Absolute or Relative for time-code? What do you use?

[mostapha]

I didn't read any of the replies. Sorry.

I use Absolute because I don't use looping or hot cues.

Also, look at the "Needle drop to Absolute Position" setting.

[Kaek]

What do u guys who like absolute mode like about it vs rel?

I always liked abs for turntable vinyl but with cdjs i didnt see much point.. Am i overlooking something?

I use vinyl, I am not fond of CDJ's (overpriced pieces of plastic IMO).

[keeb]

I use relative all day every day. It helps when I'm a dumbass and accidentally knock the needle. I don't have to worry about picking up the needle and moving it back to the exact outer rim of the vinyl in a dark environment (I know vinyl purists will have a dig at me for that but I couldn't care less). Most importantly though, I use relative to avoid cue burn on my timecode. If I'm cueing from the outside rim for just about every song I play, I'm going to burn a non-responsive hole in that sucker right quick. Considering I'm not swapping my timecode every track like I would be with vinyl, that's pretty important to note. With relative I can cue from anywhere on the record, thus significantly reducing my wear overall. Occasionally this will get me in the situation where my needle's in the center-most groove and "skipping", but then I can set Traktor to internal playback for a second with my X1 and place the needle more on the outside, then resume relative mode. Absolute mode is pretty much outdated aside from being able to needle drop; personally I'd far rather use cue points or my waveform stripe to perform that function, so I really don't see the benefit. I suppose abs "feels" a bit more like vinyl, but timecode doesn't have the same visual feedback of real vinyl so all you're doing is handicapping yourself. YMMV.

[Bassline Brine]

Also, look at the "Needle drop to Absolute Position" setting.

I've been using looping a little bit more lately for working with some transitions and build ups (something the dicers are really great with) and that's why I've been on relative. Haven't had a chance to play around yet, but just checked out the setting. Going to check out if Needle drop to Absolute Position is what I've been looking for.

Not often do I really bump the needles around, and cue burn isn't a huge concern of mine (control vinyl is cheap enough, and I have spares). But having the proper amount of control is important.

And correct me if I'm wrong, but I'm pretty sure that with SSL, if you try and use a cue point or loop while in absolute, it just doesn't work. As opposed to Traktor (from what I've been reading) where it automatically switches to relative.

I do like the fact that if I'm running in relative and forget to move the needle, once it hits internal mode I can move the needle back, and it will automatically switch back to relative mode. Handy stuff.