CDJs or Midi Controller

[GhOSt]

This is probably a common topic but being a noob when it comes to equipment, which is best for a beginner DJ (like myself)

I've been using Virtual DJ on and off since 2009 im use to beat-matching (by syncing:D) and use of effects but interested in getting some real gear and start looking for gigs

I've heard Laptop DJs seem to be getting the stick for not being 'real DJs' but what your view on it??

Personally I'm looking to purchase the one which is more fun....so any opinions???

[Adzm00]

Midi controller will be a cheaper route and will work with your software.

CDJs are going to be more expensive, and you will need to learn to beatmatch.

I'd say go with a controller until you decide you want to take the next step.

[GhOSt]

any good midi controllers thats recommended, not really looking for basic controllers....more mid-ranged

[ampnation]

How much are you willing to spend? I already recommended 3 controllers to you based on a R10,000 budget and three more slightly over that.

If you're looking for club gigs (vs.mobile DJ doing weddings and more) then you need to look at what the clubs are using. What they use there may be different than here. They'll probably not be using controllers and the more important thing to match to are your decks, either CDJ or turntable or both. It's easier to use a mixer you haven't used before than a CDJ.

If they use Pioneer CDJ's you can get by buying a mid level Pioneer CDJ even if they use 1000's 2000's but you'll be best off matching. Of course not all clubs will have the same gear. If they're all over the place, just get something that matches at least one club's gear.

Since I'm not a club or digital DJ, I'll let others weigh in on what to do regarding what software you should use. If you're bringing your own laptop always and don't have to use what the club has, which is how I would imagine it to be, then there are more options.

[Finnish_Fox]

If you're looking for club gigs (vs.mobile DJ doing weddings and more) then you need to look at what the clubs are using. What they use there may be different than here. They'll probably not be using controllers and the more important thing to match to are your decks, either CDJ or turntable or both. It's easier to use a mixer you haven't used before than a CDJ.

Shouldn't be difficult to patch into one of the channels on the club's mixer. My buddy played in Rio and Buzios Brazil (Cafe del Mar, Pacha - big clubs) and all he did was patch in his interface and he played off his MBP and X1.

[moyo wilde]

more and more people are using midi's, but i think how much you can get away with using it depends on you (how famous good you are) and what the setup is like at the bar. some people hate to see you moving things around and it depends on how they have things setup 1) how easy it is to get to equipment 2) what you are unplugging. the more plugging and unplugging the more chances for failure/error.

the last time i played out the other dj was using a controller and for some unknown reason his controller was causing feedback on the monitors, so no one could use the monitors. if i am the resident dj/manager that might affect calling him to play again.

i forget which one it is but i have heard pioneer has a really good midi controller that is set up similar to the pio cdjs, so you can get familar with the cdj layout as well.

[ampnation]

more and more people are using midi's, but i think how much you can get away with using it depends on you (how famous good you are) and what the setup is like at the bar. some people hate to see you moving things around and it depends on how they have things setup 1) how easy it is to get to equipment 2) what you are unplugging. the more plugging and unplugging the more chances for failure/error.

the last time i played out the other dj was using a controller and for some unknown reason his controller was causing feedback on the monitors, so no one could use the monitors. if i am the resident dj/manager that might affect calling him to play again.

i forget which one it is but i have heard pioneer has a really good midi controller that is set up similar to the pio cdjs, so you can get familar with the cdj layout as well.

I got this vid link from you Moyo. Note, whiplash says, "In the United States" so in S. Africa, YMMV.
The controller he references is the DDJ-ERGO. I suspect he wouldn't be opposed to the slightly more expensive DDJ-S1 either which come with Serato Itch. The DDJ-ERGO comes with Virtual DJ LE. I would think the S1 would me much more in tune with the whole Serato experience and be closer to the Pioneer/Serato full blown layout and experience.


http://youtu.be/mJ-kp7X58bI

[GhOSt]

My original plan is to learn how to play off CDJs and a mixer and learn proper manual beat-matching and aiming to save up R10 000 on those alone

I saved up to about half that amount but the eagerness of getting some equipment is getting to me cause im getting bored with mixing on VDJ on my Pc with keyboard and mouse

I'm considering a DJ course and if i enroll for that I'll probably only able to afford a Midi Controller of about R3000 (US $375)...if i don't go on the course i would probably use those to buy some speakers with built-in amps

The money restriction is so frustrating...wish i could win the lotto lol

[GhOSt]

And saving that amount would take me a very long time...it already took me a year to save up that amount

[moyo wilde]

@ amp i got it from b3nny nice to see good info stays on people's minds.

i wouldn't worry about the speakers. i still don't have a good set of speakers. i have nice (not great) computer speakers. it would be nice to have good monitors, but not necesaary. i wouldn't pay for dj lessons either. between here, other sites and youtube you should be okay.

[DJTyres]

For the most part I would suggest a controller over a CDJ setup.
I use to have CDJ's and even vinyl, but my current setup is Novation Twitch and I love it.
Never thought I would because of the lack of platters but was surprised that they actually did the touch strip right.

Now for a beginner DJ I don't know if I would recommend the twitch but I would recommend getting a controller you can grow with.
Something you would feel comfortable putting in a gig atmosphere. I talk to a lot of people who start with a Numark Mixtrack and get invited to a gig and spend time stressing about the quality of the controller.

Features I would recommend would be something with FX controls if your changing to something like Traktor as it can add a lot of life to your sets and makes it a lot of fun.
Something with at least 4 hot cue buttons just that way you can tag your tracks and they are just handy. Built in sound card isn't a must, but would save you money in the long run, so if you can afford do it. Take a look at reviews as some controllers have quiet sound cards and could cause problems down the road. Example: The novation twitch is known for having a quiet sound card, because I am in a club setting with 4 yorkville amps and house eq I don't have to worry about it. If I was doing a set with a smaller P.A I might use a Native Instruments sound card.

A couple of good controllers I could recommend would be the
Native Instruments S2 or S4. They are more money but you do get Traktor bundled in side and not a lite version.
I think you would find the jump from Virtual DJ to traktor an easy one.

If you have any questions feel free to PM me and I can work with you to find a controller that is suitable for your needs.