Thread: Question for producers who DJ

<p>Do you think it is worth buying Serato Sl1 for $350 eventhough a new version of Serato is out? I wanna learn how to DJ and have the opportunity to purchase Sl1 second hand for $350. I was also looking at the Traktor DJ in a box setup for $299. Any input or suggestions on where I should start?</p>

<p>Serato always has free updates.... you can upgrade online..... if i was starting all over again i would get Traktor Pro because you can rock an extra couple virtual turntables, and the effects are great.... but you can't go wrong with serato either.... depends what you want to do.....</p>

<p>That's a great deal for Serato. &nbsp;It's the standard for a reason, so i would go with it just based on that. &nbsp;Keep in mind Serato will not work without the interface and a mixer though.</p>
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<p>P.S. I just got the Rane TTM 57SL mixer last week and it is SICK. &nbsp;Changing my life again.</p>

<p>I'm more of an <span style="font-family: times new roman,times;"><span style="font-size: x-small;"><strong><em><span style="font-size: small;">old school</span></em></strong></span></span> Dj.&nbsp; I'm up on Serato (my partner has it) n it works great.&nbsp; Only thing I'd suggest is that u get the right CD turntables n the right mixer if u were gonna do things like cuttin' n scratchin'.&nbsp; Wit technology enhancin' the way it is, I'd have a set up of Technics SL-1200MKIIs n a Vestax PCM-08Pro (yes, vinyl is way better than a CD any given day)!&nbsp; But, if I had to swap out the vinyl tables for a CD, then I'd get Technics SL-DZ1200s n the same mixer (I'm sorry, unless its a Numark or Gemini, Vestax has it hands down... don't be mad at me... not even Stanton can mess wit them when it comes to turntablism).&nbsp; The only substitution I'd give the CD tables is Pioneer's CDJ-800MKII.&nbsp; Those are as close to actual tables wit a realistic feel as you're gonna get!&nbsp; If you're more "digital" prone, then I guess it really doesn't matter, just as long as it works.&nbsp; I'm a DJ Dj. tho... so I need hands-on equipment where I physically do damage... not just pressin' the "Cue" button all day!</p>

<p>First of all, software has made all CD players obsolete. &nbsp;The flexibility of software with the tangible precise control of vinyl cannot be beat.</p>
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<p>Also, Beatfellaz, apparently you are old school, because no one uses Vestax anymore. &nbsp;Rane makes the best turntablist mixers in the world, just look around at who's using them. &nbsp;I just upgraded from a Vestax to the TTM 57 and I couldn't be happier. &nbsp;Vestax doesn't come close.</p>

<p>I was looking at going all digital. If I didn't get the serato sl1 (which includes the interface) I was also looking at the Traktor digital DJ controller thing that comes with Traktor LE and Que. I saw that new Serato setup taht comes with itch&nbsp;in Guitar Center that cost like $899; it looks pretty hot but didn't know if I would just be paying for something that would do the same thing as the Traktor thing for way less.</p>

<p>Man, I don't care what's the best right now... all I kno is when I'm usin' a Vestax... its doin' wha I want it to do when I want it to do it!&nbsp; I'm not completely crappin' on all mixers... just statin' wha I kno!</p>
<p>As for the vinyl thing, I've used it wit Serato before.&nbsp; I don't like how the timecode was bein' generated.&nbsp; Furthermore, I like my needles better than the ones Serato makes u use.&nbsp; I'd rather use the CD timecode generators.&nbsp; They have more "precise" control of the digital output, not to mention I can still get that realistic feel wit the Technics.&nbsp; But, like I said... NOTHIN' CAN TOP VYNIL... PERIOD!</p>

<p>i would say get the SL1 for $350...the SL3 is not a necessity...they both do the same job!</p>

