CDJ 850 Traktor

[Lilac]

Hey guys, I've decided on a pair of CDJ 850s (I think)

I can pick up a pair for about £1000 which is heavenly in comparison to a single CDJ900 which will run me about £800

So, what I want to know is, what problems will I encounter with the CDJ850s and Traktor? I know that there isn't HID support out yet but is that a major issue?

Thanks

[mwn11]

Are you going to be using timecode instead then?

[Lilac]

I was planning on using MIDI.

Is that a bad move?

[mwn11]

No not at all. Ive not read about using them through Midi, but i think most of the controls are mappable.

I envy you being able to afford Pioneer cdjs are controllers though haha. Will you be using any cds swell to justify the cdj's? or are you getting them so you get used industry standard hardware?

[Lilac]

are you getting them so you get used industry standard hardware?

Exactly that. I'm getting them simply for the fact that they're the cheapest industry standard CDJs that I can find.

I'm not sure how well they'd integrate with Traktor though. How much better would the 900s be? Would it be worth the extra 500?

[mwn11]

If you could stretch or save a little bit more id get the 900's if you want to use them directly linked to traktor due too the Advanced HID. Although If you were going to use timecode or even just put your music onto a usb and play through that, i.e. no Traktor i feel then the cost would be harder to justify.

Wait until the 6th anyway. Suspected announcement of new CDJS from Pioneer. Which if true will push the price of the current range down.

[Lilac]

Well my student loan doesn't come in until the 17th anyway. =P

If I really want to get to grips with CDJs as the industry standard, should I stand clear of laptops and just use USB drives?

Will they work with the VCI 400 as a standalone mixer or will I need to buy a new mixer?

[kooper1980]

If you could stretch or save a little bit more id get the 900's if you want to use them directly linked to traktor due too the Advanced HID. Although If you were going to use timecode or even just put your music onto a usb and play through that, i.e. no Traktor i feel then the cost would be harder to justify.

Wait until the 6th anyway. Suspected announcement of new CDJS from Pioneer. Which if true will push the price of the current range down.

I wouldn't count on it. They may push down the cost of the current 2000's - marginally - but if the rumours are true and the new release is an updated 2000 then I cant see it having any effect whatsoever on the 850's or 900's.

[mwn11]

Haha, I think were in similar positions. Although i have no idea when my loan comes in. What uni you at?

I want CDJ's but can't justify them at the moment =[

You could use the VCI as a mixer but it would have to be connected to the laptop still, so could use it to trigger samples, loops etc if just using the cdjs as a live inputs.

Same as an S4

[Lilac]

Kent uni. You?

It'd need to be plugged in? Even with the new firmware update?