CDJ-2000 nexus.. any tips for counting bars/phrases?

Home :: General Discussion :: CDJ-2000 nexus.. any tips for counting bars/phrases?Reply
CDJ-2000 nexus.. any tips for counting bars/phrases?
Posted on: 23.03.2013 by Kandis Smollen
Hey guys, so I LOVE my new CDJ-2000 nexus setup, yet I'm having some difficulty in counting bars/phrases with the on-screen LCD..

I come from a Traktor background where it's ridiculously easy to see changes in the waveform with tools like the Infrared Spectrum which shows which parts of the wave have bass, etc.. Also, the wave would be much bigger and easier to navigate on Traktor VS on the CDJ's.. on Traktor, all my timing and phrasing was perfect, but I'm just having trouble figuring out a good way to do my counting/timing on the CDJ's..

I know that you can save up to 10 memory points on the song, and the CDJ display will show a "bar countdown" in between memory points, indicating how far you are from the next memory point.. but without having to go through the tedious work of entering in a memory point at every single change in the song, do you guys have any better recommendations?

Any tips/advice would be greatly appreciated!
Julissa Serrone
25.03.2013
Originally Posted by papo
haze, I believe you meant quality or quantity..
You know what I meant brutha!
Albertina Fay
25.03.2013
Originally Posted by haze324
...now I download quantity over quality....
haze, I believe you meant quality or quantity..
Julissa Serrone
25.03.2013
Originally Posted by PeterSkarzay
One problem with knowing your music thoroughly is if you get hundred of tracks on a regular basis and really cannot find time to memorise them.
Perhaps you should not pack in HUNDREDS of songs at a time since it sounds like you won't be playing most of them since you don't know them that well.

I used to believe the same way of having tons of tracks, now I download quality over quantity and knowing my tracks is much easier.
Amira Gotcher
25.03.2013
Originally Posted by DjGil
Wait wait what! I just got done redoing all my cue points in record box...I never knew such a program exist! Googling now!
it's called rekord buddy....
Lannie Kutay
25.03.2013
Originally Posted by octostout
OP needs to stop trying to DJ... After this many threads of questions that can be summed up as "HOW DO I DJ?", it's clear that it's just not for him.

The fact that this stupid kid owns a pair of 2000 nexus' burns my soul.
if only we knew where he lives hehehe
Ngoc Ninow
25.03.2013
Originally Posted by PeterSkarzay
One problem with knowing your music thoroughly is if you get hundred of tracks on a regular basis and really cannot find time to memorise them.
I believe this depends on how you listen to your music, and when you can listen it, I am in the car a lot, so always have new music on there, and when I am not in the car, I always have my iPod on, so I guess this is how I make time to do, but I do appreciate that not everyone has the time or the ability to be able to do this.

Its not about memorising them either, I dont know every single one of my tracks from memory, but I know when the drops are going to come, when the breakdowns are etc etc but a lot of this just comes from feel and practice. You should be well practised enough/well listened enough that even when you listen to something for the first time that you have a pretty spot-on idea about when things are going to happen - it has been discussed on here is many other threads about how regular the structure of dance music is....

I work shifts as well so listening to my music is a good way to unwind; its not unusual to find house music playing at my place at 7.30AM when I have just worked a evening shift!
Kary Pottkotter
26.03.2013		Found this on this site!

http://www.djranking s.com/2009/01/2...e-perfect-mix/

And This

http://www.djranking s.com/2008/06/1...ching-for-all/
Kary Pottkotter
26.03.2013		Found this on this site!
http://www.djranking s.com/2009/01/2...e-perfect-mix/
Julissa Serrone
25.03.2013
Originally Posted by papo
haze, I believe you meant quality or quantity..
You know what I meant brutha!
Albertina Fay
25.03.2013
Originally Posted by haze324
...now I download quantity over quality....
haze, I believe you meant quality or quantity..
Julissa Serrone
25.03.2013
Originally Posted by PeterSkarzay
One problem with knowing your music thoroughly is if you get hundred of tracks on a regular basis and really cannot find time to memorise them.
Perhaps you should not pack in HUNDREDS of songs at a time since it sounds like you won't be playing most of them since you don't know them that well.

