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-- CDJ 200s --> CDJ 400's w/Comp

CDJ 200s --> CDJ 400's w/Comp

So at the moment i have 2 cdj 200s which i run through a djm 800 mixer. I am starting to feel a little limited. I don't really have any interest in spending a ton to upgrade to cdj 1000s and I don't want to completely switch over to ableton either. I am entertaining the idea of buying new cdj 400s and used them as controllers through my computer or combined serato or final scratch or something with them I would be able to be a little more creative with my mixing.

My problem is I know a lot about cdjs but know next to nothing about serato or other similar setups. Could anyone run down similar things to serato and their experiences with them? Which do they think is best and how much I should expect to pay for the setup?

In what way do you feel limited?

well, for one the looping on cdj 200's suck. And the djm 800 surprisingly has no loop function, only roll, which isnt really as good. I really like the creativity and on the fly looping and whatnot you get with ableton, but I refuse to switch to just computer djing because I really prefer the control you get with cdjs. So I guess I figure switching to a system with 2 controllers AND a computer is the best way to make for more enjoyable djing for myself. I have heard dj's like Loco Dice use serato or final scratch or whatever and I really think that's the future of djing....at least for me. So, maybe someone could explain the features of these setups (serato and whatever else is similar) and their take on them?

upgrade to the 800s? the looping isnt that bad on the 800s.. just takes a little getting used too.

I have no interest in the 800s. It wouldnt be worth it to me to upgrade to cdj 800s because I really dont need the vinyl mode or the scratching. The looping isn't a big enough improvement for me either. I want to combine the cd setup with the looping things you can do with a program like ableton.

I imagine you could do a lot more with looping and effects and whatnot if you rigged up a computer up with 2 cdj controllers and a setup like serato, ...at least from everything I have read/seen I believe you could. That's mostly why I started this thread, to find out more about more about doing this from people who use a similar setup

Also does anyone know if you can you use the cdj 400s with ableton?

you need a midi controller, you could always keep your cdjs and get a korg(mixer) and connect that to a laptop and use both ableton and the cdjs via the mixer..

dunno.

quote:

Originally posted by Scolomon well, for one the looping on cdj 200's suck. And the djm 800 surprisingly has no loop function, only roll.......

They're both exactly the same!

If you mean that when you stop the roll, it doesn't continue from the end of the roll/loop? Thats because it is not 'source' piece of equipment.

quote:

Originally posted by Jarvmeister They're both exactly the same! If you mean that when you stop the roll, it doesn't continue from the end of the roll/loop? Thats because it is not 'source' piece of equipment.

well you still cant loop that many measures, can't you loop way more measures on the cdj 1000 than the roll on the djm 800?

Look into the DVSs. I would personally recommend Torq as it's got a lot in the way of extra features beyond basic mixing and looping (the looping is seamless too, not like cdj looping.) The next version will have live time stretching capabilities a la Ableton. I have been using it successfully for almost 2 years. Plus, with your DJM 800, you've already got midi-capabilities all in one. Like someone above said, you could also do a DVS with another stand alone midi controller, but honestly, I think you'd be selling your DJM 800 use short.

Check out these vids on Torq. http://www.torq-dj.com/videos/

Don't forget about Serato as well, and Traktor Scratch which can do 4 decks.

quote:

Originally posted by miamitranceman Look into the DVSs. I would personally recommend Torq as it's got a lot in the way of extra features beyond basic mixing and looping (the looping is seamless too, not like cdj looping.) The next version will have live time stretching capabilities a la Ableton. I have been using it successfully for almost 2 years. Plus, with your DJM 800, you've already got midi-capabilities all in one. Like someone above said, you could also do a DVS with another stand alone midi controller, but honestly, I think you'd be selling your DJM 800 use short. Check out these vids on Torq. http://www.torq-dj.com/videos/ Don't forget about Serato as well, and Traktor Scratch which can do decks.

I use torq as well, and its worked quite well for me so far.

quote:

Originally posted by miamitranceman Look into the DVSs. I would personally recommend Torq as it's got a lot in the way of extra features beyond basic mixing and looping (the looping is seamless too, not like cdj looping.) The next version will have live time stretching capabilities a la Ableton. I have been using it successfully for almost 2 years. Plus, with your DJM 800, you've already got midi-capabilities all in one. Like someone above said, you could also do a DVS with another stand alone midi controller, but honestly, I think you'd be selling your DJM 800 use short. Check out these vids on Torq. http://www.torq-dj.com/videos/ Don't forget about Serato as well, and Traktor Scratch which can do 4 decks.

awesome, do you know when the next version of torq is coming out?

quote:

Originally posted by Scolomon awesome, do you know when the next version of torq is coming out?

Unfortunately it was supposed to come out by the end of March but they needed more time for it. The good news is even if you buy it now you'll get the 50.00 upgrade for free!

I assume all of these options would work pretty flawlessly on a new macbook (that isnt a macbook pro) right?

Also, how often do you guys have problems with the program/computer crashing when you are spinning?

quote:

Originally posted by Scolomon I assume all of these options would work pretty flawlessly on a new macbook (that isnt a macbook pro) right? Also, how often do you guys have problems with the program/computer crashing when you are spinning?

Yeah any new Mac would run it just fine. As I've said in another thread, I sometimes run Torq on a 6 year old Dell Inspiron 8200 and it runs just fine. Torq's never crashed on me. The only thing I've done is tweak my XP system to get rid of all the bloating effects, sounds, processes etc.

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