Should I use Vinyl or CDs to control Serato?

[clemsonheadies]

Hey there DSF, so I've got myself a little dilemna here.

I've just now got myself a steady job, and can finally afford to buy some legit gear (anyone want a pair of CDJ-500s or a M-Audio XSession? ). I've made the decision to upgrade to Serato, and will be picking up an SL-1 shortly. Definitely want a 4-channel mixer, probably a used Pioneer DJM-700 or 800.. I really like the Rane Sixty-Eight, but GOD DAMN $2800 is expensive for a mixer.

My problem is this: I can't decide whether to pick up some Tech12's and control Serato w/ vinyl timecode, or to get a pair of CDJs and just do it that way. Obviously, working with vinyl timecode gives you the option to use REL mode (which is fucking sick), but other than that I don't really see any benefit.. I don't have any vinyl, and probably won't be picking any up in the near future, so it's not like I'll be able to use them outside of Serato. With the CDJs, I'd be able to use them both for Serato and as standalone units, cuz burning CDs isn't exactly hard. Plus, I learned how to DJ on CD players, so there's kind of a nostalgia feel for me there.

Anybody got any advice, or been in a similar situation? Thanks!

[vertx]

Hey there DSF, so I've got myself a little dilemna here.

I've just now got myself a steady job, and can finally afford to buy some legit gear (anyone want a pair of CDJ-500s or a M-Audio XSession? ). I've made the decision to upgrade to Serato, and will be picking up an SL-1 shortly. Definitely want a 4-channel mixer, probably a used Pioneer DJM-700 or 800.. I really like the Rane Sixty-Eight, but GOD DAMN $2800 is expensive for a mixer.

My problem is this: I can't decide whether to pick up some Tech12's and control Serato w/ vinyl timecode, or to get a pair of CDJs and just do it that way. Obviously, working with vinyl timecode gives you the option to use REL mode (which is fucking sick), but other than that I don't really see any benefit.. I don't have any vinyl, and probably won't be picking any up in the near future, so it's not like I'll be able to use them outside of Serato. With the CDJs, I'd be able to use them both for Serato and as standalone units, cuz burning CDs isn't exactly hard. Plus, I learned how to DJ on CD players, so there's kind of a nostalgia feel for me there.

Anybody got any advice, or been in a similar situation? Thanks!

If you want to go the 4 channel route you might need more ins and outs than the SL-1 (e.g an SL-3 or 4).

On the mixer I haven't heard a lot of positives about the DJM mixers although the DJM-800 seems to be a standard for clubs. If you have the money get the Rane and then you wont need an SL box or another mixer for the next 10 years.

For the CDs vs Vinyl argument it's personal preference really, go into a store that has both set up or can set some up and have a play around, I know many people enjoy the tactile nature of control vinyl over CDs, but then convenience also comes into the equation.

[Depone]

Have you thought about getting the Rane mixer with serato built in? its fucking sick! ( http://www.rane.com/ttm57sl.html )
One of the best quality builds for a mixer I have ever used. Really nice EQ, crossfader, everything on it is perfect, but only 2 channel (b ut you can flip between line and phono on those channels.
If you are used to CD, then stick with CD I say. Vinyl emulation on my pioneer CDJ's is actually really great. Thats coming from an ex vinyl user.

[clemsonheadies]

If they made a 3- or 4-channel version of the TTM57 one I'd be all over it. I'd like to be able to have multiple set-ups running out of the same mixer, i.e. if I had to bring my mixer to use at a smaller venue two DJs could use the same one. Also, I'd eventually like to start incorporating a third deck into my mixing skills, so having those extra channels would really pay off for me.

[terrible1fi]

If they made a 3- or 4-channel version of the TTM57 one I'd be all over it. I'd like to be able to have multiple set-ups running out of the same mixer, i.e. if I had to bring my mixer to use at a smaller venue two DJs could use the same one. Also, I'd eventually like to start incorporating a third deck into my mixing skills, so having those extra channels would really pay off for me.

http://www.rane.com/sixtyeight.html

[vertx]

If they made a 3- or 4-channel version of the TTM57 one I'd be all over it. I'd like to be able to have multiple set-ups running out of the same mixer, i.e. if I had to bring my mixer to use at a smaller venue two DJs could use the same one. Also, I'd eventually like to start incorporating a third deck into my mixing skills, so having those extra channels would really pay off for me.

http://www.rane.com/sixtyeight.html

He even talked about it in the OP, get all over it mate!

[clemsonheadies]