Which CDJ Is Right For Me?

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Which CDJ Is Right For Me?
Posted on: 08.06.2012 by Jeraldine Raterink
Hi.

I've been looking around for a few days now for a new set up.
So far, i've decided that I'm going to stick with traktor, and i'm going to get an S4 so that I can control it completely.
However, i have also decided that I want 4 separate CDJs to control each deck. The two little platters on the S4 won't be enough for me because I want 4, not 2, and they're very small.

So, best case scenario, I want 4 Pioneer CDJ 900s.
Unfortunately, that is very expensive!

What CDJs should I get that don't cost as much? Also, slip mode is very nice.

OR, are there any midi CDJs that really aren't CDJs? If that makes sense.
I don't really need to play songs off them, or CDs. I just need them to control the deck.

For example, the DJ Tech CDJ 101 is simply a platter... that's it.
http://www.djtechpro.com/product_det...product_id=539

I have two of those now and well... they're god awful. BUT I do like the idea of them only being used only as a platter. I just wish it had a bit more, was bigger, and didn't suck.


I'd like something with loop controls on it, slip mode, and hot cues.
It can be just a regular CDJ or a "not CDJ".
If possible, nothing over $1000. But if you believe something is really perfect for me and over $1000, let me know.

Any recommendations?

PS: Here's just a random question, is there anyway to use slip mode on a CDJ that doesn't have the option built in? Maybe something in Traktor? Any way at all to do it?
Jeraldine Raterink
12.06.2012
Originally Posted by brichi
what about the new Denon 2900, has slip mode too
that looks like it has a smaller platter, no hot cues, and is more expensive than the gemini cdj700
why would i prefer that?
Leota Dolney
11.06.2012
Originally Posted by deevey
  • No slip Mode
  • Slower to Load
  • No Transpose Function!!!! (about time its on a CDJ!).
  • No Touchscreen (I know its a Gimmick really).
  • Lack of Bigger/Better wheel with LCD indicators and Resistance control



All the above feature are well worth the extra $100 bucks for the 700 I'd believe ?
Agreed. But the OP wanted 4 CDJs with MIDI to use with Traktor...so that is a minimum of $400 extra for the 700s over the 650s. If they are using them with timecode CDs to control Traktor, then that becomes a bigger issue, but for just MIDI/HID inTraktor, they might give him a lesser expensive option that is also more compact as they want 4 decks.

But all other things being equal, the 700s are nicer and maybe a better value long-term anyway.
Rolanda Clodfelder
11.06.2012
Originally Posted by DirtyNerd
Consider the Gemini CDJ 650. They are the "little brother of the CDJ 700". I am believeing of picking up a pair myself. Mostly all the same features, USB, CD, MIDI etc....no touchscreen and smaller platter, but cheaper!
  • No slip Mode
  • Slower to Load
  • No Transpose Function!!!! (about time its on a CDJ!).
  • No Touchscreen (I know its a Gimmick really).
  • Lack of Bigger/Better wheel with LCD indicators and Resistance control



All the above feature are well worth the extra $100 bucks for the 700 I'd believe ?
Leota Dolney
11.06.2012
Originally Posted by Endure
PERFECT. exactly what i was looking for!

Thanks! I'm getting these!
Consider the Gemini CDJ 650. They are the "little brother of the CDJ 700". I am believeing of picking up a pair myself. Mostly all the same features, USB, CD, MIDI etc....no touchscreen and smaller platter, but cheaper!
Jeraldine Raterink
10.06.2012
Originally Posted by deevey
Gemini CDJ700 perhaps ? .. Midi, Media player, slip mode, quantize, CDJ style/size jogs, soundcard

Actually pretty much all the features of the CDJ2k except for Rekordbox and a smaller screen and under $500 each.

PERFECT. exactly what i was looking for!

Thanks! I'm getting these!
Rolanda Clodfelder
10.06.2012
Originally Posted by Endure
Looks alright. Looks a little old and boxy though, and i'm not really a fan of the buttons.
Gemini CDJ700 perhaps ? .. Midi, Media player, slip mode, quantize, CDJ style/size jogs, soundcard

Actually pretty much all the features of the CDJ2k except for Rekordbox and a smaller screen and under $500 each.

Jeraldine Raterink
10.06.2012
Originally Posted by VincentCools
What about the Synq dmc-1000, it got slip mode, hotcues and it's full midi mappable. The price is arround €450, the build quality is very good.
Looks alright. Looks a little old and boxy though, and i'm not really a fan of the buttons.
Jeraldine Raterink
12.06.2012		oh alright, i didn't see that it had 4 cue points.
well i'll consider that too, if i have the money at the time
Alfredo Tooher
12.06.2012		its a 7" platter vs and 8" platter on the gemini so no huge difference
there are 4 hot cues on the denon, only 3 on the gemini
yes it is more but remember, gemini is pretty much garbage and you will regret getting it im sure in the near future. At least denon will do updates and keep the 2900 up and running for a long time
Jeraldine Raterink
12.06.2012
Originally Posted by brichi
what about the new Denon 2900, has slip mode too
that looks like it has a smaller platter, no hot cues, and is more expensive than the gemini cdj700
why would i prefer that?
Rolanda Clodfelder
12.06.2012		Here's a question for someone out there...

