I just saw your comment (about your son) and wondered would this be a good set-up/system to buy for a school music department? I'd love to add some dj-ing stuff in the course, but we need to keep budget down so as to convince the school to buy one. Any other suggestions welcome - if have some.
@carson , I dunno but I can't find your question on my post to reply so here it is. : you can use 4 decks at once, ( I often use 3 at once) . not all functions though on the controler itself! ( it does at your computer , but not at the physical controller itself) With a button you can toggle between deck 1&3 and 2&4 .
Overall it's very good! unfortunately with serato intro we can't have access to 100% of the set and the option are limited it's little frustrating but expected this I love it!
I have the Slate-4 and really like it. its my first DJ set just for fun at home at the kitch table. Great mobility, set up is easy and enough things to toy with. Some small minor points: Going from one pad set-up to another pad (for instance from looping mode to slicer mode takes just too long to work fluently and thus not workable for DJ-ing. The other thing is which I don't know if its the Slate or my laptop: The sound quality A friend of mine heard me mix and wanted me to play on his party . I could use the PA system of the band when they had a break, but when sound checking the music my Slate produced .. it was awfull! really terrible. The bands PA system REALLY had to work hard to make the quality good, but I was shocked and advise people to CHECK first before you say yes to your first gig :) so : great controler for at home.
Was horrible on all my laptops witch were late 2009 Core2Duo MacBook Pro, I5 Lenovo Thinkpad T420, I5 Hp Elitebook 8540w and I7 Hp Elitebook 8540p. Cue audio was too low, frequent dropouts, auto loop would activate by itself, Sync button activated when I hit cue, Right platter going numb, Left Platter moves super slow, returned it 3 times to guitar center each had some of the issues listed. I just used the store credit and got a used Pioneer DDJ-SB instead for like 150$.
Here's our full article on it: www.digitaldjtips.com/2015/07/review-video-gemini-slate-2-serato-dj-controller/ There's a link to buy it on Amazon in the "Review Summary" section
How is the finish on the top of the jogwheels? is it glossy? Matte? Ruberized/grippy? also how big are they? And last...how is the crossfader? smooth? loose? tight? thanks.
I got one of those controllers, was using it for other purposes though, now i downloaded the basic version of serato, in wich i can only see one deck! in all videos and pix etc. i have seen you can choose between 2 & 4 decks. at the moment I only have one which makes the entire program useless, where's the problem?
Believe it comes with Serato DJ Intro (which is cool) but you'll either need to upgrade to full Serato DJ or buy a license for Rekordbox DJ for fuller features :)
Digital DJ Tips a controller with keyboard keys? I guess one that’s made to produce music more not mix it as I’m learning.. what’s the best software? Serato?
Gotcha, if you want to produce music, go for software like Ableton Live. Lots of little midi controllers (such as from Novation or Akai) that will work to control the program :)
Nice! All of our available courses are currently 35% off - How To Digital DJ Fast would be a good one for learning how: www.digitaldjtips.com/dj-courses/how-to-digital-dj-fast/
At 3:15 you are explaining that you are doing the looping but underneath the track keeps playing. So when you are done with looping and scratching, it continues on where underneath track is playing. So in essence you are scratching and looping current signal. How do you call this method? I'd like to learn doing it, don't have a dj controller yet, any advice what to look for in tutorial videos on youtube?
