Looking to upgrade to timecoded vinyl, some questions

DJ Gear & Hardware CDJ & Vinyl DJing
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Looking to upgrade to timecoded vinyl, some questions

I think I’ve posted a similar topic a while back, but now I actually have the budget to upgrade so I’d like to make sure I get the equipment I need. I’m looking to upgrade from my Numark Omnicontrol (which has been experiencing issues as of late) to the classic 2 TTs and a mixer setup, but with timecoded vinyl so I can still have access to my whole collection. My budget is like $1200-$1400, which may or may not prove to be enough, but we’ll see.

1.) The set I’m most interested in is the set everybody seems to be familiar with, Technic mk2 1200s, mostly for their reliability. I’m not too familiar with the concept of timecoded vinyl (I’ve looked into this question, but I can’t seem to find a plain answer.) The thing is I’m assuming there will be other equipment necessary to make the tables work properly with my software, but I’m not too sure what. An external soundcard maybe? Would I need any other special equipment for the tables to work properly?

2.) Because of my limited budget I realize I might not be able to afford exactly what I want (mk2s seem to go for either really cheap or really expensive from what I’ve seen), so I’m trying to work out a backup option that won’t cripple me in terms of affordability and accessibility (i’m trying to avoid cdjs because they all seem to be expensive, and burning my music to cds would take a huge chunk out of my wallet.) Are there any other model of turntables I should keep an eye out for, perhaps that’s more likely to suit my price range.

3.) The mixer I was looking at is the Behringer DDM4000, a 4 channel midi mixer which seems to have a lot of positive backing behind it. I’m willing to work with a 2 channel mixer though if it serves my price range better, though I think I’d lose my plans of turning my omnicontrol into a sample/effects board as a result. My main concern is whether or not I should bother with a midi mixer or just go full analog. I’m assuming a midi mixer would save me the trouble of getting a soundcard, but in the end would it be more expensive then just getting an analog mixer with a soundcard?

If any of my questions or explanations are unclear let me know. I’ll be perfectly honest, I’m still not very knowledgeable about tech, so I might be overlooking something important, or just overcomplicating my situation.

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You’ll need a soundcard either way unless there is one built into the mixer. There is not one in the Behringer, even though it has MIDI capabilities. And if you want timecode using Serato or Traktor, you will need one of those company’s soundcards. Unless you get a traktor certified mixer, but you won’t find one in the price range of the behringer (unless you get really lucky finding a used Mackie Traktor certified mixer). The Behringer is decent (and cheap) as an analog mixer, you can use the midi capabiltiies but will need a midi-to-usb cable to get it to work. But it’s a really confusing mess in some ways if you use the effects and the midi controls. The sampler is practically useless and the “ultramizer” is just a compressor that you’re better off staying away from. Overall though it’s a lot of mixer for the price. I’d look for a used Mackie d.4 Pro if I were you though; combining the Behringer and Audio 8 is probably about the same price. Audio 8 or Serato SL1 will set you back about $300 so count on parting with that cash on top of the behringer and the decks.

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Oooooh, wow that’s a chunk of cash alright haha but I can work it out. Thanks for the recommendation though, I just took a look at the Mackie and it looks like a better option (less hardware to maintain and possibly replace is always good), so hopefully I can find a used model of that to keep me in the area of $1200, but with luck that won’t be an issue if I can find some decently priced technics on the market.

Speaking of which, do you have any recommendations on other possible turntable models to look out for? Or are the technics the safest bet for my price range? Assuming I don’t get a bad pair of course, which would be another world of problems.

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Pair of Super OEM decks (Stanton St150s etc)- $500 tops second hand
Traktor Z2 mixer - $799 preorder from DJTT store

$1300. Boom.

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2 used Technics 1200’s-$1000
Serato SL2-$500

1.5k, but ur set with an extra hundred bucks

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wait, why don’t u use Timecode CD’s? u won’t have to burn your music?
maybe a pair of secondhand Denons with a large platter?

but to edit my first post, i 4got u said u need a mixer.
so u may not be able to get T12’s
but make sure u account for enuff money to get traktor or serato.

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throwing in my opinion for getting the Denon X1600 Traktor certified mixer. You’ll negate the need for an NI interface since it’s certified. I got mine for $800 all cash, that plus the two tables should get you right in the wheel house.

The X1600 is a superb piece of kit, and has MIDI functionality built into the mixer. For example, each channel strip can be switched to control MIDI of whatever you want, then switched back to analog control. There’s also a MIDI strip on the mixer with 4 endless rotaries and 4 MIDI buttons (and 4 pages to select between, so really 16 endless rotaries and 16 buttons). I have these rotaries programmed to control looping for each deck, track browsing, loading into decks (the rotaries push down as well). Best part is, since the mixer is certified, there’s no need for extraneous cables. I have 2 RCAs from each deck into the mixer, then cables out to my speakers and USB into the computer and it’s done. With an interface, you’d have an extra pair of RCA cables running from the interface into the mixer.

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I’ll look into those decks, olio. And I already got traktor, I don’t want to get timecoded cds because I don’t really wanna work with a jogwheel anymore, I want tactile feedback when I’m playing a track for beatmatching.

Rip: that sounds pretty sweet, guess it depends if I can get a pair of tables for around 400-500. If so I’d look into that, because I’ve heard really good things about it in the past.

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If you don’t want to cruise ebay and go through the hassle of buying used tables, you could always go for a pair of AT-LP120’s or whichever Stantons come in at $200, an SL2, and a small, but still solid, mixer like a DJM-250.

