Using CDJs with Timecodes
What it the point of using CDJs with timecodes when using Traktor or Serato? I know not all of them have midi capabilities, but then not all of the features can be used through timecode signal, correct?
To my knowledge the timecode is the timecode, whether played via turnbtable or CDJ …
Yeah, to the extent that you may as well use controllers. Or audio CDs.
The point of it is, Being able to take 20,000 songs out to a club with you, without carrying a mass amount of cd’s.
Also alot of people prefer to use cdj’s instead of controllers. Just a different feel.
Exactly. I use mk2800’s with timecode. CDj’s give you a traditional feel which I like. Besides there is only 1 feature on the CDj’s I used and that was the loops. Traktor does them 10x better now anyway so BOTHERED!
HOw odd to describe CDJs as ‘traditional’
Not disagreeing per se, it just struck me as an odd phrase …
Because using the CDJs makes you a real DJ.
It doesn’t matter that doing that turns your expensive CDJs into a pitch fader and a play button (that has a bit of latency added in), because it makes you real. And it makes your c*** bigger.
Sorry if I’ve offended anyone…I like CDJs…I really do. But using them like that seems effing pointless…especially since the whole “more music” thing is bunk now that CDJs can read huge hard drives.
Hmmm
Have you thought that people might use them because there is a lack of similar alternatives..
Maybe the Denon SC2000 and the reloop thingy, but thats it.
I’d much rather two cdj 800/1000’s and a proper mixer with TSP over an S4 or a VCi. I just cnt afford it at the moment. I think that’s why most people get controllers, it’s all about the £.
Your all missing the inherent point of using CDJ timecode.
Its the same as using vinyl timecode.
Tactile Control.
Simple. No hard concept to grasp. No-ones being this or that or has have more or less tunes or anything other than putting your hand on the platter and controlling the song.
It can be done on a midi controller but it is not the same, just like using CDJs is not the same as using vinyl.
Its just one method of manually manipulating the music and some people like it.
I find them pretty soul-less but they can be fun every now and again.
I have to agree with this.
I have. There’s also the EKS stuff and the Stanton SCS.1d. I’d get any of them over a CDJ if I were going to use Traktor and wanted that kind of control. Hands down.
But really my objection to that is that I honestly can’t figure out what Traktor really offers over CDJs other than cost savings.
Before I get flamed…I’m a Traktor user, and I’ve owned SSL in the past. I really kinda like it. But, well, it’s got effects. And sample decks that are tempo sync’d. And, well, sync. And it could turn your 2 decks into 4 if you’re willing to hack it together with your mapping.
But, really, all that doesn’t seem to matter in the grand scheme of things. If you can afford a pair of good CDJs and a mixer…you can afford a sampler. If you’re considering CDJs, you probably know how to beat match. And that last one is just kinda weird IMO.
I get the tactile control thing…but then you’re taking an already expensive setup…adding more cost and more complexity…taking away their biggest advantage, that you usually find them in clubs already set up and probably working…and carrying around equipment that you probably wouldn’t have to anyway…just so you can have a lousy version of a turntable that also has a lot of neat effects that most people can’t use properly?
And the new breed of CDJs–btw, it’s been a long time since I’ve seen anything else in a club–can access really big hard drives, have search facilities, and show cover art.
There was a dark time when people were using SSL with CDJs for those 3 features…but CDJs have caught up.
Is it really worth it just for tempo-sync’d sample decks and effects? If it is…why not just use turntables? They’re cheaper…more reliable (in my experience)…almost as readily available…give better tactile control…aren’t much harder to mix on…look better…and have you spending less money on wasted features.
IDK…everyone’s different. Maybe it’s worth it for some. I can’t see the cost being worth it.
If I could afford CDJ-2000s, I’d drop Traktor like a bad habit.
Shit im leaving traktor soon here myself and grabbing some NDX800s and my laptop will be used for Ableton and samples
CD burning and lightscribe disks
Kinda not feeling traktor anymore and I was thinking of going DVS but then thought to myself that it’s just the same with possibly more latency issues. Im not hating on digital mixing but I am getting bored of it.
cause you can just show up to the joint with ur lapi and plug in… most clubs have a Serato interface installed.. no need to fuck about with controllers and such…
now, that’s not how I get down, but then I use Traktor DVS with turntables and midi controllers so I’m one of those peeps sound techs frown at.. having to fuck about with their system 
or just show up with a couple thumbdrives, even less to do and no worries about random laptop failure
I’m thinking of switching to CDJ’s as well. first time I tried them I really liked the feel. It just bothers me how I’m limited to the effects built in the CDJ’s. although it prolly wont give me that live mashup feel you can do with controllers it does offer satisfaction in actual DJing.
Ableton is cool and you’ll be able to get down with it but that is digital mixing no? There really aren’t noticeable latency issues with DVS.. and if your bored with digital mixing, then DVS might be for you.
Besides burning CDs is a real drag.. especially when the burn process goes a little awry.. often you find out about it during ur live set!!
DVS is a waste imho for general mixing.
Ableton Im using as a sampler with Trance sample packs I would get from sounds/to/sample
Also if you test the CD before you go out and use it you should already have made a new one that works by then.
you ignored the word “feel”.
I really don’t see what everyone’s problem is with using Cdj’s and Traktor through timecode. Lots of people do it. It’ saves me burning thousands of cd’s whilst keeping that original sense and feel of djing whilst allowing me to use the features Traktor has to offer.
Each to their own.
I think that’s one of the main reasons.
I use Denon DN-SC2000’s at the minute but I’ve just got a steal on some used Denon DN-S1200 cdjs.
With them I can:
play cd’s if I want
use USB thumb drives if I want
use the internal midi to control traktor if I want
use the internal soundcards if I want
use timecode cds with Traktor Scratch if I want
use the inbuilt timecode signal to control Traktor Scratch if I want
That’s a lot of choice.
But the question:
For me:
not having to burn/label/carry loads of cds.
having a familiar control and mixer layout
having a good backup if needed