Thoughts on Pioneer Pro DJ products

[Blackraven]

Recently, I've been thinking and perhaps setting my sights on a DVJ-1000 deck.

Or rather I'm keeping an eye on all of the latest Pioneer Pro DJ products on offer.

Anyone have thoughts on this?

Thanks

P.S.
Oh and don't even mention about Technics as I'm not too familiar about there stuff.

Plus the fact that they don't have official sales and service here in my country.

[WEABOO]

Pioneer is the standard in cdj's, and a lot of people would agree with me that they are the best.

Haha although their vinyl turntables have been unmatched for 30 years, you wont have to worry about anyone recommending you any cd players from Technics, since they are God awful. Avoid them like the plague, and don't let anyone convince you that they are worth the price.

Unless 5600 USD is pocket change to you, I absolutely do not recommend the DVJ's. Yeah, they are the best CD/DVJ's on the market, but I would only recommend them to VJ's, and even then, 95% of VJ's will tell you they would rather take a 1500 dollar laptop over DVJ's any day. There is no reason for a beginner to start off on DVJ's when they are many other incredible cd-players that go for a quarter of the price.

If you are starting out like I think you are, and are bent on getting pioneers, look no further than these:


Pioneer CDJ-400

Pioneer CDJ-800MK2


Either of these two make fantastic cdj's, but I recommend the cdj-400's over the 800's, based on the fact that they are newer products and its super easy to slice beats on it (Although its not hard on the 800 either). The only thing I would say the 800's have over the 400's is that the platter is double the size and the cue marker in the middle is pretty cool and handy, but you only really need to mark visual cues and have a big platter if you are a scratch dj. Since I prefer using actual vinyl for scratching, that's never been a problem to me, but its something you should consider.

Good luck and don't forget to get a mixer (NUMARK!)

[Blackraven]

^^

Hmm...............interesting inputs.

--------------------
However

I'm still thinking of a mixer. Apparently, Pioneer also has one or two new products that caught me eye.





And a demo from Hard House DJ Sander Kleinenberg (a "DVJ" and sorta like an ambassador for Pioneer Pro DJ)

sander_demo

Looks sophisticated



--------------
Anyways,

Thanks for your inputs a while ago.

It was most definitely appreciated

[WEABOO]

Too bad that entire setup costs 13,000 USD...


Numark DXM09 Digital DJ Mixer

I absolutely recommend this mixer. Three channels, fantastic knobs, tight fader, compact, and built like a BEAST. I've seen people abuse the hell out of this while performing and its still 100% accurate. If you pay anymore than 350 dollars for a mixer, you are most likely getting ripped off or buying it with a ton of unnecessary and useless effects.


I would totally recommend this baby, but unfortunately the Stanton SMX-401 is out of production (along with the rest of the series except the shitty 100 dollar SMX-211)




I was one of the lucky ones to have bought this mixer back when it was still in production ($350 USD) , and for the past four years I have refused to use any other mixer but this one. The ONLY complaint I have is that the headphone jack is smack dab on top, and feeling your headphone jack coming vertically from the mixer can feel a little weird (Obviously after four years I got used to it ). Regardless, I know people who have paid 500 USD for a used one locally, if that gives you any idea how appreciated it is.


Stanton SMX-401 3 Channel DJ Mixer *NO RESERVE* - eBay (item 130257793743 end time Sep-29-08 18:00:00 PDT)


This auction looks super promising if youre interested

[kannazuki]

Originally Posted by The Chemist

Unless 5600 USD is pocket change to you, I absolutely do not recommend the DVJ's. Yeah, they are the best CD/DVJ's on the market, but I would only recommend them to VJ's, and even then, 95% of VJ's will tell you they would rather take a 1500 dollar laptop over DVJ's any day. There is no reason for a beginner to start off on DVJ's when they are many other incredible cd-players that go for a quarter of the price.

But DVJs are so fun to play with. ;~; I played with a pair of them at Yodobashi Camera Akihabara and they were so nice. But yeah, very pricey.