I have a gemini slate thats uses the serato lite i bought the serato pro but howere i cannot activate the main output with the hardware can somone assist me plz
Hi Phil, nice review :) , i am planning to pick up a entry level controller and i am new to DJ'ing . I have these in mind gemini g2v/4v ,Numark mixtrack pro3 , gemini slate 2/4. Can you suggest me from the to above and i will be using traktor if its G2V/4V. And ican i know wy the is suggestion to , thank you :)
bpBOV i know you asked Phil tho ill share an advice to you, many times ppl get very focused on the price of the controller tho they forget rather the actual controller comes with a full license software, sometimes a very cheap controller is appealing but when you add the external soundcard (average of $100-$150) + the license for a full software (example VDJ8 cant cost you up to $279.00 & Serato depending of the deal around $150 to $200) it's not good deal, if you take that in consideration after you purchase your cheaper controller you have to add nearly $400 - $500 to get a decent functional setup this is a scenario many ppl get mislead in the mixing equipment world. When paying a bit more for a controller per example a Native Instruments Traktor S2, yes cost more than the usual cheaper controller but you get full Traktor license + a soundcard inside the controller already, no extra installations no extra costs and compare to a cheaper controller of which you have to purchase more things to make it fully functional there is an illusion of the appeal of the super cheap controllers. Keep that in mind, my personal controller is a Traktor S4 MK1 and i really like it, i been with this controller from my very first day mixing to today (3 yrs later) and i yet haven't found a realistic reason to change to anything else apart just wanting to have more controllers eh eh! cheers!
i also have a gemini slate 2 but with a pair of 502 tannoy speakers. im having a difficult time trouble shooting... i have a pc with windows 8.1 i downloaded the drivers and did everything i was supposed to but every time i play music theres static. could it be the RCA chord or something else going on? PLEASE help thank you
Your computer probably decided to run all audio to the controller witch is only supposed to run Serato or Virtual Dj audio only. If you play a song in window media player and hear it through the controller output then you might want to check computer settings.
+Silvia Lopez We go over set up in detail with the full review: www.digitaldjtips.com/2015/07/review-video-gemini-slate-2-serato-dj-controller/ It supplies a USB-to-micro USB lead for plugging in
is it compatible with Virtual Dj and will the slicer effect work (even with the free version of Virtual Dj) I know it comes with Serato Intro, but i haven't got the intention to spend 50% of the price of the panel on software...
+WDj It should work with VDJ, the free/home version should function fine (effects etc) it just can't legally be used to DJ in public, and doesn't have MIDI control. I'd suggest asking VDJ directly before buying though to be sure - here's a link to a page where we list all the main forums and support sites: www.digitaldjtips.com/3rd-party-support/
bought one recently, download serato dj lite..it mixes okay however i cant get my earphone to work properly..i have to use the cross fade to listen to deck B if deck is playing and if i cross fade across then ill interupt the out put sound. please help me make correct settings for my ear piece.
Use the small "cue" buttons above the faders to decide what you hear in your headphones, and make sure the small "cue mix" knob on the left hand edge of the controller is set all the way to "cue".
i've heard of a few people having similar issues. Try this... Make sure you install the ASIO driver if you are using Windows PC AND...THIS ONE IS CRITICAL. SERATO DJ DOES NOT WORK ON AMD PROCESSORS. regardless if you are using PC or MAC.
You might be using the wrong version of Serato Dj. You might need to use Serato Dj intro. The free Serato Dj is for pro controllers. This is considered a beginners controller. To use a beginner controller with full serato you have to pay for the license or subscription.
It works with AMD processors. But that is only if it’s Athlon 2 dual core or anything that clocks higher than 2.5 GHz. Also you don’t need Asio driver. I only see That driver for Virtual DJ.
Wanna buy a controller but i dont no which one , the Gemini Slate 2 or the Numark mixtrack 3 (not Pro) or the Hercules dj control air+ s . Maybe someone can help me ? ^^
Not that we know of - Best bet for music production is something like the Novation Launchpad or the Circuit, something in the Akai series, Native Instruments products, etc :)
Here's the full reviews/opinions of each: Numark Mixtrack Pro 3 - www.digitaldjtips.com/2015/05/review-numark-mixtrack-pro-3/ Pioneer DDJ-SB2 - www.digitaldjtips.com/2016/03/review-video-pioneer-ddj-sb2-serato-dj-rekordbox-controller/ Can't go wrong with either, really!
+Alicia Greene Hello! Laptop brand matters less than specifications. The system requirements for the Gemini Slate 2: Windows 7 or 8: 32-bit: Intel 2.0 GHz Core 2 Duo 64-bit: Intel 2.4 GHz Core 2 Duo 32-bit: 2 GB RAM 64-bit: 4 GB RAM 1280 x 720 display Hope this helps!
