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Future DJ Question

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Future DJ Question Posted on: 01.02.2013 by Linh Pierz Hey, I needed some input for my future DJ set up and I have a few questions. My set up would be as follows: DJ Software: Traktor Mixer: Kontrol Z2 Turntables: ??? Midi Controllers: Either 2 Midi Fighter Spectra's or 1 Midi Fighter Spectra and 1 Maschine MK2 I'm on a REALLY tight budget and as we all know, DJ gear isn't cheap. With that said, here are my questions. 1: What turntables should I get? So far, I found that Stanton turntables run relatively cheap. Anyone have any suggestions? 2: What midi controller should I get? I really love the concept of the Midi Fighter Spectra and I'm definitely getting at least one. But I also see DJ's using the Maschine. Which would you prefer? Thanks for your help. -ThePhanatik116
Doreen Schurle 04.02.2013	Originally Posted by LoopCat Nothing wrong with recommending them I wasn't having a go at anyone for that. It's more the idea that people believe they're the only viable option that is a bit wrong IMO. Especially when I doubt they have used anything decent from other companies. This. Over the years I've had Gemini, Numark, KAM, and most recently Soundlab decks, and I've preferred them ALL to the Technics. I've used them in clubs and around other peoples' houses, and they've never "felt" worth the extra money tbh. Speaking of Soundlab, the DLP-32s are actually pretty nice.
Ara Tima 04.02.2013	Originally Posted by LoopCat A $99 fix on a turntable that just cost $600 would be nasty surprise to some people especially if they weren't comfortable installing it themselves they would have to pay more to get someone to install it. Well you probably shouldn't pay $600 for a deck with a broken tone arm , but I understand your point. I doubt I'd ever buy anything else, nor recommend.
Ming Devis 04.02.2013	Originally Posted by shr3dder All fixable on the cheap. I replaced an entire tone arm and assembly for $99 late last year... You can get all the parts off ebay, and it's rather easy to install yourself.... Anyway my point is there is a reason people recommend these decks. They're tanks. Durability and reliability that only years and years of solid use can prove. Yeah the Stantons etc are nice decks, but will they work still in 10 years? Who knows. Will you be able to get parts? Probably not. A $99 fix on a turntable that just cost $600 would be nasty surprise to some people especially if they weren't comfortable installing it themselves they would have to pay more to get someone to install it. Nothing wrong with recommending them I wasn't having a go at anyone for that. It's more the idea that people believe they're the only viable option that is a bit wrong IMO. Especially when I doubt they have used anything decent from other companies.
Ara Tima 04.02.2013	Originally Posted by LoopCat Broken tone arms and shot pitch faders broken anti skate. All fixable on the cheap. I replaced an entire tone arm and assembly for $99 late last year... You can get all the parts off ebay, and it's rather easy to install yourself.... Anyway my point is there is a reason people recommend these decks. They're tanks. Durability and reliability that only years and years of solid use can prove. Yeah the Stantons etc are nice decks, but will they work still in 10 years? Who knows. Will you be able to get parts? Probably not. I got a 1200 for $450 late last year. I see 1210's go on ITM/Gumtree/Ebay for $300-600 regularly (my housemate got 3 for $750 early last year, with a broken one thrown in for free). There is still loads of cheap ones around, you just gotta shop and realise you don't need the MK5s
Ara Tima 04.02.2013	Originally Posted by LoopCat Yeah Technics are awesome but you can still run into expensive trouble with them especially if they are second hand and it's your first set of TT's. http://www.gumtree.com.au/s-stanton+str8+150/k0 1 set for $800... not quite the same price, but I get your point Expensive trouble? Really? Of what kind? They are cheap as chips to get fixed. I know dozens of people that can fix them in Melbourne/Sydney. Compared to less popular brands they are probably the easiest model of TT to get fixed/serviced and parts for.....
Ming Devis 04.02.2013	Originally Posted by shr3dder Link me. I'd love a set of stantons for $600. They are the best of the rest, I won't argue with that. You'd never need your warranty on a set of 1200s, that's why their so highly regarded, One of my decks is 15 years old and still going. Yeah Technics are awesome but you can still run into expensive trouble with them especially if they are second hand and it's your first set of TT's. http://www.gumtree.com.au/s-stanton+str8+150/k0
Ara Tima 04.02.2013	Originally Posted by LoopCat You can get a pair of stanton str8 150's second hand for the price of one technics turntable. Or a brand new pair for the same price as a second hand set with warranty. Link me. I'd love a set of stantons for $600. They are the best of the rest, I won't argue with that. My gripe was with the cheaper tables bit.... Stantons aren't much cheaper then second hand 1200s ($700AUD for a str8-150) You'd never need your warranty on a set of 1200s, that's why their so highly regarded, One of my decks is 15 years old and still going.
