Links to gear used in this video. Pioneer DJ XDJ-RR all-in-one DJ controller: amzn.to/2TP4NF6 Pioneer DJ DJM-S9 battle mixer: amzn.to/2SNdKSh Butterrugs turntable slipmats: amzn.to/2SIzjDB
I learned on turntables back in the 1980s & I love controllers. It's just another DJ instrument not necessarily better or worse than a turntable... just different. Nice video, bro!
I needed to see this video 15 years ago because my transition from vinyl to controller was sooo hard for me. I started on Tech 12’s back in 1984 and retired from mobile Djing in 2001.(family obligations). I bought my first controller(skipped control vinyl all together) in 2007 Hercules. I hated it. I then bought a cheap ion controller that hooks up to the iPhone/itouch. Hated it. Then I bought a Numark Mixtrack 3. It was better. I put it in my head that I needed rotating platters but the NS7 were too expensive for me. I bought a Numark PT01 and tricked it out and that satisfied my “scratch “ itch. Then I finally purchased the Tracktor Kontrol S4 with motorized platters(cheaper than the NS7 3) and I was happier but not 100% satisfied but I’m stopping there. I have been able to scratch on my controller but not anything new. I have a hard time learning new scratches. I seem to have hit a wall. I also can’t seem to stop beat juggle the old way on my controller. I still rewind manually with my hands instead of just pressing the cue button. I just can’t get completely digital. So it’s taken me over 12 years to get to this point. I will admit I only play about 2-3 times per month for about 1-2 hours each session(family/work/ect). You are right, it’s all in the mind.
Much Respect sir. I used an Entry Level Controller, always like to do a lot of threestyle routine. Your videos literally slammed most DJ's here at Iloilo City, Philippines. And a lot has turntable who does NOT even know proper scratching.
Another great video! I've been mixing for 15 years and couldn't have said it better myself. As a matter of fact, I'm still deploying my DDJ-S1 for mobile gigs!!! Much props to you...and keep on rockin'!
I have found that detaching myself from looking at the screen and trusting my muscle memory to know how much to pull back the jog wheel helped me. Once you are used to the rotational speed of the controller/device you are using, you can recalibrate yourself to it. Learn to love the cue points! Drop a few cues at key points in a scratch sentence you know. if you need to return to the start of a segment, hit the cue with your thumb, otherwise walk through the samples in sequence as you would. Anything like three samples / syllables in succession ("yeah" , "unnh","fresh", "break-it-down" ) is easy to go back and forth through once you trust your rewind. any more and it becomes hard to find the beginning, therefore hit a cue. trusting the cues and knowing that essentially holding the platter stationary and hitting a cue gives you that "12 o clock Sticker" in you mind.
I really enjoyed this video. I went to an event where one DJ smashed it. She played with CDJs and a mixer. She had the floor packed and jumpin. The DJ came after played with turntables and clear the floor within moments of his set. It is not about the gear. It's what you do with the gear. I have DJs who started with vinyl was not up in arms to return. I feel the purest look silly coming to the club with crates while most of their counterparts bring Flash Drives. Just saying. I still don't get how they are call themselves purest using a DVS system. You need that Serato DJ and your laptop. Again, I am just saying.
rad bro... i got an sr2 after watching your ELC vids a few mths back. i only use my 12s w real records now and sr2 for everything digital. never looked back!!
If you remember the Denon hd2500 I still have it and I can real jam..with that...beat juggel.cut scrach..my tt don't come out the house YOU SPEAK SO MUCH TRUTH thanks again
I got that same denon 2500. look me up on soundcloud. dj jetfuel I'm I use a mixfader mixer device with it, working on building custom scratch tracks for it. I'm an Old "80s '1200 turntable lover and its tough for me to adjust to the latency of most digital gear. I've seen many scratch just fine with those controllers. I just GGGRRRrrrrr!! Can't get it! Especially Jumpin' on un-familiar gear. Turntables = Instrument from the Aliens!
Great video once again! It's all about the skill & techniques, not so much about the gear. Similarly to being able to drive and using different vehicles. You get comfortable to what you are accustomed to. When are you going to do a scratching for controllers totourial? We want this. :)
You actually can do that flutter scratch you did on the controller onto a turntable just done, similar, but differently. Don’t quote me on the name but I think it’s been called by a few the fresh water crab. Interested to see what scratches people learn that are done exclusively on controller as well as figuring out ways to do rubs, hydros etc or like one you’ve mentioned the tweak scratch.
its true what you said ..i like it. i have now djsb3 its a firstime to use it but im afriad to bring in the party beacuse i dont know yet to use everytime laptop i use to dj very well i use sersto and virtual dj 8
The following advice might be viewed with a bias since I am a demonstrator for Pioneer DJ, but I know exactly what you mean. I have attempted the Peter Piper routine on the latest Denon jog wheels and it is pretty difficult for me to do. I understand it might just take some getting used to, but I find them heavy at times. And by heavy, i mean, they have some weight to them when throwing and braking.
