Who made the switch from vinyl? Gear advice needed
Who made the switch from vinyl? Gear advice needed Posted on: 26.03.2011 by Rosita Mosby Hi all,I'm a former dj who's been out of the scene for the past 5 years. I started djing in the 90s on 1200s, did my rounds at the clubs for about 10 years. When the whole dvs revolution started to take place, I thought it was amazing and got myself Final Scratch. This thing was a evening mare filled with bugs and I immediately sold it. I was traumatized enough to refuse to make the switch. (At the time I was also anti-cd, lol.) Couple years later I did try Serato, which did seem a lot more reliable but found myself having trouble adjusting. Then between work and grad school I decided to focus on other things. Now I'm looking to get back into djing and have found myself in a whole new world of tech. I feel like a dinosaur in this digital dj world. Last week I found out that Technics stopped making 12s and I had to stop and believe about that for a minute. Well we all have to adapt and I believe if I want to get back in, I'm going to need to accept that it's just not feasible to lug crates of records around anymore. (Nevermind I can't even buy vinyl because all the stores closed down!) So anyway, here are the options I'm looking at: 1) Denon X1600- run Traktor with my 1200s ($1k) 2) Pioneer DJM-800 with Traktor Skratch ($1k used + $~600 for TSPRO) 3) Traktor S4 ($1k) 4) Full Pio setup to spin CDs(DJM and some CDJS) $3k+ What I'm looking for right now is something to play with while I get comfortable again. If things go well, I'm going to want to get back in the club scene so most important is that whatever I'm practicing on will let me immediately feel comfortable in a club. I live in NYC where there's a lot of tiny cramped inhumane dj booths. I doubt it's possible to bring an S4 to the club, which has me worried of practicing on one of those. At the same time, I believe my fear of going DVS 5 years ago kinda left me in the dust, and if the world is going the way of the controller, I'm believeing maybe I should just suck it up and make the switch now. So after all my rambling, my question is for those of you who have made the transition from actual vinyl, what do you believe my best option is? | |
| Inez Marcinik 01.04.2011 | xone 4d's arnt really that expensive considering what your getting and comparing with other mixers, djm-800 would only be like |
| Inez Marcinik 01.04.2011 | xone 4d's arnt really that expensive considering what your getting and comparing with other mixers, djm-800 would only be like |
| Inez Marcinik 01.04.2011 | xone 4d's arnt really that expensive considering what your getting and comparing with other mixers, djm-800 would only be like |
| Inez Marcinik 01.04.2011 | xone 4d's arnt really that expensive considering what your getting and comparing with other mixers, djm-800 would only be like |
| Inez Marcinik 01.04.2011 | xone 4d's arnt really that expensive considering what your getting and comparing with other mixers, djm-800 would only be like |
| Inez Marcinik 01.04.2011 | xone 4d's arnt really that expensive considering what your getting and comparing with other mixers, djm-800 would only be like |
| Inez Marcinik 01.04.2011 | xone 4d's arnt really that expensive considering what your getting and comparing with other mixers, djm-800 would only be like |
| Inez Marcinik 01.04.2011 | xone 4d's arnt really that expensive considering what your getting and comparing with other mixers, djm-800 would only be like |
| Inez Marcinik 01.04.2011 | xone 4d's arnt really that expensive considering what your getting and comparing with other mixers, djm-800 would only be like |
| Inez Marcinik 01.04.2011 | xone 4d's arnt really that expensive considering what your getting and comparing with other mixers, djm-800 would only be like |
| Inez Marcinik 01.04.2011 | xone 4d's arnt really that expensive considering what your getting and comparing with other mixers, djm-800 would only be like |
| Inez Marcinik 01.04.2011 | xone 4d's arnt really that expensive considering what your getting and comparing with other mixers, djm-800 would only be like |
| Inez Marcinik 01.04.2011 | xone 4d's arnt really that expensive considering what your getting and comparing with other mixers, djm-800 would only be like |
| Inez Marcinik 01.04.2011 | xone 4d's arnt really that expensive considering what your getting and comparing with other mixers, djm-800 would only be like |
| Inez Marcinik 01.04.2011 | xone 4d's arnt really that expensive considering what your getting and comparing with other mixers, djm-800 would only be like |
| Inez Marcinik 01.04.2011 | xone 4d's arnt really that expensive considering what your getting and comparing with other mixers, djm-800 would only be like |
| Inez Marcinik 01.04.2011 | xone 4d's arnt really that expensive considering what your getting and comparing with other mixers, djm-800 would only be like |