Yeah you can. But it depend on the specs of the desktop. But a laptop is easier and faster to set up and break down for mobile Dj’s. Every thing on the video can fit in a backpack.
tor mine for around 160 www.amazon.com/BEST-GEMINI-SLATE-4CH-CNTRLR/dp/B00UKIN5JA/ref=sr_1_2?s=electronics&ie=UTF8&qid=1508825694&sr=1-2&keywords=gemini+slate
cant get the controller to work with the serato pro and neither serato lite but yes it works right a way with virtual dj im doing something wrong or what software should i use virtual dj only let me use for 10 minu
What version of Serato DJ Lite are you using? :) I recommend sending a support ticket to Serato about the issue. Might be driver-related too, if you're on a PC
Just purchased a Slate 2 to train my son, this has really helped to give him a broad overview of the features of the Controller, many thanks.
+Paul Manser Great to hear that Paul :)
I just saw your comment (about your son) and wondered would this be a good set-up/system to buy for a school music department? I'd love to add some dj-ing stuff in the course, but we need to keep budget down so as to convince the school to buy one. Any other suggestions welcome - if have some.
@@cardboardmusic definitely perfect for schools.to get the next young superstar DJs.
Yes, it's good enough - look at the DDJ-400 from Pioneer DJ too, though, as it comes with full software (as does the even cheaper DDJ-200).
I never thought I would use more then 2 decks at once, but I do and love the slate 4 !
+TheVantveen Nice! Good to hear it :)
@carson , I dunno but I can't find your question on my post to reply so here it is. : you can use 4 decks at once, ( I often use 3 at once) . not all functions though on the controler itself! ( it does at your computer , but not at the physical controller itself) With a button you can toggle between deck 1&3 and 2&4 .
Big hands Phil, Big Hands!!
I just bought one! And you can change the BPM by pressing the shift bouton and the key lock voila
Nice! What do you think of it?
Overall it's very good! unfortunately with serato intro we can't have access to 100% of the set and the option are limited it's little frustrating but expected this I love it!
I have the Slate-4 and really like it. its my first DJ set just for fun at home at the kitch table. Great mobility, set up is easy and enough things to toy with. Some small minor points:
Going from one pad set-up to another pad (for instance from looping mode to slicer mode takes just too long to work fluently and thus not workable for DJ-ing.
The other thing is which I don't know if its the Slate or my laptop: The sound quality
A friend of mine heard me mix and wanted me to play on his party . I could use the PA system of the band when they had a break, but when sound checking the music my Slate produced .. it was awfull! really terrible.
The bands PA system REALLY had to work hard to make the quality good, but I was shocked and advise people to CHECK first before you say yes to your first gig :)
so : great controler for at home.
+TheVantveen I know your comment is kind of old, but does it run 4 decks? Is there a button or something to switch decks?
Was horrible on all my laptops witch were late 2009 Core2Duo MacBook Pro, I5 Lenovo Thinkpad T420, I5 Hp Elitebook 8540w and I7 Hp Elitebook 8540p. Cue audio was too low, frequent dropouts, auto loop would activate by itself, Sync button activated when I hit cue, Right platter going numb, Left Platter moves super slow, returned it 3 times to guitar center each had some of the issues listed. I just used the store credit and got a used Pioneer DDJ-SB instead for like 150$.
Sorry that was your experience with it, thanks for sharing. Hope the SB is treating you well :)
please give the link to buy
Here's our full article on it: www.digitaldjtips.com/2015/07/review-video-gemini-slate-2-serato-dj-controller/ There's a link to buy it on Amazon in the "Review Summary" section
How is the finish on the top of the jogwheels?
is it glossy? Matte? Ruberized/grippy?
also how big are they?
And last...how is the crossfader? smooth? loose? tight?
thanks.
finish on jogwheels is rough plastic and the crossfader is pretty lose and smooth
I got one of those controllers, was using it for other purposes though, now i downloaded the basic version of serato, in wich i can only see one deck! in all videos and pix etc. i have seen you can choose between 2 & 4 decks. at the moment I only have one which makes the entire program useless, where's the problem?
