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Considering some new equipment - all help appreciated!

Hello everyone,

I’ve been playing about 15 years now - almost exclusively d&b - and progressed from 2 turntables and a mixer to my home setup today being today Vestax tts, Serato (SL4) and an Allen & Heath X:one 4D.

When the first wave of CDJs came out - and even up to the original 1000s - I was pretty underwhelmed, and quietly pleased with myself for having chosen a vinyl / timecode / Serato based setup. I played around with Ableton for a while - hence the investment in the mixer - and (wrongly!) believed that the Serato & Ableton ‘Bridge’ would be the future.

I’ve now reached a point where I’d like to start playing out again, my Macbook that controls Serato DJ is dying and I have a bit of cash to spend. Rather than just replacing the laptop I’d like to ask the groups’ thoughts on a few few things. As you’ll see I have a lot of questions - so thanks (and sorry) in advance!

  • The new Pioneer CDJs look pretty amazing, but is there any real advantage to them over a control vinyl and Serato based setup? Am I just wanting the latest and greatest shiny toy?!
  • I like the idea of 2 CDJs and 2 TTs, doing most of the work on the CDJs and using the TTs as 3rd and 4th decks (I have a lot of vinyl I can’t part with and still enjoy mixing it from time to time). I know this can be done using Serato DJ, but what about Pioneer’s Rekordbox?
  • If I purchased Serato compatible CDJs can I ditch my Serato hardware or would I still need it for the TTs in Serato DJ?
  • Same question if I purchased a compatible Pioneer mixer?
  • If I made the switch to Rekordbox would I need any additional hardware to play the 2 x CDJ & 2 x TT setup?
  • Is using the CDJs in HID mode (with Serato) a good thing, or just a waste of their features?
  • If I switch to Recordbox can I ditch the laptop when playing out?
  • If I go down the CDJ and Rekordbox route I'm going to assume that I should invest in a Pioneer mixer to get the most out of the combination? What would I be missing out on sticking with the A&H? Are Pioneer mixers (much) better than they used to be?

Almost there with the questions…

So, basically, if you were in my position what would you do? I’m looking for a setup that’s going to be fun to play with at home, give me access to new creative features (partly because of the mixer design I've never took the time to really dig into the looping, cue points and FX in Serato) and mean I’m not lost when I step into a booth that’s not from the 2000s era.

Then, if the answer is buying new equipment, what would you guys recommend CDJ and mixer wise?

Again, sorry for all the questions. I’m potentially about to dump a considerable amount of cash into new equipment, so obviously I want to get it right.

Thank you for any advice.

Cheers,
James

James Dewis

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I was playing vinyl for over 10 years, switched to the original 900's when they came out around 6 years ago and have never looked back. The Nexus series improved the players a lot and form my play style there are no features missing. Workflow is effortless, just import your new tracks in Rekordbox, set the grid, cues and loops, export and you're good to go. The club will have the setup so just bring your headphones and USB. Additionally you will easily be able to top up your sets with a turntable or two since the CDJ's is hooked up with the mixer in a traditional way. And don't forget how fun it is to mix with your hands on the hardware, no laptop in your face and proper contact with the audience :)

I would wholeheartedly recommend that you go the CDJ route. Traditional mixing with endless possibilities with Rekordbox prepared USB's. 100% stability, no mess with cables and computers.

Get a pair of Nexuses (first gen is ok), or XDJ's (who needs CD's?), mixer of your choice and have fun!

The Henrik Maneuver 1 vote
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Thanks man... there's a lot of good info in here.

It seems as though my best bet is to grab a couple of CDJs, run them them through my existing mixer, and play around with both the Serato HID mode and with the CDJs by themselves - the 'traditional' way.

Then, if it turns out I can't shake the laptop / DVS bug (and I take on board everything you are saying) I'll look at making the switch over to the Rekordbox software. It's disgusting how much Rekordbox looks like a Serato clone!

Thanks again. Any other thoughts or opinions out there are definitely still welcome :)

James Dewis 0 votes
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I run 2 cdj 2000nxs2 and a djm 2000 nexus, I also have record box on the laptop linking in, potentially giving me extra channels I use for a constant background and the ability to hotswap in Set with hands on, I found controlling with the cdj much easier and much more immersive than the laptop controller, if I'm brutally honest it seems flat compared to using the jog wheels and features laid out for me, I'm still learning this kit to be fair and it has so much potential. The ability to mix and sample on the fly with good built in effects, I've watched guys just using a laptop and the energy just wasn't there, don't get me wrong the room was buzzing but they didn't seem to connect..... it was like they were just watching a movie, either way there is no wrong and no right way, just what's good for you, a phrase springs to mind, all the gear with no idea, pretty much how I felt first time round. All that kit can be pretty daunting to look at until you get to unfold it

Rob Goozee 0 votes
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Thanks Rob.

I took the plunge and got 2 Nexus 2s and a 900NXS2 at the weekend, and like you and Henrik both commented its great to be laptop free again. "Immersive" is the perfect word.

I'm still learning my way around the kit, but having it laid out directly in front of me is definitely encouraging me to experiment. And it's great not to have to boot up a laptop and software every time I want to mix!

I do miss having a third deck... plan on activating my Rekordbox trial for the DVS features once I'm more comfortable with new kit...

James Dewis 0 votes
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I strongly recommend against adding Rekordbox DJ to your setup. If you still have a Technics 1200 lying around and some nice vinyl, use that. Or add another CDJ. Rekordbox DJ is still in a very buggy unstable state and will not add anything good to your DJ experience at this point.

The Henrik Maneuver 0 votes
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