@@priyonjoni No shame in my game here. Although i have been listening to music all my life ive never persuade it. I brought a DDJ SB2 but I think learning the fill of a turntable would be easier so i want to get a different controller to support DVS and go from there. Just discovered your videos last week and im loving them. Keep up the excellent work. thanks for the reply.
Hey man I hope you can cover the topic of cdj's, I wanna know why they cost so much and why people keep using them... It just doesn't make sense to me, I heared they have a much better sounding capabilities, like the DAC and build quality, I hope you can answer this for me.
Marom Haim I don’t think CDJs are for everyone. If a controller does everything you need it to do, then that controller is right for you. For myself, and this is strictly my personal opinion, the value I find in CDJs are the following: Modularity: Unlike controllers, you can use as little or as many of them together as you wish. While on a controller, you are fixed at 2 at a time, and at best selectable for an additional 2 decks. CDJs can be used from 2-4 decks linked together, or infinitely more unlinked. Versatility: Controllers are usually fixed to one or two software platforms. On CDJs, thanks to HID mode, the CDJ can run as a native accessory controller on all major DJ software platforms including Serato DJ, Traktor, Virtual DJ, and of course Rekordbox. DJ Link: As mentioned in modularity, the DJ Link allows for multiple configurations which include linking the CDJs together, linking the CDJs with a mixer for effects syncing, linking the system to a computer to serve music from Rekordbox, and finally, linking the devices to sync with Toraiz devices. Accessorizable: When CDJs are linked, they can use their free USB ports to connect accessory devices using the open USB ports, like the DDJ-XP1 and the DDJ-SP1. Keep in mind, you can do this with a controller. But in the case of CDJs, you won’t need a computer. Multiple formats: CDJs support multiple standard audio file types from USB flash drives, SD cards, CDs and DVDs. Much of this sounds unnecessary for most of us. But there actually is a good amount of DJs who still use CDs today. Unlike certain smartphone companies, pulling features out would be unfair to these folks who utilize those older mediums. Testbed: Think of CDJs as the sports car that introduces the new technology before it is rolled out to the rest of the devices. Remember, CDJs came way before controllers came out, and much of the tech and features on modern controllers (including non-Pioneer controllers) came from CDJs. An example would be the Hot Cues. Which originally was developed for the CDJ-1000. In automotive, Honda’s VTEC technology was first introduced on the exotic sports car, the NSX. Today, fuel efficient versions of VTEC is available on all their vehicles. CDJ technology is the same way. Comes in all sizes: CDJ-2000NXS2 maybe expensive for most folks. But did you know there is the CDJ-TOUR-1? It is an even heavier duty (and more expensive) variant of the CDJ-2000NSX2. Designed with higher quality plugs, more robust construction, and includes a flip up screen. This player is more for production companies to have a more durable deck that can withstand the rigors of the festival stage. On the opposite end, did you know there is an XDJ-1000 and XDJ-1000MK2 which are half the price of a CDJ-2000NXS2? It’s a stripped down version of the CDJ, removing the CD drive and many buttons which can be found inside the touch screen display. If CDJ-2000NXS2s are too pricey, consider the XDJ-1000MK2. With that said they even come in smaller sizes to the 1000, with smaller jog wheels in the XDJ-700. Sorry for the long reply but I wanted to answer this question efficiently. Hope this helps.
@@priyonjoni no need to apologize, I was actually looking for this type of described answer and I honestly appreciate that! So I think that I am overcomplicating this, maybe I should just stick to controllers rather than looking for the expensive cdj solution, which doesn't connect with my needs, I need to be portable, so I guess I should go for a good deal which is a DJ controller, best of both worlds... :) Thanks alot again man, your channel truely deserves more appreciation and support for all this great content and feedback that you provide :)) I wish you the best of luck man!!
Erick Caceres I work for Pioneer and part of my job is unboxing and setting up the loaner units. Those things can get pretty banged up in shipping and during stage setup. They’re constantly moved, reconnected. Sometimes put away in less than ideal places. And climate plays a part in them too. Dessert dust can be damaging as well. These aren’t your typical personal pieces safely tucked in a coffin.
@@Marom_Haim- I know Pri yon Joni works for Pioneer, but if you're not already aware of it, the new Denon Prime 4 controller will be released next month and looks amazing. A four channel stand alone controller. My apologies to Pri yon Joni for suggesting the competition.
hi... i hope you can give me courage to bring it tomorrow im a dj for valentines party i cannot bring it beacue i dont know to use it only little ...the party is for 80 persons in the hall ....
Both have their advantages but it's hard to argue that with more complicated scratches its harder on a controller because most of them dont have tactile feedback. If the s4 mk3 didnt have a crappy crossfader and put in a damn hamster switch i wouldnt have a problem not using my 1200's...the technology Is almost there but not quite yet
MrJSiQ I agree with the hamster switch. Is the Traktor crossfader reverse control MIDI mappable? If it is, you could probably link it to a controller button.
