the XDJ-RX sounds like a winner to me …stand alone, similar layout and workflow to cdj style, affordable,
For as the CDJ feel , i had the xdj-1000 for a few months next to my existing set-up…i did not like the build quality, plastic feel but then again i never touched the more expensive line so i cant compare..
You will need the computer/laptop for preparing your tracks with rekordbox ,analyzing them so the wave forms are displayed on the xdj, but that is the same for all the cdj in the clubs, therefore the same universal method of working can come in handy, setting ceu points etc etc can also be done one the controller but also in rekordbox..
No you can play from usb but you will miss some functionality, with rekord box you can prepare your cue points , analyze the bpm, waveform en set the grid if you want to use the sync button. at least with pioneer that is , don’t know if the denon does need prep in advance.
I think the XDJ will analyze the tunes as well. If they can make a phone do it, surely a 1500$USD controller can as well. Of course it’s going to make it run slow, if at all, while it’s doing so. So it’s not advised to try to spin while it’s doing the thinking. There’s going to be tradeoffs of course, like the amount of fine control you have on a computer for setting/fixing grids and cue points.
Re-reading your first post again, I noticed that you also asked for cheaper CDj models that would give you the same feeling. They say the second best thing if you can’t or don’t to pay the prices for Pioneer gear is the Gemini CDJ 700 or MDJ 1000 if you want to get super close. While there is going to be tradeoffs, it’s mainly you can’t link the 700s (Meaning one USB stick in each CDJ, but the 1000s can) and they don’t use rekordbox. If you are against Gemini for whatever reason, then ignore this. Just know that there is gear out there that gives you the same feeling but is cheaper than Pioneer.
In rekordbox you can analyze BPM, Waveform and to save cue points and when you load the track on the unit this stuff is available instanty. You can also create playlists and sort songs by different attributes (Artist, Album etc…)
For me for example this is of little use as i have CDJ400s at home, so i organize my USBs like this Genre>Artist>tracks so everything is easy to find with normal folder browsing & it’s the exact same workflow on rekorbox enabled gear.
TLDR, rekordbox is handy (if you’re not using 400s ), but not mandatory.
All digital DJ’ing now involves either a laptop or a desktop rig for sorting your music out. Happily, we appear to be entering a phase whereby using that same computer while you are DJ’ing is (affordably) optional. The Denon unit I mentioned lets you use Engine (Denon software) managed tracks on a USB stick and Serato on a laptop, and it can do both at the same time too.
I don’t know if it can record to a USB stick like the Pioneer unit can, which is a major plus for the Pioneer, but you can add your Technics to it for a full 4 deck setup.
I can’t think of any other reasonable options for no-laptop-while-I’m-playing-but-still-digital-DJing other than the Denon MCX 8000 and the Pioneer XDJ-RX.
The Gemini cdj 700 with a second hand djm 600 could be an option.
However looking into rekord box it looks pretty cool so maybe I’d miss that feature. I however have ableton which alows me to warp and prepare tracks so maybe it wouldn’t be a great miss?
So are the Gemini CDs just like cdjs? It wouldn’t be like mixing on Gemini turntables at home and then Jumping on 1210s in the club and it being complelty different?
Also the RX in assuming has an audio interface built in? And if so I use this when producing on say Logic on Ableton? I know I couldn’t play any external instruments through it but I could use it as an amp to power my speakers?
Also I’d like to record my vinyls into ableton so I have digital copies and to sample, I guessing this would be possible or I could I just resord them using the usb function?
The XDJ-RX will let you hook up your Technics and I would guess that you could route the audio into Ableton via USB to record vinyl. I’ve never used Ableton so I can’t comment with certainty, however you could do it using a free sound editor like Audacity if Ableton won’t work.
Gemini used to be at the forefront of the DJ world.
Used to be.
Their kit isn’t rubbish, just maybe not as robust as some other brands. The CDJ-700 says it’s got midi capability so in theory you could control Traktor with it although there would need to be a mapping available or you will have to create your own. Also, I don’t know if it creates it’s own timecode signal that Traktor would read.
The RX mixer is Pre-Amp. It won’t power passive speakers.
Recording your vinyl, yea, route into a pc or ableton/other recording program. Not sure you can record direct to USB, it’s not beyond the realm of possibility, I’m not seeing info anywhere where it says it cannot be done..
