Want to learn to scratch, CDJ or Vinyl, Timecode or HID?
Hi!
I’ve been messing around with Traktor and controllers long enough. I want to have more physical contact with the tracks I play, mainly a large jogwheel that’d enable me scratch as well, which is something I’ve wanted to learn for ages.
But I’d prefer to continue using Traktor and iTunes for music management. So what are my options? I’m leaning towards a HID or Timecode setup, I’m not very fond of MIDI.
If I wanna go HID, so far the only thing I’ve found is the CDJ 900, but that thing costs like 1000€.
If I wanna go timecode, there’s more options. I could even get 2 cdj’s 800’s for 400€, but I’ve heard some bad stories about timecode and cdj’s. I could also get a some used Technincs sl-1200 for 400-600€. Obviously going timecode would require also getting the Traktor DVS box, but it’s still cheaper than getting 2 cdj 900’s.
All help is appreciated, If there’s a previous discussion over a similar matter, could some one please to refer me to it.
Thank you!
Timecode plus turntables. This way you learn the basic mechanics then work your way up from there. You can pick up a pair of ATLP120’s for around $500.00.
After that check out qberts instructional series as well as swamps.
There’s plenty of turntables you can pick up for cheap. You can even get new ones if you don’t ‘have to have’ Techs. I recommend the timecode/DVS route. Don’t forget good needs (I prefer Shure M44-7) and a decent 2 channel mixer (DJ Tech dif-1s is only $179 and has a mini innofader already installed.)…oh and slipmats (I use butter rugs, tractor has a special edition of them that look great)
Send me a private message if you wanna be added to some of the Facebook groups that promote scratching. Cheers!
Any decent Direct Drive turntables wil do ya, mate! there’s even an argument for using lower torque ones to get the “soft touch” that you need for scratching.
As well as Q-Bert, also check out DJ Angelo’s tutes on Youtube. They are awesome.
In fact, check out the DJ ANgelo ones FIRST, THEN get hold of Q-Berts DIY Vol. 1 for the more advanced scratches.
hey man, i was kinda in the same boat. bought a cheap pair of gemini pt2100’s for $150 for two. great deal since they really are a descent deck. bought a traktor audio6 and let her rip. my scratching got way better (even though i am a house dj) even got my beatmatching better too. from there i bought cdj’s as they are more practical for what i’m doing. i find it harder to scratch on cdj’s but i’m slowly getting better. lots of practice. nothing feels better than turntables though!