| Inez Marcinik 01.04.2011 | xone 4d's arnt really that expensive considering what your getting and comparing with other mixers, djm-800 would only be like |
| Rosita Mosby 08.04.2011 | Hey I just wanted to let you guys know I won a used xone dx on eBay. I didnt pay that muvh so if I dobt like it I can probably sell it and not lose money. Plan b is a 1600 or xone with 2 x1s |
| Danae Dumler 05.04.2011 | Pioneer gear is way overpriced IMHO -- if you're going to drop that much money, take others' advice here and go with a xone 4D. Forget the DX IMHO, unless you really want to use Serato Itch, it's lame -- not only does it feel cheap for A+H gear, it depends on the software (i.e. it's not a standalone mixer). I've also heard great things about the Denon 1600 so that might be a good way to go cheaper. A lot less MIDI flexibility (and probably weight!) than the 4D though. And I'm guessing the effects are pretty decent sounding. |
| Inez Marcinik 01.04.2011 | xone 4d's arnt really that expensive considering what your getting and comparing with other mixers, djm-800 would only be like |
| Chas Giraldez 31.03.2011 | geez, the 4d is dropping some major cash, but with your 1200's and tp2, you would pretty much have the ultimate setup. |
| Rosita Mosby 31.03.2011 | Wow thanks to everyone for your thoughts. This used to be so much easier, either you had 1200s or you had crap. didn't consider the s3700s ill look into those but right now seem to be leaning towards the xone dx or 4d. |
| Adrien Hochstrasser 31.03.2011 | I would highly recommend the Denon 3700, you will love it. If I had the money, that's the setup I would go with. Forget about the S4, you won't like going from vinyl to that. Three words, tiny jog wheels. The fanboys on this site say that to every "what should I buy question." What I use is the Numark V7, it's very nice and has excellent build quality. The thing weighs around 20lbs and is solid metal! It's definitely not a toy. It was my second choice over the 3700, but I found a really good price on the V7, and it comes with the excellent Serato Itch software. |
| Chas Giraldez 30.03.2011 | Because I have (and love) an X1600, I would so highly recommend it that I could scream. that and an X1 and you have a perfect setup |
| Vernie Beharry 30.03.2011 | ^+1 on Yep's statement. Nuport I had a hands on with the Denon 3700, and it is THE closest representation to turntablism that I've tried. The NS7 was really clost, but those smaller platters kinda got to me (NS7 = 7 inches , 3700 = 9 in). I know it's 2 inches, but it does make a difference when your crossing over to digital, which was why I stayed away from platter based controllers till this past year, when i started using cue point juggles, and looped rather than back cue then find the beat again. It is all up to what you like. . .gear can change, but with the skills you learn/master from digital just adds to the fun of Djing again. |
| Gloria Lemmel 30.03.2011 | If you plan on going the route of the CDJ's I'd suggest straying away from the Pioneers at least for now. They're really expensive and honestly aren't much better than the Denon S3700s, which also has full functionality to spin CDs and use any software you would like. If you are going to get a mixer, if you invest in the S3700s you save a couple grand instead of getting the top of the line Pioneers and could probably invest in a used DJM-900 or find a used DJM 2000 for around the same price of a new 900 or cheaper. I'm no expert in external mixing, but I did use 1200s and a denon mixer for a while until my serato box mysteriously disappeared... I highly suggest at least considering the S3700, maybe calling around and seeing if you can use a set at a store for a little while just to get the feel. It should remind you of the 1200s without being too dated. |
| Random X 28.03.2011 | S4 went great for me! |
| Cristian Carmona 27.03.2011 | I would say CDJ-800's or 850's and a DJM-400 & ur DVS of Choice: Traktor or Serato. If you goto the serato route, it would be easier for you to setup and most clubs its plug and play. Plus the Pioneer & Serato gear has good re-sale value. If you decide to sell the Traktor gear its tough to get what you paid for. |
| Monroe Vandeslunt 27.03.2011 | My recommendation? Buy a traktor S4 and get the DVS upgrade. That way you can still spin vinyl, you have access to a portable midi controller and you get TSP2. Considering the price vs TSP2, IMO its a no brainer for you. |
| Aracely Wosick 27.03.2011 | the numark ns7 or v7s offer a very close experience to vinyl http://www.numark.com/ns7 http://www.numark.com/v7 |
