CDJs versus a DJ controller

For me it’s about covering bases. Laptops famously do not like pints of beer in them. They also crash, irrespective of any fruit logo on the lid. In these situations you need options, and cdj’s give you these options by way of mp3 CD and usb stick interfaces.
That why I got my Denon 3900’s for my pro gigging setup, if one music medium dies I can use another while fixing the problem.

No there is no real advantage and you actually nailed it: any controller is much more convenient, has more options than any current CDJ and is lightyears more efficient to use.

The only thing keeping CDJs alive is because some people think it is more “pro” and numerous big name DJs having sponsorships so they have to use CDJs, so that bedroom DJs think it is more pro.

(Also disclaimer: No CDJ will survive a beer spill any better than any controller and I can still DJ from my laptop if the controller dies whereas the CDJ will be dead….)

I also concur that the backup thing is invalid nowadays it is too easy to have backups… I just use my iPad with a DJ app as backup, but honestly in 4 years using controllers exclusively on gigs (some very big) I have never had an issue (yes I have a Mac).

Also the most pro Clubs in the world, say Ministry of Sound in London (rated one of the top clubs in the world) their tech will ask you in advance what you will bring and when you show up you give them your controller and laptop and they will setup anything for you the way you tell them to, including backups …

When I’m feeling lazy and meh, i just bring my USB to the club when doing gigs, there’s a lot of time if the clubs already provided you with decent CDJ gears, i much preferred leaving my gears at home, especially if the gigs only last 1 to 2 hours maxed.

If i do bring my own stuph its when I’m doing weddings, private party or clubs that doesnt even have its own gears just sound system (yeah it happened before)

Staz did you personally have a mac computer crash on you during a gig?

Not had a mac crash because I don’t use them, I know one or two guys who have had issues with macs though. My old laptop crashed once but that was because I couldn’t be arsed to clean it and my new laptop switched off one time but that was because I forgot to plug it in. Other than that my Windows machines have been pretty flawless. That said, the one time you don’t have a decent back up plan is the one time it all goes wrong.
I went a step further and have 2 back up plans.

As for DJ booths, it never ceases to amaze me how many clubs have tiny DJ booths. Even those that hark back to the days of yore have the table for vinyl behind the DJ and so having 2 setups is still impractical. Also, in my experience, my kit is often better than the stuff installed in the club. Dodgy line faders, a completely knackered crossfader, missing knobs and buttons and a dire need of a good clean are unfortunate but common problems.

One more thing, loops and effects are handy but in no way critical. All DJing involves is playing one record after another in an order that pleases the crowd. That’s it, but it’s still surprising how many jocks haven’t got that bit right yet. Effects, loops etc, are all icing on the DJ cake. Good use of the whistles and bells of DJing can enhance a set, but without the simple skills it will still sound crap or bore people to death.

Just my 2p on the subject.

CDJs are overrated in my opinion. Some people claim they get a CDJ as it is easier to get CDs… but digital copies are easier, cheaper, and you can get free tracks. While some people will claim that controllers are just simplifying down DJing so anyone can do it (a terrible point), and if you find this true, get Vinyls rather than CDJs.

The main argument is vinyl vs controller. And i take the controller side. A lot of people will argue with me claiming that “DJing would be nothing without vinyl. It practically built DJing”. And that is true. But equally, Tetris helped dramatically to develop games. Should we be all playing tetris all the time? No. I believe ultimately, controllers are the next platform. A lot of people claim that “you can’t scratch on a controller”, which is true most of the time, but scratching is not the only thing to do on decks! I mean, I love the twitch because of innovation, and i think we need more things like this!

CDJs are for the rich (a CDJ Nexus is $2500AUD), the famous (Martin Garrix, Calvin Harris, etc), and for clubs who can’t really provide controllers or laptops (software compatability, hardware compatability, difficult to just plug and play, there is no industry standard controller). Imagine if every club had a different controller. What if it wasn’t compatible with your software? What if you don’t want to take a laptop, you’d rather CDs or a USB? What if you’ve never heard of that controller in your life? CDJs are there for an industry standard.