I own one XDJ-R1 and currently thinking about buying a second one for four decks (with rekordbox). Seems like the cheapest option two me (compared to a decent mixer and four cdjs 350 or even 850). Also I am very happy with the unit.
So what I plan to do is: Use the AUX in on one of the R1s to get the audio from the other and just leave the AUX level on full. That way I already can use four channels with all the controls.
The only minor problem I know is about the Headphones, but I think attaching the headphone outs of both XDJ-R1s to a small mixer (like Behringer XENYX 502) would do the job.
My question: Is this a good idea? Am I missing something?
Thanks for your reply! The headphones is not my biggest concern since even a mini-mixer would only cost a few bucks. When googleing that thing I found that a splitter cable solution might damage the headphone outputs, or cause a high loss of output volume. Anyways that should not be the big problem here as long as everything else works.
Your opinion on the mixer is more interesting. Why do you think it is that bad? Because the cross-fader is limited? I think I could deal with that since I rarely ever use it and mostly stick to channel faders. Are there other things you thought of? Do you think it could be a bad idea to have the mixer splitted? I was hoping to build a stand so that one unit would sit behind the other. That way I would still have the mixer in the middle and everything pretty close.
What about the Main Out (on one unit) to AUX in (on the other)? That should work, right?
Well I’m a student with a small flat, but therefore I don’t have to worry about sharing it. Legit point, but comparing the size of 2 XDJ-R1 with 4 CDJs and a Mixer you end up with pretty much the same. Also there is a huge difference in price between these two solutions, so I guess I have to deal with it stealing some space in my tiny room.
I see this is an option as well, but what is the advantage over routing one output into the AUX IN of the other unit?
Unless you’re carl cox or mixing techno or something, there is no point in mixing 4 Decks for you right now. Sell your XDJ, buy yourself some proper club equipment or a DDJ SX and get some bookings first. Or if you wanna mix techno Richie hawtin style you can get a Mixer and 2 Traktor X1’s, or the aforementioned DDJ SX both of which are affordable and make a lot more sense than having 2 XDJs
Well there are several reasons why I want to have four decks:
I like to have more than two decks for mixing tech house (yes, like carl cox, but 2.0 )
I prefer using reals decks even for samples, because you can switch them more easily and use hot cues for having more than one sample per track
Switching to controllers is not an option for me at me moment since I enjoy myself a lot more when not looking at the screen, but focusing more on the music
What makes you think that the XDJ is not proper equipment for practice playing on clubs CDJs? There is not too much of a difference between them and the “real” CDJs. Why do people hate or at least underestimate the XDJ-R1 that much? Also keep in mind that you get a used XDJ-R1 for 500€. For a used CDJ 850 you pay just as much, 650 € for something like a DJM 750. That makes 1000€ vs 2650€ for a four deck setup with the CD setup not even offering things like HotCues (therefore manual looping and longer pitch faders).
It really depends on the second hand market. I just picked one up for $500 with the really expensive glide case from the second hand NYC market.
Back to the OP, I was also thinking about stacking R1’s but here are some of the things your going to run into: Your going to need two USB sticks instead of one (This is a small caveat), and I think you should be able to run the mains from one to the aux in the other while running your headphones into a small two channel mixer. Quarter inch jacks (whatever the big headphone ones are) to RCA into the two chan mixer. From the two chan mixer you’ll use your headphones on that and hide the two channel mixer away. The only thing that I’m skeptical of is the lack of control in the AUX which will replicate the sound from the second R1 into the first R1 which might interfere with cueing, but I’m sure you can change your cue/master knob to fit your needs.
German ebay (ebay.de). Why would I lie? I’m about to buy a second one for 500€ tomorrow, maybe 550€ if he brings it. It’s a used one, but with warranty.
Thanks cyberninjtsu, I have been to a local show today and that’s pretty much what they told me as well: Use the Aux or maybe a small mixer and a second mixer for the headphones. Since both are cheap (about 30-40€ each) that’s fine with me.
I’m just going to give the setup a try. If it really does not work out I’m sure I can still sell one or both R1s on ebay without loosing too much money and see if I’m better off getting two CDJ 850s. Thanks for your advice everyone
The DDJ-SX has the same platters as the XDJ-R1 plus the LED-lights. It is a 4 channel mixer with 8 hotcue’s, 6 sample pads and a shitload of functionality. If you don’t want to use the laptop screen, fine by me, leave it in browser mode.
I find myself staring at the little XDJ-R1 screens way to much as it is so hard to quickly find the music you need. I stare at those way more than I do at my laptop. Trust me, you get all the FX the XDJ-R1 has, and then so so much more. The workflow is just so much better when you want to do what you want to do. Because lets face it; the XDJ-R1 is made for basic A to B mixing and the use of some samples and FX.
The R1 is a great piece of equipment, don’t get me wrong, but it isn’t for what you want, the SX is and so much more
I’ve had the SX and sold it… I think if I ever feel limited by two R1s I will buy a chaos pad or RMX. More expensive than, but much more fun for me.
You are right about the tiny screen, but i do not miss bigger screens for browsing since the iOS App does a good job there (actually it’s the only thing I use the app for).
In the end I simply prefer the more hands-on-experience of leaving the laptop. Therefore I sacrifice some possibilities, which I hope the third and fourth decks will compensate for. But I guess this discussion (CDJs vs controllers basically) would never end since there is not “better” or “worse” here. They are just different.
2 R1’s would mean 2 iOS devices as I don’t think you can browse both R1 from just one app.
So you’ll have 2 R1 + mixer + 2 iPads or (iOS devices) way to complicated for me but it’s your call.
Well I bought a second one today. I’ll see within the next few weeks how it will work out. I payed 550€ for this one, making it 1100 for the entire setup. I might write a few words on how it works out in a few weeks. Thanks for all your tips
Will it work? Yes
Will it be practical? No.
Will it look cool? No. At least in my opinion.
I know you prefer the so-called “hands on” approach. But in this case a single controller and a cheap laptop would be your best options in terms of how practical the whole setup is.
Because if you can carry 2 controllers with you, you can also carry a controller and a laptop.
Why do you think it’s not practical? I can see that it requires a lot of space, but it is only for home usage. Also four CDJs and a big mixer requires the same space, doesn’t it? If I will run into problems handling two mixer sections I will put one of the units on a stand behind the other. That way the only noticeable difference is that the mixer section is not 1x4 but 2x2. Does that really mater so much?
Well it’s “too late” now anyways. I bought the second one already. It’s in repair to get one missing LED fixed before I can finally give it a try. I’ll report
)