| Rosita Mosby 27.03.2011 | I used to spin hip hop but am now into house which I was I'm much more open about moving away from vinyl than I used to. On the occasions I had to use cd's instead of vinyl, I did find pushing buttons had a lot more possibilities, but in the context of hip hop I still felt limited. So I guess to answer your question, I'm more in an open-minded experimental mindset than I was say ten years ago. |
| Corey Tronchin 27.03.2011 | It really depends what kind of dj you are too I suppose. I went from vinyl to vci-100 (1.1) to now 2 times kontrol X1 and a mixer. If you're conceirned about portability with the S4, i would say X1's would be a good bet. BUT, I understand where you're coming from. It's bloody hard going from vinyl to anything else when it comes to feeling. In that way a good question would be if you're looking for a one-to-one replacement of vinyl or willing to take a deep dive into the world of midi with all it's pro's and cons (and probably change your style of djing in the proces). I guess the first question still stand, what kind of a dj are you? |
| Regine Hulme 27.03.2011 | Has way more midi controls , analog filters and great sound . If you analyze by features the denon it is great deal but the AH has a pedigree and it is true in the way how does it sounds and is analog mixer and sounds great when you peaked a little bit about 0db. I considered the denon also but if you have the cash I will go for the xone. Nowadays you can find it for 2000 bucks . The ideal scenario it is to try both because definitely is a plus In the denon the input matrix and all parameters for eq and effects that you can manipulate. |
| Earlean Lawicki 27.03.2011 | Haha, I was in exactly the same boat as you with the original finalscratch. That was utterly horrid. I never felt comfortable enough to gig with it due to its persistent crashes and I could never afford enough vinyl on a students budget so I stepped away for a few years. When I started working I purchased the latest incarnation of Traktor Scratch and was blown away - it was fantastic. But I found that when I was back into the club DJ scene, turntables were no longer considered the industry standard. Rather than purchase 2 CDJS I looked further afield and that's when I discovered this site, along with the VCI-300. I had to put up with a lot of derogatory comments from other DJ's (in addition to being disqualified from mixing contests) who don't understand that it's not what you use, but the results you achieve. But in short, it's dependent on what FEELS right and what gets you the best results. If you feel right at home behind a pair of 1200's, look at traktor scratch. If you want to explore the sonic possibilities of controllerism, then look at an S4. On another note, it might be worth taking a look at the DDJ-T1. It's pricier than the S4 and less compact, however, I feel right at home behind one of them. The S4 is a nice piece of kit but I've been using DJM's since I first started mixing. |
| Rosita Mosby 26.03.2011 | I was looking at the 4d as well. Why would you recommend the 4d over the Denon? Are there features the Denon doesn't have? |
| Regine Hulme 26.03.2011 | I started on vinyl, then on cd's, then on serato but the piece of gear that made me totally comfortable on traktor is the vci-100 with an audio 4 dj. I got like 3 years on that setup when I am on "compact" mode. If the venue has decent turntables definitely I go with serato but cd's and DVS is pointless for me in that case I prefer my vci100 or my xone 4d. I suggest the denon route, get tspro and after, when you are comfortable with traktor, pick a controller (vci100 is great, sturdy and fully customizable ). I got serato as well and I prefer over traktor as a DVS but traktor all the way to use with a controller. Do not like s4 because is not a standalone mixer and no booth out. Best advice: xone 4d you get the best of analog and digital worlds |
| Rosita Mosby 26.03.2011 | I have been leaning towards the Pioneer setup for every reason except the biggest one: cost! Going all pioneer is going to cost me like 4x every other option. One reason I like the denon mixer is its midi and has some extra buttons and the interface is built in. |
| Mellisa Calenda 26.03.2011 | Man if i had the money i would go full pioneer cdj/djm set up with TSP audio 8 or audio 4 to run a DVS though, and maybe a kontrol x1 so you could reap all the benefits of TSP. Your setup would be very light when playing at clubs (just the audio interface, kx1 and control vinyls/cds, and the DVS would be kinda close to what your used to. |
| Quiana Sedey 26.03.2011 | It depends on how you feel about control surface really. I started on vinyl, then moved to cd's (no more lugging records and needles? SWEET!) and have recently been using a controller and TPro. Some of my friends are still in love with vinyl as a control surface and love using serato/traktor scratch. Personally I dont really give a damn what I use, as long as its reliable and my sets sound good. |
<< Back to Reviews of DJ equipment Reply