Mixologists and Turntablists

[GreiginFife]

Evening, long time no post.

Following having to give up the game that brought me to this forum in the first place, all my gear is now sold and I have a little bit of cash spare.

Sooo, I used to be a DJ (club residence in the mid 90's and then home use until now) and still have my faithful Technics SL1210Mk2s from 1994.
But, I have mobility issues in one arm now and I love to dabble on the decks quite a lot now as a replacement past-time and this is becoming a pain (literally) when mixing and having to run back and squeeze platters to keep beats matching (first world problems, I know).

And this brings me to my question to those such ways inclined... I am looking at going digital and getting a DJ Controller unit with a software programme, mainly because it still has the "Feel" of using decks whilst maybe lacking the authenticity.
Firstly, has anyone experience of using a controller and how did it compare to vinyl?

Secondly, I am looking at either a Pioneer DDJ-SR or a Native Instruments Traktor Kontroller S4 Mk2 - Both are around the £500 mark and seem to be decent spec with soundcards and FX pads etc.

Pioneer comes with Serato but can also use Rekordbox whilst the Traktor uses... well, Traktor DJ Pro.
I have used Traktor DJ about 10 years ago and found it ok. But have no experience of Serato or Rekordbox, so anyone that has an opinion it would be welcomed.

Mainly playing 4/4 style Techno, Hardcore and Trance and mainly just looking at mixing but might look at samples and effects later.

So, over to any users out there.

Thanks

 

[jim8flog]

My heads gone in to a spin just reading the thread title.

 

[Kellfire]

A mixologist is someone who makes cocktails so I'm not sure of the relevance.

 

[Marshy77]

Evening, long time no post.

Following having to give up the game that brought me to this forum in the first place, all my gear is now sold and I have a little bit of cash spare.

Sooo, I used to be a DJ (club residence in the mid 90's and then home use until now) and still have my faithful Technics SL1210Mk2s from 1994.
But, I have mobility issues in one arm now and I love to dabble on the decks quite a lot now as a replacement past-time and this is becoming a pain (literally) when mixing and having to run back and squeeze platters to keep beats matching (first world problems, I know).

And this brings me to my question to those such ways inclined... I am looking at going digital and getting a DJ Controller unit with a software programme, mainly because it still has the "Feel" of using decks whilst maybe lacking the authenticity.
Firstly, has anyone experience of using a controller and how did it compare to vinyl?

Secondly, I am looking at either a Pioneer DDJ-SR or a Native Instruments Traktor Kontroller S4 Mk2 - Both are around the £500 mark and seem to be decent spec with soundcards and FX pads etc.

Pioneer comes with Serato but can also use Rekordbox whilst the Traktor uses... well, Traktor DJ Pro.
I have used Traktor DJ about 10 years ago and found it ok. But have no experience of Serato or Rekordbox, so anyone that has an opinion it would be welcomed.

Mainly playing 4/4 style Techno, Hardcore and Trance and mainly just looking at mixing but might look at samples and effects later.

So, over to any users out there.

Thanks

I still dj out and have also gone over to the dark side/got with the times and gone digital. The short answer is a bit like golf clubs - go have an hour or 2 in a decent dj equipment shop and have a mess around and speak to the guys there and see which you prefer.

I use traktor but only because it came with my pioneer controller - no other reason. My mates who I dj out use either serato or recordbox. I think recordbox it better it you are only going to use Pioneer gear or hook your laptop up to cdj's via usb and the program is improving all the time, I know they had issue's a couple of years ago but think its all sorted now.

I had massive problems when I first started with Traktor, used to crash mid set but it seem fine now, totally turned on wifi and don't use the internet on my laptop at all which I think has solved the problem. I did buy a mac to use with my controller but haven't got round to switching over yet, Macs are more sturdy than windows based laptops I;ve been told so shouldn't have any issues once I go to Mac.

Whatever program you get you could get time coded vinyl and still use your turntable too - I think.

As for feel, I struggled when I switched to cdj's early 00's as the feel wasn't there but it was just an upgrade and you didn't have take 2 record bags of vinyl with you lol

I love djing on my controller now, yes it may feel like cheating but what you can do once you spend time on them in creating and building the effects etc is fantastic.

For £500 you'd get the Pioneer DDJ_SR - looks a great bit of kit and comes with Serato, know a few people that have it and really like it but I'd go and spend the afternoon old school like you probably did when you went shopping for vinyl!!! Aaah them days ;-)

 

[patricks148]

Glad to see you have found something to keep you occupied Greig.

I can just see you now, behind the DJ console at a wedding playing Russ Abbott and Black Lace:rofl:

 

[Jimaroid]

Have you looked at Traktor Scratch Pro? Time coded vinyl so you can use your Technics 1210 with a digital mixer of some kind. Best of both worlds according to a mate of mine but it’s a second hand opinion that I’ve not tried myself.

I’ve only dabbled but went down the Ableton route as I didn’t have the vinyl skills.

 

[GreiginFife]

I still dj out and have also gone over to the dark side/got with the times and gone digital. The short answer is a bit like golf clubs - go have an hour or 2 in a decent dj equipment shop and have a mess around and speak to the guys there and see which you prefer.

I use traktor but only because it came with my pioneer controller - no other reason. My mates who I dj out use either serato or recordbox. I think recordbox it better it you are only going to use Pioneer gear or hook your laptop up to cdj's via usb and the program is improving all the time, I know they had issue's a couple of years ago but think its all sorted now.

