DDJ - SX vs. Z2

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DDJ - SX vs. Z2
Posted on: 04.10.2012 by Pierre Aliseo
Which one has peaked your interest more? What are the pro's and con's of moving to each and costs associated? Will you be picking one up?


Discuss.
Kandra Fagler
04.11.2012
Originally Posted by AllDay
Just curious as to why noone brings up the Numark 4 trak. It has everything an s4 does but at a cheaper price!

http://numark4trak.com/

numark-4trak-dj-controller-1.jpg

Its made for Traktor and has the pitch faders on the end of the controller. not in the middle like the one side on the s4.

Im gonna be purchasing this baby soon
i always wondered if the numark 4trak is HID like the s4 does it use tsi? how are the jogwheels?
Tera Baragan
03.11.2012		Just curious as to why noone brings up the Numark 4 trak. It has everything an s4 does but at a cheaper price!

http://numark4trak.com/

numark-4trak-dj-controller-1.jpg

Its made for Traktor and has the pitch faders on the end of the controller. not in the middle like the one side on the s4.

Im gonna be purchasing this baby soon
Gilberto Bordeau
04.10.2012
Originally Posted by shr3dder
Yeah but in a club that already has CDJs, 1200s, a 4 channel mixer? You don't rock up at a club and have to plug the turntables etc in, so no a controller isn't easier. It's just too big and most booths are cramped enough as it is, that and it's utterly pointless when clubs have top of the line gear already.

I have a DDJT1. I'd never dream of bringing that to a club, it'd be a evening mare.
Thats very true in the case when clubs have the right gear. Oddly enough, even tho NZ is the home of Serato. There are clubs here that dont have gear. Which is mental. However i have played out on my DDJS1 which I throw a Keyboard stand under and its epic, iv played a couple gigs on the dance floors, which was scary but but the crowd behaved and it was amazing being amgnst it. Kinda how Girl Talk does. Worth a try fellas its a good time
Ara Tima
04.10.2012
Originally Posted by Buddyhollywood
Maybe im wrong but im sure he was having a go

The size of the unit? really? I use the DDJS1 and controllers are easier to set up then Turntables/CDJ's and a mixer.

The fact the SX has phono imputs makes me believe that you maybe able to use turntables with a control records, but i could be wrong.
Yeah but in a club that already has CDJs, 1200s, a 4 channel mixer? You don't rock up at a club and have to plug the turntables etc in, so no a controller isn't easier. It's just too big and most booths are cramped enough as it is, that and it's utterly pointless when clubs have top of the line gear already.

I have a DDJT1. I'd never dream of bringing that to a club, it'd be a evening mare.
Gilberto Bordeau
04.10.2012
Originally Posted by shr3dder
That's what I took out of it too. Imagine rocking up to a club and trying to set this thing up.


I like the idea/look of the SX... I'm just not too keen on swapping software, especially for Serato DJ which as first-gen software I'm imagining bugs.
Maybe im wrong but im sure he was having a go

The size of the unit? really? I use the DDJS1 and controllers are easier to set up then Turntables/CDJ's and a mixer.

The fact the SX has phono imputs makes me believe that you maybe able to use turntables with a control records, but i could be wrong.
Ara Tima
04.10.2012
Originally Posted by elliot1106
Awkward, I believe his comment might have being in regard to the size of the controller.
That's what I took out of it too. Imagine rocking up to a club and trying to set this thing up.


I like the idea/look of the SX... I'm just not too keen on swapping software, especially for Serato DJ which as first-gen software I'm imagining bugs.
Kandra Fagler
04.11.2012
Originally Posted by AllDay
Just curious as to why noone brings up the Numark 4 trak. It has everything an s4 does but at a cheaper price!

http://numark4trak.com/

numark-4trak-dj-controller-1.jpg

Its made for Traktor and has the pitch faders on the end of the controller. not in the middle like the one side on the s4.

Im gonna be purchasing this baby soon
i always wondered if the numark 4trak is HID like the s4 does it use tsi? how are the jogwheels?
Rochel Papillion
03.11.2012		I tihnk the people geting Z2 might be interested in this
Tera Baragan
03.11.2012		Just curious as to why noone brings up the Numark 4 trak. It has everything an s4 does but at a cheaper price!

http://numark4trak.com/

numark-4trak-dj-controller-1.jpg

Its made for Traktor and has the pitch faders on the end of the controller. not in the middle like the one side on the s4.

