Well, if you can afford either of the options, I’d go with what you really want to do, bearing in mind that CDJs and Vinyl will take a bit longer to get anything actually good due to having to learn beat matching. Yes, those two options are expensive, but they can also be integrated with your DJ software which provides the ability to play digital files in the case of turntables. (so you’re not merely spending lots on vinyl, but can combine the two) You’ll need a software-certified interface or mixer for this though)
Controller is the cheapest and easiest of the bunch, but if you really want to do turntables or CDJs and can afford it, I’d just go with whatever is going to make you happiest and provide the most enjoyment.
I started with belt driven turntables before I even got to direct drive. Once I got that I was so amazed at how much easier it was to beatmatch. Then came the dvs and I again was blown away at being able to see the bpm. Now i’ve switched to a numark ns6 and amazed again. I never took the road down cdjs though.
If you want something fun, fast and easy, choose the controller. If you’re up for it, dvs is great.
I use one of the channels of my ns6 with a stanton st8-150. the other one is just sitting aside lonely.
I would definitely start with turntables to get an inner understanding of what DJing is and what it means fundamentally. Once you get good at transitions move to a controller.
By this point it should be easy mode to transition and within a couple months it will become second nature, a part of you.
After that the fun part begins, I personally love adding stuff to tracks or taking away via filters or stems. And theres infinite options of what to do here which means that you will never stop growing and if you keep going your brain will become huge and eventually explode.
Most controllers/DJ software will allow you to manually beat-match.
If you don’t look at the display you can even do ‘the old tricks’ to match the tempo ‘by ear’ (manually) too.
In reality, there’s not going to be many times you’ll ever need to do this, but just in case it’s a good plan to have the skill available.
I think the best thing to start out on is one of the more basic, inexpensive CDJs you can get now. Turntables are NOT the way to start on as a beginner in 2017… it will drain you financially trying to buy a lot of vinyl records and building your collection. You can get a pair of CDJ 800s for under $800 and burn your own CDs and learn how to beatmatch. These skills will carry over to the big-boy CDJs and your can then start on software and expanding your set.
A few years ago, I would have said the 800’s would have been the ticket, However things have changed, CDJ’s utilize desktop software & USB drives.
Personally I’d go with a standalone controller running rekordbox. e.g. XDJ-RX, it functions the same as a big boys CDJ, has a built in mixer and your setup will use the same software.
Can be had for around the same price as a pair of good 800’s and a decent mixer - want to learn how to beatmatch ? Simple, don’t press sync.
It’s 2017, its highly unlikely you will be presented with anything less than a rekordbox capable CDJ at any gig in the future.
Vinyl is extremely expensive and will wear out over time, but is the most fun, engaging, and has the highest “cred” when you use it live. If you’re rich, then go for vinyl. Otherwise, digital media players from Hanpin and deactivate the BPM display. No moving waveforms to distract you. Something like the Reloop RMP-3 Alpha or the American Audio Radius 3000 players have superior pitch resolution to Denon and Pioneer. There are other brandings from Stanton and DJ Tech in the US for them, but don’t get better than 0.1% pitch resolution on USB flash drive internal mode in their firmware, unfortunately. If you don’t have a mixer already, then an all-in-one unit like the Versadeck is a good idea, though it has inferior firmware to some of the later brandings of it from Omnitronic, Akyama, and Reloop. The Versadeck firmware does some funky stuff when you fast forward tracks too quickly, but if you’re careful, that’s the most glaring issue for it. Mixer Mode on it’s a little hard and glassy sounding, but usable.
Hi, in first you don’t need nothing about vinyl or cdj bye a 10 Euro controler + software on your computer , go to beatport every weeks and take 10 or 15 tracks you njoy and play it ,after few month and much money if you like djing realy cruch your pig
I started with a controller (£120 Numark Mixtrack Pro) and learned beat matching etc that way. I’ve since used CDJs and I now own a Pioneer XDJ-RX.
It depends what you’re hoping to achieve.
Personally I want to buy myself a set of direct drive turntables and learn to DJ with them as I think it’ll improve my skill set. However if you just want a bit of fun then learning on a controller is easy.
I feel spoilt having all my tracks marked via Rekordbox…so I put notes on each track with specific times that are good to mix in/out and you can see the key/BPM etc.
In all honesty I know I’ll find vinyl really difficult when I start learning.
I started on vinyl, and I still own mk2s. And I’ve used everything under the sun to dj (vinyl, cdjs, final scratch, ssl, traktor, traktor scratch, Ableton, serato dj, a pair of iPads, mixxx, and a few other apps).
If I were starting today, I’d want someone to tell me to start on either an xdj-rx or an s5 depending on the genre(s) I was interested in. You may grow out of them, but it’ll take a while. But, really, if something jumps out at you as “I want to do THAT”, then it’s probably the answer.
I’d start with 2 turntables, a mixer and a handful of records you can score inexpensively from craigslist, not for the purpose of building a massive vinyl collection, but for the purpose of training your ear and mixing manually without a laptop/software to visually distract you. There are many bedroom dj’s that have given up the dream and have gear stashed away for years that will let it go for super cheap. And you don’t need $$$ Technics.
Once you get good at beat matching, cueing, and mixing manually, upgrade to what you really want to be playing on. It’s very easy to shortcut your dj training with modern controllers and software. I even find myself using the sync button more and more, not bc I can’t beat match, but it’s just faster and more convenient to use when playing live. And like someone said before, the sync button doesn’t always work. The main reason I updated my gear to a controller was bc carrying around 2 turntables, a mixer, 2 cdj’s in a coffin plus a 50 vinyl case was back breaking! You’ll really appreciate that you have the fundamentals down when you upgrade to a controller and a laptop and see waveforms, beat grids and start using effects.
I strongly, strongly disagree with this statement… there is absolutely no point in investing in a pair of turntables if this isn’t the equipment you plan on using in the future. If you wish to learn to beatmatch, put sticky notes over the waveforms.
I don’t think any of us are playing on the our first, beginner dj equipment purchases. And yes, I agree with you about not investing lots of money into equipment you will not use. If you can borrow turntables, that’d be better. I’m only giving my opinion based on my personal experience and I started dj’ing way before there were any controllers, laptops and software involved. Old school lol.
i just give you my experience with my last padawan i give lesson ,in six month he start with hercule dj console mp3 ( cost 10 € as refurbished ) + traktor Z1 99€ cost 109€ and now he play vinyl timecode that’ 3 month ago … it’s not about material for beginning
I think the best way would be to buy a cheap-ish controller and move up from there…make sure you want to keep pursuing it before you drop a lot of money. Then CDJ’s would probably be best due to there usually the standard at clubs etc.