Ming Devis 04.02.2013	Originally Posted by shr3dder No. Not true. The cheaper brands are absolute tosh. Stanton 150s are good, so are the Vextax decks (though I believe they've stopped making them recently too) But brands like DJ Tech, Cheaper stantons, numark, american dj etc are just cheap rubbish. Tunrtables are not something you can make on the cheap, there is so much more to it then "just a cart" Have you compared cheaper ones to 1200s/St-150s? If you have you can tell the difference just from the motor. You can get a pair of stanton str8 150's second hand for the price of one technics turntable. Or a brand new pair for the same price as a second hand set with warranty. I agree the cheaper models can be worse but I was talking about the quality options.
Ara Tima 04.02.2013	Originally Posted by LoopCat This get technics or nothing is pretty closed minded. You can save a ton of cash and get some cheaper tables that do the exact same job. Plus you are supporting brands that are making turntables unlike one that abandon the scene. No. Not true. The cheaper brands are absolute tosh. Stanton 150s are good, so are the Vextax decks (though I believe they've stopped making them recently too) But brands like DJ Tech, Cheaper stantons, numark, american dj etc are just cheap rubbish. Tunrtables are not something you can make on the cheap, there is so much more to it then "just a cart" Have you compared cheaper ones to 1200s/St-150s? If you have you can tell the difference just from the motor.
Ara Tima 04.02.2013	Originally Posted by mdcdesign If turntables are a must, have a look at the DJ Tech SL1300 Mk6; the only downside with them is that other DJs WILL laugh at you for using DJ Tech gear, but then again you're basically getting a Super OEM turntable for less than
Doreen Schurle 04.02.2013	Originally Posted by LoopCat Nothing wrong with recommending them I wasn't having a go at anyone for that. It's more the idea that people believe they're the only viable option that is a bit wrong IMO. Especially when I doubt they have used anything decent from other companies. This. Over the years I've had Gemini, Numark, KAM, and most recently Soundlab decks, and I've preferred them ALL to the Technics. I've used them in clubs and around other peoples' houses, and they've never "felt" worth the extra money tbh. Speaking of Soundlab, the DLP-32s are actually pretty nice.
Ara Tima 04.02.2013	Originally Posted by LoopCat A $99 fix on a turntable that just cost $600 would be nasty surprise to some people especially if they weren't comfortable installing it themselves they would have to pay more to get someone to install it. Well you probably shouldn't pay $600 for a deck with a broken tone arm , but I understand your point. I doubt I'd ever buy anything else, nor recommend.
Ming Devis 04.02.2013	Originally Posted by shr3dder All fixable on the cheap. I replaced an entire tone arm and assembly for $99 late last year... You can get all the parts off ebay, and it's rather easy to install yourself.... Anyway my point is there is a reason people recommend these decks. They're tanks. Durability and reliability that only years and years of solid use can prove. Yeah the Stantons etc are nice decks, but will they work still in 10 years? Who knows. Will you be able to get parts? Probably not. A $99 fix on a turntable that just cost $600 would be nasty surprise to some people especially if they weren't comfortable installing it themselves they would have to pay more to get someone to install it. Nothing wrong with recommending them I wasn't having a go at anyone for that. It's more the idea that people believe they're the only viable option that is a bit wrong IMO. Especially when I doubt they have used anything decent from other companies.
Ara Tima 04.02.2013	Originally Posted by LoopCat Broken tone arms and shot pitch faders broken anti skate. All fixable on the cheap. I replaced an entire tone arm and assembly for $99 late last year... You can get all the parts off ebay, and it's rather easy to install yourself.... Anyway my point is there is a reason people recommend these decks. They're tanks. Durability and reliability that only years and years of solid use can prove. Yeah the Stantons etc are nice decks, but will they work still in 10 years? Who knows. Will you be able to get parts? Probably not. I got a 1200 for $450 late last year. I see 1210's go on ITM/Gumtree/Ebay for $300-600 regularly (my housemate got 3 for $750 early last year, with a broken one thrown in for free). There is still loads of cheap ones around, you just gotta shop and realise you don't need the MK5s
Ming Devis 04.02.2013	There's one set on there for $750 negotiable and a whole set up for 1450 including a 10 inch sub monitors about the same price I've seen a set of MK5's go for
Ming Devis 04.02.2013	Broken tone arms and shot pitch faders broken anti skate.
