ATTN DJS: Need Opinions on non vinyl-alternatives

ramadanman · Post by **ramadanman** » Mon Jul 31, 2006 7:05 pm

I'd really like to play my own stuff in a mix, and also all other other unsigned people who send tracks etc. I dont have enough money for dub cutting, so i think i need an alternative.

i think my options are:

cheap cd decks vs. serato scratch

also, whats the difference between serato scratch and final scratch?

thanks

dopedragon · Post by **dopedragon** » Mon Jul 31, 2006 7:40 pm

id vote for scratch live, just cause i like the feel of vinyl and wanna scratch and juggle my digital tunes.

from the research ive done of the subject, serato is better for stability and tracking (ie. hiphop djs swear by it), and the few arguments i've seen for finalscratch state that the sound quality is better.

i've already made up my mind, so my opinions are biased.

check Serato's site. the forums are full of happy customers, last time i checked.

pk- · Post by **pk-** » Mon Jul 31, 2006 7:45 pm

a mate of mine uses serato and was astounded at how accurate and 'vinyl-like' it is

that's all the advice i can offer though lol

ramadanman · Post by **ramadanman** » Mon Jul 31, 2006 8:38 pm

thanks for the replies. i love vinyl and i have no idea how to use cd decks, so i suppose it's probably the best route going down the serato and final scratch routes.

djshiva · Post by **djshiva** » Mon Jul 31, 2006 9:39 pm

serato is much more stable than FS at this point. i have quite a few friends who switched from FS to serato. if you dig vinyl, you will be stoked.

i will say this tho, if you can't afford serato at the moment, and you have the chance to play on a CD deck, they are really not that difficult.

if there is a small bit of quiet at the beginning of the track, just hit the pause button, use the jog wheel to find the first beat, and then press cue. now your tune will start from the cue point that you set.

use the pitch like you would on a technics turntable (i recommend riding the pitch more than using things like pitch bend).

you can't touch the cd obviously, but if you have had experience on the decks, you know that you can control shit just by using the pitch control instead of touching the record.

most of the new CD decks are responsive enough that this method works.

the nice thing about CD decks is that you can usually get the place/club/promoter to find one for you, or borrow one, instead of having to buy it.

also check out m audio's new foray into the FS/serato market:
http://www.sonicstate.com/news/shownews.cfm?newsid=3257

there is a video at that link too. i am not a huge fan of m audio, but if this is stable, it will be DOPE!

rewire-able into sequencers (like ableton live!), can play two tunes on one turntable, and will be about 200-400 cheaper than serato/FS.

alan · Post by **alan** » Mon Jul 31, 2006 10:34 pm

native instruments traktor?

Steve AC23 · Post by **Steve AC23** » Tue Aug 01, 2006 7:06 am

i was just about to start exactly the same thread

Steve AC23 · Post by **Steve AC23** » Tue Aug 01, 2006 7:12 am

only thing putting me off serato is carting it about and having to sell my mac for a lappy.

but CDJs suck hehe

djshiva · Post by **djshiva** » Tue Aug 01, 2006 8:48 am

ac23 wrote:only thing putting me off serato is carting it about and having to sell my mac for a lappy. but CDJs suck hehe

beats lugging 50 lbs of vinyl everywhere all the time, i can assure you of that!

Steve AC23 · Post by **Steve AC23** » Tue Aug 01, 2006 11:00 am

sapphic_beats wrote:
ac23 wrote:only thing putting me off serato is carting it about and having to sell my mac for a lappy. but CDJs suck hehe
beats lugging 50 lbs of vinyl everywhere all the time, i can assure you of that!

i will always play records tho...love em to bits.

talked about this with a few mates...its hard enough for me getting home with my records wen im pissed...or thinkin their gonna go missing wen im blazed / paranoid.

but thinking about a laptop, records and serato

dopedragon · Post by **dopedragon** » Tue Aug 01, 2006 5:29 pm

yeah, you should always bring some vinyl as back-up, since it is software...and i know you gotta bring it in early to gigs just to set it up, and recalibrate, methinks.

but being able to play exclusives, and your own tunes/remixes is worth it for me.

also, you gotta watch the drunkards around the lappy

ramadanman · Post by **ramadanman** » Tue Aug 01, 2006 5:33 pm

it wasn't for playing out as much - mainly for home DJing for now

digital · Post by **digital** » Tue Aug 01, 2006 5:42 pm

I would go for Serato or Final scratch. I was about to buy final scratch but after reading a few comments here, I'm putting it on hold to research more into Serato.

But I definately wouldn't go for CD decks if your primarily buying for home use. You'd be better off buying Hercules DJ Console MK2 or similar - £130 including virtual DJ. Value.

ozeb · Post by **ozeb** » Tue Aug 01, 2006 6:05 pm

Hey David, all of my hip-hop friends use serato... there are some glitches but it always gets higher grades than final scratch.

alfredo · Post by **alfredo** » Tue Aug 01, 2006 7:37 pm

Serato is the way to go. I've had numerous friends to spin all sorts of styles, and those who started on FS eventually moved over to Serato. Rane seems to be more stable technology, and I've seen a good amount of manipulation of their vinyl live to attest for its durability. Plus the interface isn't made with 500,000 different colors; you basically get what you need, which limits the strain on your CPU, leaving everything else for the music.

And remember: As with any sort of option like this, make sure that you use a laptop that's EXCLUSIVELY for your tunes (not even for checking email), allocate the proper amount of memory & defrag prior to shows.

I'll still use vinyl tho

ramadanman · Post by **ramadanman** » Tue Aug 01, 2006 9:42 pm

safe thanks for the advice everyone

looks like serato is the way to go..time to start saving up

lord_qzuma · Post by **lord_qzuma** » Wed Aug 02, 2006 1:29 pm

Our crew just purchased a pair of Technic CDJ's and i must say, there is nothin like em. With the CDJ's u can use either cd/mp3 cd or sd card.

Definity the way to go.

Respect

bowzer · Post by **bowzer** » Thu Aug 17, 2006 5:53 pm

I have final scratch 2, and a 12" powerbook... works great, never had a problem. if you want more specifics, just ask

8bitwonder · Post by **8bitwonder** » Thu Aug 17, 2006 7:55 pm

id say a second hand pair of cdj's is a good bet or maybe ableton

hope that helps

ATTN DJS: Need Opinions on non vinyl-alternatives

ATTN DJS: Need Opinions on non vinyl-alternatives

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