More evidence of the predicted controller revolution slowdown has been announced today. Denon has taken the wraps off the updated Denon DJ MC6000MK2, which rather than redesigning from the ground up, simply does a Kontrol S4 MKII and revises the unit to be… well better, but also to play very nicely with Serato DJ and DJ Intro.

Here’s the press release. Read and digest:

December 9th 2013 Denon DJ MC6000MK2 Digital Mixer & Controller Announcement Building on its already established, flagship controller and digital mixer, Denon DJ are pleased to announce the new generation, MC6000MK2. Changed, improved and now supplied with Serato DJ Intro software, the MC6000MK2 combines impeccable, steel chassis build quality and rock solid reliability with total, uncompromising Serato compatibility (supports other software with mapping). Crafted for professional and discerning club, mobile and house party DJ’s, the MC6000MK2’s control surface is structured to enable plug and play communication, directly with the bundled Serato DJ Intro software. DJ’s wishing to add alternative software functionality and video mixing features can buy upgrades for Serato DJ software and Serato Video plug in if desired. Features & Improvements: Supplied with Serato DJ Intro, with unit’s hardware offering full Plug and Play software control, straight out of the box.

Natively supported by Serato DJ Intro & Serato DJ (full upgrade version)*, Virtual DJ* and Mixvibes Cross*. Denon DJ supplied mappings ensure compatibility with Native Instruments Traktor software.

Fully professional video mixing integration is now possible with the MC6000’s video capability. Using the revolutionary Serato Video plugin, DJ’s can programme, mix, add transition FX and scratch video just as they do with audio – So now, “What you hear, is also what you see!” A paid upgrade to Serato DJ is required for Serato Video support.

Reliable, realtime channel matrix operation enabling fast and efficient DJ changeovers, plus flexibility to add record decks, table top CD players, USB audio and other auxiliary input devices.

Ability to now utilise ‘on trend’ DJ performance factors ‘ Roll’ (Loop whilst track stays in real time), ‘Sensor’ (Serato’s Reverse mode) plus ‘Slip Mode’ (Real time track play under a scratch/loop etc)

Line 1/2 Thru to PC Mode Enabling digital recording of a full DJ performance, whether club, radio or house party to a PC or Mac computer.

Replacing the previous model’s two toggle switches, the MC6000MK2 now features Four independent deck layer keys offering error free, live performance deck/track selection

Fast and efficient Serato DJ screen navigation with ‘Panel’, ‘View’, ‘Area’, and ‘List’ keys

Independent ‘Vinyl’ button (emulating true vinyl operation), Beats Parameter knob (dedicated for controlling beat attributes), FX Tap Button (to add BPM data), FX Mode Change and now 8 Assign keys for fluid and comprehensive effects control

Improved look, finish and feel to twin-deck, silver platters Class-leading sonic improvements for professional sound playback Denon DJ MC6000MK2 in-store January 2014

So what’s new with the MC6000mk2?

The biggest news is that the unit is decidedly Serato friendly now. Coming with Serato DJ Intro, and having a natural upgrade path to the full Serato DJ package, the MC6000MK2 is also Serato Video friendly too, right down to having video controls on the hardware. The whole layout has been de-Denonised and given what I once would have said is a Numarkification, but I’m now beginning to think is an emerging Serato-led ID, which permeates Numark and Pioneer designs, and one can only expect that future Vestax products will too.

Because of this Serato DNA, the layout has massively improved too. It’s all still a little cramped, but it does have some logical changes, such as putting the pitch controls in a better place, and making improvements to the effects, loops and cues to make sense with the way Serato works.

To make the faceplate layout work, the monitor controls have been moved to the front, whereas the rear has been simplified a little. Notably, the REC OUT has gone. I hope this has been done in the name of rationalisation, and not in a cynical bid to force the Serato DJ upgrade just to allow internal recording. No, I’m not over it yet.

More Evolution

So yet more evidence presents itself that the controller revolution is over, and we’re now in the post-revolution period, where manufacturers can take stock and see where things can be done better, hence the tweaks and changes rather than whole scale reworking. I still cannot work out why this is such an issue for people. Do people really feel that their creativity has levelled out and that even the latest controllers offer nothing?

This is a nice upgrade that offers much to people who don’t already own one. I hope to see iOS devices supported, although nothing has been mentioned by Denon.

To recap — the Denon DJ MC6000MK2 is in store January 2014 with a price of $699/€649/ £569.

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