The Denon MC6000MK2 is a four-channel controller that was released in 2014 that added Serato DJ support to an already solid piece of hardware. At the time of its release, it was hard to find a DJ controller that combined both a compact form factor, great build quality, and extensive feature set.
Half a decade later is the Denon MC6000MK2 still worth picking up? How does it stack up against the other mid-range controllers on the market today? We’ll take a look at why you might, or might not, want to purchase this controller five years after its release.
What is the Denon MC6000MK2?
The Denon MC6000MK2 is a compact four-channel controller that nowadays sells for roughly US$700 and is compatible with some of the most popular DJ software on the market including Serato DJ Pro. Although it doesn’t feature the modern controller layout that has become the standard over the last few years, it does have the majority of the controls most DJs would need. It features a robust metal build along with all of the inputs and outputs DJs, especially mobile DJs, would appreciate.
What sets the it apart?
The MC6000MK2 is unusual in that it is compatible with not only Serato DJ Pro, but with Virtual DJ, and Traktor Pro. This makes it versatile, and a great choice if you do not want to be locked into only one software – the case with most other controllers.
It’s a good choice especially if you are a Traktor Pro user who also wants to use other software. There are very few controllers that are natively mapped to Traktor Pro along with other major DJ software like Serato DJ Pro.
Besides its four RCA inputs, the MC6000MK2 also features two microphone channels that not only have three-band EQ each, but also have a ducking function as well as an echo effect. These mic channels help make it a solid option for mobile DJs. These types of microphone channel features are not usually found, even on the most modern DJ controllers on the market.
Where it’s not so hot
The MC6000MK2 shows its age when it comes to layout. It does not share the more standardised layouts of most modern controllers. It also does not have hardware controls at all for some more modern features.
Most notably, it lacks a proper performance pad section with different pad modes. This means features like slicer mode, or access to all eight hot cues, are not available on this controller. So if you are a user of more advanced features like these in your DJ software you may want to look elsewhere.
Another possible drawback of the MC6000MK2 is the size of the jogwheels. Compared to more modern controllers in this mid-range price point, the jogwheels of the MC6000MK2 are fairly small. So if you are a DJ who uses your jogwheels in vinyl mode on your controller and need a little more room on the jogwheels to feel comfortable, this may not be for you.
Finally…
Even half a decade after its release, the Denon MC6000MK2 would still be a good choice for many DJs. Its size, build quality, and features like its ability to work natively with Serato DJ Pro, Traktor Pro, and Virtual DJ makes it special.
That being said, if you are a DJ who likes to have access to all the latest features that modern DJ software provides, this may not be for you. The layout of the MC6000MK2 does not have physical controls for many of the features that DJs have come to expect on a mid-range controller.
At the price point of around US$700, there are a good variety of controllers that provides more functionality. The one case in particular where I think the MC6000MK2 is a better choice than most modern mid-range controllers is if you are looking for a DJ controller specifically for mobile DJing. The level of microphone channel control you find on this unit is something you do not find very often, even with controllers costing much more.
Maybe the closest competitor nowadays is Roland’s DJ-707M, which is also powerful and compact, and looks to be aimed at a similar niche as the MC6000MK2 (mobile DJs). Although the DJ-707M has more modern features like a full performance pad section, it does come at a higher price. But if those added mobile DJing focused features the DJ-707M has are not especially important to you, the MC6000MK2 makes a great choice, saving you a couple of hundred dollars – more if you can get it second-hand, of course.
What are your thoughts on this Denon DJ controller? Can you suggest another controller with a similar feature set and price tag? Let us know below.
Marc Santaromana
