SCS.4DJ vs CDJ vs Turntable

[sriracha]

I'm sorry if this is a noob thread; moderators feel free to lock/move/delete as you see fit.

I've been looking at making my first purchase of equipment. Being young and broke, here are my three options:

--2 Stanton T.52's, a cheap-ish mixer, and a DVS
pros: I like the idea of learning on a turntable; I can replace individual components if something breaks; with some good CL and eBay watching, I can get the tables for under $150 and a mixer for around $80
cons: DVS can/will make it cost more than a good controller; I won't have a capable laptop for a few months so I won't be able to start playing immediately; bulkier and heavier than a controller

--Stanton SCS.4DJ
pros: excellent controller, no laptop necessary, iPod and external drive friendly, compact, quite possibly the cheapest option, I think resale value might be pretty good if I find that this isn't for me
cons:little things like no gain controls on the mixer, analyzing songs take quite a bit of time

--2 Denon DN-S1000, cheap-ish mixer, DVS is a maybe
pros: MP3 compatible, inexpensive, cd player, no laptop required but the controller is more beginner friendly,
cons: bulkier than controller, I think I prefer the TT setup over this

It also seems that the controller and cdjs are more mix-friendly, given the on-board cue buttons/cue points, etc. Correct me if I'm wrong.

I just need opinions and suggestions.

Thanks

[DougMore]

I would say either the CDJs or Turntables would be better. Try to step up to T.62s though....either way, learning on a system that doesn't have any screens is essential for training your brain to DJ 'right'.

When you're starting out, don't get a DVS. Vinyl is hard to learn on, but it's worth it. Not only do you only grab music that you REALLY do love (because you wouldn't buy it otherwise) but you'll also get the skills to DJ on any other equipment. Where as if you chose CDJ or Controller, it would be harder to transition to turntables if you ever wanted/needed to.

I started out on vinyl...I was alright at beatmatching (It would take me a couple of minutes max, 30seconds minimal)....but after going through controllers and DVS I think I average 2 minutes for a by-ear beat match.

In the end, the more I practice with vinyl, the better I get with Serato.

[sriracha]

Thanks. My living situation (dorm) kind of means I have to keep it compact, though. Do you think the turntables will create an issue or are they small enough. Also, what is the major difference between the T.62 (what I originally wanted) and the T.52?

I know I'll get music that I actually want/like, but I also kinda need to add a little more volume to my music library. Would it be ok if I got the DVS, but "forced" myself to ignore the screen while watching? I won't have a screen to look at for the next few months, but having a DVS allows me to mix all the Top40/music I don't care about that I can get my hands on

[DougMore]

T.52 = Belt Drive. Good for listening/recording vinyl. BAAAAAAAD for DJing (especially if you want to scratch at any point).
T.62 = Direct Drive. Meaning there is a magnetic motor that spins the platter. These 62's aren't the greatest, but they aren't bad either.

If you wanted to get a DVS because you have no other choice, either Serato or Traktor would be fine. There are settings to make it so you don't see any waveforms.


At the same time, CDJs are compact and still offer you the chance to learn beatmatching by ear better (IE, put tape over the BPM).

[sriracha]

What is a cartridge when talking about tables?

[Andrew B]

What is a cartridge when talking about tables?

It allows you to attach the stylus (needle) to the tonearm.

[Ferryman]

lol bless

[S.Michael]

--2 Denon DN-S1000, cheap-ish mixer, DVS is a maybe
pros: MP3 compatible, inexpensive, cd player, no laptop required but the controller is more beginner friendly,
cons: bulkier than controller, I think I prefer the TT setup over this


Those CD players are trash, if you are going to buy any cd player make it pioneer. Pioneer CDJ200 are available for decent prices, you can even find them brand new for respectable prices. There is nothing worse than buying garbage and then realizing it after the money is spent. DJ'ing is not a cheap adventure even for the most basics setups, if you wanna play you have to pay.

[sriracha]

Alright, I took a few minutes, priced out different things, and the controller is the most economical when all is said and doen. Why do I always choose the expensive hobbies :mad:?
Anyway, price is really my determining factor. I understand that beat-matching by ear is essential, but I can just not look at waveforms/bpm and ignore the auto-sync tool. When I feel competent enough, I'll use them as convenient tools.

Thanks for the help though

Edit: I could be wrong in this assumption, so if you disagree, let me know why, etc

[S.Michael]

Save up and get the turntable setup with serato, it will be worth it in the long run as it will force you to learn the basics and develop your DJ skills quicker than a controller/software combo.

[sriracha]

Double post

[sriracha]

So how exactly do you go about setting cue points, etc. on turntables. Please excuse my ignorance, I don't know much about turntables. I read this (http://www.dj-advisor.com/cue-points.html) but I need some further clarification.

[Rick_N]

So how exactly do you go about setting cue points, etc. on turntables. Please excuse my ignorance, I don't know much about turntables. I read this (http://www.dj-advisor.com/cue-points.html) but I need some further clarification.

