Another beginner...

**Chael** · 04-21-2016, 07:07 AM

Originally Posted by Stephen Nawlins

Well it's not because there is a AutoSync function on your Controller, that you have to use it

I still beatmatch manually even using the Controller, it is a whole other way of mixing and the mixes Sound more, well let's say "traditional". More than one time Guests come over and tell me how nice it is to hear a DJ mixing what they call "Oldschool" and not making a Megamix out of his MP3-collection.

I couldn't agree more, I still manually beatmatch on the D2's. I find it connects me to the music more and puts me in the driving seat, its just the temptation and easy route is there and unfortunately kids these days want the fast track but I don't think OP would have that problem, kudos to him for wanting to learn to beatmatch manually, for newcomers to the world of DJing you are a rare breed

**snapandslide** · 04-22-2016, 02:06 AM

The idea of as a beginner of buying turntables is great - but I have to say unless you already have a good record collection, it is a lot more expensive than digital.

You could also get decent deals on older CDJs which could be an idea for going a bit old school and want a no sync option.

I started out with a Traktor S2. I personally don't have too much of an aversion to 'sync' - reality is I use it to simply get the BPMs the same. It still isn't gonna help you getting the phrasing lined up to actually have a decent mix! You still need to listen to the music!

**Fyoog** · 04-22-2016, 02:51 AM

Originally Posted by snapandslide

I personally don't have too much of an aversion to 'sync' - reality is I use it to simply get the BPMs the same.

Isn't that all it does?

**snapandslide** · 04-22-2016, 04:39 AM

Originally Posted by Fyoog

Isn't that all it does?

Well you can keep pressing the button blindingly to get you in sync with no idea about music timing! Also though traktor is good sometimes you do need a little tweak to get it right for your ears

**Fyoog** · 04-22-2016, 05:54 AM

Sorry mate I'm only messing,

I agree with you in principle but my point is Sync just syncs the BPMs though. Hitting play at the right time is what you mean right?

Sync doesn't cue the track, hit play etc - otherwise there would be no point in a human being there haha.

I'm only making clear as the OP is a beginner and I didn't want it to be confusing.

**astromech** · 04-22-2016, 09:42 AM

Originally Posted by snapandslide

Well you can keep pressing the button blindingly to get you in sync with no idea about music timing! Also though traktor is good sometimes you do need a little tweak to get it right for your ears

That's where prep-work comes in.

**Kwal** · 04-22-2016, 04:10 PM

excellent posts guys

it really warms my heart knowing all you jedi masters know how to manually beatmatch

**ImNotDedYet** · 04-22-2016, 05:11 PM

Originally Posted by Kwal

excellent posts guys

it really warms my heart knowing all you jedi masters know how to manually beatmatch

LOL, Kwal bringing the comic relief.

As someone who started with controllers and sync and moved to turntables, having something that tells you BPMs when starting is helpful - especially if you're learning on your own and don't have a jedi master in person to teach you the ropes. Because, let's be honest, there's an awful lot of trainwrecks in the beginning when learning to beatmatch manually and no one wants to hear trainwrecks. Eventually, it just clicks and you don't have to look at those numbers anymore. Keeping everything matched on a long mix...well, that's another story.

In the end, use whatever works for you. It is after all about the music, and the buildup of the set.

But OP, going the turntable route, as mentioned by myself and others, is an expensive path. More expensive than the cost of the turntables themselves. So, be prepared for that if that's what you choose.