CDJ or Controller? What's your take?

[stevohill]

But since the new CDJ 2000's have a "SYNC" button arent you contradicting yourself there??

Yes, and no. Like Jester said above, new CDJs have nearly all of the functionality of controllers if not the same. So while I agree with you that there's little to no difference between the twos' capabilities, there is still the tactile difference.

[DemiAlex]

Offtopic, but would you be able to use the CDJ-2000nexus and a mixer hooked to a laptop and use traktor?

[stevohill]

Offtopic, but would you be able to use the CDJ-2000nexus and a mixer hooked to a laptop and use traktor?

Absolutely.

[DemiAlex]

Absolutely.

Cheers, now I know what my money is gonna be saved up for

[xs2man]

But since the new CDJ 2000's have a "SYNC" button arent you contradicting yourself there??

The new CDJ 2000's do have a sync button, yes. But this is only on one version in the range. And while it is possible to use it as purely a controller, it does not necessarily promote the use of the Sync function. It is still a standalone unit that doesn't require software to use it.

Controllers on the other hand, do absolutely promote the use of the sync button. You NEED the software to use them, and the software itself promotes the use. I'm not saying you have to use it, but its certainly too easy to just hit sync.

That said, I am not anti-sync button either. If you have the ability to beatmatch, then the sync button is a handy tool to have. And frees up more time for creative flair and other skills to be utilised. But my personal opinion is that if you NEED to use the sync button for beatmatching, then you are missing an essential skill that would allow you to play on any equipment you might come across in the "field".

[mostapha]

Yes, and no. Like Jester said above, new CDJs have nearly all of the functionality of controllers if not the same. So while I agree with you that there's little to no difference between the twos' capabilities, there is still the tactile difference.

The tactile difference for me is that controllers–IMHO–tend to feel better, especially when you consider that a lot of the controllers out there give you a "setup" for about $3000 (including a high-end but not ridiculous laptop, software, and a high-end controller). You can't get 2 CDJ-2000Nexuses for that……and they're the only ones that come close in feel.

The place controllers usually fall short is the tactile experience of the mixer, and that's something that I don't see changing any time soon because people seem not to care.

Offtopic, but would you be able to use the CDJ-2000nexus and a mixer hooked to a laptop and use traktor?

You could. But then you're spending a lot of money and adding a lot of complexity without adding much functionality.

Controllers on the other hand, do absolutely promote the use of the sync button. You NEED the software to use them, and the software itself promotes the use. I'm not saying you have to use it, but its certainly too easy to just hit sync.

I've never had a sync button that took less work than just beat matching.

Funny story, I had played in front of people (at a house party) with my DDJ-SX before I realized it had a sync button. I was wondering why it was setting grids during the analysis. The pitch faders and bending on that thing actually feel like CDJs, which is to say that it's mindlessly easy.

That said, I am not anti-sync button either. If you have the ability to beatmatch, then the sync button is a handy tool to have. And frees up more time for creative flair and other skills to be utilised. But my personal opinion is that if you NEED to use the sync button for beatmatching, then you are missing an essential skill that would allow you to play on any equipment you might come across in the "field".

I disagree wholeheartedly. I can count on one hand the number of DJs I've seen/heard that I know for a fact use sync exclusively and didn't use that extra time to ruin perfectly good music…or more often, lousy music. The big reason IMHO to use sync is because it's easier……and I have no problem with that. It's just not for me because setting beat grids takes longer and is more annoying than beat matching.

Doing anything the least bit complicated (incorporating maschine, for example) kind of begs for sync, but only because Maschine isn't actually made for DJ use and doesn't have good tempo controls. If it were more based on the MC-909 than the MPC, it'd be phenomenal……and it wouldn't "need" sync.

[vanaema78]

Controllers or DVS and real analog mixer is the best of both worlds imo.
Just using a 2000$ CDJ feels wrong to me, it's just a simple deck.

[sss18734]

They're just different mediums of control and you can't stereotype them like that.

Just like there are pro level controllers, there are bedroom level CD players.

[mostapha]

CDJ-2000s cost more than Macbooks. And they do a lot less.

IHNFC how Pioneer can spend that much money building them. I just can't figure it out.

[HigherFi]

I'd say CDJ if you have the means. Otherwise, you are permanently hitching your wagon to software. This having been said, Denon 2900 are very nice and priced right. 3900 if you like moving platters. I think if you can get used to the CDJ style workflow, adjusting to the Pioneer takes only a minute. And the 2900 really do get along with Traktor. As soon as Engine becomes reliable, I'm no longer going to be making my living with anything NI produces. (except for Traktor on DVS, occasionally) With every revision NI pushes out, I feel a little more removed from the music, and a little more in love with 12" spinning platters.