I had massive problems when I first started with Traktor, used to crash mid set but it seem fine now, totally turned on wifi and don't use the internet on my laptop at all which I think has solved the problem. I did buy a mac to use with my controller but haven't got round to switching over yet, Macs are more sturdy than windows based laptops I;ve been told so shouldn't have any issues once I go to Mac.

Whatever program you get you could get time coded vinyl and still use your turntable too - I think.

As for feel, I struggled when I switched to cdj's early 00's as the feel wasn't there but it was just an upgrade and you didn't have take 2 record bags of vinyl with you lol

I love djing on my controller now, yes it may feel like cheating but what you can do once you spend time on them in creating and building the effects etc is fantastic.

For £500 you'd get the Pioneer DDJ_SR - looks a great bit of kit and comes with Serato, know a few people that have it and really like it but I'd go and spend the afternoon old school like you probably did when you went shopping for vinyl!!! Aaah them days ;-)

Have you looked at Traktor Scratch Pro? Time coded vinyl so you can use your Technics 1210 with a digital mixer of some kind. Best of both worlds according to a mate of mine but it’s a second hand opinion that I’ve not tried myself.

I’ve only dabbled but went down the Ableton route as I didn’t have the vinyl skills.

Thanks for the input guys, I had considered time-coded vinyl but the issue I have is in operating the turntable effectively so not sure it would help (I have limited mobility in my left arm and the Technic platters are quite heavy under load).

I will take that advice Marshy and head to Rubadub in Glasgow to have a try. I like the look of the new Traktor interface but I also really like the look of the Pioneer from an aesthetics point, the Kontroller S4 looks a bit "fairground" to me with all the coloured LEDs.

I could probably stretch the budget a bit if one really jumped out.

 

[GreiginFife]

Glad to see you have found something to keep you occupied Greig.

I can just see you now, behind the DJ console at a wedding playing Russ Abbott and Black Lace:rofl:

Everyone needs a hobby old bean.

It's when I get ABBA and Bonnie Tyler on that everyone should be afraid...

 

[Marshy77]

Thanks for the input guys, I had considered time-coded vinyl but the issue I have is in operating the turntable effectively so not sure it would help (I have limited mobility in my left arm and the Technic platters are quite heavy under load).

I will take that advice Marshy and head to Rubadub in Glasgow to have a try. I like the look of the new Traktor interface but I also really like the look of the Pioneer from an aesthetics point, the Kontroller S4 looks a bit "fairground" to me with all the coloured LEDs.

I could probably stretch the budget a bit if one really jumped out.

I've got the S2 as I wasn't sure how I'd get on and might look at upgrading next year, if I still want to dj out. It is a bit colourful but only when you are using the pads etc. I like traktor but that's the only software I've used, it's easy to navigate through and you can mess about and change the outlook but mixing wise it's pretty straight forward.

My mate owns a store in Bradford (The disc) and can easily spend a few hours messing about, some great controller's and piece of kit out there. You may stumble across something that you didn't consider.

 

[Jacko_G]

Sorry to hear this news Greig.

 

[Jimaroid]

I will take that advice Marshy and head to Rubadub in Glasgow to have a try. I like the look of the new Traktor interface but I also really like the look of the Pioneer from an aesthetics point, the Kontroller S4 looks a bit "fairground" to me with all the coloured LEDs.

I could probably stretch the budget a bit if one really jumped out.

I messed around with some Pioneer CDJ's both in a live mix and wired into Ableton about 10 years ago and they were pretty decent back then, very light action on the wheels. Can only imagine they've gotten even better since and the DDJs have built upon them.

Sorry to hear about the arm though.

 

[GreiginFife]

So I went out today and had a play around with the Pioneer, Traktor Kontrol and a Denon.
Wasn't really a fan of of Rekordbox as felt it was the least intuitive of it and Serato.
Spoke at length with a very knowledgeable sales rep and discussed what I need etc and walked out with the Kontrol S2 Mk2 and £200 in leftover funds.
The 4 decks of the S4 were wasted on me and the jog wheels on the Pioneer felt too light Nd a little flimsy compared to the aluminium wheels on the S2.

Traktor Pro is just so much better than Serato for me and its easy to use with zero lag.

Very happy with it, set up through my laptop and out into my Denon PMA amp and Tannoy M2s its sounding superb.

The wife is despairing at the fact I will now pretty much disappear into my man cave completely as I can last more than half an hour without arm pain from the 1210s.

Result.

 

[Jimaroid]

Nice, my muso and DJ pals all swear by Traktor these days so there must be something to it. Have fun and stick a mix up somewhere when you get it setup and settled in.

 

[Marshy77]

So I went out today and had a play around with the Pioneer, Traktor Kontrol and a Denon.
Wasn't really a fan of of Rekordbox as felt it was the least intuitive of it and Serato.
Spoke at length with a very knowledgeable sales rep and discussed what I need etc and walked out with the Kontrol S2 Mk2 and £200 in leftover funds.
The 4 decks of the S4 were wasted on me and the jog wheels on the Pioneer felt too light Nd a little flimsy compared to the aluminium wheels on the S2.

Traktor Pro is just so much better than Serato for me and its easy to use with zero lag.

Very happy with it, set up through my laptop and out into my Denon PMA amp and Tannoy M2s its sounding superb.

The wife is despairing at the fact I will now pretty much disappear into my man cave completely as I can last more than half an hour without arm pain from the 1210s.

Result.

That's what I have. More than enough for what I want to do it. You also have the choice of adding effects units etc to it too. Enjoy. Wish I still had my man cave but that disappeared when the kids were born.