CDJ 2000 or a midi controller? Choose wisely...

[tuurrtles]

If someone else has some CDJs for me to play on, sure I will use them but I just have to think to myself, (especially people using the 2000s with serato instead of standalone w/o a laptop) what a waste of money.

I couldn't agree more about the 2000's. Theyre meant to be used standalone if you ask me. I would love to use them for that reason.

[tuurrtles]

TTs = turntables, DVS = digital vinyl system, correct?

By the way, I'm originally from just south of Boston, living in DC now. Big ups to ya.

So, if I'm going to have to be proficient at using CDJs without a computer, which ones should I get? As in, which CDJs, if I learned them and practiced on them at home, would make me the most adaptable to other CDJs I might encounter at the club?

I'm looking to buy soon...

I wish they had them set up at the music stores. My guitar center is a dump, they don't have anything set up to try. If I could, I'd just go to the music store and practice on the different models. I've heard theyre very intuitive, and just using them a few times is all you need. Still, though, it took me 3 years to become proficient on the VCI-300, and thats as simple as hell. I'm a slow learner...

I'm not opposed to getting away from the laptop, at all! In fact, that's what I would prefer. As I've said in another post, I don't like how it looks when I have my face buried in a laptop while I'm deejaying. It kind of looks like youre checking your email the whole time. But the waveform displays on the CDJs (with the exception of the 2000 and nexus) and the way you get around your music library seems so cumbersome at first glance... Is it really as easy as everyone says it is?

I can't wait to get started on this. I finally feel like my mixing skills on the VCI are good enough to play out confidently. Probably going to start doing little craphole gigs soon, just to get my foot in the door, so my VCI should tide me over for now.

[Andrew1207]

For use without a laptop, I would recommend ANY of the current models that use USB and RekordBox (CDJ850, 900, 2000). They are all suitable for what you would need, it's just a matter of how much you want to spend on the extra features that come with the more expensive models.

[Ever]

I opted for the 900's. I'm enjoying the USB LINK feature and Slip.

[KLH]

TTs = turntables, DVS = digital vinyl system, correct?

You got it!

By the way, I'm originally from just south of Boston, living in DC now. Big ups to ya.

I grew up in Northern VA area, so how ironic is that?

which CDJs, if I learned them and practiced on them at home, would make me the most adaptable to other CDJs I might encounter at the club?

I would vote for the CDJ-900s because it supports most of what the -2000 does which the most important aspect being networked connectivity (IMHO). However, if you plan on using a DJ app (like Traktor) or a DVS (like Serato), then I'd just get the -850... or maybe even the -350.

Check out this great comparison page (props to DJResource.eu)

But the waveform displays on the CDJs (with the exception of the 2000 and nexus) and the way you get around your music library seems so cumbersome at first glance... Is it really as easy as everyone says it is?

It's not as simple as using a computer mouse, but it's not so bad either. Obviously, the more you spend, the more "friendly" the interface becomes.

If I got the -900, I'd just make a flashdrive of (Rekord-box analyzed) tracks, network the CDJs, and practice/perform. No computer. Easy as pie. Of course, YMMV.

-KLH

[tuurrtles]

THanks Andrew. I am strongly considering the 850s just to save money. I'll have to look up some comparisons.

One thing I saw in the 900s description of rekordbox was that it has quantize features. I am not clear on this.

I fully understand the quantize feature on the 2000Nexus, but what is it like on the 850s and 900s? Can u hit play on a cue and have it come in at the start of the next bar? ANd is this feature available on both the 900 and 850 alike?

[tuurrtles]

I'd love to get the 900s but the 850s have a much better price. I'm going to look at the comparison page now. My main thing, to reiterate, is to be able to use ANY CDJ. Basically, I want to be prepared to go play at a club that has in-house dj equipment. I hope the 850s would prepare me to be able to paly on 900s, 2000s, et cetera.

KLH did you used to DJ in this area?

[tuurrtles]

Ok so I just looked at the comparison chart.

It's looking like I'm going to go with the 900s, as they have quantize and link capabilities.

But what does this mean? Auto Beat Loops (Possible steps) 3X4 whereas the 2000s is 1x4

I wish the 850 had dj link, I'd probably get it even without quantize. Without dj link, how does it work? DO you have to plug a HDD or thumb drive into each player? And otherwise would u have to use a DVS or Traktor?

[Manu]

Buy the tools YOU need.

[KLH]

KLH did you used to DJ in this area?

I have moved from CDJs to controllers. I'm primarily a mobile DJ, so I simply got tired of lugging so much gear around and then setting up/breaking down. Controllers streamline this process.

If I were an aspiring club dj, I'd go the CDJ/DVS route.

FWIW, I used CDJ-800s at the time.

But what does this mean? Auto Beat Loops (Possible steps) 3X4 whereas the 2000s is 1x4

I couldn't figure this out either. I did, however, find a video on the looping of the CDJ-900 (by the DJTutor!):

I wish the 850 had dj link, I'd probably get it even without quantize. Without dj link, how does it work? DO you have to plug a HDD or thumb drive into each player? And otherwise would u have to use a DVS or Traktor?

I'm with you on that one. Yes, you'd either use media/storage on EACH CDJ or a DVS/DJ app.

-KLH