Ara Tima 04.02.2013	Originally Posted by LoopCat Yeah Technics are awesome but you can still run into expensive trouble with them especially if they are second hand and it's your first set of TT's. http://www.gumtree.com.au/s-stanton+str8+150/k0 1 set for $800... not quite the same price, but I get your point Expensive trouble? Really? Of what kind? They are cheap as chips to get fixed. I know dozens of people that can fix them in Melbourne/Sydney. Compared to less popular brands they are probably the easiest model of TT to get fixed/serviced and parts for.....
Ming Devis 04.02.2013	Originally Posted by shr3dder Link me. I'd love a set of stantons for $600. They are the best of the rest, I won't argue with that. You'd never need your warranty on a set of 1200s, that's why their so highly regarded, One of my decks is 15 years old and still going. Yeah Technics are awesome but you can still run into expensive trouble with them especially if they are second hand and it's your first set of TT's. http://www.gumtree.com.au/s-stanton+str8+150/k0
Ara Tima 04.02.2013	Originally Posted by LoopCat You can get a pair of stanton str8 150's second hand for the price of one technics turntable. Or a brand new pair for the same price as a second hand set with warranty. Link me. I'd love a set of stantons for $600. They are the best of the rest, I won't argue with that. My gripe was with the cheaper tables bit.... Stantons aren't much cheaper then second hand 1200s ($700AUD for a str8-150) You'd never need your warranty on a set of 1200s, that's why their so highly regarded, One of my decks is 15 years old and still going.
Ming Devis 04.02.2013	Originally Posted by shr3dder No. Not true. The cheaper brands are absolute tosh. Stanton 150s are good, so are the Vextax decks (though I believe they've stopped making them recently too) But brands like DJ Tech, Cheaper stantons, numark, american dj etc are just cheap rubbish. Tunrtables are not something you can make on the cheap, there is so much more to it then "just a cart" Have you compared cheaper ones to 1200s/St-150s? If you have you can tell the difference just from the motor. You can get a pair of stanton str8 150's second hand for the price of one technics turntable. Or a brand new pair for the same price as a second hand set with warranty. I agree the cheaper models can be worse but I was talking about the quality options.
Ara Tima 04.02.2013	Originally Posted by LoopCat This get technics or nothing is pretty closed minded. You can save a ton of cash and get some cheaper tables that do the exact same job. Plus you are supporting brands that are making turntables unlike one that abandon the scene. No. Not true. The cheaper brands are absolute tosh. Stanton 150s are good, so are the Vextax decks (though I believe they've stopped making them recently too) But brands like DJ Tech, Cheaper stantons, numark, american dj etc are just cheap rubbish. Tunrtables are not something you can make on the cheap, there is so much more to it then "just a cart" Have you compared cheaper ones to 1200s/St-150s? If you have you can tell the difference just from the motor.
Ming Devis 04.02.2013	This get technics or nothing is pretty closed minded. You can save a ton of cash and get some cheaper tables that do the exact same job. Plus you are supporting brands that are making turntables unlike one that abandon the scene.
Ara Tima 04.02.2013	Originally Posted by mdcdesign If turntables are a must, have a look at the DJ Tech SL1300 Mk6; the only downside with them is that other DJs WILL laugh at you for using DJ Tech gear, but then again you're basically getting a Super OEM turntable for less than
Piedad Apelian 04.02.2013	Originally Posted by samgawthorp erm... whats the effect you use for that? just some scratch samples, nothing major.
Keturah Mcglashan 04.02.2013	Originally Posted by DJMichaelHavok I don't anymore, even when i used tables i was never was the best turntablist i can hit an effect that simulates a scratch, hold it down, and bam, into the next song if i want to.. which i do on occasion erm... whats the effect you use for that?
Piedad Apelian 04.02.2013	I don't anymore, even when i used tables i was never was the best turntablist i can hit an effect that simulates a scratch, hold it down, and bam, into the next song if i want to.. which i do on occasion
Ervin Calvery 04.02.2013	Originally Posted by DJMichaelHavok well then my friend ill see what i can help ya out with I personally use a Z2 with no CDJs or tables hooked up to them.. no reason for it these days Originally Posted by DJMichaelHavok Id avoid needless items since you're starting and you're in the "new genre" of things.. embrace it and don't bother with tables or cdjs, no reason to have them. if you want to be budget oriented which you should then id recommend How do you scratch?
