ION Discover DJ USB DJ controller for Mac and PC (Discontinued by Manufacturer)

I started djing in 2002, I learned on Gemini Turntables and a Numark Mixer. Now I'm on the Technique Mk1200 Turntables and Pioneer DJM 600. Using M-Audio Torq Connectiv as my time coded computer djing system. Just saying this so that people know that I'm no amature to being a Disk Jockey. Now in days, most clubs, lounges or bars have a dj there. Nine times out of ten they are now using time coded software. Or they are using an "LE" or "Pro" midi djing software. Now in the new digital era alot of people are intrested in knowing the basics without having to break the bank. That is where the Discover Dj comes in!Simplicity is the key to learning how to dj. No matter what equipment you learn on. But what Ion has done, is made a controller that is basic. But has even a few features that Intermidiate to Advanced Disk Jockeys can appreciate. But even with all the the good comes some flaws....(The Discover DJ/Icue3 Controller)It's made of plastic, it's ok quality. But if stepped on or not being cared forthe right way. It can break, and that would be money wasted. No matter whatyou think of the product.The Jog Wheels are a nice size and work great for what it's worth. Like to be honast, you're still not getting a real time CDJ or Vinyl feel out of these things. But with alittle improvising. They are really good for a controller of this quality.The Dynamics are bad, I hear no real true changes in Treble or Bass. To me those controls are important to have when djing. especially if you want to have smooth mixes. Also the fact their isn't channels is kinda upsetting. But most people, especially if you don't dj on a regular won't mind. But to me it is kinda important especially if you're marketing this item to dj's and even the beginners.The Cross Fader is decent, if you're a turntablist or a dj that likes to do a few stabs. This fader would take sometime getting use to. For the beginners, this is a nice cross fader to start honing your skills on.The Sync button is a big help, and I think is one of the coolest features on this controller. Or you could do it manually and use the pitch buttons. But since the pitch is controlled with buttons instead of channel style like most other controllers. Pressing the Sync button is a big help. Especially for the beginners.The Cue button, you can set up start up points in songs.The REV button, to reverse the track faster instead of using the jog wheels. But you can also start the track back if you cued it. So a handy, but no so needed featureThe Play/Pause button does just that..Play and Pause the track.The Scratch Button, joggles the scratching feature of the Jog Wheels. When off, you could use the wheels to speed up a song or slow it down while the song is going to beat match.The A and B button just loads the tracks to either channel(The Mix Vibes Cross LE Software)It's a basic midi based, dj midi controller program. Created for the Discover Dj by Mix Vibes Lab in France. This program is already premapped for the Discover DJ/ICue3. It has the basic features that most Dj's use in digital djing today. You can create loops, record, and even sync this program with your Windows or Itunes Library. It's a nice basic LE program. Works fine, just make sure your computer is up to par before running the program. That way you get the best out of it.I gave this item 3 out of five stars for being a good midi controller. But with flaws that make it not quite a 5 out of 5 midi device. Perfect for beginners, and still can be fun for the Intermidiate to Advanced Disk Jockey. Perfect for small get togethers, but not really a club, bar, or lounge quality midi controller. For $100 dollars it's a cool controller to have. Although you can find it for far less than that price here on Amazon or Ebay. Don't expect to much from this controller or you're going to build yourself up to be let down. But if you know what you're getting out of it. I would say get this and enjoy it.

i think this is great for beginner DJ's but if your looking for something more intermediate or advanced this is not for you. First i wanna talk about the quality. The parts are mostly plastic but they last a very long time!!!I bought these over 8 months ago so other people could use them and not mess with my equipment and they are very durable. As far as the features on this item they are very very basic. You don't get too many controls as some of the other DJ controllers. Also one major thing that takes away from this item is that it doesn't have a built in sound card. What this means is that you have to buy a second sound card so you can run you headphones or microphones with this item. Another thing that takes away from this item is the software they give you. the software that comes with this item is really crappy. I read other reviews where people said it couldn't play certain songs from itunes. what i would recommend using is virtual dj. it works great with this item and it will help you learn how to become a better DJ especially if your starting out.Some people have gotten it to work with Traktor and i would reccommend that as well.One software that i might try to get it to work with is Scratch Live. Its one of the best Dj softwares out there.I use and its great if you can get it to work with this item. Overall i think this is great for begginner Dj's or even a gift for your kids!!! its alot cheaper then the comparable Dj hero plus it works with your own music instead of pre-selected songs. Overall this item is great for begginners and i would recommend it to all the beginner Djs.

So prior to this, the only DJ skills i had were using my laptop mouse to mix songs with software like mixvibes and virtual DJ Pro. So it was safe to say I had some concept of how everything worked (ie crossfading, pitching etc).I bought this control to get me from having to mix songs manually with the mouse. I love every bit of it. Bought an el cheapo sound card right here at Amazon where my headphones are plugged into and downloaded ASIO4ALL. Now I can cue songs in the headphones while i have this plugged into my laptop ---> amp -----> speakers.Even a cave man should be able to figure this thing out. Mixing is easy, I especially like the Itunes integration. (One of the main reasons why this was the one i bought). It picked up all my playlists as though i was mixing directly from iTunes.The "vinyls" are highly touch sensitive and songs literally stop even when my headphone cable touches them.I used the LE CrossDJ software which got me going (included). I also donwloaded Mixxx which appears to also work well and is the only other free substitute to Cross I could find with mappings already built into the software but I have to say latency on Mixxx is higher than Cross in English, the software reacts a tad bit slower then LE when a command is issued from the controller. I guess thats more a preference thing.On the whole, I like it and can see how starter wannbe DJs or even pros will get with this.

I purchased the iCue3 about 4 months ago as a first time user and have loved it ever since. The build quality is decent for such a cheap product, and the knobs have a good feel to them. I would advise that you get a USB sound card (around £2.50 on amazon) and download the ASIO4 software to be able to separate the software's use of the 2 cards. It takes a bit of fiddling around, but I got there in the end.The supplied software is pretty good and will link up to iTunes. I've taught myself to a reasonable standard in 3 months of practicing, although prepare for a few dark days at the start if you're a first time user like me! My fiancee is an ex club promoter and she's really quite impressed with what the unit and software can achieve.One day I may move on to a more expensive controller and pass this one on to a mate. At well less than £100 there's really nothing to lose in my opinion. What are you waiting for?

Bought by my eight year old who loves mixing and messing with music and sounds. Connects to PC/laptop so can be used with headphones - a relief whilst he practices! Easy to use and gets some great results, plus it's not huge so easy to put away and store when he has had enough! Can be used with itunes lists as well as other music available online/downloaded.

Excellent product. My son is crazy about music and with this he can mix his own tunes. Only reason it got 4 stars was because it looks like it is a factory return or ex-display. Box had obviously been opened and was very tatty. First one was sent back for this reason but it seems the second was just the same. Apart from that it is great!

You will have a lot of fun with these... But a word of advice. You will require an additional audio channel so you can plug your head phones in and pre hear your intended mix. I am sure others in here have made this point but it is worth mentioning again.

This device is great for kids and adults alike trying to break into the DJ world without having to take out a mortgage to get all the equipment. Gives you all the basic know how to be a DJ without to many buttons to get used to. Easy and fun to use.