So recently I got rid of my S4 and VCI and jumped on DJM-800 two CDJ 400's and.......Serato Scratch Live. :eek:
There was a thread here the other day of a member thinking about switching to CDJ's from controllers and Smitten asked him - is the purpose to make things more enjoyable for you? I thought that was an awesome question and wanted to share my SSL vs. Traktor thoughts.
I jumped on the controller VCI-100 team - thinking "man there is SO MUCH we can do with controllers and SSL is so bland". I read all the threads of Sync vs. no sync, and real DJ's don't sync, etc. Well after using the S4 for a while I never really felt it. I liked it, but didn't love it. I also had an NS7 and loved the simplicity of it, so I thought -- why not give SSL a try, so I made the change and I get it now.
My breakdown
Sync. vs. No Sync
SSL does make beat matching easy for you with the waveforms, but I find that's whats so fun about it. The two standard views only use whole numbers and a % for BPM's (no decimal places). So it requires you to move the pitch and knudge a bit, but also has stacked waves that assist you greatly. The argument has always been that having sync is modern technology and allows you to do more. I agree with that 100% and when using more than 2 tracks it's almost certain you'll need it. However, the interaction that SSL requires you to have with the gear and the songs I find it involves me more with whats most important. The music. Sync and having more time, gives me more time to do what is secondary "effects". That interaction for me is what I am finding very enjoyable. I know, sure you can turn off sync in Traktor and do it the old fashion way but trust me when I tell you. It's not the same.
Effects
Traktor has way MORE effects but only really a few that are MUCH better. The midi mapping in Serato is very painless (it's not as complex either though) and allows for some pretty neat "super knob" effects. I find that the DJM-800 + a handful of SSL effects is more than I need.
Sound Quality
I used my SL-2 with SSL and Traktor on two M-Audion BX8A and Traktor sounded much warmer. I enjoyed how traktor sounded more.
Waveforms - Traktor song waveform is larger and therefore more detailed. Regular waves are equally descriptive. I think Itch has the best view with waves running across the entire screen
Beatgrids - SSL and Itch use the same grid system. SSL can sync with ableton bridge (haven't tried it) but not with each deck, still use the grids for a few reasons. The grids are elastic in SSL and Itch. They are much better than traktors. The way you set them is also easier. What I find very useful is the grids are tick marks and then a solid line every 4 beats (1 bar) and then each bar is numbered....making it very easy to keep track of where I am in a track and transition songs in phrase.
Libary Management - Its not even close. SSL wins by a mile. No need for a "collection" and has smart crates, better Itunes integration and prepare view so you can see the tracklist you are preparing and your library
Those are the quick main points. I know folks have different styles that are better suited for different tools. One thing I used to think about when creating midi mappings and wanting more knobs and buttons (and I see this here sometimes) I would think "am I limited by my equipment or my own creativity". So I used to think I needed MORE KNOBS!!! Well turns out, what I enjoy most is less knobs and buttons, keeping things simple and engaged with the music not the tool is what I am finding to really be fun. I think that fun and enjoyment brings out my creativity more than any amount of buttons or knobs.
Also I thought this was pretty dope. A DJTT midi fighter inspired SSL ipad
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WoF9FB0w8e0
cheers!
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