Brand New to DJ'ing/Scratching, Please Help! Buying Advice

[lordzero]

Hey folks, I hope I'm posting to the right section. I'm in need of some guidance.

I've previously just been a producer, using Maschine MK1, which I still have and use now. However, now I'm planning on upgrading to Maschine Studio and I would like to dive into the world of DJ'ing/mixing/scratching. I've always been in awe of DJ's and it's about time I learn the ropes. Now please note, I have definitely put in my due diligence in trying to research all my available options, but I'm still at square one and I'm lost.

My main original goal in mind was just to have a setup where I can "scratch" on top of whatever tracks I'm making in Maschine Studio. Now, after looking into all the different Traktor types, I am interested in having a more versatile setup where I can really get creative, take the beats I make in Maschine and put a more live, artistic touch to my mixes using Traktor to complete the production of the track.

I'm having a very hard time figuring out the difference between all the hardware (S4, Z1, Z2, X1, F1, etc..) and what is right for me. The thing is, it's hard for me to even say what my needs are or what I'm going for since I've never been a DJ. I watch videos on the hardware and, in my mind, each one of them seems to have some essential functions. I definitely like how on some controllers, you can have samples/one shots cued up on pads and whatnot. I want to be able to get crazy and give that more creative touch like I said, so that would be a good thing.

My next problem, I also want to get a real turntable to learn the feel & basics of scratching on that. However, I really don't even understand the mechanics of scratching vinyl into a digital environment like Traktor. The only scratching I've ever done was on my mom's old record player, and I just loved the sound of it but that's all I know. I know it's a dumb question, but in all the videos I see of people with a turntable hooked up to Scratch Pro, what is actually ON the record that's spinning? I mean...let's say I want all my samples and loops and whatnot to come from digital MP3's that I already have or Maschine, and I'm really not interested in buying vinyl records to actually sample from or spin. I just want the turntable there to scratch with and learn the feel of it on a real turntable. Is that feasible? Does that make sense? I only want the turntable there to scratch with. Doesn't matter what's on the vinyl.

I know this is a long read but if you've made to the end, please give any advice you have. Should I even worry about a turntable? Should I just go for an S4 and scratch with that? If I get that, will I need to buy Scratch Pro with it? I'm so lost..please help! I want to order this stuff..hahah.

[Patch]

From DJStore.com:

Digital Vinyl Systems (DVS)

Digital Vinyl Systems (DVS) are becoming more and more popular amongst the growing number of digital DJs. A DVS will allow you to control the parameters on your software using the physical buttons, faders, CD's and/or Vinyl on a standard DJ hardware setup. In this way, you can DJ in a traditional fashion with your music library stored in your computer.

DVS systems are important because they allow DJ's with existing setups to easily integrate their computers and digital music files. If you currently own a setup of CD players or turntables and mixer, a DVS system will be all you need to migrate to small, easily managed digital files and lose that heavy vinyl or CD collection. They're also useful for working DJ's: walk into any venue that has an existing setup with just your laptop and DVS.

So how do they work? DVS systems use time-coded CDs or vinyl allowing the included soundcard to ‘read’ your manipulation of the track on the CD player or turntable. This is translated to your computer which manipulates the digital file,and the audio signal is returned to your mixer via the soundcard.

DVS Packages will come with the correct soundcard, software, cabling and time-coded vinyl and CDs. As long as your turntables or CD players will play normal vinyl or CDs, they will work with the DVS. You should also check that the DVS is compatible with your computer. You’ll find the minimum specifications listed on each product’s page.

Setup involves software installation and hardware connections as illustrated below with Rane Serato Scratch.

guides-dvs1.jpg

Once setup, you can do anything you could normally do with a CD or piece of vinyl - mixing, loops and scratching are just some of the things a DVS allows you to do with your digital music tracks.