VDJ vs. Traktor

DJAckatz, post: 31036, member: 4135 wrote: VDJ offers things Traktor can’t.
traktor appeals to EDM-only Dj’s
VDJ is more of a ‘work tool’

VDJ has an automix playlist function – something invaluable to wedding DJ’s
VDJ has video dj-ing – something Traktor (let alone anyone else) can’t offer
VDJ also has the Key of the song displayed – something Traktor users don’t have, and would have to pay $20 to get mixed-in-key
^
to list just a few 🙂

Don’t get me wrong, Traktor has remix decks and tons of effects, but that stuff interests no one who plays outside of EDM clubs.

Not trying to be cocky here, But:
1. Traktor also has an automix playlist function, its called Cruise mode, button is located next to the settings button.
2. You can also display the key of the song in traktor if you analyse it with one of the FREE key analysing programs (I use Rapid Evolution 3, and theres another one out there called keyfinder which is meant to be good and free).

Virtual DJ has a lot more capability for midi scripting, you can do stuff in Virtual dj which just isn’t possible in traktor (if you have the patience)

Virtual dj also allows VST plugins for effects, which is something that neither traktor or serato offer.

And of course, you can have up to 99 decks in Virtual DJ, which you also cant do with traktor, serato or any other DJ software (as far as I know!)

Each software has advantages that others dont. One of the reasons I prefer VDJ, is that both deck wave forms are overlapping. I think this topic is very interesting ’cause maybe you guys help me to do in Traktor an advanced mixing technic I use with VDJ.

Lets say that its already a song playing to the audience. With the headphone I identify both 1st beats and sync them. Then, I beatjump the 2nd song to “pull” it’s CUE point exactly where I want it to be. Then it’s a matter of crossfading.
I can do this easily with VDJ (just because it’s overlapping rhythm window). How would you guys do that with Traktor?

If we talk about mixing technics on this post, we will change completely it’s subject. So I ask you guys to answear me by PM instead.
Thanks 🙂

IMO VDJ can do more then Traktor in most cases.
It has video, karaoke, custom skins, suports mostly all controllers and you can make it do almost anything you want it to. But to get it to act and look the way you want it to, you’ll need to learn scripting and xml coding.
Traktor on the other hand it more locked down and not as customizable. You get the option to turn on/off some of it’s UI and it’s also much easier to map. FX are also miles better in Traktor.
I would say for basic DJ’ing Traktor is a better choice you don’t need to learn things that have nothing to do with DJ’ing to get up and running. But if you just want AB mixing and don’t want to change anything VDJ is just as good.

Traktor is more like NI telling you (Like Pioneers does with CDJ’s and DJM’s) these are the controlls you need for DJ’ing.
VDJ is more like you tell me what controlls you need for DJ’ing.

just my opinion.

Yeah overall I would have to agree that it is based on user preference…but there are a few things that need to be pointed out that are the main differences between Traktor and VDJ. Some of these points have already been made so sorry for any duplication. Terry Please correct me if i have made any mistakes regarding VDJ as i havent used it in over 2 years.

Layering tracks, sampling, and controllerism is pretty much made for traktor. It doesnt have overlapping or paralleled wave forms but it doesnt need it with the Phase Grid. I have no problems mixing up to 4 tracks in Traktor at once. Doing this on VDJ is a big PITA, and i really dont like it at all tbh. VDJ says it can use up to 99 decks…who gives a crap…I hardly know any DJs that even mix with 3 decks.

Traktor also has 1:1 controllers that are specifically made for Traktor Software S2/S4 and these integrate way better than any custom controller with a mapping.

Effects, which is a huge part of EDM Djing…well honestly the standard VDJ effects are so bad that i wouldnt even go near them…I have heard some of the user made effects are pretty good.

Honestly I am really against software which allows you to totally customize everything from layout to decks to skins etc. etc. IMO Professional software should not be so user customizable. Here is my thinking: Take a look at any professional piece of equipment…lets say a Hand Drill. A good professional hand drill does 1 thing and 1 thing only. Now take a look at a consumer tool. They are often made to fit a wide array of uses, not as sturdy construction and are not meant for Hard use.

