Decision Time: Traktor vs Serato

Well I can see why Chuck likes Cross…

However I try to stay objective and answer your question.

If you like the workflow and look of Serato then go for it. Serato is very tightly integrated with the controllers which are made for it. Hence the whole mapping (jogs, pitch faders,…) is very tight and works without nasty delays. This whole integration is of course also the shortcoming you spoke about, so there is not standalone mode without the controller (you can set CUEs and do some prep work in the prep mode without a controller, but not on the iPad, you need your laptop with you). Serato F/X are top notch and also work very well with the flexible beatgrid when locking them on beats.

Now Traktor gives one a lot of freedom on how to do things, tons of effects (that I never used) and remix decks (which I also never used live). It has its iPad app with which you can do many things. However the only real tight integration is with NIs own controllers and even when using them (I had an S4) Traktor is still very complicated has tons of parameters to tweak and things can go very wrong. So you buy that freedom to do many things, with a quite complicated software which only blooms if you really use those features (aka you are going more towards controllerist). So if you are not the person to become a button pusher and use 200 effects with loads of remix decks, then for me Traktor was overkill. Some people use it to great extend and are prolly more happy with it.

Now I agree with Chuck that Cross has come a far way and v3 looks very promising, it still compromises in a few parts for me. Especially with the tightness I have in Serato. While it is a very close second to Serato for me, it is worth a try if you like to experiment and good thing it also works nicely with most Serato controllers as it has build in mappings for most of them, which are very good.

Hey Erik,

The S2 is a nice controller, especially when used with Traktor (of course). It is probably at a bargain price because the MkII is out. No doubt this will cause an increase of available used units, driving the price down. The price is low, but not outrageously so. Be sure to fully test is before you buy it though!

Since you already got the Traktor Pro software, you will have a good integrated solution. The only thing you should be prepared for is the differences you already know exist between Traktor and Serato.

I had Traktor and just couldn’t get used to the workflow, I never used the remix decks so they were not an incentive to keep using Traktor and being a mobile jock I ran into the limitations of the beatgridding system of Traktor. It seemed that Serato was much better suited for that purpose, but I was severely put off by the obligatory hardware “marriage”. I wanted to use my controller (MC6000) and not have to go out and buy other/new hardware just so I could use a piece of software.

The end result was working with Traktor longer than I would have liked :-).

I ended up getting Cross as it seemed to fit my needs better. Again, highly personal taste of course.

Terry has said it before, Traktor is a b*tch to get tight jogwheel integration with, the only ones that really have that down apparently are the guys from Traktor themselves. So you should be fine with your S2. Moneywise the risk is low. 200 bucks for a controller and the software was a gift?! I would probably go for it too if just to make sure Traktor is or is not right for me.

The only big issues comes if you ever decide to switch. Depending on what you are switching to, you might end up having to redo your entire collection as far as beatgridding, cue- and loop points and such goes.

Good luck with your choice and greetinx.

Well, it’s a tough decision. In my opinion the major thing is workflow. You have made a start already by deciding what you do and don’t want to accomplish. Try making that list a little longer and for some points expanding it to a more detailed level. When you have that list, look at the available software, at least (but certainly not limited to) Traktor, Serato, VDJ (which you know already) and Cross DJ. Look at the way they support your wishlist. Then, when you are pretty sure you’ve found software that is to your liking (heck, it might be MiK’s new Flow if you love doing mashups :-)), the next step is to start looking at the hardware. And depending on what software you picked, that may or may not limit your hardware choices (Serato certified, tight jogwheel Traktor integration on NI controllers for example).

You’ll end up with a shortlist of possible hardware choices. Again, see how they serve the goals you wish to accomplish.

Example: say you are or want to be an avid scratcher.

Your goal would be being able to scratch obviously. Assuming you can scratch with all software to the same extend, then your hardware needs would include tight jogwheel integration, you would probably avoid the smaller jogwheel controllers and have extra emphasis on the crossfader (how light does it slide, is it replaceable, short throw, can curve be set/adjusted easily for scratch/regular use). Can you set the torque for the jogwheel. What does the jog feel like (vinyl or rubber top, etx.).

Now you can go out and find 2 or 3 that you think fit your wishes best. Those you give a thorough testing. Don’t feel bad about taking your headset and laptop into the store if there is one close by and spending an hour or two testing them. It’s usually a significant purchase so you want to be as sure as possible.

I am sure Terry has some wise(r) words to add to this.

We can’t (or won’t  :D) tell you what the best software is or the best controller or the best combination of the two. It’s just too highly personal of a choice. The good news is, that for every combination there are most likely more than a few readers on here that have that particular set. And if you ask a good question about it, I am sure you will get some good answers.

Good luck in chosing!

Greetinx.

Many thanks for the replies guys.

Genuinely unsure of the direction to go at the moment. Had sided towards Traktor, but prefer the SR/SX controllers when I’ve looked at them at BPM recently. Think I’m also going to delve in to Cross a bit more following Chuck’s recent glowing reports.

Decisions hey …