I would like to know what will be the best path to take so I could learn scratching. I am a beginner, focused on old hip-hop and do not have any hardware yet (except monitors/headphones)
A) Get a controller with good jogs and call it a day. For example DDJ-RR. Later think for vinyl
OR
B) Get one turntable + mixer. Later upgrade with second turntable.
I am talking for DVS and I am not considering basic mixer or without audio dvs interface (hard times finding vinyl records)
I am not considering CDJs (controller could do almost the same job with less budget and it is more compact)
Basically I would like to understand:
If controller will be enough so I could learn to scratch and achieve the effect of “basic scratching on turntable”
Should I get mixer + dvs or DVS-enabled mixer (2 in 1), something like DJ DJM-250 MK2
If I go B) Will cheap turntable like AT-LP120USBHC, Stanton 55/62 be enough so I get the basic level or should I go for something more expensive like ReloopRB8000, AT-LP1240USB, Technics SL-1200
Is there a direct-drive turntable that cannot go DVS?
I am not saying that I am right, so you could argue any of my statements. I would appreciate any advice or help.
Thanks for the answer. Could you please advise for some other mixer, Mixars Duo seems hard to find in Bulgaria and the limited sites which offer shipping are questionable. Maybe something a bit less expensive. DJ DJM-250 MK2 (400$) or DJ DJM-350 (600$)? Or something else?
I see that you advised me for Serato but is Pioneer mixer + RekordBox DVS not good enough?
Thanks for the the cheaper options like pideck and mixxx but I think I’m about to get a mixer at least. Scratching without mixer/fader doesn’t seem to do the job.
Could you please tell me more about innofader.com: I checked it but could not fully understand
I saw that the good Pioneer mixers work with Serato DJ, and cheap ones like DJM-250 is with RekordBox. I will get turntable from the mentioned above:
but I’m wondering about the mixer, if RekordBox DVS is good enough for scratching so I can have DJM-250 or I have to search for affordable Serato DJ mixer with DVS? I know rekordbox dvs is out there since about a yeat but I’m wondering if anyone has tested it.
My humble opinion , find a Rane mixer you can afford and then go with traktor over serato or pio dvs…
As far as learning to cut , make your practice count. Pick a technique you want to learn, like a one click flare for example. Then practice each motion separately, very slowly and deliberately, with no music on. Slowly build speed until you can link the different parts of the technique together. Only then should you try the scratch technique over a beat. Throwing on a beat and just noodling is fun, but it builds very bad habits that are hard to break later, so try to noodle sparingly…
ya rane definitely has a deal with serato, however the ttm56s does not have a soundcard or anything so it can just as easily be used with traktor.. the z2 is also a decent mixer, with the traktor soundcard included so i would consider that as well.
you are certainly on the right track going with an actual mixer and TT over a controller , regardless of what you pick.
id also suggest getting a couple “real” battle records and just learn with those over the dvs/mp3… the newest dvs systems are very good, but the feel of real vinyl still isnt exactly replicated IMHO
Pideck and Mixxx are working WITH your own mixer, they are replacing the software which you have to otherwise pay (traktor, serato, rekordbox). Not to mention you’ll need a specs compatible laptop with traktor, serato, rekordbox, but not with pideck. Of course pideck offers just basics but that is all you need for scratching, check their videos.
Crossfader is the core element for scratching and not every mixer has a good one. You can get a cheap used mixer, drop in the innofader in and the mixer becomes perfect for scratching.
If you get a mixer with soundcard in it you’ll have to take the mixer with you where you gig, otherwise just the soundcard (and laptop), assuming the club provides the mixer and tables.
I am considering the DJM-250 (about 350$) now but it seems that rekordbox dvs is not good enough yet so maybe I will be using it with other Dvs apps
The cheapest Serato dvs mixerс (with serato dvs software) are Rane ttm-56s and Mixars Duo (about 850$ each) and I think is a bit expensive for total beginner.
Do not hang me for this… but why I need one(build in soundcard) at home?It should work with the laptop soundcard, correct?I am not actually think of go pro with that low budget hardware
I checked it and understand it now I think. So if the Mixer has PHONO inputs that means that it has soundcard built-in and PHONO intputs indicates that phono stage (or phono preamp) is integrated, so there are not any mixers (without soundcard built-in) which has PHONO input on the back, correct?
Thank you so much for that info, I simply didn’t know what I don’t know.
Most mixers with a built in soundcard will have phono inputs and be DVS ready. It’s the best route to go when starting out both due to not having to buy an external interface and not needing to purchase software.
So to summarize, there are 3 components: audio interface, dvs interface and mixer
There are:
1.Mixers without soundcard or/and DVS
2.Mixers with build-in soundcard
3.DVS Mixers with build-in soundcard
And with my noobie luck I liked 4. DVS mixer without soundcard (DJ tech DIF-1S). That’s why I was confused. You rock!
z2 might be a good bet, it comes with traktor and soundcard built in… not sure your budget or prices of this mixer near you, but where i am they are very affordable