Im gonna be purchasing this baby soon
Kandra Fagler
03.11.2012		i just bough the DDJ-SX few days back

the only problem with is, is that i have switched from serato to Traktor for many years now, and i have built up a good traktor collection, all gridded, hot cues and all, the DDJ-SX really got me into Serato again but im really not ready to sacrifice my time and effort to move all my collection into Serato again, so at the moment the way I use the DDJ-SX is really just for jamming at home

there is a traktor mapping for it out already (saw it in djtt mappings page) but i havent tried it out

for those traktor users (like me) who are believeing of getting the DDJ-SX - its really a good solid device, the best controller i ever used - and i owned the Traktor S4/S2/VCI300 in the past, this one kills all the competition, the jogwheels are big and responsive, the pitch sliders are full length, cdj-style, the strip search bar is awesome, good hotcue pads - ITS DA SHIT!! like everything i could ever wanted in a controller - including replaceable crossfaders - the only thing is that.... its for Serato

for Serato users or people who dont mind switching into serato - at $999 its a steal! for traktor users - i dont believe there will be a mapping that can replicate the same hardware/software integration the way the DDJ-sx works with Serato dj at the moment, so, yeah....

just my 2 cents
Rochel Papillion
02.11.2012		Z2 is nice but will there be a z4?.....
Francisca Flaucher
02.11.2012		the SX CAN be applied in a club setting but i believe pioneer was shooting more for the mobile DJ market when they built this controller. of course we all know dj booths are cramped in one way or another and you'll still find 1200s and/or CDJs, most likely a pioneer djm of some sort or rane 57/62/68 or no mixer at all. but the sx is a very capable unit that has more than enough features to compliment both the club and mobile DJ alike.

as for the Z2, looks like a promising piece of gear in terms of it's features. although pictures just don't do it justice and i would like to get a hands on demo to get a good feel of it's quality. having touched the S4 which this looks to be of a similar build giving off a plastic feel that of a kids toy. but i sure wouldn't rush out to be one of the first to own it as this is NI's first hardware mixer that requires the connection of external sources ie cd players, turntables, etc. but if it turns out be a solid build i can see a lot of DJs at least converting over to traktor to use this mixer, especially those that aren't already on the rane mixers.

and the whole serato/traktor debate about which one is better all boils down to preference. which software/hardware combination suits you best and your playing style? personally, i use serato because of the video aspect. i still DJ as i would if it were analog without the need for all the effects that traktor has to offer. i've seen great things come from traktor and i have nothing bad to say about it as i've never used it since what traktor offers i have no real use for. i believe if traktor brought video capability into the software, the Z2 just might find it's way into my setup.
Kandra Fagler
05.10.2012		hmm i might need to check this rekordbuddy program out if it works as described then it would be ACE
Marcelene Bielenda
04.10.2012		I was believeing of getting cdj-850's and a denon x1600, but now im debating getting the ddj-nx and two cdj 850's. It would be the same price and i would still be able to learn on cdj's with usb's if i want or use the serato.

Only thing im not sure of is if i can use the dedicated filters when using the mixer as standalone. Or if the support for the 850 for serato dj will be there.
Gilberto Bordeau
04.10.2012
Originally Posted by shr3dder
Yeah but in a club that already has CDJs, 1200s, a 4 channel mixer? You don't rock up at a club and have to plug the turntables etc in, so no a controller isn't easier. It's just too big and most booths are cramped enough as it is, that and it's utterly pointless when clubs have top of the line gear already.

I have a DDJT1. I'd never dream of bringing that to a club, it'd be a evening mare.
Thats very true in the case when clubs have the right gear. Oddly enough, even tho NZ is the home of Serato. There are clubs here that dont have gear. Which is mental. However i have played out on my DDJS1 which I throw a Keyboard stand under and its epic, iv played a couple gigs on the dance floors, which was scary but but the crowd behaved and it was amazing being amgnst it. Kinda how Girl Talk does. Worth a try fellas its a good time
Ara Tima
04.10.2012
Originally Posted by Buddyhollywood
Maybe im wrong but im sure he was having a go

The size of the unit? really? I use the DDJS1 and controllers are easier to set up then Turntables/CDJ's and a mixer.

The fact the SX has phono imputs makes me believe that you maybe able to use turntables with a control records, but i could be wrong.
Yeah but in a club that already has CDJs, 1200s, a 4 channel mixer? You don't rock up at a club and have to plug the turntables etc in, so no a controller isn't easier. It's just too big and most booths are cramped enough as it is, that and it's utterly pointless when clubs have top of the line gear already.

I have a DDJT1. I'd never dream of bringing that to a club, it'd be a evening mare.
Gilberto Bordeau
04.10.2012
Originally Posted by shr3dder
That's what I took out of it too. Imagine rocking up to a club and trying to set this thing up.


