Is it neccessary to be able to use CDJs?
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  1. #1
    Tech Guru Alex Wild's Avatar
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    Default Is it neccessary to be able to use CDJs?

    I ask because I've seen a lot of comments recently saying things along the lines of "you have to be able to spin on CDs because what if there isn't room for your controller in the booth, or your laptop fails."

    I've never used CDJs (I know the basics to get around them, but never owned or done a whole set on them), as I went straight from vinyl to laptop. Most of the places Ive played have either not had them anyway, or been very accommodating towards my lappy.

    Should I really be burning all my tunes to CD and carrying these around with me as a backup? Im sure I wouldnt be able to play them same sets that i do on my laptop just with CDs. What would happen to someone who only played CDs and they turned up to find the CDJs bust? Do they have to carry vinyl around with them 'just in case'?
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  2. #2
    Tech Guru guiltyblade's Avatar
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    I would say its nice to be able to know how to use them "just in case" Keep a small wallet of CDs. You don't have to have your whole collection, just a wallet of choice tracks to be able to get through incase.

    For the most part clubs that have cdjs only have cdjs. so if they are broken you are pretty much screwed anyways and so is the club. Not too many places have turntables anymore, but some do.

    Is it necessary? No. Laptop controller etc should be fine, provided everything works. Would it be good habit? I think so, cause its good to be able to play anything and CDs are pretty small and easy to carry incase.

  3. #3
    Tech Guru Alex Wild's Avatar
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    Some good advice, I usually bring my ipod to cover me in case of a problem, but I might start bringing CDs too.
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  4. #4
    Tech Guru kooper1980's Avatar
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    I'd rather a dj mix cd's in the event of technical difficulties than put on an iPod.
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  5. #5
    Tech Guru Alex Wild's Avatar
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    I see what you're saying, but I would use that while I sort out the problem so I can go back to the laptop asap. I suppose this is my method because most places I play dont have anything else set up to play on as a backup so this is the only option.
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  6. #6
    Tech Guru kooper1980's Avatar
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    If that's what suits your gigs dude then that's fine. I personally would learn cdj's though. It's a lot of fun!!!! IMO.
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  7. #7
    Tech Wizard NPC's Avatar
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    It's nice to know CDJs, they are convenient and common. Especially when you have multiple DJs you can't be bothered to be switching out control interfaces and soundcards. Not to mention the more you mess with the equipment the more likely it is to go wrong.

    I have never owned CDJs, but I live pretty close to a Guitar Center. Occasionally I will set up shop on their CDJs and bust out a set to stay acquainted with them. Whether they like it or not.
    I suggest you do the same if you can find an equivalent store in the UK.

  8. #8
    Tech Guru Cook's Avatar
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    you said you jumped from vinyl to laptop
    Assuming you can beatmatch,
    You wont need the 'knowledge' fo CDJs,
    put the CDJ on vinyl mode and play with the pitch fader,
    Nothing new to you just a lot easier.

    If you really concerned, find somewhere that does rentals and rent them for a week just to get your head round them.

    No point buying them if you already know how to beatmatch.
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  9. #9
    Tech Guru mostapha's Avatar
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    Quote Originally Posted by Hoodless View Post
    you said you jumped from vinyl to laptop
    Assuming you can beatmatch,
    You wont need the 'knowledge' fo CDJs,
    put the CDJ on vinyl mode and play with the pitch fader,
    Nothing new to you just a lot easier.
    It takes a little while to get cuing down because Pioneer platters don't move. And it takes a little longer to get used to pitch bending, especially if it's anything but the CDJ-1000 or -2000 (everything else still feels weird to me). But if you can mix on vinyl, you can mix on CDJs.

    That being said, I still don't understand what everyone says is so complicated about switching out DJs on controllers unless the DJs don't know how mixers work.

  10. #10
    Tech Guru Bassline Brine's Avatar
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    It's always one of those "I'd love to learn, but I don't really have an outlet to learn on" things for me. None of my buddies have CDJ's. It's either TT's or controllers. CDJ's really are fuck expensive for the better ones.

    I'm in a boat where I'd love to learn on them, but I'm just going to stick to vinyl for now and maybe eventually I'll purchase some so I can learn it. I have come to the understanding that I want a laptop with me at all times, and so it's not quite as important to have rather than just straight up CD's.
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