Need some virtual vinyl advice

[Feyd]

Hi all,

First post and all that. I'm hoping I can get some advice on virtual vinyl systems. I had a go on one a while back briefly while drunk, and for the the first two tunes I didn't actually realise that it was a virtual vinyl system, I'm sure the drink helped but that was a pretty convincing demonstration, admittedly I had no idea such a concept even existed, but since then I've been giving it some serious consideration. I gave up DJing when vinyl decks started getting replaced by CD decks, but this whole idea gives the best of every world and the potential alone is inspiring. Also I've been asked to start DJing at a chillout session here in Doha - my musical weapon of choice these days.

Anyway, I've just looked at Numark's system and it sounded awesome until I read the reviews on Amazon. So, in short I a few questions to fire off.

1. Does a really good virtual vinyl system exist and who makes it?
2. How often would I have to replace the timecode vinyls?
3. Will they work with my 15 year old 1210s which have been lovingly looked after although somewhat forgotten and currently living in another country? I've no reason to think not looking at the way virtual vinyl works, but it doesn't hurt to check.
4. Are there any pitfalls before I start looking to invest in one?

Thanks in advance for any help or advice.

[D.S.M.I.T.]

1) Look up Traktor Scratch, Serato Scratch Live. These probably are the 2 most used digital vinyl systems (DVS)
2)You do not need to replace the timecoded vinyl, unless you shatter them somehow.
3)Yes it will work.
4) Research the DVS systems mentioned in (1)

Hope that helps
cheers

[photojojo]

What he said.

[smiTTTen]

I'd also add - IT"S A BOAT OF FUN AND BLOODY BIG ONES AT THAT.

Carry on.

[djproben]

It's a good idea to have some replacement vinyls handy since you will wear them down faster than normal records. I'm guessing Serato Scratch Live will suit your needs more than Traktor but check them both out, and look at what the interfaces look like. Try them out if you get a chance before buying.

[Stanmilarton]

I think "Traktor Scratch" is common.

[escapemcp]

If you want just a way to play your mp3's on vinyl, Serato may be your best bet.

If you want to start opening other fun stuff (advanced FX etc) then maybe look at Traktor.

Note the "may" - it's personal preference.

Also check out "Novation Dicers" - adds a lot of functionality for minimal price and no footprint:

They work on both Serato and Traktor. (FYI: That's Serato he's got on screen here)

Download a copy of Traktor free at Native Instruments website to get an idea of what Traktor does and decide if it is too much (you will probably need to spend a few hours playing about with it - it may look complicated at first, but if you are spending an hour of two a day in front of it, you soon learn what everything does). If it is too complex, perhaps Serato may be a better bet?
Note: The Traktor demo that you download does not have the scratch functionality that you are looking for, but it will give you an idea of what it does and what the interface looks like.

Final Note: Both Serato and Traktor require external boxes to get the timecode signal off of the record and into the PC/Mac. The same box is also needed for sending the mp3 back into the mixer. I don't *think* you can buy serato without one (anyone?), but you certainly CAN buy Traktor without one. Ensure that you are purchasing "Traktor Scratch" with an Audio 4/6/8/10 and not just "Traktor". You can play both normal vinyl and mp3's using these systems without having to rewire... you simply move the input switch on your mixer from phono (for normal vinyl) to line (to play mp3's controlled by timecode vinyl).

From A Traktor User (declaring so you can apply bias adjustment!)