I like the idea/look of the SX... I'm just not too keen on swapping software, especially for Serato DJ which as first-gen software I'm imagining bugs.
Maybe im wrong but im sure he was having a go

The size of the unit? really? I use the DDJS1 and controllers are easier to set up then Turntables/CDJ's and a mixer.

The fact the SX has phono imputs makes me believe that you maybe able to use turntables with a control records, but i could be wrong.
Ara Tima
04.10.2012
Originally Posted by elliot1106
Awkward, I believe his comment might have being in regard to the size of the controller.
That's what I took out of it too. Imagine rocking up to a club and trying to set this thing up.


I like the idea/look of the SX... I'm just not too keen on swapping software, especially for Serato DJ which as first-gen software I'm imagining bugs.
Linda Chavda
04.10.2012		Awkward, I believe his comment might have being in regard to the size of the controller.
Gilberto Bordeau
04.10.2012
Originally Posted by loverocket
in your bedroom.
Nice mate. Not that I need to defend myself however I have a residency and play at every club in my city. I appreciate you pessimism, I mean my 3 posts to your 703 does make me look rather new to this, however I have DJ around New Zealand and even spent a winter season DJ in Whistler in Canada. I didnt wash in with the rain yesterday "loverocket". Oh an congrats on your new friends request. Must be stock being the only one and all.
Ashanti Andreacchio
04.10.2012
Originally Posted by DJZILCH

the ddj-aero's rekordbox thing is really handy, coz basically i can jam at home with the rekordbox usb's and use the very same thumb drives to play out coz all the clubs these days have either the 900s/2000s (at least over here)
Get Rekord Buddy from the app store you can export/sync your playlists from Traktor to Rekordbox it will store your cue points as memory cues in rekordbox. That way you can continu using Traktor and have the same libery for Rekordbox for when you just want to bring a thump drive

I'm much more for the DDJ SX it's big yes but what I'm bringing out now is eeven bigger. I'll try out Serato DJ but will map it to Traktor as it's my wepon of choice.
Breanne Penge
04.10.2012
Originally Posted by Buddyhollywood
which im sure means you can use serato control records
Don't believe this will be an option off the hop with seratoDJ
Jerica Salava
04.10.2012
Originally Posted by Buddyhollywood
I believe the SX its sick! being able to run turntable, which im sure means you can use serato control records makes this an amazing product for me. 4 deck control with the mix of turntables and controller! epic! Plus sp6. theres no need for the bridge.
in your bedroom.
Gilberto Bordeau
04.10.2012		I believe the SX its sick! being able to run turntable, which im sure means you can use serato control records makes this an amazing product for me. 4 deck control with the mix of turntables and controller! epic! Plus sp6. theres no need for the bridge.
Nancey Inderlied
04.10.2012
Originally Posted by DJZILCH
i am exactly in the middle between getting the xdj-aero now or the ddj-SX

i already have a setup of rane ttm-56s, TSP (audio6) and X1 + maschine

when i play out in the clubs its a massive pain to setup timecode CDs, coz usually the dj before me or after me either use rekordbox usb or use Serato, so we always have to unhook - rehook the stuff after everyone plays, its often dark, and sometimes things get weird when you had a drink or two, so i really wanna get into rekordbox so i can just plug and play

the thing with the DDJSX is that its so big that i am unlikely to bring it out, so basically when i jam at home and outside it will be different system and different software, thats what keeping me from getting the ddj-sx when it comes out - it looks great but its not so practical for bringing out

the ddj-aero's rekordbox thing is really handy, coz basically i can jam at home with the rekordbox usb's and use the very same thumb drives to play out coz all the clubs these days have either the 900s/2000s (at least over here)
Why not just buy whatever you want for home, and then just make a Rekordbox drive for playing out.

Come to believe of it, why have you been shortening the booth manager's lifespan by not having a Rekordbox drive already?
Kandra Fagler
04.10.2012		i am exactly in the middle between getting the xdj-aero now or the ddj-SX

i already have a setup of rane ttm-56s, TSP (audio6) and X1 + maschine

when i play out in the clubs its a massive pain to setup timecode CDs, coz usually the dj before me or after me either use rekordbox usb or use Serato, so we always have to unhook - rehook the stuff after everyone plays, its often dark, and sometimes things get weird when you had a drink or two, so i really wanna get into rekordbox so i can just plug and play

the thing with the DDJSX is that its so big that i am unlikely to bring it out, so basically when i jam at home and outside it will be different system and different software, thats what keeping me from getting the ddj-sx when it comes out - it looks great but its not so practical for bringing out