I have a nummark party mix, but I like to get a better controller, and I am wondering in the "DDJ-SB" comes with its own software???
Landon B just get the numark mixtrack platinum
Landon B or wegodj it's a standalone system
Believe it comes with Serato DJ Intro (which is cool) but you'll either need to upgrade to full Serato DJ or buy a license for Rekordbox DJ for fuller features :)
Tbh get the pioneer 400 which comes with full rekordbox software. Then you will never need to spend money on upgrading your software.
So I don’t need to get the keyboard one to start up? Can’t those play keys?
HI Brendan, not sure what you mean?
Digital DJ Tips a controller with keyboard keys? I guess one that’s made to produce music more not mix it as I’m learning.. what’s the best software? Serato?
Gotcha, if you want to produce music, go for software like Ableton Live. Lots of little midi controllers (such as from Novation or Akai) that will work to control the program :)
can you yuse it in combination whit a appel ipad instad of the laptop?
Think it has to be used with PC or Mac
The Gemini slate 2 are most small than the ddj 200 or it's most big ???please
Sorry never had them side by side, would guess the DDJ200 is smaller
I want to be a dj so bad!!!!!!
Nice! All of our available courses are currently 35% off - How To Digital DJ Fast would be a good one for learning how: www.digitaldjtips.com/dj-courses/how-to-digital-dj-fast/
At 3:15 you are explaining that you are doing the looping but underneath the track keeps playing. So when you are done with looping and scratching, it continues on where underneath track is playing. So in essence you are scratching and looping current signal. How do you call this method? I'd like to learn doing it, don't have a dj controller yet, any advice what to look for in tutorial videos on youtube?
Vladimir Tayzhev same
i want to become a dj for my school parties am 16 i need a dj controller and i saw that this controller is awesome does it know a software
It comes with software, which you can download from CD,or with a key to download from serato.com.tbh it would be perfect for your gig .simple to use .
I have a gemini slate thats uses the serato lite i bought the serato pro but howere i cannot activate the main output with the hardware can somone assist me plz
It should work with no need to set up anything. I'd contact Serato support and see if they can help. support.serato.com/hc/en-us
Can I use this with virtual dj pro
What is the best laptop to get for beginners that can work for Serato pro ?
Either a MacBook Pro or one of these PCs: www.digitaldjtips.com/2018/01/which-laptop/
Hi Phil, nice review :) , i am planning to pick up a entry level controller and i am new to DJ'ing . I have these in mind gemini g2v/4v ,Numark mixtrack pro3 , gemini slate 2/4. Can you suggest me from the to above and i will be using traktor if its G2V/4V. And ican i know wy the is suggestion to , thank you :)
bpBOV i know you asked Phil tho ill share an advice to you, many times ppl get very focused on the price of the controller tho they forget rather the actual controller comes with a full license software, sometimes a very cheap controller is appealing but when you add the external soundcard (average of $100-$150) + the license for a full software (example VDJ8 cant cost you up to $279.00 & Serato depending of the deal around $150 to $200) it's not good deal, if you take that in consideration after you purchase your cheaper controller you have to add nearly $400 - $500 to get a decent functional setup this is a scenario many ppl get mislead in the mixing equipment world. When paying a bit more for a controller per example a Native Instruments Traktor S2, yes cost more than the usual cheaper controller but you get full Traktor license + a soundcard inside the controller already, no extra installations no extra costs and compare to a cheaper controller of which you have to purchase more things to make it fully functional there is an illusion of the appeal of the super cheap controllers. Keep that in mind, my personal controller is a Traktor S4 MK1 and i really like it, i been with this controller from my very first day mixing to today (3 yrs later) and i yet haven't found a realistic reason to change to anything else apart just wanting to have more controllers eh eh! cheers!
nice
would this controller be alright to use at a small wedding
Hey Matt! Sure 👍
hi, how to drag music into serato dj?
Bought one
Nice!
Just got it! :D
Nice! so goooood!
Sweet!
hi there is any one knows why i cant use my manual , auto , sampler, roll, hotr loop,silcer ,bank ?? i can only use the first option hot cue ???
