#21

Can’t say… I imagine it’s possible to integrate them via simple MIDI control, but not sure how well it works.

#22

Tagging @izzy for some relevant advice.

1 Like
#23

Thanks for the tag @caelmore

@dsiah – if you intend to DJ in clubs without wanting to bring your own equipment, I’d highly recommend sticking with rekordbox and Pioneer’s line of DDJ controllers and CDJs simply because of ubiquity. Traktor and Serato are great tools but usually for DJs who prefer timecode vinyl. Getting used to the physicality of using the equipment is pretty important which is why I wouldn’t recommend getting a tiny controller that feels nothing like what you’d encounter in a club. Once you’ve internalized (I mean, really internalize) your tunes and got beat-matching on lock, having fun and being creative on the fly depends on knowing the equipment inside and out: not having to fiddle around to locate a knob, quickly identifying if the settings are adjusted to your liking as you take over from another DJ, etc.

Avalon Emerson (she’s also a programer, if you didn’t already know, and it shows in her organization skillz) recently did a great interview with Resident Advisor on the art of DJing. Highly recommended read.

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#24

Yeah this is a good point: although nobody I know really likes the pioneer software, it’s the best way to prepare material for CDJs and will be the easiest way to transition to playing on them.

In my experience, the only people who are still using timecode are turntablists, who are pretty much all on Serato. Traktor appeals mostly to DJs who are into the expanded functionality computers provide (i.e. effects, samples, stems and 4 deck mixing)

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#25

I disagree strongly with this.

This mindset is exactly the aim that Pioneer marketing has been trying to achieve.

It’s why so many new djs are just Pioneer product specialists , that actually have very poor basic djing skills.

If you concentrate and master the four classic fundamentals of selection, beatmatching, gain staging and phrasing then you can walk up to any dj gear in the world and do your thing.

Cdjs are very simple machines that take a couple of hours to master if you have the fundamental skills down.

Having a Pioneer club setup at home because they are “industry standard” and “necessary to be club ready” are just the effect of aspirational Pioneer marketing.

Of course Pioneer wants people to think they have to buy $4000 of club gear for use at home.

It’s not true or necessary though.

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#26

Pretty sure I prefaced my opinion with “if you intend to DJ in clubs without having to bring your equipment”. I also don’t find it useful to restate advice that’s already been shared in the thread re: fundamental techniques and concepts.

Just for the record, I started DJing on a Numark Mixtrack Pro, approximately $50 used five years ago, because that’s what I could afford at the time. I learned the basic concepts of DJing but the actual dimensions of the controller, weight of the jog wheels, and functionality presented were irrelevant, if not confusing, when it came to being in a club with CDJ-2000s. I’d never recommend buying CDJ-2000s outright because that’s ridiculous and inaccessible for most people, even getting access to practice on CDJs is challenging. So, I suggest getting a used Pioneer controller or pair of old CDJs so that what you’re practicing on is applicable to performance.

4 Likes
#27

That is a great series of articles, and I didn’t actually know that she was a programmer for her day job, neat. As far as size, and throw length what would you suggest buyers beware of? I’ve read some folks who say that short throw for pitch faders and other dimensional features may be important to focus on when finding the right controller.

Right now you’ve got me considering:
Pioneer DJ DDJ-SB3 4-deck Serato DJ Controller

#28

On whatever equipment you do it, start slow in bars that give you long hours to experiment/learn/program. One thing has not been mentioned here and its slightly corny: DON‘T ever try to convince your listeners of your good taste. Give them something they want and they‘ll give you something back! Also very corny but since djing is kind of corny anyway :joy: when you have your entry skill, get gigs in places where ppl are unihibited-you will then learn to program hours of fun!

I had my best dj gigs in unhip places, when i did not play the music i was associated with as a dj, to ppl that wanted to party!:rocket:

I was a vinyl junkie and have converted to an ipad with Traktor on it-that does the job as well. Have fun, its the hard part today-it used to be so easy 20+years ago

#29

I’d agree with the sentiment that if you want to DJ in clubs, CDJs are almost a required skill.

Good luck, DJing is really fun.

#31

anybody can give me hands on instructions how to use N I Jam controller and Traktor Z 2 mixer together to play live

I am located in Los Angeles