My first dj gear
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Isaiah Furrow.
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February 17, 2014 at 9:09 am #2004517
Terry_42
KeymasterWell the only thing the SX cannot do is backspins due to the jogwheel break. But you can always load a backspin sample…
Other controllers that work well with Serato DJ and Scratching for Hip Hop are:
– Reloop Terminal Mix series
– Vestax VCI 380 or 400
– Numark N4February 20, 2014 at 1:57 pm #2005614ParticipantI had been looking to get the DDJ-SR, with your post I’m assuming that if you’re looking into the SX you’re probably wanting Serato controllers, as Terry suggested, look into Reloop and also the Vestax. This is what was on my short list: Pioneer DDJ-SR/SX , Denon MC2000 and MC6000Mk2, Vestax VCI380, and Reloop Terminal Mix 8 (which I have on pre-order). The Denon from what I remember, needs to upgrade to the full Serato DJ software(could be wrong), and I have no real reasons why I “didn’t” choose the VCI380. I’ll give you the reasons why I chose the Reloop. From what I’ve found online, the TM series have about the best jogs on any controller out there, the new TM8 has a similar layout to my current controller, I like the RGB pads, and that the controller is set up to take advantage of most/all of what Serato DJ offers, I like the long pitch faders, the fact that it’s NOT USB powered, but has it’s own power supply, and a few other minor things. I wish you the best of luck in whatever you choose, my best advice, look into build quality, and to some extent, future-proofing. By that I mean, try and envision what you’ll be doing in 6 months to a year, and get something you can grow into. If you were considering the SX, the only thing out of that price range is the NS7II and the Pioneer SZ(aspirational piece for me…LOL) I would say, if backspins aren’t a big concern, the SX looks nice, I just couldn’t get into that price range as I’m starting out and just purchased PA and lighting as well. I would definitely read up on the Reloop, Denon, Vestax and watch videos on them. Sleep on it, and when you’ve made up your mind, still wait it out another day or two… if you’re still SHURE of what you chose, go ahead and get on with it… it’s a pretty decent investment to take lightly…. Just my NOOB ramblings, hope it was more a help than a hindrance, …. Keep shining, and keep us poseted….. Moonshadow
February 20, 2014 at 2:23 pm #2005624KeymasterHonestly I really like the new Pioneer controllers, but if I were to pure DJ Hip Hop as my main genre you do not only need backspin as an effect but also for beatjuggling with your hotcues and hence I would go mental with the CDJ like breaks in the jogwheels.
Not that others do not pull it off, I have seen CDJ Hip Hop DJs performing great, but I need that running jogs and this is what makes perfect sense on the reloop, Vestax and Numark controllers.February 20, 2014 at 3:16 pm #2005647DJ Vintage
ModeratorDo I have that on my MC6000 too?
February 20, 2014 at 3:35 pm #2005668ParticipantChuck, I’m confused, do you have what on your Denon?
February 20, 2014 at 3:41 pm #2005678ModeratorJogwheel brakes
February 20, 2014 at 8:36 pm #2005789Mohamed Amine Abdallah
ParticipantThank you santa greek foe the long advice :p it’s really useful to have someone’s openion
As you said, i am sure that after 6 months I will be able to connect at list 2 cdjs on the sx . The point that I can upgrade my gear to a better one
But if I purchase another comtroller with no external mixers in it I will be not able to add thimgs like turntables.
For the dj software, I do like traktor as I do for serato but the thing is that traktor s4 conrroller don’thave big jogwheel and is made of plastic instead of the sx
Which is metal built.
Honestly, my dream gear is 2 technics tirntables+ djm800 + trackror scrach pro + NI maschine , the sx is a little of that I guess 😉February 21, 2014 at 12:05 am #2005810KeymasterHonestly Chuck I never DJed long enough with an MC6000 or can remember how the jogs felt, but I do remember they were to small for my scratching technique, but that is personal preference I guess.