Hey Karam, not offhand no - definitely open a support ticket with the software company to find a solution. Best of luck!
Can I use virtual dj software instead of serato?
Says it works with Slate and Slate 4, so imagine so!
do u need speakers? can u use your computer sound?
You can, just configure the I/O settings in the software to do so
i also have a gemini slate 2 but with a pair of 502 tannoy speakers. im having a difficult time trouble shooting... i have a pc with windows 8.1 i downloaded the drivers and did everything i was supposed to but every time i play music theres static. could it be the RCA chord or something else going on? PLEASE help thank you
Your computer probably decided to run all audio to the controller witch is only supposed to run Serato or Virtual Dj audio only. If you play a song in window media player and hear it through the controller output then you might want to check computer settings.
What kind of conection do you use because you are not using the usb directly, I have a macpro too.
+Silvia Lopez We go over set up in detail with the full review: www.digitaldjtips.com/2015/07/review-video-gemini-slate-2-serato-dj-controller/ It supplies a USB-to-micro USB lead for plugging in
Almost like a numark mixtrack pro 2. same controls, well almost... :-)
is it compatible with Virtual Dj and will the slicer effect work (even with the free version of Virtual Dj)
I know it comes with Serato Intro, but i haven't got the intention to spend 50% of the price of the panel on software...
+WDj It should work with VDJ, the free/home version should function fine (effects etc) it just can't legally be used to DJ in public, and doesn't have MIDI control. I'd suggest asking VDJ directly before buying though to be sure - here's a link to a page where we list all the main forums and support sites: www.digitaldjtips.com/3rd-party-support/
Hi there any problems with macbook 12and serato dj?
I want to buy one is very cool
That's the combo I use and it works great :)
No, will work fine.
Between a pioneer ddj-200 this controller and a native x1 mk2, which one is better?
There's no objective better out of those three, they are very different setups
What is that song he's playing?
Chemical Brothers "Go" :)
bought one recently, download serato dj lite..it mixes okay however i cant get my earphone to work properly..i have to use the cross fade to listen to deck B if deck is playing and if i cross fade across then ill interupt the out put sound. please help me make correct settings for my ear piece.
Use the small "cue" buttons above the faders to decide what you hear in your headphones, and make sure the small "cue mix" knob on the left hand edge of the controller is set all the way to "cue".
@@digitaldjtips thanks, I'll let you how it goes.
Can I use this on virtual Dj?
Yep!
What the name program on Mac book please
Has anyone tried using it with Traktor? Any mapping files available?
Not sure! I would check out Traktor Bible or DJ TechTools for a mapping :)
I just bought one of these and every time I connect it Serato says it failed to connect to audio. Please help ASAP!!!
How are you connecting the controller to the laptop? Have you tried reimporting your library? Have you sent a support ticket to Gemini or Serato DJ?
i've heard of a few people having similar issues.
Try this...
Make sure you install the ASIO driver if you are using Windows PC
AND...THIS ONE IS CRITICAL.
SERATO DJ DOES NOT WORK ON AMD PROCESSORS.
regardless if you are using PC or MAC.
You might be using the wrong version of Serato Dj. You might need to use Serato Dj intro. The free Serato Dj is for pro controllers. This is considered a beginners controller. To use a beginner controller with full serato you have to pay for the license or subscription.
It works with AMD processors. But that is only if it’s Athlon 2 dual core or anything that clocks higher than 2.5 GHz. Also you don’t need Asio driver. I only see That driver for Virtual DJ.
Wanna buy a controller but i dont no which one , the Gemini Slate 2 or the Numark mixtrack 3 (not Pro) or the Hercules dj control air+ s . Maybe someone can help me ? ^^
Numark all day long.as it has more pro features.
thinking of buying for my teen. He is into making his own music. Can he use this to record music for himself too?
Nice gift! Not really, it's more a controller for playing back other productions, not for recording new stuff
Digital DJ Tips do not even an app or system that would integrate the two? Thank you for replying!