I used to believe the same way of having tons of tracks, now I download quality over quantity and knowing my tracks is much easier.
Amira Gotcher
25.03.2013
Originally Posted by DjGil
Wait wait what! I just got done redoing all my cue points in record box...I never knew such a program exist! Googling now!
it's called rekord buddy....
Augustine Mitzen
25.03.2013		constructive criticism - listen to your music.

endof
Alphonso Deitchman
25.03.2013		May want to take it down a notch guys.. stick to constructive criticism maybe?
Lannie Kutay
25.03.2013
Originally Posted by octostout
OP needs to stop trying to DJ... After this many threads of questions that can be summed up as "HOW DO I DJ?", it's clear that it's just not for him.

The fact that this stupid kid owns a pair of 2000 nexus' burns my soul.
if only we knew where he lives hehehe
Kathe Stump
25.03.2013		OP needs to stop trying to DJ... After this many threads of questions that can be summed up as "HOW DO I DJ?", it's clear that it's just not for him.

The fact that this stupid kid owns a pair of 2000 nexus' burns my soul.
Ngoc Ninow
25.03.2013
Originally Posted by PeterSkarzay
One problem with knowing your music thoroughly is if you get hundred of tracks on a regular basis and really cannot find time to memorise them.
I believe this depends on how you listen to your music, and when you can listen it, I am in the car a lot, so always have new music on there, and when I am not in the car, I always have my iPod on, so I guess this is how I make time to do, but I do appreciate that not everyone has the time or the ability to be able to do this.

Its not about memorising them either, I dont know every single one of my tracks from memory, but I know when the drops are going to come, when the breakdowns are etc etc but a lot of this just comes from feel and practice. You should be well practised enough/well listened enough that even when you listen to something for the first time that you have a pretty spot-on idea about when things are going to happen - it has been discussed on here is many other threads about how regular the structure of dance music is....

I work shifts as well so listening to my music is a good way to unwind; its not unusual to find house music playing at my place at 7.30AM when I have just worked a evening shift!
Lannie Kutay
25.03.2013		haha just keep listning to music, i mean like 6 to 7 hours a day. it will just hit you one day then you will never be able to get count out of your head. i bet like 90% of the people on this community could just walk into a evening club and within 1 beat be on the proper count in their head. lol
Becky Momjian
25.03.2013		One problem with knowing your music thoroughly is if you get hundred of tracks on a regular basis and really cannot find time to memorise them.
Lashawn Maycock
25.03.2013
Originally Posted by DubluW
Does anyone else DJ for a bit of a challenge and self advancement, or is that idea old hat?
heh heh, I'm beginning to believe so, some of threads we read

I call it the 'want it now' culture...
Genoveva Bopp
25.03.2013		You can see the breakdowns on vinyl which was helpful but that is no excuse for not learning your tracks.
Jeffrey Akinsanya
25.03.2013
Originally Posted by ThinAir
One of the main reasons I do... if something is too easy then I get bored of it!
+1
i remember when i first learnt to beatmatch it was like a race for me to get in beat in time so that i hit the phase when i wanted to...
Ngoc Ninow
25.03.2013
Originally Posted by DubluW
Does anyone else DJ for a bit of a challenge and self advancement, or is that idea old hat?
One of the main reasons I do... if something is too easy then I get bored of it!
Lillia Datson
25.03.2013		Does anyone else DJ for a bit of a challenge and self advancement, or is that idea old hat?
Brunilda Kora
25.03.2013
Originally Posted by squidot
for me, if i know a tune inside and out...i never want to dj it again. it's no longer fresh and doesn't invoke the feeling of awesome that i got when it was new to me. when you are too familiar with songs, where's the fun in that? you are basically just mixing things you've memorized.

that's why i love using traktor. i can prep a song and put cues/notes in to give a guiding hand while still maintaining the excitement of mixing songs i'm not very familiar with. so, it isn't laziness that stops everyone from knowing their music inside and out. i have no idea whether this line of believeing applies to the op, but i'm just trying to give another perspective since this seems to come up fairly often.
Great post (but I disagree with you on the knowing a song inside and out part and not playing it anymore! I do kinda see how you can feel like that, though...).

What you've just demonstrated, squidot, is the difference between an experienced DJ USING functions like cue points, and Traktors countdown to cue cue function, and someone TRYING to learn to use those function.

