Go back to CDJs?

[tombruton69]

Like any master craftsman you should master every tool.

That said I would not rush out and buy some cdjs. Beyond basic mixing skills I would say the next most important thing to understand is the basics of how music is made.

Personally I would take the advice of adding turntables to your setup. Much better than cdjs.

before doing that. Ask yourself do I want to add scratching to my routeen?

If the answer is no I wouldnt be too fussed about it if yes get some decks.

Have a pracitise on cdjs given the chance. They are pritty much a MIDI controller without a laptop.

the plus of that no crashing laptop.
the minus skipping cds.

so they kinda cancall each other out

[DubSpec]

imo it's definitely worth having the skill to use cdjs. they're not leaving clubs any time soon and you never know when you'll need to use one. Even if it's mixing in a couple of tracks from the last dj to set up your other stuff, it's worth it

QFT x 2

in my opinion you either go one of 2 ways- you learn to DJ on CDs/vinyl because no matter what anyone tells you, it WILL make you a better dj, guaranteed. even if you dont plan on using cds when you play out, learning "old school" will fine tune your ear, so that one time your beat grid isnt on point and your mix starts to fall apart you can simply pull it back instead of shitting the bed. or, you go the controller route and like someone else said, make performances not sets. call yourself a controlerist or say you do live production (more ableton but w/e) and you will avoid a lot of the hate that MIDI kids get these days. but it will be harder for you to get shows, especially bigger ones opening for established DJs who use CD/vinyl. because lets face it- as a promoter who are you going to pick to open at your next big show? some kid who has to hook up all his toy-ish controllers and mess around in the booth, or some kid who rolls up and can use what ever is there, more likely the exact same setup the headliner will use (CDJ1000 x2 & djm800 more likely than not)

just my experience.... take what applies to you and disregard the rest

BTW i recently learned to play on CDs after starting out on traktor and it was not as painful to pick up as people make it seem, especially coming from a digital djing background and understanding most of the fundamentals of mixing. its already paying off too- just got my first gig opening for Bare Noize on friday

[DJ Nada]

You should Definitely learn how to DJ without a computer, it will make you a better DJ. I don't think you should go buy some CDJ's, they're hella expensive. You should find somebody else's and learn on them. Even better, vinyl without timecode.
It's kinda like learning how to sketch so you can paint better.

Another advantage is you won't ever post in one of these "sync/beatgrid doesn't work properly" threads.

[Garygary1]

Show your friend this pic and explain how technology works.



If you are perfectly comfortable with your setup but want to simply "look pro" pick up some 1200's with DVS. A more pro "look" and you skip stupidly priced CDJ's.

BTW, I went to some gig the other day and the DJ had some CDJ's 1000 MK2... To tell you the truth those platters felt flimsy as hell and the unit just too damn bulky for what they are. 1200's are bulkier but cheaper, but if you want to look pro somethings gotta give. I MAY pick 1200's later but I already have my hands pretty full with my S4.

To the first person that talks shit about my setup I'll challenge him right there to a DJ match and destroy the crap out of him, filming the whole thing and posting it on every video service and social network I can find on the internet just for kicks and to drive the point across: "Evolve or die, dinosaur style".

This is quickly becoming my favorite picture ever. Learning how to beatmatch isn't a bad thing to learn. If you have the chance, go for it.

[Viirus::..]

Like any master craftsman you should master every tool.

That said I would not rush out and buy some cdjs. Beyond basic mixing skills I would say the next most important thing to understand is the basics of how music is made.

Personally I would take the advice of adding turntables to your setup. Much better than cdjs.

before doing that. Ask yourself do I want to add scratching to my routeen?

If the answer is no I wouldnt be too fussed about it if yes get some decks.

Have a pracitise on cdjs given the chance. They are pritty much a MIDI controller without a laptop.M
the plus of that no crashing laptop.
the minus skipping cds.

so they kinda cancall each other out

I think every new dj should test the waters with turntables. Just to go back to our dj roots. Get a feel using just your ears and hands. No waveform or sync button here. Then go back to your midi kit better than before. Just like Mr. Miyagi and Daniel san. Wax on Wax off. After you learn it everything comes together.

p.s. I’ve been drinking