[kyrilsama]

ah yes the pioneer dvj-1000. it may be pricey but what's so awesome about that is you can play not only music from CD's but also videos (especially from DVD movies) as well.

[Blackraven]

Originally Posted by kyrilsama

ah yes the pioneer dvj-1000. it may be pricey but what's so awesome about that is you can play not only music from CD's but also videos (especially from DVD movies) as well.

I see.

----------------
Question though (anyone can answer)

If I want to use DVJs with my Macbook 13' black (with Ableton installed).

Would I need some kind of interface device or linkage to allow connection or interaction between the two (ie. is that what Serato Scratch is for???)

[ ]

Originally Posted by The Chemist

If you pay anymore than 350 dollars for a mixer, you are most likely getting ripped off or buying it with a ton of unnecessary and useless effects.

On a more serious note:
Blackraven, you need to take a step back for a moment and give us more information about your goals. I'm going to presume you're looking to become a DJ, am I correct? If so, you're looking to tend toward CDs rather than vinyl records? What is your budget, what is your experience, and what are the criteria (features) you're looking for in your gear? We've got a handful of DJs on this forum here and we're certainly willing to help you out, but I think you're putting the cart before the horse by deciding what gear you want before you even know the capabilities of it.

[WEABOO]

Yeah, the more I read your comments the more confused I am as to what your intentions are

[Blackraven]

Actually........

I'll be honest:

My ultimate objective is to use Ableton.

That's my primary goal when I decide to become a trance music DJ.

The reason why I asked Pioneer was primarily for two things:

1) They make the best DJ hardware products ever (generally they do and many others agree with this as well)

2) Some DJs/sound producers (most of them are from the Digitally Imported Radio forums) mentioned that if one wants to practice and learn the basics of becoming a DJ, then it would be best to start out with Pioneer Pro DJ products.

Or rather they say: Before you think about doing DJ stuff on Ableton, you've gotta learn first how to do the DJ stuff using CDs on Pioneer products.


Yeah I know, the whole idea is becoming a bit skewed.

Anyways
I'm already planning to get a Macbook 13 inch this Christmas and here comes the point that I'm at:

If I want to start learning some basics on DJing, should I buy:
1) Ableton
2) Buy some Pioneer products (since it is advised for one to learn and push oneself using traditional DJ equipment before going the way of the laptop DJ???).

Ah, I'm getting confused myself



EDIT:
Price/cost is irrelevant in this regard.

Whatever it takes for me to learn in the best possible way I guess....

[kannazuki]

The thing about Ableton is that it allows for really precise mixing and ease of use though I wouldn't exactly consider it a godsend for those people who can't beatmatch though. :p Nothing wrong with using it though, but I feel it isn't a replacement for learning how to DJ properly.

To be honest, getting a pair of CD-Js and a mixer brand new is a big dent in anybody's wallet and that's the reason I use Ableton on my computer (need university money, haha) - but, I learned how to mix on a a pair of CDJ 1000 that my friend have that he got secondhand.

Bottom line: Go learn how to mix with a pair of CDs and two decks, though there's nothing wrong with using Ableton from the get go, I feel that if you know how to mix without a computer, then everything'll just be easier in the long run.

[WEABOO]

Originally Posted by Blackraven

2) Some DJs/sound producers (most of them are from the Digitally Imported Radio forums) mentioned that if one wants to practice and learn the basics of becoming a DJ, then it would be best to start out with Pioneer Pro DJ products.

I may seem like Im jumping the gun here, but from what it seems, you aren't sure about where to start, or where to go for that matter. So, let me explain my thoughts on starting out:

"Computer Software or Analog"

Even though I personally refuse to use mixing software, mixing software is a definite force to reckon with given to the right person. I just can't accurately mix with just a mouse and keyboard. With my mixer, I can grab, manipulate, and move whatever I want, whenever I feel like it, without having to grab a mouse and look at a computer screen. Essentially I don't like seeing everything on a computer screen, since it can only have so much space.

That will be your personal decision

There are however, alternatives. Yesterday I was discussing with a friend of mine his current setup, which consists of a laptop with Digital DJ, a USB mixer, 2x vinyl turntables, and a pair of encoded vinyl. With this, he spins as if it were vinyl, but the computer is where the music is coming from, along with any FX. Think of it like a hybrid of both worlds.