February 21, 2014 at 7:31 am #2005845ModeratorLOL … It wasn’t all that serious a question 🙂
February 21, 2014 at 9:38 am #2005854Participantchuck, as soon as you said “jogwheel brakes” I knew you were messin’ , you have one, so of course you know it’s got disk brakes…LOL
to the original post and his reply above…. I have a Reloop Terminal Mix 8 on it’s way. It is not a standalone mixer, but it is in fact a powered unit, as in wall powered, not USB, and it has a single AUX input. It won’t allow me to do DVS from what I’ve been able to gather, but does allow me to run the mic or aux direct to master, or through software to add effects and be able to record them in the mix. This is what I’ve been able to gather from online info, from reloop, and from a couple lucky folks who’ve gotten to see and use one in person. The DDJ-SX from what I have read, also will not do DVS, it is a standalone mixer and has multiple inputs. I really almost went for a DDJ-SX/SR, couldn’t come up with the funds right now for an SX, and the Reloop just was more of what I am wanting than the SR I think/hope… The SR I believe has an Aux input, I can’t remember now how it works exactly though. I would look heavily into a few controllers,the SX/SR, the Denon, the VCI-380, the Reloop Terminal Mix 8, and maybe even others. AND SLEEP ON IT, put in time researching lots, give time for pondering, and keep us posted… 🙂 Just to add this, relating to your “dream setup”… mine is an AT-LP1240 and a CD/MP3/USB player, maybe a pair of turntables, and Maschine Mikro(taking a break from the manuals at the moment,about 950 pages in all) All plugged into a Traktor Kontrol Z2 Mixer, with my Serato controller and laptop plugged into the aux input… I will only take the controller and media player to gigs, the rest will be on my music desk permanently(unless someone really wants vinyl for looks, and I’m comfortable with just vinyl by then) I would love me a DDJ-SZ, but one bit at a time is more likely, and I want to experience Traktor and DVS too…. Sorry to ramble, unwinding from Maschine manual reading, and stoked to have my gear all here and on pre-order… Hope it is a help and not a hindrance… Moonshadow
February 24, 2014 at 8:22 pm #2006506Participantyou are right santa,
Thank you again for all your advices and be sure it’s helping me a lot 😉
I can also see myself with the DDJ SZ but it’s really really expensive controller
Talking about DVS, the traktor s4 can do that but i don’t like the jog wheels in it
thank again and good night 🙂February 25, 2014 at 8:15 am #2006646Participantthere is one question i was wondering about:
does serato dj contains “sample deck” functionality as in Tracktor ? beacause F1 is a peace of madness check this video http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fCg0e_0W_yo
if not what do you think about a traktor s4 + traktor F1 instead of a ddj sx ?
i am really confused :/February 25, 2014 at 8:20 am #2006648KeymasterSerato does have the SP-6 sample player which you can map to the beatbads.
However it does not have a thing like remix-decks in Traktor.On the other hand I have yet to see any DJ, that is not playing a prepared routine (like Moldover in the video), to use the remix decks live. I have seen more DJs successfully add Ableton to their Serato Setup, which gives you even more freedom to make things happen.
Also do not forget: Moldover is a musician. He knows harmony, music theory and song structure extremely well. In my opinion essential tools to pull something off.
So if you have not yet mastered a simple sample player, do not know about harmony control and music theory and scales, then do not even consider to go there.I love DJs that can do much with less, like DJ Angelo with his Terminal Mix 4 and Serato DJ Intro! (yes not even the full Serato version in this video!!!)
February 25, 2014 at 8:30 am #2006650ParticipantNothing is impossible Terry, i am just searching the right tools
so if i know about harmony control and music theory, you think i should buy a kontrol F1 + s4 ?February 26, 2014 at 8:37 am #2006915KeymasterWell I know music theory very good and I do not use Remix decks at all…
My 2ct is that remix decks are only good if you want to do live mashups, which 99% of the time is way too much hassle to do for a simple DJ gig. I can play my samples in any software (Serato, Cross,…)In the rare occasion I do want to do live mashups and actually have the hours to prepare it (expect about 1-4 hours preparation time for EACH song you want to mashup AT LEAST) then I still use my Serato setup for the DJing part, but use my launchpad and Ableton Live to do the mashup.
In the occasion that I want to play it like an instrument the remix decks are way too unflexible and in that rare occasion you actually want to perform a song to your liking I still use Ableton or Maschine to do it, as it gives you way more freedom.For me the remix decks are a gimmick positioned between a sample player (which every software has) and a real performance tool like Ableton or Maschine. Since it is doing neither really good, it is not my cup of tea and the downsides of Traktor vs Serato are why I use Serato.
But the above is solely my personal opinion and you need to do whatever floats your boat. But I have yet to see anyone do a good performance live and not pre-recorded and staged with the remix decks… (but I have done and seen people perform with Ableton and Maschine)
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