So I’ve been put of the loop for a while but could soon be in the market for some new tech. I’m used to Traktor but can see that’s falling by the wayside in favour of the other software options and standalone hardware. Ideally I want to add in my technics as line in decks on a 4 channel. Tempted by the Denon Prime 4 but fuck me it’s a bit steep. Or just go with what I know and get an S4 mk3 and hope Traktor will continue. Anyone using either?
Think I prefer the Prime 4 to the XDJ but both look absolutely beastly to be fair. Thanks Hanners
Fuck all those toy town controllers, make like a man some heavy T and get two CDJs and a four channel mixer. I’d rather go second hand on the real deal than buy a new ‘all in one’ thingy.
Denon, lollers, at this rate you’ll be pouring your train beers into pot plants.
Mate if there’s one thing I can advise, try them first for a while.
I loved the look of Denon, was convinced I’d get a Prime 4, and couldn’t get on with it. It’s a feeling thing for me (plus I do play venues that always have Pioneer).
The Prime 4 is a beast, but I know plenty of people who fall on both sides of the fence with this topic - and plenty of people do love them.
There’s a lot of noise about the latest engine software not up to much good but i’m sure they’ll fix it.
I’d get the MK3 of S4 over Denon.
Lots of S5s on used equipment-sites too, that was well liked when it came out if the lack of jog wheels is not an issue.
Amps the XDJ-XZ is terrific to be fair
I have a DDJ-1000 and it is pimp. Phono in seems to work fine.
No idea what half the buttons do
benson I have to be honest about the DDJ-1000 - it’s pre-amps are really weak for vinyl.
It took me a year to notice it because I wasn’t playing with bigger mixers and my friends brought their turntables round for parties, but as soon as I went to the XZ and the DJM-900nxs2 / DJM-V10 they all sounded much closer to the allen and heath sound and there were holes in the sound on the DDJ-1000’s whole range but particularly the mid-treble.
People pulled Pioneer about it on the forums and Pioneer admitted somewhere that it was basically only set up for vinyl to allow DVS (playing MP3s on time coded vinyl with your laptop). Because it was a hardware issue, they couldn’t update firmware or anything to improve it.
Everything between DJM-700 and DJM900 nxs1 were nearly as bad.
I mean it’ll play, but if you put it on decent speakers / monitors it’ll really expose itself compared with 320 mp3 or better.
NasserAlazzawi Engine is playing catch up, but it’s very appealing it can import my Traktor library. The thought of having to re beat grid and cue point all my library is a chilling prospect indeed. The XDJ and prime are fucking massive though.
“Beatgrids” shudders
Some frustrating nights here fucking around with those things.
Just a note to everyone using Mac and worried about switching software and brands.
There’s a guy out there who has developed software to make your old playlists on one system seamlessly transfer to another.
He works closely with most of the brands and reverse engineers things like this.
Here is his business site but this basically means you can move from one thing to another easily - and you can always go back to your original if it doesn’t work first time.
It’s Mac only as he doesn’t know windows development.
But I’m hearing great things and he genuinely seems to care.
…hmm, I tried (and paid for!) come conversion software when I moved back to RB from Traktor, didn’t work out for me.
Tbh Stu, unless you are prepared to shell-out, there isn’t really a (decent) cheap modular or controller option. It’s a shame Traktor haven’t progressed the hardware side of things to something more standalone, but that clearly isn’t the direction they want to go. Based on my own experience, if you already have a substantial library of analysed tracks, I would think very hard about changing ecosystems. Wasn’t aware that Engine read Traktor files, that’s quite appealing in your situation. As Nasser says though, have a go on the hardware before you commit, I didn’t get on with them at all.
All things considered, in a party scenario, I do think I enjoy playing on standalone CDJ’s much more than I did staring at a computer.
just kiss me Stuart
Stand-alones and a rotary you massive whopper.
I’m current redefining the DJ mix concept armed with SC6000’s and a Radius 2.
You’re welcome
