Interested in Traktor Scratch... What do I need?

[JasonBay]

Yeah, I'm sure it's a lot more convenient unplugging the turntables, wiring up the interface, and making sure the control vinyls are calibrated properly while some one else is trying to play.

= p

[Nosferatu]

I hate it when people bump into the controller... and ... oh wait.. nothing happens.

[DJSplinter]

Controllers are way more convenient, and I'm not trying to get rid of my S2, I just want to learn how to scratch on a vinyl surface... It's all I've ever wanted.

[JasonBay]

Then borrow a Turntable from a mate and have at it.

[Nosferatu]

In that case, I'd say two 12's, a mixer with a Pro X Fade, 2 copies of Thud Rumble Superseal, some Butter Rugs, and Youtube access. DONE!

[Andrew1207]

While some might consider it an upgrade, I think it's more like a "transition".

To the OP: you need....

A pair of 12's (like you said..."decks")
A mixer
A pair of slip mats
A pair of needles (I like Sure M44G)
A Native Instruments Audio XX DJ interface (eg. Audio 8 DJ)

Having said that, you will also need a version of Traktor that allows vinyl control. (Traktor Scratch)

This is the only response you should pay attention to. And as said, for $300-500 you can definitely get a nice pair of used techs, possibly even MK5s if you find a good deal.

[Invoke]

switching from the s4 to tables was probably the best thing Ive ever done with my dj setup. dont get me wrong I do miss the convenience of controllers, but the build quality of the S4 was seriously lacking. also the workflow on the s4 always seemed a bit crammed to me.

also consider getting an x1 or similar type of controller for traktor. oh and a pair of used techs can run you anywhere from 400-800 depending on where you live or what kind of deals you can find online. also consider looking into Vestax's PDX line and Numark's TTX

[mostapha]

To start off, I started on Turntables myself (Stanton Str8-80's!), but I really don't see the need to get Scratch if you're already comfortable and are excelling on an S2. Seems more like a step back with a large cost associated with it.

Do really see how you could learn anything more that will help you be better DJ per se. The only thing that's going to make you a better DJ is looking for better tunes and working on your programming.

i really agree with the end of that, but…well…I think spinning with vinyl is just plain more fun. Plus, the way you have to think about structuring your set when you don't have easy access to loops and hot cues changes the way you think about your tracks. That could be a huge benefit.

Plus I just think it's more fun for me.

Now…a lot of those advantages are things you can do with controllers and that only spinning with pure vinyl (as in, no DVS) will force you into…but I still think it's valid. Who buys an S2 and thinks "this is awesome…now to use nothing but the play button, platters, levels and pitch faders, and library scrolling".

[JasonBay]

Plus I just think it's more fun for me.

I agree, I had a little after party here (around 20 peeps) not that long ago, and some one had brought there CDJs and Mixer TSP set up. Naturally they asked if I would like to jump on. Was a bit hesitant at first as I haven't properly touched a CDJ in 5 years time by that point (Jumped on Traktor 3 WAY back when).

First mix was a bit rocky, but after that it felt good again to be mixing like that. had a lot of fun and you really do focus more on the tracks and not what the software can do for you.

BUT, with that being said I could not see myself playing out like that again after getting used to my rig and knowing what I can do with it.

[DJSplinter]

I just want tables and vinyl for the feel rather than having to use jogwheels, even though the jogwheels on the S2 are pretty solid. Honestly, I'll still keep the S2 around so I can have access to the effects controls on it if i decide not to sell it, and even then I've been thinking about picking up some other NI toys like the F1 and X1

Was probably also gonna snag some Dicers too, that way I'll have cue control as handy as it would be on the S2 anyway.

The idea of switching to tables is more about the feel to me as well as learning to scratch, because quite honestly scratching on jogwheels is not the same whatsoever... :/