What happens when if use slip mode with DVS ?
Alfredo Tooher
11.06.2012		what about the new Denon 2900, has slip mode too
Leota Dolney
11.06.2012
Originally Posted by deevey
  • No slip Mode
  • Slower to Load
  • No Transpose Function!!!! (about time its on a CDJ!).
  • No Touchscreen (I know its a Gimmick really).
  • Lack of Bigger/Better wheel with LCD indicators and Resistance control



All the above feature are well worth the extra $100 bucks for the 700 I'd believe ?
Agreed. But the OP wanted 4 CDJs with MIDI to use with Traktor...so that is a minimum of $400 extra for the 700s over the 650s. If they are using them with timecode CDs to control Traktor, then that becomes a bigger issue, but for just MIDI/HID inTraktor, they might give him a lesser expensive option that is also more compact as they want 4 decks.

But all other things being equal, the 700s are nicer and maybe a better value long-term anyway.
Rolanda Clodfelder
11.06.2012
Originally Posted by DirtyNerd
Consider the Gemini CDJ 650. They are the "little brother of the CDJ 700". I am believeing of picking up a pair myself. Mostly all the same features, USB, CD, MIDI etc....no touchscreen and smaller platter, but cheaper!
  • No slip Mode
  • Slower to Load
  • No Transpose Function!!!! (about time its on a CDJ!).
  • No Touchscreen (I know its a Gimmick really).
  • Lack of Bigger/Better wheel with LCD indicators and Resistance control



All the above feature are well worth the extra $100 bucks for the 700 I'd believe ?
Leota Dolney
11.06.2012
Originally Posted by Endure
PERFECT. exactly what i was looking for!

Thanks! I'm getting these!
Consider the Gemini CDJ 650. They are the "little brother of the CDJ 700". I am believeing of picking up a pair myself. Mostly all the same features, USB, CD, MIDI etc....no touchscreen and smaller platter, but cheaper!
Jeraldine Raterink
10.06.2012
Originally Posted by deevey
Gemini CDJ700 perhaps ? .. Midi, Media player, slip mode, quantize, CDJ style/size jogs, soundcard

Actually pretty much all the features of the CDJ2k except for Rekordbox and a smaller screen and under $500 each.

PERFECT. exactly what i was looking for!

Thanks! I'm getting these!
Rolanda Clodfelder
10.06.2012
Originally Posted by Endure
Looks alright. Looks a little old and boxy though, and i'm not really a fan of the buttons.
Gemini CDJ700 perhaps ? .. Midi, Media player, slip mode, quantize, CDJ style/size jogs, soundcard

Actually pretty much all the features of the CDJ2k except for Rekordbox and a smaller screen and under $500 each.

Jeraldine Raterink
10.06.2012
Originally Posted by VincentCools
What about the Synq dmc-1000, it got slip mode, hotcues and it's full midi mappable. The price is arround €450, the build quality is very good.
Looks alright. Looks a little old and boxy though, and i'm not really a fan of the buttons.
Janella Gripe
10.06.2012		What about the Synq dmc-1000, it got slip mode, hotcues and it's full midi mappable. The price is arround €450, the build quality is very good.
Jeraldine Raterink
09.06.2012		I don't NEED CD player, but that would work for me.
I'm looking for a controller to take the place of CDJs.
Kiyoko Wellisch
09.06.2012		I'm confused. Are we talking about CD players or controllers?

Originally Posted by fullenglishpint
Denon dn-sc2000? Slip mode's pretty much exclusive to the CDJ-900 afaik.
I thought all the Denon players had slip before Pioneers, only they called it "Dump"?
Edwina Fagel
10.06.2012		Eks Otus? They're oldschool, but you can find them pretty cheap online.
Isa Erik
09.06.2012
Originally Posted by fullenglishpint
Denon dn-sc2000? Slip mode's pretty much exclusive to the CDJ-900 afaik.
i really recommend the Denon SC2000, a great midi controller is somebody doesn't want to pay 900$ for a CDJ just to use them for Traktor

and no, slip mode is also avilable on the Denon SC 2900 (if you can wait for it to become available)
Nancey Inderlied
09.06.2012		Refurb 900s. $900 a deck from Pioneer.
Jeraldine Raterink
08.06.2012		Yeah! I really like the Denon! But it's really small, so i'd like something bigger.
I don't believe i'll be able to get slip mode while using traktor anyway, it wouldn't work right.

I wish Traktor itself had a "slip mode" effect or something.

Anyway, i believe i like the dc-sc2000 bit, but keep recommending things.
Tatum Ansaldo
08.06.2012		Denon dn-sc2000? Slip mode's pretty much exclusive to the CDJ-900 afaik.
Jeraldine Raterink
08.06.2012		There's no slip mode for CDJ850.
Bunny Sockel
08.06.2012		Cdj 850's are just under a thousand dollars go with them

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