Denon MC-2000 review

The MC-2000 is Denon’s entry-level DJ controller and it comes with Serato DJ Intro software and all the controls you need to mix, scratch and mash-up your tracks.

Like many entry-level DJ controllers, it’s a two-channel controller with two jog wheels, an effects section and hot-cue and loop controls. It also has a stereo RCA auxiliary input and 6.3mm microphone input on the back to let you play your iPod or other source through the MC-2000 and talk to your audience with your MIC.

Physically, the MC-2000 is a very compact unit, making it great for use in a small home studio. The MC-2000 is constructed from tough plastic metal, which gives the MC-2000 a durable, high-quality feel. It may be designed for the home studio, but the MC-2000 feels as if it’ll endure some time on the road, too.

Serato DJ Intro is high-quality entry-level DJing software

The Denon MC-2000 comes with Serato DJ Intro software, but you can also use it with Native Instruments’ Traktor Pro 2 and any other software that supports MIDI mapping. Denon DJ has already created a Traktor settings file that you can import, which means you won’t have to map controls yourself. Serato DJ Intro doesn’t support MIDI mapping because it’s controller specific, but that doesn’t matter. To use the MC-2000, just install its ASIO driver and hook it up to one of your computer’s spare USB ports. Serato DJ Intro will recognise the MC-2000 as a compatible device and work straight away, with all the controls already mapped and ready for use.

MIXER SECTION

The MC-2000’s mixer section consists of two channel faders, a crossfader, two Cue buttons and two EQ strips (one for each channel). The EQ strips are separated by global controls that we’ll cover later.

The channel faders are worryingly close to the jog wheels, but we didn’t hit the jogs accidentally during our time with the MC-2000. In terms of feel, the channel faders are similar to other entry-level controllers. We found the faders had far greater resistance than the Numark Mixtrack Pro’s channel faders, but they were also a lot smoother. The channel faders are better suited to smooth mixing than fast and frantic turntablism.

Similarly, the crossfader is too close to the Pitch Bend and Vinyl Mode buttons, making the crossfader area feel cramped and uncomfortable when scratching. There’s no real impediment to scratching or general crossfader use, but you’re always conscious of accidentally hitting something. The crossfader feels very loose and must travel 3mm from closed before you hear sound, making it decent enough for beatjuggling and basic scratching.