Advice for a Scratching Setup

[skywalka]

Hi guys. My first post! I signed up hoping I could get some advice.

I'm 36 & been listening to hiphop since I was 14. I still listen to my old stuff. I don't enjoy most of the new stuff. I've always wanted to scratch the songs I love & make up routines like I used to see in DMC videos etc. This is something I want to do just for my own enjoyment at home.

Today I stumbled across the Vestax Spin DJ USB Midi Controller:
http://store.apple.com/au/product/TX742?mco=MTk5ODM1NzU
& thought it looked very affordable. This has awoken my 22year old desire to get into scratching so I started looking around the web & found this great forum.

I haven't got around to this before because of the cost of 2 turntables, a mixer & rebuying all my music in vinyl form & also the space that this setup requires. That's why the Vestax spin got my attention. However I am not the sort of person who just buys the first thing they see. I'd rather take a bit of time to make sure I don't regret any purchase.

This review said something that makes me think I'm getting my hopes up:
http://www.djtechtools.com/2010/11/0...rol-s4-review/

people want to know how the Kontrol S4 jog wheels are for scratching. The short answer is that they are excellent for scratching… for controller jog wheels.

I'd appreciate any suggestions from those more knowledgable than me. I have a PC & a MacBook if it matters.

Thanx 4 looking.

[procks]

Welcome,

I can certainly relate to your thought process and desires. I started with very similar goals, mostly wanting to scratch hip-hop and re create some of the classic routines. There are a few different routes you can take but in the interest of simply answering your question, this is going to satisfy all of your conditions nicely.

http://www.numark.com/ns7

overview
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=eSjz3mTKFdA

[Sherlock Ohms]

tbf, I bought a VCI100 and couldn't learn to scratch on the little platters. I've had a lot more success since I moved to TSP with Technics 1210s and use the VCI100 as a mixer/sample deck.

[photojojo]

You won't be able to scratch on the Spin unless your already good at scratching. If you want to stuck to a controller the new Traktor S4 has proven to be scratch worthy. The Numark NS7 as well. That said, you still can't beat a couple of turntables.

[Afterhour Ali]

photojojo is right, nothing beats turntables.
However you can learn scratching on a NS7 or V7s (I did and still do) and transfer hat you learned with very small effort to real turntables. If its about scratching and MIDI nothing beats them currently, because they are as close to turntables as possible.

[Patch]

I dunno about the equipment - but judging from your age I'd love to get hold of your record collection (I'm 32, and like stuff from around the same time).

I've been DJ'ing since I was about 19. For scratching, absolutely NOTHING beats turntables and a mixer. The good thing about that is, you can get a cheap(ish) digital vinyl set up for around £300 these days that would do you fine for scratching.

Buy one (you'll only need one) of these:

http://www.thomann.de/gb/american_audio_ttd_2400.htm

and one of these:

http://www.thomann.de/gb/stanton_smx_202.htm

and one of these:

http://www.thomann.de/gb/hercules_dj_trim_46.htm
or
http://www.thomann.de/gb/esi_u46_xl.htm

and one of these:

http://www.thomann.de/gb/rane_serato...inylplatte.htm

Then go and visit Adion, and get DJ Decks:

http://djdecks.be/

DJ Decks is a digital vinyl system that lets you play audio files from turntables. It means any tune you can get your hands on, you can scratch on real turntables. You can get a Serato style skin for DJ Decks - I use a modified version myself and it's AWESOME.

The best bit about DJ Decks, is there's a fully functioning free trial that works for 30 minutes. Perfect for DMC style 6 minute routines.

Total digital vinyl set-up for a little over £300. You'll have to use your existing computer, and your hi-fi for the output - but once you're up and running you're laughing. It also means that you can rip all of your existing vinyl to the hard drive. Great thing about that is - you'll have DOUBLES of all your tracks. Just what you need for those DMC routines.

I'll be keeping an eye on this thread - just to see if you start banging out mixes full of 80's/90's Hip-Hop!!!

[fullenglishpint]

You could also use mixxx, which is free forever.

[sarasin]

tbf, I bought a VCI100 and couldn't learn to scratch on the little platters. I've had a lot more success since I moved to TSP with Technics 1210s and use the VCI100 as a mixer/sample deck.

Dude.....if you really wanna get crazy...(ese), get a controller like the APC40 for deck A and B...then use the VCI for deck C and D....scratching.

[JuanSOLO]

I got into DJing late and come from a very similar background. I inherited some money a few years back and bought some turntables, a mixer and Traktor Scratch.

If you really have a love for golden age Hip Hop do your self a favor and get some Technics, you wont regret it. Get what ever mixer you can, and you can always upgrade.

[Patch]

I'd recommend Technics every time (if money's not too much of an issue). If moneys less of an issue, I'd recommend my set-up:

2xTechnics
Dicer
DDM 4000 mixer
Innofader (I'll bet getting this shortly).