the ddj-aero's rekordbox thing is really handy, coz basically i can jam at home with the rekordbox usb's and use the very same thumb drives to play out coz all the clubs these days have either the 900s/2000s (at least over here)
Celine Surico
04.10.2012
Originally Posted by 0.0
Laptops are a pain in the ass now? Way more convenient than a book of CDs or crate of vinyl.
...or a MacBook Air....
Jerica Salava
04.10.2012
Originally Posted by 0.0
Laptops are a pain in the ass now? Way more convenient than a book of CDs or crate of vinyl.
Yes. But not as convenient as a USB thumbdrive or an Ipad.
>
Breanne Penge
04.10.2012		DDJ - SX for sure. Looks like a great unit.
Dierdre Stillabower
04.10.2012
Originally Posted by Otacon
This. I kinda like the looks of a Z2, but doubt i'll end up grabbing one unless the prices comes down.
It's NI. Prices will come down right after I buy one.
Hanna Ridenbaugh
04.10.2012
Originally Posted by loverocket
You still need a pain in the ass laptop though.
You are right, there are times when I just don't want to lug anything more than just a couple of usb sticks with tunes and headphones.
Erich Vallabhaneni
04.10.2012
Originally Posted by 0.0
Laptops are a pain in the ass now? Way more convenient than a book of CDs or crate of vinyl.
This. I kinda like the looks of a Z2, but doubt i'll end up grabbing one unless the prices comes down.
Audrey Pinda
04.10.2012		Okay. So I emailed Serato asking about the DDJ-SX. Currently I use 1200's with Serato, but I'd love to have a controller setup to grab with me for smaller events, and just chilling with friends easily. I love the tables, but it is a pain in the neck. I've been looking into potentially just getting an ITCH controller... but this thing, really got me believeing.

Honestly, I'd love something similar to the S4 with control over timecode if I had turntables hooked up. I'm more than happy with Serato though, and don't really care to switch.

This is my email:

"Honestly, I really like the idea of Serato DJ.

Here's the kicker though that I've really been waiting for, and from what I'm reading, I'm not sure is going to be offered just yet.

I currently use Serato Scratch Live with two 1200's and a Rane TTM-56 mixer. I've been believeing about getting a controller for awhile now, but I really just honestly like using turntables. And I don't want to lose that functionality when I'm able to.

Does Serato DJ allow me to control vinyl DVS if plugged into the Pioneer DDJ-SX? Basically, can I plug my turntables into the Pioneer DDJ-SX, throw on timecode vinyl, and be able to control the software? Even if I had to keep my SL1 hooked up into the setup, would it allow for control of DVS within Serato DJ?

Thank you for your time. This is the ONE feature I'm waiting for (and don't know ever will exist) that is keeping me from getting a controller with Serato. Until then, sticking with traditional tables and CDJ's I suppose.

... I really like that DDJ-SX though."

This is the reply I got:

"Good to hear from you.

Unfortunately Serato DJ won't allow you to control the hardware through your turntables just yet.

However the DDJ-SX will run with DJ Pro although it can also be used as a standalone mixer. This means that you can plug in two turntables and a Scratch Live box so you can use Scratch Live. You can even use the two platters on the controller along with two turntables for four deck control. This means that you have plenty of options.

The DJ Pro software is fantastic software

If you have any more questions please don't hesitate to ask"


So this leaves me with a few questions. But. Interesting.
Dierdre Stillabower
04.10.2012
Originally Posted by loverocket
You still need a pain in the ass laptop though.
Laptops are a pain in the ass now? Way more convenient than a book of CDs or crate of vinyl.
Jerica Salava
04.10.2012
Originally Posted by zimfella
I still reckon modular units with a good mixer is the way forward. Easy to lug soundcard and small control units around then just use the clubs mixer.
You still need a pain in the ass laptop though.
Nestor Epper
04.10.2012		I love the way the thing looks! It looks like a serious piece of kit. I just wish it was native to Traktor. If i had the cash id be willing to take it for a spin and try serato though.
Hanna Ridenbaugh
04.10.2012		I still reckon modular units with a good mixer is the way forward. Easy to lug soundcard and small control units around then just use the clubs mixer.
Jerica Salava
04.10.2012		This year I believe the Pioneer XDJ-AERO and the Reloop Terminal 4 impressed me the most.

The no laptop concept of the AERO is a software killer and the Terminal 4 is a Kontrol S4 killer at $599 US.

The DDJ-SX is too big and Serato is still playing catch up to Traktor.

IMO the hardware mixer is obsolete. It has strong sentimental values (R.I.P. my Vestax PMC-25), but no need for one in 2012.

And if you love great analog mixers, then you might as well play vinyl, because a hybrid mixer is not an analog mixer.



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