They're an absolute GODSEND for those that already have the knowledge - but not such a help for those learning, as they CAN be used INSTEAD of gaining the knowledge.

that's why i love using traktor. i can prep a song and put cues/notes in to give a guiding hand while still maintaining the excitement of mixing songs i'm not very familiar with.
This is why my credit card is edging out towards Traktor Scratch 2.6.1...
Eleanor Munday
25.03.2013		I seriously fear for the future of dance music and the art of DJ'ing. This thread just sums it up!

I would love to see this boy given a pair of 1210s, DJM500 and a stack of vinyl then told to play. It would be comedy gold!
Ngoc Ninow
25.03.2013		Maybe try this. It was a great starting point for me, and as for finding records and learning about the music that I play, I found this to be an excellent jumping off point... it pointed me in the direction of some of the staples of house music and from there, I started to build my collection.

None of us can do this for you, its something that you need to do for yourself, people here will provide you with guidance, but as with many things in life, the only person who can do it for you, is you.

I can't see what enjoyment anyone can get by not doing anything for themselves. For me its all about the journey as far finding and discovering new music concerned, and figuring out how to use my kit is part and parcel of being a DJ!
Kristofer Krauel
25.03.2013
Originally Posted by squidot
i always hear this from nearly everyone on here and i'm starting to feel like i'm the only one who doesn't agree. i'm not trying to single you out as a lot of people are saying it, but you just have one of the later comments for me to quote.

for me, if i know a tune inside and out...i never want to dj it again. it's no longer fresh and doesn't invoke the feeling of awesome that i got when it was new to me. when you are too familiar with songs, where's the fun in that? you are basically just mixing things you've memorized.

that's why i love using traktor. i can prep a song and put cues/notes in to give a guiding hand while still maintaining the excitement of mixing songs i'm not very familiar with. so, it isn't laziness that stops everyone from knowing their music inside and out. i have no idea whether this line of believeing applies to the op, but i'm just trying to give another perspective since this seems to come up fairly often.
Yeah but the thread asks for tip on learning phrasing and counting beats. I assume asking this question he is somewhat new to DJing so I stand by my advice. Learning any new skill requires repetition. Knowing a few tunes inside and out will create the perfect repetitive environment required for learning.

As a side note prepping a track for Traktor in no way replaces 'knowing' that track through frequent playing. If i'm playing out I dont want to rely on Traktor playlists and comment tags to tell me which track is ideal for that moment. I want to be able to know in my own mind which track will perfectly suit the mood of the crowd. I truly believe that knowing your tunes make this a better experience for everyone involved. Some tracks just fit. Traktor prep cant tell you which one it is.
Cole Maroto
25.03.2013
Originally Posted by kooper1980
TOTALLY agree. Not knowing your music is lazy! Stop buying tunes until you know the ones you've already got inside and out.
i always hear this from nearly everyone on here and i'm starting to feel like i'm the only one who doesn't agree. i'm not trying to single you out as a lot of people are saying it, but you just have one of the later comments for me to quote.

for me, if i know a tune inside and out...i never want to dj it again. it's no longer fresh and doesn't invoke the feeling of awesome that i got when it was new to me. when you are too familiar with songs, where's the fun in that? you are basically just mixing things you've memorized.

that's why i love using traktor. i can prep a song and put cues/notes in to give a guiding hand while still maintaining the excitement of mixing songs i'm not very familiar with. so, it isn't laziness that stops everyone from knowing their music inside and out. i have no idea whether this line of believeing applies to the op, but i'm just trying to give another perspective since this seems to come up fairly often.
Lashawn Maycock
25.03.2013		OP - has to be a wind up, surely(?)!

At the risk of being contradictary, I've stopped replying to some of these basic DJing questions which come across as 'tell me this', 'recommend me some music' etc etc, when it's quite clear the poster either hasn't searched the community , bothered to even attempt to RTFM or heaven forbid - done a bit of self learning and reseach in advance.

It comes across as 'I want to be a DJ because it's cool, but can't be arsed with the learning bit'.
Augustine Mitzen
25.03.2013		listen to your fucking music
Gaynell Rydberg
25.03.2013
Originally Posted by lethal_pizzle
? You can close your eyes, eff the displays, stop counting and 'feel' the music just as well with Traktor as with anything else... all 'counting' means is that you need to practice more; eventually you'll just 'know'. I've never met a good DJ who doesn't know his phrases inside out, whether it's on vinyl, Traktor, Serato, Ableton or top of the range CDJs like the OP has.

