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G-Unit · 2011-08-07, 19:34:32

My current DJ set up is 50% vinyl and 50% CDs. Basically using CDs for what I don't have on vinyl. My own tracks, edits I've found on Soundcloud, old tracks I can't find anywhere on vinyl etc.

But, I'm starting to get annoyed with CDs. I always lose CDs, so end up missing music at gigs, it takes so much effort to keep a CD wallet organised, and I just don't enjoy mixing on CDs as much as I do vinyl.

So, should I fork out the €675 and get SL3? I don't really want to get SL1 because I don't wanna take a step back in sound quality, I've prefer to pay the extra and make it sound better.

Are there any other options I should be considering?

tintin · 2011-08-07, 21:16:22

for what you want to do, i'd say serato is the one.

Santero · 2011-08-07, 22:31:40

Depending on how you mix, worth considering Traktor Scratch Pro 2 as well.

I've used Serato for years. I have been using Traktor for the last couple of months, and now have both, so need to make a decision either way soon really.

If you can, try to get a demo on either one. Traktor is way more user-editable, the midi implementation is far superior, the FX are better, its has a sync function which is handy, and so on.

Serato though is currently nudging ahead for me. I just like the workflow better, and I like its simplicity.

Someone put it nicely to me the other day - its like PC (Traktor) vs Mac (Serato) - PC is way more powerful, but you need to know your shit to get the best out of it and not risk fucking up. Serato just works, but maybe isn't as all-singing, all dancing.

One thing to note which I've not seen raised anywhere is that the BPM analysis on Traktor sometimes is 1 bpm out either way (usually down by 1bpm). This isn't seemingly a problem - except when you have sync switched on, at which point it becomes a right arse ache. I never muff a mix on Serato when using CDJs, its easy as pie with the rock-solid timings and waveforms, but with Traktor if I was in sync I would occasionally start getting gallopping horses until I bailed out of sync and did it manually again - not a major thing, but worth mentioning.

Before I really make the final decision I think I need to have a proper play with the sample decks on Traktor, watched a demo of that and it looked bloody awesome tbf.

G-Unit · 2011-08-07, 23:52:19

I used Traktor with a controller for ages, before moving to CDJs, and then vinyl, and have used both, so I'm pretty sure if I was going to go DVS, it'd be Serato, just for its simplicity. It's a bit like an old Nokia phone compared to a flashy new one.

The debate is between getting Serato and just sticking with CDs and vinyl. I know it'd make finding tunes at a gig much quicker, maybe even make my sets better than that, and make my set-up smaller (not needing CDJs), but I'm not sure if that's worth €675 or not...

thisisdjkaz · 2011-08-08, 02:40:32

go with serato if you can afford it.. another option is Itch. but if you like the feel of vinyl then serato is a no brainer. if you have access to an NS7 give it a go :)

not quite tom · 2011-08-10, 12:21:08

have a look on ebay for a copy mate. back when SL2 just came out i got it for £300 which was £100 less than anywhere online.

think they're on SL4 now which has 8 ins/outs and can be used as a soundcard on its own, so it'd probably work with traktor as well. also has 2 USB outs if you wanna go back to back or whatevs.

Claude Perdu · 2011-08-10, 12:26:56

^^Nope, Traktor only works with NI soundcards (or certified mixers) like SSL only runs with Rane.

not quite tom · 2011-08-10, 12:28:35

while this thread is going, anyone had experience with traktor and CDJ's? at the moment i'm using a midi controller but it's a pain in the arse to transport around london. been thinking of getting an X1 and using cdjs with traktor but wanna know how the timecode cds feel, how well they run etc...

sorry to thread jack mr. grimes

optimuscrime · 2011-08-10, 21:00:58

(2011-08-10 12:28:35)not quite tom Wrote: while this thread is going, anyone had experience with traktor and CDJ's? at the moment i'm using a midi controller but it's a pain in the arse to transport around london. been thinking of getting an X1 and using cdjs with traktor but wanna know how the timecode cds feel, how well they run etc...

sorry to thread jack mr. grimes

If you're talking about Pioneer CDJs most of them can directly control Traktor via USB.

Oldboy! · 2011-08-11, 12:44:10

i think a serato sl3 or sl2 would be perfect for you!

Daleee · 2011-08-11, 21:58:12

Serato is king.

Nah but seriously, I went Serato as it is simple and is SO much easier to organise than CDs.

Santero · 2011-08-12, 01:02:34

(2011-08-10 12:28:35)not quite tom Wrote: while this thread is going, anyone had experience with traktor and CDJ's? at the moment i'm using a midi controller but it's a pain in the arse to transport around london. been thinking of getting an X1 and using cdjs with traktor but wanna know how the timecode cds feel, how well they run etc...

sorry to thread jack mr. grimes

They work fine - so long as you have a half decent laptop, you can have the latency super low. The vinyl control is noticeably better than Serato - thats because the control tone is twice the resolution of the Serato control tone.

I'm actually selling Traktor Scratch Pro 2 with timecode vinyl, CDs and the Audio 10 soundcard at the moment if you are interested.

Dobbo · 2011-08-12, 01:09:44

Can't wait to grab myself an SL3, totally sick of burning CDs and the amount of times recently I've thought 'oh, I'll play x song next,' then can't find it in my wallet. Serato is the next step for me too.