Using CDJs with Timecodes

[MuzicFreq]

Because using the CDJs makes you a real DJ.

It doesn't matter that doing that turns your expensive CDJs into a pitch fader and a play button (that has a bit of latency added in), because it makes you real. And it makes your c*** bigger.

Sorry if I've offended anyone…I like CDJs…I really do. But using them like that seems effing pointless…especially since the whole "more music" thing is bunk now that CDJs can read huge hard drives.

I have to agree with this.

[mostapha]

Hmmm

Have you thought that people might use them because there is a lack of similar alternatives..
Maybe the Denon SC2000 and the reloop thingy, but thats it.

I have. There's also the EKS stuff and the Stanton SCS.1d. I'd get any of them over a CDJ if I were going to use Traktor and wanted that kind of control. Hands down.

But really my objection to that is that I honestly can't figure out what Traktor really offers over CDJs other than cost savings.

Before I get flamed…I'm a Traktor user, and I've owned SSL in the past. I really kinda like it. But, well, it's got effects. And sample decks that are tempo sync'd. And, well, sync. And it could turn your 2 decks into 4 if you're willing to hack it together with your mapping.

But, really, all that doesn't seem to matter in the grand scheme of things. If you can afford a pair of good CDJs and a mixer…you can afford a sampler. If you're considering CDJs, you probably know how to beat match. And that last one is just kinda weird IMO.

I get the tactile control thing…but then you're taking an already expensive setup…adding more cost and more complexity…taking away their biggest advantage, that you usually find them in clubs already set up and probably working…and carrying around equipment that you probably wouldn't have to anyway…just so you can have a lousy version of a turntable that also has a lot of neat effects that most people can't use properly?

And the new breed of CDJs–btw, it's been a long time since I've seen anything else in a club–can access really big hard drives, have search facilities, and show cover art.

There was a dark time when people were using SSL with CDJs for those 3 features…but CDJs have caught up.

Is it really worth it just for tempo-sync'd sample decks and effects? If it is…why not just use turntables? They're cheaper…more reliable (in my experience)…almost as readily available…give better tactile control…aren't much harder to mix on…look better…and have you spending less money on wasted features.

IDK…everyone's different. Maybe it's worth it for some. I can't see the cost being worth it.

If I could afford CDJ-2000s, I'd drop Traktor like a bad habit.

[MuzicFreq]

Shit im leaving traktor soon here myself and grabbing some NDX800s and my laptop will be used for Ableton and samples

CD burning and lightscribe disks

Kinda not feeling traktor anymore and I was thinking of going DVS but then thought to myself that it's just the same with possibly more latency issues. Im not hating on digital mixing but I am getting bored of it.

[Mylestec]

What it the point of using CDJs with timecodes when using Traktor or Serato? I know not all of them have midi capabilities, but then not all of the features can be used through timecode signal, correct?

cause you can just show up to the joint with ur lapi and plug in... most clubs have a Serato interface installed.. no need to fuck about with controllers and such.....

now, that's not how I get down, but then I use Traktor DVS with turntables and midi controllers so I'm one of those peeps sound techs frown at.. having to fuck about with their system

[MuzicFreq]

cause you can just show up to the joint with ur lapi and plug in... most clubs have a Serato interface installed.. no need to fuck about with controllers and such.....

now, that's not how I get down, but then I use Traktor DVS with turntables and midi controllers so I'm one of those peeps sound techs frown at.. having to fuck about with their system

or just show up with a couple thumbdrives, even less to do and no worries about random laptop failure

[Kiino]

I'm thinking of switching to CDJ's as well. first time I tried them I really liked the feel. It just bothers me how I'm limited to the effects built in the CDJ's. although it prolly wont give me that live mashup feel you can do with controllers it does offer satisfaction in actual DJing.

[Mylestec]

Shit im leaving traktor soon here myself and grabbing some NDX800s and my laptop will be used for Ableton and samples

CD burning and lightscribe disks

Kinda not feeling traktor anymore and I was thinking of going DVS but then thought to myself that it's just the same with possibly more latency issues. Im not hating on digital mixing but I am getting bored of it.

Ableton is cool and you'll be able to get down with it but that is digital mixing no? There really aren't noticeable latency issues with DVS.. and if your bored with digital mixing, then DVS might be for you.

Besides burning CDs is a real drag.. especially when the burn process goes a little awry.. often you find out about it during ur live set!!

[MuzicFreq]

Ableton is cool and you'll be able to get down with it but that is digital mixing no? There really aren't noticeable latency issues with DVS.. and if your bored with digital mixing, then DVS might be for you.

Besides burning CDs is a real drag.. especially when the burn process goes a little awry.. often you find out about it during ur live set!!

DVS is a waste imho for general mixing.
Ableton Im using as a sampler with Trance sample packs I would get from sounds/to/sample
Also if you test the CD before you go out and use it you should already have made a new one that works by then.

[Audio Aerosol]

HOw odd to describe CDJs as 'traditional'

Not disagreeing per se, it just struck me as an odd phrase ...

you ignored the word "feel".

I really don't see what everyone's problem is with using Cdj's and Traktor through timecode. Lots of people do it. It' saves me burning thousands of cd's whilst keeping that original sense and feel of djing whilst allowing me to use the features Traktor has to offer.

Each to their own.

[Nicky H]

I think that's one of the main reasons.

I use Denon DN-SC2000's at the minute but I've just got a steal on some used Denon DN-S1200 cdjs.

With them I can:
play cd's if I want
use USB thumb drives if I want
use the internal midi to control traktor if I want
use the internal soundcards if I want
use timecode cds with Traktor Scratch if I want
use the inbuilt timecode signal to control Traktor Scratch if I want

That's a lot of choice.

But the question:

What it the point of using CDJs with timecodes when using Traktor or Serato?

For me:
not having to burn/label/carry loads of cds.
having a familiar control and mixer layout
having a good backup if needed