Piedad Apelian 04.02.2013	well then my friend ill see what i can help ya out with I personally use a Z2 with no CDJs or tables hooked up to them.. no reason for it these days my setup is pretty similar to what you typed up in the first post and i like it on the table- Z2 mixer - which you can find for 700 preowned or on sale X1 x2 - 150 each or so preowned if you go that route midi fighter 3d - got mine for 200 elitebook 8440p with traktor 2.6 registered - lappy should run you used like 500 bucks PA - QSC K-12 x2 - can find preowned paired for like 800-1000 QSC KW181 (18" powered sub 1000watts) - i paid 1500, prolly can get for less now but even preowned, you're looking at almost $4,000 Id avoid needless items since you're starting and you're in the "new genre" of things.. embrace it and don't bother with tables or cdjs, no reason to have them. if you want to be budget oriented which you should then id recommend a pioneer djm 250 mixer its ilke 150 bucks used audio dj 2 soundcard - 50 used kontrol x1 - 150 used and a midi fighter if you have to have it - 200 used use the laptop you have now with a registered copy of 2.6 traktor and fight a PA setup on craigslist thats like 400-500 watts or so with a sub.. should cost you 600 bucks puts you at like 1,000 +headphones if you use them i don't use my headphones these days =/.... im lame
Linh Pierz 03.02.2013	Originally Posted by DJMichaelHavok basic questions i guess haven't been asked yet tho.. how much experience do you have DJing already? and with what gear? are you a TRUE starter to the art? How old are you? if under 18... then you prolly won't be doing clubs for years, so your starter in home setup is gonna be cheaper If over 18, do you intend on doing house parties, clubs, weddings, special events etc etc.. do you have a PA set up already? if no, you will need atleast 1 powered speaker also, you dont have to use turntables, a lot of people completely stopped, i know i did, timecode is fun, but i like being more modular, so are turntables going to be necessary since it is in fact kind of a dying art within the occupation world (turntablists prolly hate me for saying that, just an opinion) turntables, used are gonna run you 1500.00 for 2 used tech1200s with fresh needles imo anyway, little more info and can def lead you the right way Experience: Honestly, next no none. But I'm a very fast learner and I believe I can work with Traktor Scratch Pro pretty easily one I get the hang of it. I want to perform, not just DJ. True Starter: I have one crappy mix I did on VirtualDJ floating around Soundcloud but that's the only actual "DJ" mix I've done. Age: I'm 19. I would like to start with college parties and work my way up. I'm open for anything. Except Strip Clubs....I have a moral code to live by. :P Lol! PA: Not yet. I do plan on getting speakers once I have some good DJ gear . All I have is a Numark iDJ3. I did look into CDJs and things like that and I personally like turntables better. Like I said before, I want to be a performer.
Nereida Jasnoch 03.02.2013	Originally Posted by mdcdesign Isn't that just a case of brand envy? I've never really gone in for any of that myself tbh. Vinyl playback can be really delicate, I started out on turntables of less reputable brand ( JB systems T2 direct drive DJ turntables) and I must say I was this close to giving up on mixing with vinyl. The torque was painstakingly low, you had to release your record before the one, the pitch wasn't that constant wich caused random trainwrecks. I decided to upgrade to the industry standard and now a vinyl set is the most enjoyable thing I can do with my clothes on. I'm just saying less than adequate turntables can be a really limiting factor. + Technics is for coolios
Edwina Fagel 02.02.2013	They just feel right for me and brand envy. They are one of the most influential consumer audio products ever made.
Doreen Schurle 02.02.2013	Originally Posted by vanaema78 100% true. Isn't that just a case of brand envy? I've never really gone in for any of that myself tbh.
Edwina Fagel 02.02.2013	Originally Posted by MyUsername 1: Get technics or you'll regret it. Keep in mind technics aren't the best turntables out there. But it's technics that you want in the end. 100% true.