As regards the actual tracks themselves: learn 'em OP. The system you've invested in isn't going to tell you when to swap your basses over etc.
Traktor just tempts me too much It has too many nice things. I guess what I'm trying to say is I wish I put my money towards getting a nice CDJ rig instead of Traktor when I figure I'll eventually move to CDJ later on down the road.
Carlee Pickard
25.03.2013
Originally Posted by lethal_pizzle
? You can close your eyes, eff the displays, stop counting and 'feel' the music just as well with Traktor as with anything else...
I agree, however with CDJ's it FORCES you to do things without crutches. Especially display, and sync wise. People usually should do or can do a LOT of things, but they don't. Sometimes you just have to force yourself. Or maybe that is just how I see it.
Lana Akey
24.03.2013
Originally Posted by Audeo
Lip,
By now you've created at least half a dozen threads asking extremely basic questions.
At first I helped you, so did a lot of other folks, but by now it comes across as plain laziness.

You don't want to read manuals, you don't want to google, you don't even bother trying your gear before posting another thread.
You don't even want to set memories in RekordBox. There is even an app on OSX that can convert your Traktor cues to Rekordbox cues and you didn't bother to look for that. You simply posted another thread.

Why in Gods name did you buy your kit?
Wait wait what! I just got done redoing all my cue points in record box...I never knew such a program exist! Googling now!
Kristofer Krauel
24.03.2013
Originally Posted by lethal_pizzle
As regards the actual tracks themselves: learn 'em OP. The system you've invested in isn't going to tell you when to swap your basses over etc.
TOTALLY agree. Not knowing your music is lazy! Stop buying tunes until you know the ones you've already got inside and out.
Marshall Aby
24.03.2013		? You can close your eyes, eff the displays, stop counting and 'feel' the music just as well with Traktor as with anything else... all 'counting' means is that you need to practice more; eventually you'll just 'know'. I've never met a good DJ who doesn't know his phrases inside out, whether it's on vinyl, Traktor, Serato, Ableton or top of the range CDJs like the OP has.

As regards the actual tracks themselves: learn 'em OP. The system you've invested in isn't going to tell you when to swap your basses over etc.
Gaynell Rydberg
24.03.2013
Originally Posted by Coldfuzion
The thing I learned after leaving Traktor and moving to CDJ's was feeling my music. Fuck counting. I do too much of it in general as I am an accounting / finance guy. Just FEEL your music. I mean close your eyes, fuck the displays, fuck it all, and just feel the music within the depths of your body and you'll be able to tell.
Agreed.

When I try to count, I end up losing myself in the counts and missing drops. I really wish I got CDJs instead of Traktor.
Carlee Pickard
24.03.2013		The thing I learned after leaving Traktor and moving to CDJ's was feeling my music. Fuck counting. I do too much of it in general as I am an accounting / finance guy. Just FEEL your music. I mean close your eyes, fuck the displays, fuck it all, and just feel the music within the depths of your body and you'll be able to tell.
Georgie Lukowiak
24.03.2013
Originally Posted by Audeo
Lip,
By now you've created at least half a dozen threads asking extremely basic questions.
At first I helped you, so did a lot of other folks, but by now it comes across as plain laziness.

You don't want to read manuals, you don't want to google, you don't even bother trying your gear before posting another thread.
You don't even want to set memories in RekordBox. There is even an app on OSX that can convert your Traktor cues to Rekordbox cues and you didn't bother to look for that. You simply posted another thread.

Why in Gods name did you buy your kit?
+1 on that sir .
Delfina Suedmeyer
25.03.2013
Originally Posted by Audeo
Lip,
By now you've created at least half a dozen threads asking extremely basic questions.
At first I helped you, so did a lot of other folks, but by now it comes across as plain laziness.

You don't want to read manuals, you don't want to google, you don't even bother trying your gear before posting another thread.
You don't even want to set memories in RekordBox. There is even an app on OSX that can convert your Traktor cues to Rekordbox cues and you didn't bother to look for that. You simply posted another thread.

Why in Gods name did you buy your kit?
+100000000

<< Back to General DiscussionReply
  • Page:
  • 1
  • 2
  • >>
  • Total: 48

Copyright 2012-2023
DJRANKINGS.ORG n.g.o.
Chuo-ku, Osaka, Japan

Created by Ajaxel CMS

Terms & Privacy