I've used the setup before, and while I think its really cool and a step forward, the cables and connections involved are very cumbersome. The mixer alone has 8 RCA cables coming out of it (4 to the turntables, 4 to the audio interface/laptop). Setting up cables doesn't sound like a problem, but it is for me, since I work at different venues, and not only is it a pain to carry all that, but most of the venues do not even have the room to fit a setup like that.

For you though, this is something you may want to consider, since you are probably not playing at venues for a while. Who cares about cables if you aren't going to disconnect and move them anytime soon? haha


2 Numark TT1600MKII's

Rane Serato Scratch Live

M-Audio Studiophile DX4 Powered Monitors

Mixer (Explained below)


Buy all this, and you will have a pretty sick bedroom dj setup.



"What Should I Buy?"

I already gave you my personal recommendations in this thread, but reading back, I should make it clear that you do not have to buy CDJ's or DVJ's to learn how to dj and become a good mixer. As a matter of fact, there are very few "bad" dj products out there, and chances are, even the cheapos you may find will satisfy your needs (At least, while you are a beginner). Just do not expect them to have the bells and whistles of their expensive counterparts (and don't expect them to last long outside your bedroom). I learned to mix on two used-as-hell Stanton STR8-80's and a Vestax two-channel mixer that was missing a crossfader cap. A lot of people will tell you they started on similar setups as well.

I will give you the same recommendations I gave to another friend who is learning how to dj:



CD Turntables: Numark Axis-9

Don't let the price and size fool you, these turntables are beasts. Very accurate jog dials, very compact, and a very easy to read screen make it the perfect CD turntable for beginners, and for that price, any dj who is on a budget. This also has a manual pitch adjust, which essentially lets you change the pitch/key of a song without manipulating the BPM, which is something I've yet to see in any other turntable (including those DVJ's). You may not appreciate it now, but if you get better you will realize how awesome it is to not be limited to a song's key and BPM anymore. The only complaint I have is that it uses a CD-Tray, which makes it more susceptible to physical damage, since trays are really flimsy, but as long as you do not abuse them (like pushing them in instead of pressing Eject), they will last you a long time.


Monitors: M-Audio Studiophile DX4 Powered Monitors

A lot of people forget that mixing involves not just hearing things in your headphones, but hearing what is playing outside of your headphones. I learned on these monitors, and I still highly recommend them for beginner dj's. They do not have the most accurate bass in the world, but for your purposes, they are perfect. Hell, I still use these monitors as speakers for my bedroom PC to play games and music with.


Mixers: Any!

It really does not matter what mixer you use, so long as it has at least 2-channels, a crossfader, PFL (Preview For Listen, CRUCIAL for mixing), and EQ knobs (at least highs, mids, lows). You can find cheap mixers for less than 200 dollars easily, and they will suit your needs.

Many beginners looking for mixers tend to automatically look for ones with:

Sampling Effects (Like recording/looping a part of a track)
Kill switches (Switches that automatically turn off certain EQ parameters),
2000 channels (Not really 2000, but six, eight, etc)

The fact is, you do not need any of that. Since learning how to just MIX two tracks is infinitely more important, you won't have to bother with sampling for a while, not to mention, if you do get to the point where you want to sample, you will most likely upgrade from your axis-9's, and any mid to high end CD turntable will have built in samplers.

As for kill switches, you will not find many serious DJ's who even touch kill switches. The best way to manipulate EQ is by using the knobs on the mixer, and not just switching the kill switches. This way, you have much more control over what sound is coming out, and you can smoothly bring it in or bring it out without killing your ears (or your audience's ears). And there is NO reason to have more than three channels in your mixer for just mixing music, and even then, all you REALLY need is two channels (for both your turntables). Most people use the other channel for FX processors, like a kaoss pad, but again, you should only get into the neats things after you learn the nitty gritty, such as beatmatching and basic transitions.



Hope I helped, and please, don't spend your life savings if you don't have to