<p>Serato doesn't "make you use" any sort of needles. &nbsp;It works with anything. &nbsp;Also, you gotta make sure your settings are right to get the vinyl to respond correctly. &nbsp;I scratch and juggle all day and I couldn't be happier.</p>
<p>Also, there's nothing wrong with Vestax mixers, but once you use a Rane, you'll notice the difference instantly. &nbsp;You can hear the sound quality, the faders are not even comparable, and of course the mixer I just got has the interface and controls for Serato built into it, plus firmware updatable effects, this thing is UNSTOPPABLE. &nbsp;Apparently no one knows what I'm talking about, so check it out here:</p>
<p>http://www.sweetwater.com/store/detail/TTM57SL/</p>

<p>How do you guys feel about the whole Laptop+midi controlled DJ setup that doesn't include any CDJs or turntables? I was looking at the new stuff Numark and Vestex has out with Serato itch and also the Traktor stuff. kinda expensive but it looks like I will be spending around that much considering I would still need to buy turntables or CDJs if I bought the sl1 for $350...Chime in</p>

<p>Haven't really messed with those at all, but if you're ever going to be DJing in a club or anything you're going to need be comfortable on turntables because you can't bring that thing everywhere. &nbsp;Another reason to use Serato is that most of the bigger clubs now have the Serato Box installed in their booths, so set up is a breeze.</p>

<p>I haven't tried out the new version. The SL 1 is flawless as far as I've had it. The sl3 looks like the just enhanced version of an already dope platform. I personally will upgrade soon because of the extra aux output and internal power supply (***sweet*** a big deal if you dj at a spot with alot of DJs). Bottom line any version will be good.</p>

<p>That was basically the type of opinion/response I was wondering about. I don't recall any DJ's I know that use the straight midi setup but again I have NO CLUE what the opinion on those would be since I'm not a DJ yet. OF COURSE the music is the most important thing but I don't wanna look <span style="font-size: small;"><span style="color: #ff0000;">unprofessional </span></span>either Ya Digg...</p>

I'm gonna say this. I know so many DJ's in the clubs who uses Serato. On the other hand know a lot who still use vinyl and some who use CD's. The game keeps changing so quick. Me personally, I'm gonna stick to what I love. I actually use The Pioneer CDJ 1000 MK# and CD's. Gets the job done too. What I do is put all the latest songs on the same disc, say maybe 3 or 4 disc I use with new songs on it and I double all the cd's so that I can maneuver the way I want. Then I have my older CD's as well. It was hard enough for me to convert to DAW on the Production side of things. I don't wanna use a computer to DJ. I been a DJ since I was 12. House parties n all. I guess everyone likes what they like!!!

<p>DJ Sharp, once you give in (you're going to, trust me), you will be soooooo glad you did. &nbsp;IT WILL CHANGE YOUR LIFE.</p>
<p>Vic, looking professional is definitely extremely important. &nbsp;I know some dudes who DJ completely on their computer but still put the needles on the records and turn the motors on just to fool the public. &nbsp;I certainly do not condone this whatsoever, but it shows how important the visual aspect is.</p>
<p>In case anyone's wondering who I think I am to be giving such strong opinions, I do this for a living. &nbsp;I have 21 gigs just this month, and I do EVERYTHING including clubs, bars, bar/bat mitzvahs, weddings, hiphop shows, loft parties, etc. &nbsp;I've also been doing this since I was 14.</p>

<p>I got yall beat.&nbsp; Been Dj'n since I was 5!&nbsp; But, honestly... the digital does help out when it comes to Dj'n.&nbsp; I have crates upon crates upon crates upon crates upon crates upon crates upon crates of records.&nbsp; Carryin' those things to gigs is NEVER fun.&nbsp; So, that skinny laptop in a bag wit all the music on it HELPS!&nbsp; I'm comfortable wit vinyl.&nbsp; Some people are comfortable wit CDs.&nbsp; Other's are comfortable wit iPods (yeah, I saw a Dj at&nbsp;an Apple store in the village KILLIN' it wit two iPods).&nbsp; Just as long as you're able to rock a crowd... that's all that matters!</p>

<p>I can dig it...and u make some good points 2 bro. But for now, I'm gonna rock with the Pioneers n Cd's...lol</p>