$400 tables
$500 SL2
$350 mixer
$1250

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I recommend the numark ttxusb turntable, not to expensive and really good.
I’d stay away from the behringer mixer and go for a dennon or Allen and Heath.
Good luck with it.

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2x Technics SL1200mkX USED (NO idea how much they go these days, 600ish?)
1x Pioneer DJM-T1 (including Traktor SCRATCH Pro 2) 700$.

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Wow, thanks for all the advice guys, still got a little more research ahead of me haha. Shish, those AT-LP120’s look really tempting, I’m considering those with the Denon X1600, which puts me right in my budget, maybe a little over but looks worth it for the functionality I’m getting for that price. Got some birthday cash coming my way too, so looks like there will be some gear shopping in my near future.

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the X1600 is the best piece of DJ gear I’ve ever bought, if that helps at all. I’ve never regretted it, and still think it’s one of the best feature rich mixers on the market for the price.

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Seriously look at the new Traktor Z2 mixer, you will get traktor software and soundcard for 799. Then for tables I would get used techs or even better new stanton 150’s ($599 new each). Also I agree on the X1600 mixer.

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Software and soundcard for 799 in a mixer is awesome, but I already have software (Traktor Pro) that I’m happy enough with. And yeah it’s 1, not 2, I was stupid enough to buy it right before traktor pro 2 got released because I wasn’t paying attention. :stuck_out_tongue: But I’m not too concerned about sample decks or colored waveforms or anything really in that. I’d only really did it if it were impossible for me to get Traktor scratch to work with traktor pro

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u can’t upgrade software on tractor? (for free that is)
thats too bad, i still have to update myself with the newest serato release.

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You can’t use time code with Traktor pro. So I would embrace anything that includes TP2 included with it.

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Honestly, it looks like you are looking at the route I took in purchasing gear a couple years back or whatnot.

If you aren’t in a rush to get all the gear at once, you can find some amazing deals on used gear. If you want turntables, I highly suggest getting the Technics MK2’s or better, but there are some others you can consider as well that will be cheaper. The Numark TTX or TT-200’s (200’s just don’t have the digital business, still the same torque, which is the important thing). Also Stanton ST or STR-150’s. Vestax PDX 2000 or PDX 3000. Honestly though, you’ll probably be happiest getting the Technics 1200’s, they will also retain their resale value, and they are most likely what you are going to be finding in a club.

You should be able to find a decent set of used tables, if you look around a bit and don’t jump at the first opportunity, for around $500 or so, maybe a bit more, and if you’re lucky a bit less. THEN you also need to consider buying decent slipmats ($20 or so) and Needles/Carts (which can range vastly, I use Ortofon Concorde Elektro’s which are $130 each for instance, but you can get away with different needles). The other thing is getting them tuned up, making sure the pitch is spot on, and the cables / ground wires are all in working order. You can do it yourself, bring it to a buddy, or bring it to a shop. It’s something I recommend doing at least once just to make sure everything is good to go.

The secondary thing is getting a mixer / audio interface. I HIGHLY recommend getting an external audio interface, and not getting one that is built into your mixer. The reason being? What if you don’t have YOUR specific mixer for a gig? If you don’t have an external audio interface, you’re basically shit out of luck.

The big thing here is figuring out if you want to go with Traktor Scratch Pro, or Serato Scratch Live. Personally? I use SSL and love it. I don’t have to worry about gridding tracks, I just analyze them, and then I’m ready to play them, almost as soon as I’m done buying them. I also prefer the user interface. But this is a very personal decision.

I went with an SL1 box myself. You can find them used from $250-$350 usually. You basically plug your turntables into the SL1 box, and then the box into the inputs on your mixer. There is a USB that attaches to the computer (which IS USB powered, so you don’t need an external power supply which is handy). Use the time-code vinyl, and you have full control over your Mp3’s. (Serato now supports FLAC as well fyi).

As far as mixers go, this is the thing I personally would worry about the least while getting started. GREAT mixers are incredibly expensive. Mediocre mixers aren’t worth it. I went with a used Rane TTM-56, which is a tank of a mixer and you can get a lot of use out of it. You can find some really good deals on them as well, but it is only two channels. A buddy of mine has the DDM4000, and while I do like it, the sound quality isn’t the same as the Rane. It’s hard to judge if you aren’t super picky, but I can definitely tell a difference personally. I’d recommend getting a basic mixer for now though, and then upgrading that later once you have the rest of your setup going.

Hope that helps :slight_smile:

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Ok guys, kind of necroing this thread, and thank you BB, I actually didn’t consider the audio interface tidbit of things, and I definitely want to have that in mind. I’m still pretty set on my traktor setup, since well…I have it, I’m used to it, why waste my resources? But I’m probably gonna have to get TP2 now, which is silly that it’s not a free upgrade. I don’t even think it’s discounted. I don’t really wanna buy an upgrade that consists of colorful waveforms and like 4 new effects just to play on my new equipment, so I may just jump ship and go serato if that ends up being the case, but if not, anybody know some decent audio interfaces for traktor?

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I think you mean Traktor SCRATCH pro 2… You won’t be able to use DVS with just the plain vanilla TP2. It’s ridiculous, don’t even get me started on it. I bought a Traktor certified mixer. I was under the impression the added cost of gaining that certification was passed onto me when I paid for it… But then I get double taxed being asked to also purchase TSP2 when I’m already a TP2 owner. Should be a free upgrade if you can verify proof you’ve purchased certified gear.