Recently I have been thinking about where DJ’ing is headed after looking at the new DDJ SX controller from Pioneer. It looks like a really great piece of kit, but seems like it will be too large for most DJ Booths.
I personally would like to see a CDJ type unit with no actual CD input with 8 performance pads and CDJ 2000 nexus type screen and functions. it would also be a bonus if it could be used as a controller within Traktor with just a flick of a switch, for easy switching, between a USB stick. That way, it could be club installation ready. I did a quick 2 minute mock up of what i was envisioning. Never really thought of in depth features just a general visual….How do you think controllerism will bridge the gap and make it standard into clubs or do you envision no standard equipment at all???
Personally, I’d want a DVS built into a Technics turntable that ran off USB keys instead of needing a computer. It’d obviously have to have a screen of some kind to select songs, so I’d take that section off the Nexus.
Loop controls and hot cues would be a plus to make them more attractive, but IDK that I’d care.
denon makes that dns-3700-3900 and it can be a controller and has a cd slot,plus a revolving turntable top.its jus way pricey,but its midi and all the buttons can be mapped.in fact,that plus an X1 and F1 is still only half as wide as the new pioneer.
thats my next controller.
People still use CD’s but eventually they will phase out… It’s only a matter of time before CDJ’s become CD-less. I think the best approach for pioneer would be to initially release a mid-level entry controller/media player like the one shown but still keep the “CD” line on some of the more high end CDJ’s to satisfy the touring DJ’s and regular CD users.
Modular controllers are just much more practical to use with a club installed mixer.
We’re definitely a long way off from here. The amount of people that rock up to a show with just a bunch of cds or usbs is enormous. It’s nice to have all the fancy effects but it’s not a necessity.
CDs are definitely on the way out but they’ll still be around for a while. I think the DJ booth of the future will be one where you can log into your account and stream all your tunes from the cloud, eliminating the need to carry anything with you except headphones. That’s a way off yet though.
