Hardware/controllers used: (Current) Numark Mixtrack Pro3, Wanting to purchase FLX 10 Or Rane Performer
Hey everyone, I currently have a mix track pro 3 thats been serving me well for a while now, honestly its what i started on. I’m getting ready to upgrade my controller for the gigs i do. (mostly weddings, corporate events, and mobile/popups)
Im really looking at these two controllers and I was wondering what you’re experiences have been with both especially with djay pro, IMO its the best software to use for these types of gigs and I want to make sure i make a great purchase. Based on what I’ve seen online, most folks say the flx 10 is more versatile and fun, but the Rane has better build quality. What do you all think is the best purchase?
Hi @JMtheDJ, welcome to the Community! I don’t own either of these so I’ll leave this one up to our Community users for comment. Good luck! From the research I’ve done, I think you’ll be happy with either of these upgrades.
I do not own either one, but I’ve used both controllers at a few gigs. You cannot go wrong with either one. Personally I prefer the Rane Performer, but, if I was gonna buy one myself, I would get the DDJ-FLX10.
The reason for me - the FLX10 is fully supported by djay Pro on macOS/Windows, plus iOS (minus the jog wheel LEDs in iOS). It also supports Serato and more importantly, Rekordbox (because I DJ at clubs with Pioneer gear.) Biggest Con: Single channel FX section layout (which overtime, is less of a con).
I do prefer the build quality and layout of the Rane Performer. I feel like the layout is a better fit for djay Pro and really like the FX section with the paddles. Biggest cons: Jog wheel LED support on djay Pro macOS/Windows. No support for iOS.
Notes:
I might feel differently if I was a scratch DJ, but I play mostly open format.
Awesome, feedback. thanks for sharing. Im currently eyeing the new white flx10 (it looks so sick and would kill for the weddings.) What controller do use currently btw?
I think a lot comes down to what your specific needs are.
I owned both - I went with the FLX as my first choice and was so disappointed I sold it within a few days.
I have the performer and absolutely love it.
They are both good controllers but your personal preference is what will dictate.
Example if IOS support is a deal breaker, your decision is made.
I was curious about the rekordbox lighting function (it sucks and is unusable), hated using rekordbox on it and the stems quality sucked. Some of the effects were nice
I love the dedicated stem split control on the performer, don’t know any other way of achieving this in hardware and to me is the best way to use stems - but you may have no interest in that at all.
The performer has some dumb stuff too - like the eq controls aren’t quite aligned with the relevant channel faders, and the effects control is hardwired to always switch off DJay effects which can be annoying.
Being honest I have no real need for the moving platters but they feel nice and it’s fun to use. Overall it’s my favourite controller I ever had especially paired with DJay
I use the Flx 10 provided by a club I gig at… I use Serato over Djay . The screen may work. But the digital marker does not work like other hardware. I may also try the new Rane one MKII.
I’ve been waiting to hear from more performer owners.
iOS isn’t a deal breaker for me. I like the “club” style set up, but I’m just worried about the build quality, I keep seeing videos about the jogs messing up on the flx10, but for djay (which I only use) the performer, although it’s better built, has the aforementioned quirks and that weird right screen issue. In a perfect unlimited budget world I’d buy both, but I just need to make the best long term investment.
Especially since I have several weddings and gigs coming up soon.
I only use DJay with it and haven’t had any issues, just the odd quirk - it’s never stopped playing for example.
The screens by the pads on the performer are awesome. I didn’t think much about them at first, but use them all the time now, and would hate to be without.
Now you can mix loops and hot cues in 16 slots on DJay, it’s helpful to see what’s what.
I’ve also assigned instant fx to a pad bank, and can see the names of each effect rather than trying to remember which is which.
I found the positioning of some things on the flx a bit annoying - like the loop and stem controls are on the back edge.
The performer suits me better with those functions right at the front, and really logical functionality.
There are multiple ways to activate stems, and big buttons right at the front if you make a quick decision to cut a vocal or switch to acapella.
I paid about the same for both
The flx was nice but I kind of felt it was expensive for what it was, and felt like they kept some limits on features because it’s a mid range controller in their range.
The performer feels much heavier and better built - the weight may be a downside, but it’s more metal.
It feels like the premium product out of the inmusic range - I can’t think of any Denon, Rane or Numark products with the same features
Let us know what you decide - there’s no bad decision
@SilentPaul Yeah thats really great info. So far rane just feels like the smarter choice. I havent had a chance to play with it yet. But I may need to just jump on the performer train.
I can’t speak of Rane Performer but I do have a flx 10. I really like it. There’s a lot to it and it can feel crammed a bit. They have put a lot in.
Saying that it’s a quality piece of gear that works well with screens on Mac/windows. Some reports here with issues with performer screens and djay pro so look into that.
I prefer flx 10 as also works with iOS. Just gives me more options.
