I was about to pull the trigger to purchase my first CDJ (2000), but. . . .

Your experience is going to depend on how you plan to integrate the CDJ with Traktor.  It will also depend on the rest of your setup.

Using the CDJ in Advanced HID mode is one way to go.  By doing this you are simply connecting the CDJ via USB and it can control some of the functions in Traktor.  This is somewhat of an alternative to using timecode discs.  The downside is that Native Instruments has not yet fully added Advanced HID support, so the functions available are limited.  (example: you cannot see the full track info and waveform on the CDJ screen)  Serato has done a better job in this regard.  Eventually, if NI adds full Adv HID support, then you will get all of the track info and waveform on the CDJ-2000.

Option 2:  Use timecode discs.  This will give you better scratch control than the current level of HID available on Traktor.  But besides that, it's not really a benefit over HID control.  You will also have to use a Scratch certified soundcard or mixer.

I will point out that many DJs prefer to just use the CDJ-2000s on their own with a mixer.  It really makes life easy when minimize the setup complexity.  A lot of top-level DJs have either avoided Traktor, or ditched it, because they like the simplicity of the CDJ-2000s on their own.

I'd just go rent one and make the decision for yourself man. There are so many variables that can cause latency. But yeah - don't buy just one I have two and I want a third.

I agree with the Simplicity. Export a USB stick with tracks on it and call it a day!

Very interesting comments! It would appear that you guys are suggesting I ditch the traktor? So to be clear, is there any positive reason's to utilize the combination of Traktor Pro and CDJ 2000? Some of Pioneer's very own promoters seem to think that it is a win-win combination?

@6Sixx, I would say ditch traktor completely, what mixer are you using?

Im using an Allen&Heath DB4. I must admit, I've become incredibly attracted to Traktors sync and loop features. It frees up so much time allowing me to do things that I would only dream about before:-) I would truly like to utilize the CDJ 2000 in such a way.

DJ6Sixx

@ 6Sixx   I also have the DB4, along with a Xone K2.  I will tell you that the DB4 is not Traktor Scratch Certified, but it will work with Traktor as the sound card.  But if you want to use Timecode discs with a CDJ-2000, then you technically must purchase a Traktor sound card.  To me, this would be a cumbersome setup.  A lot of excess gear needed to accomplish a simple task.

You could use the CDJ-2000 in Advance HID mode, but like I said.... it will only give you the basic controls, and not the full waveform and track info on the CDJ display.  Perhaps one day in the future, Native Instruments will support full Advanced HID with the CDJ-2000, but for now it is quite limited.

Please forgive the bluntness of this question, but.....    If you are using the Sync feature of Traktor, then why would you want to add CDJ players to your setup?  It seems to me these would be unnecessary if using Sync.  The whole purpose of the CDJ integration into a Traktor setup if to emulate the process of using CDJ players manually.  I'm in no way trying to be rude, but this does not make much sense to me.

Fuse Promote no problem, I appreciate your candor. I guess my overall point is to utilize the** CDJ** in my arsenal, not only for practical use, but for the 'professional' look as well. I'm ok with my F1 and X1, but that set-up itself is a bit minima_l looking_ sort of speak. I understand in the DJ world, it is about the music, (the following may seem petty), but sometimes in a bidding war, CDJ's separate the** PRO's** from th_e 'Bed-roomer's_.  I guess my dream system would be to use the CDJ's as controllers working the Traktor software. 

@ 6Sixx  -   I have not yet really delved into the Traktor world very much, but I did spend several years DJing with Ableton Live.  So personally, I have no real issues with what equipment a DJ is using.  For me, the only thing that matters is what comes out of the speakers.  I ditched Ableton Live when the CDJ-2000 was released, however.  The reason why I made the switch was because I had grown very bored with DJing with only a laptop and controller.  But this was simply a personal decision.  I can't explain why, but I just feel more involved with the crowd when I am playing with the CDJ vs. Ableton Live.

I still use Ableton when I make studio mixes, but for playing out it's CDJ-2000s with Rekordbox LINK.

When I think about it, though... I guess I can see the allure to wanting "full" Advanced HID control from Traktor.  Whenever Native Instruments gets around to implementing it, I will give it a try.  But for now, I am more than happy with Rekordbox.

I think you hit the nail on the head,** 'boring':-)** Maybe that is my problem, and using the CDJ's would take me back to a more hands on crowd pleasing appeal. I want to look like I'm doing something. I had a few people lately challenge me on whether my set was pre-recorded or live. They looked and made the assumption, that I'm a_ 'software DJ',_ due to my set-up having zero_ 'wheels_'. Maybe I'm too sensitive, but I really wish I could have it both ways. Nevertheless, THANK-YOU much for the engaging conversation, I will continue my research, and make a decision soon(again), whether it is worth the money to invest the CDJ into my system.

As said above using advance hid mode is poor and and a no go in my books, If your going to use timecode any player will do, To get the best from a cdj 2000 get rid of Traktor and get Pioneer rekordbox and you can export your tracks to usb or play via the link from your laptop, There is no sync option but you will have a bit of fun:)

Update was just posted on Native Instruments messageboard.

New version of Traktor Pro is in final testing, 2.5.1

Will include more Advanced HID integration.

http://www.native-instruments.com/forum/showthread.php?t=72703

• Pioneer CDJ Advanced HID display integration
• Browser (CDJ 900 / 2000)
• Cover Art (CDJ 2000)
• Stripe (CDJ 2000)
• Cue Points (CDJ 900 / 2000)

• Improved General CDJ Integration (CDJ400 / 900 / 2000 / MEP7000) in order to match original CDJ behavior
• Play / Cue Button behavior
• Loop In / Out Button behavior
• Track Search Button behavior
• Implemented CDJ Mode

This is fantastic news and I'm sure all CDJ owners who are Traktor users are excited to see they're finally getting support from NI!

So then, in novice terms, does that mean those updates will possibly mean that I can use the CDJ as an 'expensive' controller, sort of speak, without any issue with my above concerns:-) ? If so, I'm gonna pull the trigger on buying CDJ's this weekend. Yeah!

HID control means you can plug the CDJ-2000 into your computer via USB cable, and then use it as a controller.  This means platter control over Traktor.

Advanced HID gives you even more functionality by adding the track info, artwork, waveform, and cue points all visible on the CDJ-2000 screen.  So that means you can keep your eyes off the laptop more and focus on the CDJ players.

The only question that remains unanswered right now is how well the integration will work.  Since Native Instruments has not yet released this update to Traktor, we must wait and see how good it actually works.

@6Sixx > Essentially, yes. Good luck with your purchase!

Traktor new release live as of today

Hey all,

having an interesting read on all your views on the 2000 and the use of HID, i was just wondering if any of you had an issue with the vinyl platter and a few other features, when i use certain features of the CDJ that i love using with the new 2.5.1 upgrade it sets a new hotcue point on the track instead of scratching and using the forward/reverse switch. as soon as i push the platter in it either goes back to the hotcue that was set with it before or creates a new point.

Any suggestions?