Not that we know of - Best bet for music production is something like the Novation Launchpad or the Circuit, something in the Akai series, Native Instruments products, etc :)
OMG! The launchpad!!! That looks amazing!!! TY!!!!
thats not a macbook pro thats the 12 inch macbook
Naviii R True!
With no regular USB ports Most People call it a Dongle Book.
Small details but ok
Nobody really cares honestly, (´ー｀)
i intend to bUy this controller but what does that mean OUTPUTS ARE RATHER QUIET ?
Phil just means that in comparison to other controllers, the output is relatively quiet, though still very usable :) - Lauren
***** yup thnx!! so what would you suggest between numark mixtrack pro3 and pioneer ddj sb 2 sir !!
Here's the full reviews/opinions of each:
Numark Mixtrack Pro 3 - www.digitaldjtips.com/2015/05/review-numark-mixtrack-pro-3/
Pioneer DDJ-SB2 - www.digitaldjtips.com/2016/03/review-video-pioneer-ddj-sb2-serato-dj-rekordbox-controller/
Can't go wrong with either, really!
***** yup i've gone through it !! i think Digital DJ tips fancies Pioneer controllers !! Is this true?
Can I use a hp laptop? Does the speed processor matters?
+Alicia Greene Hello! Laptop brand matters less than specifications. The system requirements for the Gemini Slate 2:
Windows 7 or 8:
32-bit: Intel 2.0 GHz Core 2 Duo
64-bit: Intel 2.4 GHz Core 2 Duo
32-bit: 2 GB RAM
64-bit: 4 GB RAM
1280 x 720 display
Hope this helps!
So this is not as good as the Numark MixTrack Pro 3
what function of laptop for it?
Hi, not sure what you mean, can you elaborate?
It plays the tracks.
Yes, you'll need a laptop to run the software to play all the music - the controller is basically there to control what happens in the laptop :)
I would like to know the version of Serato DJ you
+Erwan Marka You can use the latest version: serato.com/dj
+Digital DJ Tips OK thanks a lot
what programs can I use with it?
Hey Daniel, you can use Serato and Virtual DJ, map it to djay Pro :)
nice, thanks, and gemini comes with come with serato pro?
Can you use this controller with a tablet?
No, this controller can't be used with a tablet.
song*?
Where's the 3 band equilizer
The EQ is on the mixer in the centre. It is hidden within Serato DJ on the laptop.
Will this work with VirtualDj as well?
Nibe19 It may have the mapping inside of VDJ already. If not, you would have to map it. Its designed to work well with Serato DJ and Serato DJ intro.
hi for software serato DJ how his version please thank you
+Erwan Marka Hey Erwan, I'd be happy to help, could you clarify your question a bit?
+Digital DJ Tips I would like to know the version of Serato DJ you
What’s the software he’s using
Serato DJ :-)
Can I still DJ with a Destop
With a desktop computer? Sure you can. Just depends on the specs of the machine. A laptop is a better option though, if you can get one.
Yeah you can. But it depend on the specs of the desktop. But a laptop is easier and faster to set up and break down for mobile Dj’s. Every thing on the video can fit in a backpack.
what software is he using
Serato :)
how much does it cost?
thanks a lot!
+lcas ecldre Anywhere from £149 - £189 depending on Vendor.
ok thanks but dont need nomore got a pioneer ddj sb thanks stil
what is the laptop you use?
Just a MacBook.
too expensive hehehe
Give the prix
Seems to be going for around US$195 these days :)
how much is this gonna cost me?
This retails for about US$200
tor mine for around 160 www.amazon.com/BEST-GEMINI-SLATE-4CH-CNTRLR/dp/B00UKIN5JA/ref=sr_1_2?s=electronics&ie=UTF8&qid=1508825694&sr=1-2&keywords=gemini+slate
My wife just bought me one with full Serato for 100 dollars on Wal Mart app.
People still buy shit Gemini products? Is it still the early 90's?
cant get the controller to work with the serato pro and neither serato lite but yes it works right a way with virtual dj im doing something wrong or what software should i use virtual dj only let me use for 10 minu
What version of Serato DJ Lite are you using? :) I recommend sending a support ticket to Serato about the issue. Might be driver-related too, if you're on a PC