The Great CDJ Quandary of 2016

[Theemasquerade]

Apologies if this has been covered elsewhere, but a search for any direct answers ran dry!

I am set on buying a set of CDJ units. I have a pretty solid weekly residency that I've been doing for over 5 years, using mostly VirtualDJ and an external mixer for my fading/eq/effects. I've missed several opportunities to DJ at other events that are strictly CDJ & mixer (i.e. no laptops in the booth), so I feel it's time to give in.

1) With the release of the Pioneer CDJ-2000nxs2 (out of my price range): Would it be more wise to pick up the XDJ units to familiarize myself with the emerging touchscreen format standard? 2) How long will the CDJ-2000nxs1 be a relevant unit? Will they continue to be the common unit in clubs for a while?

2) I can't help but think what an expensive, yet HUGE step backward in performance this is compared to my regular setup: No smart folders, not as in-depth searching/sorting, complete reliance on Rekordbox to analyze tracks (which means 2x the prep work that I've already done for thousands of tracks), and extremely limited cues just for starters. I understand it's fine for a 45 min set, but seems lackluster for open-format DJing, where a number of variables influence track selection.

I've owned and used almost every DJ software, turntables, controllers, etc. and FIRMLY believe in the idea of putting advanced technology to use. I know that when I mixed on turntables, I had no cues even to complain about; just to nip that inevitable argument in the bud.

I really appreciate any thoughts/suggestions on this dilemma. Thanks in advance!

[overcast]

It seems like if you're wanting to learn CDJs it might be worth investing in the XDJ700. It's a tad cheaper than the XDJ1000, and besides being smaller the only differences (according to the DJTT article about it) are lacking full size platter, no reverse/track direction and no vinyl speed adjust.

As for no smart playlists, sure you're right there. But there does seem to be a pretty good sense of sorting and being able to search for things on them (check the video below)

[Bassline Brine]

Apologies if this has been covered elsewhere, but a search for any direct answers ran dry!

I am set on buying a set of CDJ units. I have a pretty solid weekly residency that I've been doing for over 5 years, using mostly VirtualDJ and an external mixer for my fading/eq/effects. I've missed several opportunities to DJ at other events that are strictly CDJ & mixer (i.e. no laptops in the booth), so I feel it's time to give in.

1) With the release of the Pioneer CDJ-2000nxs2 (out of my price range): Would it be more wise to pick up the XDJ units to familiarize myself with the emerging touchscreen format standard? 2) How long will the CDJ-2000nxs1 be a relevant unit? Will they continue to be the common unit in clubs for a while?

2) I can't help but think what an expensive, yet HUGE step backward in performance this is compared to my regular setup: No smart folders, not as in-depth searching/sorting, complete reliance on Rekordbox to analyze tracks (which means 2x the prep work that I've already done for thousands of tracks), and extremely limited cues just for starters. I understand it's fine for a 45 min set, but seems lackluster for open-format DJing, where a number of variables influence track selection.

I've owned and used almost every DJ software, turntables, controllers, etc. and FIRMLY believe in the idea of putting advanced technology to use. I know that when I mixed on turntables, I had no cues even to complain about; just to nip that inevitable argument in the bud.

I really appreciate any thoughts/suggestions on this dilemma. Thanks in advance!

Most people I know who still play open format use a computer tied to the setup. That being said - Rekordbox is solid. Solid enough that I've pretty much put Serato to the side and I'm waiting patiently for DVS support with it (because I use turntables) but I've been running things off USB stick for just over a year now.

If you're looking to get your hands dirty with CDJs - I'd look at the CDJ-900 Nexus decks. The pricepoint is better than the 2000 Nexus's and they have better options than then as well - though I prefer the looping functions over the hot cues.

XDJ's also seem solid but I don't have personal experience with them. I've heard from others I know and respect that they are great for home but not really club ready - but they would do the trick to learn on quite well.

[Irrational Fear]

If your familiar with most DJ tech anyway, is there any reason why you couldn't simply download Rekordbox (I assume it's still free) and then anytime you have the chance to play on CDJs you simply prep a couple of usb sticks with tracks and away you go?

Playing on CDJs is no different to playing on anything else, sure some of the user interface is going to be different but everything is there- you could get pretty familiar with where everything is by watching a few Youtube demo videos, or some of the Pio DJ Sounds Show episodes for more creative examples of it in use.

Is it really worth dropping the price of a second-hand car on a couple of CDJs for home use just to get familiar with a different UI?

Just my thoughts

[rall]

I would say go for xdj 1000 if you just want to get the feel on them. Touchscreen makes it easy to search on and it has a lot of features from software. Also, Im sure you will find it more fun once you start beat matching, to me thats the most flexible way to be able to improvise in a set.

[Schalenberg]

I would say go for xdj 1000 if you just want to get the feel on them. Touchscreen makes it easy to search on and it has a lot of features from software. Also, Im sure you will find it more fun once you start beat matching, to me thats the most flexible way to be able to improvise in a set.

This.