Controller Clinic #19: Mixtrack Pro Vs Mixtrack Pro 2

Digital DJ Tips reader Rhowell writes: “I’ve been following your free digital DJ course for a time now, and I thought now it’s time to buy a controller and start for real. I’m on a very tight budget, and was looking for something decent for a low price. I’ve read your review on the Numark Mixtrack Pro, and was considering to buy that one, but now that the Numark Mixtrack Pro 2 is out, I’m not really sure what to do any more. I was wondering what you will recommend me doing, and if the Mixtrack Pro would be a decent enough controller to show up at a small gig with.”

Digital DJ Tips says:

For a long time, we’ve recommended the Numark Mixtrack Pro as a good starter controller, especially as with Serato DJ Intro, it’s now even simpler to get going with. Truth is, this controller has everything you need to learn to DJ, and it’s a steal at the price you can now buy it for. This price will probably drop even lower now that the Numark Mixtrack Pro 2 is out.  The newer model looks nicer and is laid out more logically, but in use it’s pretty much identical. So while if you could afford it you may want to go for the newer one, it’ll be just as easy to learn on either.

As far as turning up to a gig with one goes, if it’s a small event then yes I’d say it’s fine. This is a consumer controller (despite it’s name it’s not really “pro” gear) – but if it does the job, which it can, who cares?

(By the way, lots of readers asking about Mixtrack Pro 2 availability. If you’re in the UK or Europe, Westend DJ has stocks in now at £179.)

Are you having this dilemma too now that the Mixtrack Pro 2 is out? What is/was your decision? Please share your thoughts in the comments.