ITCH vs Scratch Live, Controller's vs CDJ's.

So. This is what I've come down to.

With the debut of the NS6 and DDJ-S1 at NAMM, those two would be my controllers of choice. Otherwise, going with a CDJ setup.

OPTIONS: (With Pictures!)

(Just googled the images to give the idea of what I'm talking about)

Numark NS6:


Pioneer DDJ-S1:


Pioneer CDJ-400 Setup: (Note: Not sold on the DJM400, but it's a solid image idea)


CDJ-350 Setup: (And really, I don't believe I could handle the white version lol) I do however like the DJM-350 with this setup. The USB recording feature is something I KNOW I would use.


I've also thought about the CDJ-850's, but then I'd really be pushing what I want for cost. In getting a CDJ setup, I'd want to add a DVS (SSL) down the road, and so feel I'd probably be more than happy with the 400 or 350's.

THOUGHTS:

I've long preferred Serato products over Traktor, and it really just comes down to personal preference. I respect Traktor and all that it can do, but I just can't get over the ugly and (personally) un-intuitive layout, and basically the NEED to sync (in my personal opinion).

So go with the basic CDJ's and a mixer, and get SSL down the road. Or get a controller that utilizes ITCH and go with that. Either way it's a very similar setup.

It seems to me like ITCH is somewhat of the "redheaded step-child" (unrelated note: my wife hates that term because she's a redhead, so I like to use it as often as possible) of Scratch Live at the moment. It's about a year behind in updates, or so it seems. So is jumping on ITCH always going to be so drastically behind?

I've always been a "power-user" so to speak. I want the most functionality out of what I purchase. I have the concepts down, and just lacking the gear to devote the time and gain the technical knowledge. Out of my crew, I'm the "Dubstep" go-to guy. I follow the shit like heroin. So I can't wait to drop the money on gear soon.

I'm actually really happy that these controllers came out. I really liked the S4, but my hesitation was with Traktor itself. And this solves this issue for me. I can stick with a Serato product and honestly be happier with it. And I also have the possibility of just learning on CDJ's and not using a DVS, which is something I'm really not opposed to.

I just believe a DVS (at least in the future) will be easier for file management since I purchase all of my music as Mp3's anyhow. (Less that I dislike CD's, and more about just being lazy about burning them).

COST/BUDGET:

Cost not being a huge issue, as these are all options that pretty much fall into my sub 2k budget plan at the moment. (Note: I don't plan on spending over 2k in my initial go, but I know I want something that I can transfer well over to a professional environment).

I currently DO NOT own a laptop. But as I am going back to school part-time (while maintaining full time work) I plan on picking up a laptop in the near future. So this is something I need OUTSIDE of DJing as well, and so it's in the plans for the near future. So I WILL have a laptop soon, even though I don't have one just at the moment. And this cost is NOT being considered into my "DJing" expenses, as I've convinced the wife that I need one for schoolwork.

MORE THOUGHTS:

So, if choosing between controllers, it's a tough call IMO. My biggest thing would be having experience on Pioneer products, because they are honestly what are installed at clubs. Given the DDJ-S1 isn't the same as a CDJ, but it's as damned close as you can get.

Both controllers use Serato ITCH. Both are honestly very similar in design. I like the cue point control location on the Numark Unit better, but that's not enough to sell me on it. Four deck control is something that's honestly more than I need. I could see using 2 decks, MAYBE 3 once I start getting in practice and would help with speed mixing, but that would be in the deeper future.

I guess part of it will come down to Jog Wheel feel, and just how both feel in comparison.

As far as CDJ's are concerned, I really do like the CDJ-400's a lot. If I can still get them, I'd hop on these over the 350's in a heartbeat I believe. I just feel like they are more intuitive, and having played with both jog's, I like the 400's better.

But honestly, I see myself using a DVS in the future, and not just pure CD's, and so it almost seems intuitive to just get a controller instead of a CDJ. Just cost wise alone, it's a wiser investment (even though the cost is quite similar in the end). I can't afford 900's or 2000's, and so I'm going with a "smaller" product no-matter which way I look at it.

QUESTIONS:

So for folks who have experience using ITCH and SSL, which would you recommend? Because that's what it really comes down to. All of these above products are very similar, and I am trying to make the decision.

Also, in terms of laptops, is the anti-glare on the Macbook Pro's really something I NEED? Or is the regular screen just fine. I don't plan on being a superstar anytime soon, but I just worry about not being able to see shit if there are some wild lights going around. I don't have any experience with computers in odd lighting environments, so any input on this would be quite helpful. (Note I'm still not sold on a Macbook, but this would be another thing that I would add to the list of wanting one)

Stepping into the game now, if you had no gear , would you go a CDJ or Controller route yourself.... and why?



Thank you for reading through this. I know I've made a couple similar posts over the past couple of months, but budget plans had changed. (I basically made the decision to spend the 1k+ I had saved on going to Ultra, and in so doing, put off making the gear purchase for a bit). (And sorry if you've seen this cross-posted. Posted basically the same thing on DJForums but also wanted the input from you guys for many different reasons)