I’ve been mixing via PC software for a few years, one of the apps was Mixmeister (probably very primitive I know). I’m looking at getting some hardware now and I’ve been doing a few solid weeks research via the web and a few DJ equipment stores.
Money isn’t a massive issue, I’d rather spend a bit more to get decent kit. As a beginner the learning curve is a concern but I’m prepared to spend time to get up to speed…in the short term just a home DJ, longer term at friends parties, etc, - can’t see myself doing it in clubs to be honest. Most of my music is via MP3’s not really CD’s.
I’ve read loads of posting on Traktor vs Serato, and I’m learning towards Traktor. I was sold on getting a controller, probably the Pioneer DDJ T1, the main issue against was i didn’t want to rely on a laptop as my main PC is a desktop and i have an iPad (I was hoping the days on a laptop were gone).
Now I’m learning towards spending the extra money on two Pioneer CDJ-350’s and DJM-350. I like the USB stick connect features and the ability to record straight to a USB stick - therefore no laptop required.
I understand people’s views will probably be very mixed on whether to go the way of the controller vs CDJ’s - but interested to hear your thoughts. Are controllers the way of the future and CDJ’s will be left behind…do i need to bite the bullet and get a laptop and get proficient with Traktor Pro now as I will have to one day? Am I losing a lot of functionality by not using software like Traktor? I also realise some people won’t be fans of Pioneer as many believe they are overpriced, I guess put aside the brand and it’s more about controllers vs CDJ.
Preference. CDJs are versatile and it is pretty nice to not have to use a laptop, plus if you go the CDJ route first it will force you to actually learn how to mix which is a bonus and it’s easy to tell from mixes I hear of people who have never played on anything but a controller and were not forced to mix by ear without waveforms, sync, and phase meters (yes you can turn it off, but that doesn’t mean you actually will and force you to learn).
I say go for the CDJs, I think you will be better off in the long run to learn on hardare without the crutch of software, you can always change your setup later if you want to do more. Plus, mixing on CDJs is a lot more satisfying starting out as you start to learn and get things right.
Plus I have changed my setup tons of times and I think CDJs that you can use a USB stick with are the best and most versatile to learn on and I wish I went that route first.
You can always upgrade your setup in the future or add to it but I think hardware is the way to go if you can afford decent stuff.
first question is have you ever played with cdjs or the controllers you are looking at?
most djs I see and meet playing out are currently using timecode with either cdjs or technics. most clubs where I live have both so its your choice way to use.
The next question is what music do you mix and do you want to scratch. If your mixing hip hop, very few ppl can do what they want to do without turntables.
as far as mixing in clubs str8 cdjs is easier cuz you just put ur disks in and away you go. with timecode takes a little setting up, and with a controller sometimes there is no room
however you said your not fussed about playing out. Id say for a lot of ppl there best bet is to get a controller. Id personally go for an s2 or s4, both better built than the pioneer.
Laptop wise get yourself an old macbook, spend about 400 you will have something that will meet your needs. I am a PC guy but core audio best ASIO hands down so I use a mac for playing out
I disagree. s2 and s4 are cool and all, but he says he doesn’t want to use a laptop and i dont blame him. its nice to just have a dj setup ready to go at all time without plugging in and setting up a computer even at home. Plus I’m sure it will improve skills a lot.
i think the new rekordbox equipped pio cdjs are quite safe because if you are used to them, when you rock up in venues you wont rely on waveforms and stuff, plus you can always hook em up to traktor if you want to and use em as controller
also pio stuff somehow keeps their resale value for some strange reasons if you decide to sell them later
I would say CDJs is the way to go. Wish I would have held onto mine. And if money isn’t a problem I’d look at the 850 over the 350. I’ve heard some people complain about the jogs on the 350.
If you have the money, go for CDJs. It’s nice being able to beatmatch well, and to be able tp play on pretty much anyone’s setup with ease, and all you need to bring is USBs or CDs.
Oh man, it’s been a while since i’ve posted on one of these.
I started out nearly a year ago from last month on these forums and I started with a Traktor S4. It’s a great piece of kit, but after a year of DJing and what not I truly want CDJs. I think CDJs are the best way to go just because (as mentioned above) it’ll force you to do everything manually, no need for a laptop in front of you, and if you can DJ on CDJs you’ll be able to DJ with a controller easily.
I don’t really see the point of CDJs, except maybe for the “no laptop” bit, USB-sticks are smaller. But the notion that they should be more “pure” than controllers is silly, if you’ve run your tunes through Recordbox or w/e, you’ll still have a BPM-display, sure, no sync button, but you’d just need to line up the tempos and nudge them into place.
This has nothing to do with being more pure, not ‘cheating’, using them for status or any of that crap. It will just make a beginner a better dj, period.
You would be surprised how many people who start out on controllers couldn’t match the bpm of two decks and nudge two tracks into phase to save their life. Whether or not you want to argue if that is still a vital skill or not it is pathetic to not be able to do and it shows in their overall lack of musical understanding and rhythm in their controller mixes.
I really, really think Pioneer is going to come out with a CDJ controller of sorts minus the CD part. I think they’ll be priced in the $700-$800 range and will have most if not all of the functions of a CDJ2000. Something to use with Rekord box and USB sticks alone, and probably be fully midi mappable to use with software. I also I think these controllers will also have a sync capability if they’re connected via ethernet.
I didn’t read any of the replies, and I’ll make this short because I’m about to go do something productive.
First…I think CDJ-350s kind of suck. I don’t think they’re worth buying because they’ll always leave you wanting better stuff.
Second…if you have an iPad…there’s at least one controller that’s made for the iPad version of djay (I think that’s what it’s called). If you already have the iPad, it’d be cost effective, and I’ve heard good things about it…especially for a hobbyist. But I haven’t touched it or known anyone IRL who has.
I think digitaldjtips.com had a story about it at some point. Maybe it was DJTT. Blogs kind of run together in my mind.
