My full report using CDJ-2000Nexus HID on SSL, Rane 62, plus MIDI Controller

I long anticipated the wait and last week it finally came, the Serato Scratch Live HID Native Control for the CDJ-2000Nexus's. Up until last evening , we were only using the CDJ-2000Nexus's at Joker's Des Moines no better than a CDJ-1000. With the help of DJ Soulless who helped me set it up, we got to finally use the CDJ's to it's greater potential not only using it as a controller for Scratch Live but also figuring out how to switch the control to a different computer in a live situation (since switching computers is common with a Rane 62), as well as obstacles when switching to different modes on the CDJ like USB and CD mode. I went super nerd on this report but I wrote it thoroughly so anyone interested in doing a Rane 62/CDJ2000Nexus/MIDI Controller configuration can figure it out a well. I also included a few software update requests from Pioneer and Serato to improve a few things, as well as simple go arounds with those obstacles. To my DJ's who get geeky on the gear , enjoy my report on a FULLY NATIVE CONTROLLED CDJ-2000Nexus, Rane 62, and Korg PadKontrol (MIDI Controller). It is my wish and hope that by unlocking these new controls, it should expand the creative freedoms of performance to a new level for all DJ's who use these decks. I've waited months and I finally got to write the report I wrote below.

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Pri yon Joni Giglog 7/27/2013
Joker's Club, Des Moines, Iowa


Video:



With the brand new firmware and software update Pioneer and Serato released last week, we are so pleased to finally use the CDJ-2000Nexus's along with the Rane 62 mixer in full HID control setup. Special thanks to DJ Soulless for helping me setup the new firmware for HID mode.

Purpose:
To be able to use the CDJ's in HID mode along with Serato, while using a Rane 62, and a midi controller (Korg PadKontrol); while being able to easily switch to USB source mode, or CD mode (for those people who are have not updated, or are not comfortable using HID and prefer to use timecode configuration). I have also discovered since the Rane 62 is made to switch laptops, the CDJ HID control is easily switchable, simply by disconnecting and reconnecting to the next computer.

Gear:
(1) Apple Macbook Pro (i7, 4gig RAM)
(2) CDJ-2000Nexus
(1) Rane 62
(1) Korg PadKontrol
(1) Powered USB hub
(2) Passive USB hub
(1) Ethernet cable (linking both CDJ's)

Software:
Pioneer CDJ-2000Nexus Firmware Ver.1.13
Serato Scratch Live Ver.2.5

Setup:
-Both CDJ's are linked using Ethernet cable for when using USB source.
-Both CDJ's USB outputs are combined on the 1 passive USB hub for HID control.
-Powered USB hub takes in the Rane 62, Padkontrol (MIDI controller), and the passive USB hub. From here is connected directly to the computer.

Report (Pros, Cons, Discoveries, and Go Arounds):
-This setup makes switching between SSL, USB, and CD mode easier.

-This setup makes switching between SSL and Traktor possible (if native control update for Traktor is available), utilizing the HID control.

-This setup allows the following controls on SSL that is not available in TIMECODE mode: on screen CDJ control of crates and track selection, full functional CUE and PLAY buttons, on deck range and tempo buttons, on screen BPM display with hundredth of a decimal accuracy, CDJ HOT CUE parallel to SSL HOT CUE, and CDJ loop functions. By using SSL in full HID mode, the CDJ's control SSL in a way that is mirrored to how the CDJ's function exclusively. It makes SSL feel like you're completely playing off the CDJ's with CD's.

-All native functions of CDJ-2000Nexus AND Rane 62 ALL WORK.

-Scratching sounds better in HID mode. It seems to have less digital crushing and screeching treble heavy noise.

-Unlike TIMECODE mode, HID mode has a fixed rotation marker on the center of the jog dial of the CDJ that seems to be relative to the song. When scratching and juggling in TIMECODE mode, I click my HOT CUE when the marker is at 12 o'clock. It is difficult to beat juggle fast when markers start anywhere else. I do not have this option in HID mode. Firmware/Software update from Pioneer/Serato, is to allow HOT CUES to be parallel with the rotation marker on the screen, or to begin at 12 o'clock for every HOT CUE point.

-When switching from SSL HID mode to a USB source on the CDJ, it is a little tricky. Let's say CDJ 1 has a USB flash drive plugged in, you simply press the USB button to switch to the flash drive. HOWEVER, on CDJ 2, given that your ethernet wire is connected between both CDJ's, you have to press LINK to open the USB source on CDJ 1