With viynl??? You dont, well kinda of i suppose. If you look at a record you can see where the breakdowns are within the track, and you can put the needle there and cue it up by spinning the record till it reaches the desired point.

I would also recommend you getting the t62 over the t52. Also i've only heard good things about those denons, theres actually a pair for sale in the classfieds on this forum for like 400$ So either of those routes prob would be your best bet.

Also the cdj200's are garbage, just throwing it out there.

[sriracha]

I think I may have worded my question incorrectly, sorry. Let's say you're using turntables with Traktor. Would you set cue points within the software (as you aren't using an actual vinyl record)? What about effects?

[Andrew B]

I think I may have worded my question incorrectly, sorry. Let's say you're using turntables with Traktor. Would you set cue points within the software (as you aren't using an actual vinyl record)? What about effects?

If you want cue points, then yes, you set them in the software. Or you could just needle drop like a normal record.

What about effects?

[S.Michael]

Also i've only heard good things about those denons, theres actually a pair for sale in the classfieds on this forum for like 400$ So either of those routes prob would be your best bet.

Also the cdj200's are garbage, just throwing it out there.

And I have heard nothing but crap about the s1000, it all really doesn't matter. I know for a fact that I would take pioneer over denon and I am sure most would side with me on that. Pioneer has proved itself time and time again with its product quality. And what is so garbage about the cdj200. Can get then new for around $200 a piece, sure they are not packed with features but they get the job done and are very reliable. They also get the user used to how pioneer cdjs work, and pioneer cdjs is the club standard last I recall...

In the end it is not my money I am wasting so get whatever you would like.

[sriracha]

If you want cue points, then yes, you set them in the software. Or you could just needle drop like a normal record.

What about effects?
I thought they came from the mixer but certain cdjs use them from individual decks/players. I'm assuming they would come from the software as well in this case, no?

:facepalm: I feel like an idiot asking all these simple questions.

[Andrew B]

Yeah, the software has some. Some mixers have them, and some CD players have them.

[S.Michael]

Some mixers have effects, some CD players have effects and software has effects too. I would not concern yourself with effects in the early stages anyway

[Jason Cerna]

Save up and get the turntable setup with serato, it will be worth it in the long run as it will force you to learn the basics and develop your DJ skills quicker than a controller/software combo.

basic mixing skills can be learned on any equipment. scratching is a whole other story...

[Rick_N]

Actually I meant to say the denon dn-s1200's. Those are decent cdj's that quite a few people like, including myself when I played on them. I'm just not a pioneer fanboy. Yes I love playing on the 1000, 900, 850, 2000's...and if I have to the 400's. But i've never liked the 200 and neither have a few people, some of which are on this board that have owned a pair. I just dont buy gear based on the name when theres comparable options out there.

[S.Michael]

Actually I meant to say the denon dn-s1200's. Those are decent cdj's that quite a few people like, including myself when I played on them.

Yes I have heard good things about those as well, though I have never had the opportunity to play on them myself.

[JonnyFlash]

I'm sorry if this is a noob thread; moderators feel free to lock/move/delete as you see fit.

I've been looking at making my first purchase of equipment. Being young and broke, here are my three options:

--2 Stanton T.52's, a cheap-ish mixer, and a DVS
pros: I like the idea of learning on a turntable; I can replace individual components if something breaks; with some good CL and eBay watching, I can get the tables for under $150 and a mixer for around $80
cons: DVS can/will make it cost more than a good controller; I won't have a capable laptop for a few months so I won't be able to start playing immediately; bulkier and heavier than a controller

--Stanton SCS.4DJ
pros: excellent controller, no laptop necessary, iPod and external drive friendly, compact, quite possibly the cheapest option, I think resale value might be pretty good if I find that this isn't for me
cons:little things like no gain controls on the mixer, analyzing songs take quite a bit of time

--2 Denon DN-S1000, cheap-ish mixer, DVS is a maybe
pros: MP3 compatible, inexpensive, cd player, no laptop required but the controller is more beginner friendly,
cons: bulkier than controller, I think I prefer the TT setup over this

It also seems that the controller and cdjs are more mix-friendly, given the on-board cue buttons/cue points, etc. Correct me if I'm wrong.

I just need opinions and suggestions.

Thanks
What it comes down to is what is going to be more viable for you and what you are trying to accomplish. If you want to show up at a party and rock out with 2000 tracks then the SCS4DJ is for you. If you wanna scratch then a higher end turntable or CD play is for you. The best option is just to try out everything that you can at a local shop and see what feels right. Personally I started with a old crappy Vestax CD set up then eventually got Pioneer CDJ 800s then Numark HDXs and now I am on to a controller. For me portability is my new factor. I did not want to lug around 80 lbs of equipment to a house party. Now its just me, my macbook pro, my UMix COntroll Pro and thats it.2 min set up time 2 min tear down time if that.