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A bit lost on what to get to DJ? CDJ, Turntables, Controller

I know most standard DJ's at festivals such as Hard, mostly all of their Dj's use CDJ, Some without serator/traktor and some that do use a laptop with the programs.

Right now I'm debating If I want to get Pioneer CDJ MK3 1000 or the 850k. I have no idea what major differences are but I started to learn with my friends turntables with serator and it was a lot of fun.

Currently I use the APC 40 and it wasn't the same as turn tables.

The Reason why I want to get Pioneer CDJ's is because it seems like the standard in the industry with clubs/festivals but I want to use serator instead of being left in the dark. It just seems like a hassle to carry a bunch of CD's or a USB compard to going into my computers music list and playing what ever song of choice. Can you guys help me out here?

Serato/Traktor Scratch seems like a pretty solid option. Most clubs provide CDJs but to get practice you'll probably have to buy your own plus a mixer which can get expensive on top of the timecode box and software. The other option is getting a Traktor controller and an audio interface. Most controllers are pretty lightweight and easy to setup at your gig. They also offer more options in the way of effects and cue point juggling.

Assuming you have a good laptop, I'd probably go the midi controller route. But it's really completely down to personal preference.

Cdjs are pretty practical as they're pretty standard, cheap to burn stuff off to cd, don't go wrong much, easy to carry media around for and still fun to use. Personally a fan of owning records though and mixing on turntables. My record collection is by far one of the most important things I have and even though I own one cdj I use Serato and control vinyl mixing at home mostly as that's what I like, just can't be arsed with that in clubs so play on cdjs and actual vinyl records

controllers feel like kids toys to me and take all the fun out and if you're going to use them in a club it's a total pain in the arse to set up. Having a dj with a controller either side of me in a club has often resulted in pain in the arse set up moments.

However saying that it is a cheap option and it could be that you really enjoy using a controller. Also they aren't actually complicated to set up it's just that a lot of people tend to be dumb asses or idiots in clubs with them which is down mainly to the dj's fault not controller.

I would say avoid the sync button as it does have a tendency to push learning djs into sounding a bit too jukebox-ish though.

Same here I'm going off to college in a year so for my case I'd be getting a Traktor controller if that. Even at home now I dont have the room (or money, holy shit) for a CDJ set up. I mean, if youre learning to DJ, what you use can easily translate to another device right?

And like you said with using a laptop you can create many playlist inside of serato or traktor to fit your gigs.


Also, whats up with those DJs you see using a laptop AND CDJs? How does that work? (never touched or attempted to dj)

Well you can play timecode CDs on the CDJs to control Traktor or Serato.

Cdjs with Serato and Traktor basically saves you burning cds off but requires the expense of both set ups. Not sure I understand the point that much

A controller set up if you have no room would be fine yeah just not my sort of thing. What you learn on it would be transferable too.

Are you going to be doing events not at places with there own system? A good controller will be around 300 and the software another 100. I got my traktor software for a steal. Bought it on ebay new with NI sound card, came with the light LE version and sent them an email if i could get the full version. Sent an email back saying sure and gave me the serial. Only 60 dollars for a outboard soundcard and software?! Stealing for dayzzzz. PAs are pretty expensive if you dont have money like me m8.

dotcurrency wrote:Also, whats up with those DJs you see using a laptop AND CDJs? How does that work? (never touched or attempted to dj)

The CDJ's that have USB ports (900's, 2000's) come with rekordbox which can be used or organize your music and if I'm not mistaken can be plugged into the USB drives of the CDJ's instead of using thumb drives. I rarely see a DJ using CDJ's and traktor/serato (don't see the point really), but that's another option.

@OP don't waste your time getting a controller, save up and buy some CDJ's or TT's. You can get them second hand for cheap and it will benefit you a lot more in the long run. There is nothing more hassle-free than showing up with your headphones and 2 thumb drives in your pocket. That said I'll never get rid of my 1200's, but CDJ's are just a ton easier

wolf89 wrote:Cdjs with Serato and Traktor basically saves you burning cds off but requires the expense of both set ups. Not sure I understand the point that much

Guess you can just show up with your laptop and Serato box instead of bringing your controller.

CDJs/turntables are the easiest in terms of setup. Controller gives you the most flexibility with software and convenience of having all your music there in a playlist. You also don't have to rely on the club's setup, as long as they have a PA to plug your soundcard into you're golden. Timecode CDs are like an odd hybrid between the two, giving you the fancy extras of software but essentially using the in-place CDJs or turntables as your controller.

Thanks for the replies ! I just bought the Traktor s4 FOR STEAL.... 250. That's all I need right? The reason behind getting traktor s4 is I wanted it to use as a mixer maybe between 1200 or Pioneer CDJs....

What else do i need with the traktor s4? I heard you guys speaking of a soundcard?

Anyways... I guess I want to DJ but I really want to perform and be creative. so i thought getting the traktor s4 as a mixer(or even a controller maybe) would be a good idea for both worlds of having DJ controller/mixer and maybe some TT or CDJs...

what do you guys think?

It's already got a soundcard built in. Good choice imo. Probably what I would have gone with if I was in your position.