Thats how i Feel about VDJ…VDJ is like a cross between Serato and Traktor…but not as good as either of them…but can fit the bill of either type of software and will work.

The way i look at the software is…Serato and Traktor was made from day one with the idea that they were meant to be professional types of software…where as VDJ was made as a consumer tool first and then was changed to be a Professional software.

The comment made above comparing NI to Pioneer is exactly why i use Traktor and Serato…Here are to tools you need to do everything you want and then some…now spend the time to learn them.

Saying that Traktor is ONLY meant for EDM DJs is also so untrue that its not even funny. A lot of GREAT Scratch DJs use Traktor…Traktor DVS is amazing…A-Trak, Shiftee, are 2 that i can think of off hand.

The Positives regarding VDJ are really lacking to me. Karoke, and Video Djing. Well First off If i am ever doing a Karoke…ill probably put a bullet into my head and hang up the headphones for the rest of my life.

Regarding Video DJing…I find VDJ Video DJing is really lackluster and i find it rather…actually really bland. I use Resolume for Video DJing and i will never go back to any other program for Video DJing.

IMO and im totally bias having used Serato, Trakto and VDJ. Serato and Traktor are hands down my personal favs.

Hee Won Jung, post: 31194, member: 948 wrote:
The comment made above comparing NI to Pioneer is exactly why i use Traktor and Serato…Here are to tools you need to do everything you want and then some…now spend the time to learn them.

And thats the reason why I’m using Traktor and looking forware to try out Serato DJ when I get the DDJ SX

DJimC, post: 31197, member: 2657 wrote:
In the end I’m convinced that a skilled mapper/skinner could make VDJ behave exactly the same way as any standard traktor configuration. However to get the most out of VDJ, you have to be confortable with doing some mapping yourself to make it suit your particular needs.

Yes probably a really skilled mapper/skinner could make VDJ behave the same as traktor…but then why not just use Traktor?

The other thing here is industry standards…Lets say even though the likely hood of this happeneing is slim to none.

2 Traktor users are playing 1 after the other…the gear is 1 Traktor S4 and a laptop. They are both able to play their sets knowing the software and Kontroller. They bring a USB stick and plug in analyze and off they go.

2 VDJ users are playing 1 after the other…the gear is 1 Controller X and a laptop. They both have created totally customized mappings and their work flows are completely different because the basic package that VDJ provides is inadequate for anyone to just pick up and start playing as well they both like to use different VSTS because the standard Effects are garbage. They now have to bring all their own gear and setup.

I myself can play on Serato, CDJs, Traktor and DVS. I can go and play a gig anywhere, using anything from a USB stick to a DVS setup, to a Controller.

As a DJ we should be able to play out on any medium…now having a custom made VDJ mapping and Skin that only you have…well you are just really limiting your gigs.

Now thats not to say that i dont have custom mappings, i use additional Midi Controllers apart of my gig…but my controller is a standard mapping because everything on it is damn near perfect.

Hee Won Jung, post: 31194, member: 948 wrote:

Saying that Traktor is ONLY meant for EDM DJs is also so untrue that its not even funny.

THIS. I started with VDJ, switched to Traktor and never looked back. Gigging,EDM is pretty far from what I play. Hip-Hop, Top 40, Dance. At my regular gig if it’s not Tiesto, Avicii, or Skrillex management doesn’t want to hear it. In my practice time, I’m a Junglist and yes when it comes to that, VDJ is pretty far from what I want or need. To me VDJ just seems too….fluffy. Too busy. I wanted a powerful, stripped down interface that allowed customization where it matters, how the music sounds. Yes it was more of a challenge to learn but honestly if we’re not challenging ourselves then why don’t we save a couple grand and just plug in our ipods?

Honestly the whole conversation is a mimic of the PC vs. Mac debate and it’s a matter of personal preference. I can understand the allure of VDJ and it has it’s market. I used to be its market. Fire up the free version, set it on automix and if that’s your bag then it does the trick. I think it’s not a matter of what’s better or worse, it’s what kind of DJ are you? What helps you grow? I’ve yet to see 2 guys battle it out and have the decided “winner” be the victor because of software.