 ships with Serato DJ Intro so you’ll need to purchase the upgrade to Serato DJ ($129) and the DVS upgrade ($99) which will bump up the final price. The N4 is $499, and if you want to DVS support that will bring the total to $628.
Denon DJ MC6000MK2
Price: $699
Number of inputs: 4 line (2 are switchable to phono)
Ships with: Serato DJ
Bus Powered: No
Standalone mixer: Yes
Weight: 9.2 lbs
Dimensions:11.1″ x 18.1” x 2.0”(LxWxH)
The MC6000MK2 is a good step up from the N4 and AMX. The controller is really solid and weighs in at just over 9 pounds. The MC6000MK2 gives you 4 channels, 2 mic inputs, hot cue controls, and it includes a voucher for Serato DJ. The controller has 4 line inputs, and 2 of them are switchable between line/phono. This would allow you to connect a combination of 4 turntables/CDJ’s to Serato if you have purchased the DVS upgrade. The MC6000 MK2 scores points for build quality however certain areas feel cramped on the controller. It’s available for $699 and with the DVS upgrade it would be $799.
Pioneer DDJ SX2
Price: $999 (available in the DJTT Store)
Number of inputs: 4 line (2 are switchable to phono)
Ships with: Serato DJ
Bus Powered: Yes
Standalone mixer: Yes (require’s power supply)
Weight:12.79 lbs
Dimensions:13.91” x 26.14” x 2.77” (LxWxH)
At the top of the range for Serato DVS supported hardware is the Pioneer DDJ SX2. The SX2 is a pretty modest update from the original SX. It now has RGB backlit pads, improved led feedback on the jog wheels, and it can now be used as DVS mixer and also operate as a standalone mixer. The original SX was able to be used as a standalone mixer but it was not DVS compatible. With the SX2 you get a ton of control over Serato DJ’s feature: hot cues, loop roll, slicer, sampler, and the recently added Flip. Similar to the MC6000 MK2, the controller has 4 line inputs, and 2 of them are switchable between line/phono. DVS support and RGB pad were first available on the DDJ SZ. Now that the DDJ SX2 has these features it adds even more value to this controller.
SOMETHING FOR EVERYONE
Serato has been aggressive with their product updates ever since Scratch Live and Itch were merged into Serato DJ. We’re starting to see a lot more flexibility, and DVS is now a far more affordable possibility. If you disagree, compare these controllers to the price of the first DVS mixer from Rane, the TTM57SL. When it first launched, it was $1499! There has truly never been a better time to explore a Serato DVS setup than now.