Nereida Jasnoch 02.02.2013	Originally Posted by mdcdesign Your proposed setup doesn't really scream "on a tight budget"... planning on using turntables and then buying a Z2 anyway just screams "more money than sense" to me, personally. Saying that, it all depends on where you'll be DJing, and what sort of music you play. +A million. Originally Posted by mdcdesign And everyone knows its all about the cartridges with TTs anyway. Have you ever played on TTs without a lot of torque !? If you're on a REALLY tight budget why don't you look at something like a Kontrol S2 + Korg Nanopad if you wanna play around. But to awnser your questions: 1: Get technics or you'll regret it. Keep in mind technics aren't the best turntables out there. But it's technics that you want. 2: If you really want the maschine software & massive get a maschine. If you play around with midi things for your DJ sets a Midi Fighter or korg nano pad might be better. I have a maschine and I never use it in my DJ sets. Also for producing/live performance I 'd look at Ableton Push. And if you give us an actual budget we might be able to help you more.
Ena Nouri 02.02.2013	Getting turntables or not depending on whether you scratch or not. Turntables are rare these days. I personally have a pair of techs at home (just fixed my mk5's tonearm today, pain really), but there are many other options that will do the same job as the techs. Stanton Str8 150 has good reputation, and other brands like Numark & vestax have few tables that are designed for scratch. Technics are something good to have, but not necessary. And for the MIDI controller, you do have more control with maschine because of the extra buttons and knobs. Tho itself is about twice as big as midifighter and the arcade button on MF feels amazing . I'd say go for Maschine if you plan on using knobs to control traktor, otherwise two midifighters should be okay.
Piedad Apelian 02.02.2013	basic questions i guess haven't been asked yet tho.. how much experience do you have DJing already? and with what gear? are you a TRUE starter to the art? How old are you? if under 18... then you prolly won't be doing clubs for years, so your starter in home setup is gonna be cheaper If over 18, do you intend on doing house parties, clubs, weddings, special events etc etc.. do you have a PA set up already? if no, you will need atleast 1 powered speaker also, you dont have to use turntables, a lot of people completely stopped, i know i did, timecode is fun, but i like being more modular, so are turntables going to be necessary since it is in fact kind of a dying art within the occupation world (turntablists prolly hate me for saying that, just an opinion) turntables, used are gonna run you 1500.00 for 2 used tech1200s with fresh needles imo anyway, little more info and can def lead you the right way
Ervin Calvery 02.02.2013	Originally Posted by mdcdesign Your proposed setup doesn't really scream "on a tight budget"... planning on using turntables and then buying a Z2 anyway just screams "more money than sense" to me, personally. Saying that, it all depends on where you'll be DJing, and what sort of music you play. What? Originally Posted by mdcdesign If turntables are a must, have a look at the DJ Tech SL1300 Mk6 Come on. Originally Posted by mdcdesign other DJs WILL laugh at you for using DJ Tech gear They very possibly might. Originally Posted by mdcdesign everyone knows its all about the cartridges with TTs anyway. For using timecode?
Doreen Schurle 02.02.2013	Originally Posted by ThePhanatik116 I'm on a REALLY tight budget and as we all know, DJ gear isn't cheap. With that said, here are my questions. Your proposed setup doesn't really scream "on a tight budget"... planning on using turntables and then buying a Z2 anyway just screams "more money than sense" to me, personally. Saying that, it all depends on where you'll be DJing, and what sort of music you play. I wouldn't advise using turntables unless you're a scratch DJ, otherwise you might as well go for a decent all-in-one controller (or modulars, and then use a traditional mixer). A good combination would be a pair of Reloop Contour CEs (
Linh Pierz 02.02.2013	Originally Posted by botstein Nope - the Z2 comes with Scratch Pro 2 and control vinyl. I recommend Technics 1200s or 1210s. There's probably no need to go for anything beyond mk2s for using Traktor. Check out this thread: http://community .djranking s.com/showthread.php?t=47069 I have and love Maschines. I played with the Spectra a lot, but I would recommend Maschine over it simply because there's more there. There is more to do with Maschines. I do eventually want to get one because I also want to do some producing in Ableton and a Maschine, I believe, has more variety than other drum machines or midi fighters. In my opinion at least. Plus it comes with Massive so that's also a good thing.
Linh Pierz 02.02.2013	Originally Posted by sev You will need the timecode kit if you are going with turntables, which is another expense. With turntables, you get what you pay for, so if you sit on your money, and save up for a decent set, it will pay off, plus they will hold their resale value. What set up did you have previously? Right now all I have is a Numark iDJ3. Which doesn't work with anything except VirtualDJ LE.

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