So I own an S4 and have been getting used to the controller thing after being a vinyl scratch dj for years. So far I have been liking the experience but I noticed that the digital aspect (i.e. use of cue points and effects, etc.) has drastically changed my mixes from what I had been used to using vinyl. So my girlfriend bought me a class at dubspot this past weekend as a gift, so I went and checked it out. When I walked into the classroom the first thing I noticed was that each station had 2 tech 12’s or 1210’s, either a rane or pioneer mixer, and a cdj. The software loaded up was SSL as well and I had only used traktor so this was going to be a new experience for me. Now I never used time code before, so I was pretty excited to give it a shot. Well I can tell you that after dropping the needle for the first time I was feeling quite nostalgic. The feel of vinyl is an experience like nothing else and I found myself immediately missing my tables. Also, I found SSL MUCH easier to beat match with the stacked waveforms and just the ability of being able to nudge the way I knew how (still getting used to it on the S4).
I dont think im ready to give up on my S4 as im sure all I need is practice, but the experience definitely got me reconsidering my controller decision. Has this happened to anyone else after switching from vinyl to a controller? Did you make the switch back?
Not quite the answer to the question you asked but you would be surprised at how many people on here started out as controllerists and have developed into turntabilists. I started on controllers, had an S4, bought 1210’s after getting a free upgrade offer to Scratch from NI and never looked back. The S4 is gone but the 1210’s will never be sold and I will at some point buy another couple of tt’s.
I use the Z2, the best thing about it (for me) is instant switching between real vinyl and timecode with no hassles, I can’t and won’t comment on SSL v TSP but honestly I find timecode way better than controller jog wheels, just feels natural and makes more sense.
It means more expense to change your set up, but from the tone of your post I’d say timecode would be more satisfying for you. Best have a think about what gives you the most pleasure, see where your heads at then work out a budget to change (if you want too)
well to be honest I still find more potential in traktor over serato, I was only commenting on the fact that stackable wave forms is literally the easiest way to beat match I’ve ever come across. I love the S4 dont get me wrong, it’s just very different. Anyway I still have my old str8-80s and my vestax 06pro in their cases collecting dust, maybe I’ll have to look into the scratch upgrade. I just wish there was a crossfader curve adjust on the S4
I own both traktor and serato. They are almost identical in how they work, After the next update SDJ will be on par with Traktor. Only thing I like better about Traktor is the fact it always works well, serato can be a pain if you don’t have a mac.
You should have both running dude, your vinyl set up when you’re feeling nostalgic and an s4 for doing gigs and such.
I use my turntables a lot more than my controllers these days, I just find it more fun and more interactive; I also haven’t stopped buying vinyl though. As for stackable waveforms, you might want to take a look at the traktor manual regarding the phase meter, if you haven’t already. If your tracks are properly beatgridded, the phase meter is a far more accurate way to beatmatch by sight than the stackable waveforms, in my opinion.
Actually sold my denon controller to get a turntable with needle and a mixer. Started with a controller and felt like it wasn’t real for me, so i decided to get my first table. I’m happy about it and should have done so in the first place.
I’ve always considered using the phase meter as cheating.
There is room to having both a turntable setup and a midi controller setup. Although I would personally ditch jog wheels of any kind in a midi controller setup. Having owned a twitch and now a X1+Z1 combo you can get by without a jog wheel just fine.
I agree that the wheels of steel are much better than a jog wheel, so why settle for something that isn’t the genuine article?
I started DJing with traktor using a keyboard. Then for a while I saved money to get a midi controller and this was back when choices were very limited and most did not come with a built in soundcard. In the end though I ended up buying 1210’s. Then latter on I got a midi controller.
Sometimes I play on my 1210’s, other times I want to sit down and flesh out so cool ideas on a midi controller.
Listen - if your beat grid is not absolutely PERFECT, on BOTH tracks you are mixing, no matter how tight you get the phase meters, your tracks STILL won’t be perfectly beat matched.
DJ SOFTWARE (NOT just Traktor) can only use the information you give it. It cannot magically analyse EVERY track perfectly and get create the tempo and beat grid information automagically.
This is why a lot of beginner DJ’s have transitions that just DON’T sound tight. It’s because they don’t KNOW that their transitions aren’t tight, cos, hey, the phase meter says the tracks are tempo and phase matched.
You MUST treat these visual ques for what they are - LEARNING AIDS. Learning to Dj without any visual cues use to be pretty tough, but now, learning is easy.
These visual aids MUST be treated like stabilisers (training wheels) on a bike. Use 'em to learn the basics, but as soon as you can manage without 'em, take ‘em off and start learning jumps n’ wheelies!
I hear you, but it is a nice tool when you’re in a rush.
I use a combo of real vinyl and time code, so I obviously beatmatch the real vinyl by ear. I usually match it to a remix deck. If I have a lot going on, it’s nice to just then use the phase meter to quickly match up the other deck, then fine tune it by ear.