@@priyonjoni i remember trying to make a keyboard shortcut but for some reason it wouldn't allow me... That thing is almost perfect; oh well maybe in the next hardware update
I always ask them: “is the internet different on a iPhone or Android? Laptop and Desktop, tablet between the rest?” Of course it is, size and interface, but can you still get to where you want? Can you make them do what you need to? Same here. With digital media all of these tools are simply gateways to touch the media. It’s all the same, marketing makes it different.
Links to gear used in this video.
Pioneer DJ XDJ-RR all-in-one DJ controller: amzn.to/2TP4NF6
Pioneer DJ DJM-S9 battle mixer: amzn.to/2SNdKSh
Butterrugs turntable slipmats: amzn.to/2SIzjDB
I learned on turntables back in the 1980s & I love controllers. It's just another DJ instrument not necessarily better or worse than a turntable... just different. Nice video, bro!
I needed to see this video 15 years ago because my transition from vinyl to controller was sooo hard for me. I started on Tech 12’s back in 1984 and retired from mobile Djing in 2001.(family obligations). I bought my first controller(skipped control vinyl all together) in 2007 Hercules. I hated it. I then bought a cheap ion controller that hooks up to the iPhone/itouch. Hated it. Then I bought a Numark Mixtrack 3. It was better. I put it in my head that I needed rotating platters but the NS7 were too expensive for me. I bought a Numark PT01 and tricked it out and that satisfied my “scratch “ itch. Then I finally purchased the Tracktor Kontrol S4 with motorized platters(cheaper than the NS7 3) and I was happier but not 100% satisfied but I’m stopping there. I have been able to scratch on my controller but not anything new. I have a hard time learning new scratches. I seem to have hit a wall. I also can’t seem to stop beat juggle the old way on my controller. I still rewind manually with my hands instead of just pressing the cue button. I just can’t get completely digital. So it’s taken me over 12 years to get to this point. I will admit I only play about 2-3 times per month for about 1-2 hours each session(family/work/ect). You are right, it’s all in the mind.
Much Respect sir. I used an Entry Level Controller, always like to do a lot of threestyle routine. Your videos literally slammed most DJ's here at Iloilo City, Philippines. And a lot has turntable who does NOT even know proper scratching.
Just gotta let you know you motivate me to get my scratch game up. Much respect Pri yon Joni
Another great video! I've been mixing for 15 years and couldn't have said it better myself. As a matter of fact, I'm still deploying my DDJ-S1 for mobile gigs!!! Much props to you...and keep on rockin'!
I have found that detaching myself from looking at the screen and trusting my muscle memory to know how much to pull back the jog wheel helped me. Once you are used to the rotational speed of the controller/device you are using, you can recalibrate yourself to it.
Learn to love the cue points!
Drop a few cues at key points in a scratch sentence you know. if you need to return to the start of a segment, hit the cue with your thumb, otherwise walk through the samples in sequence as you would. Anything like three samples / syllables in succession ("yeah" , "unnh","fresh", "break-it-down" ) is easy to go back and forth through once you trust your rewind. any more and it becomes hard to find the beginning, therefore hit a cue.
trusting the cues and knowing that essentially holding the platter stationary and hitting a cue gives you that "12 o clock Sticker" in you mind.
Exactly I'm new to this and I pull back better when i don't look at screen amazing
I like your "psychology" approach to it. I was too a turntable snob. Great video
I really enjoyed this video. I went to an event where one DJ smashed it. She played with CDJs and a mixer. She had the floor packed and jumpin. The DJ came after played with turntables and clear the floor within moments of his set. It is not about the gear. It's what you do with the gear. I have DJs who started with vinyl was not up in arms to return. I feel the purest look silly coming to the club with crates while most of their counterparts bring Flash Drives. Just saying. I still don't get how they are call themselves purest using a DVS system. You need that Serato DJ and your laptop. Again, I am just saying.
Pls do more scratch tutorials..pls..you're a great teacher
you're gonna a big music industry influencer, Pri yon Joni
Well said. You got me to try my skills on controllers last August so I have gotten a lot better. Thanks man.
rad bro... i got an sr2 after watching your ELC vids a few mths back. i only use my 12s w real records now and sr2 for everything digital. never looked back!!
If you remember the Denon hd2500 I still have it and I can real jam..with that...beat juggel.cut scrach..my tt don't come out the house YOU SPEAK SO MUCH TRUTH thanks again
I got that same denon 2500. look me up on soundcloud. dj jetfuel I'm I use a mixfader mixer device with it, working on building custom scratch tracks for it. I'm an Old "80s '1200 turntable lover and its tough for me to adjust to the latency of most digital gear. I've seen many scratch just fine with those controllers. I just GGGRRRrrrrr!! Can't get it! Especially Jumpin' on un-familiar gear. Turntables = Instrument from the Aliens!
Excellent point practice makes great understanding
Very nice video! Thanks!
always enjoy the videos. good shzz
Seems easier going from wax to smaller platters to me sut i do keep an open mind about learning anyway great video sir !
Great video once again! It's all about the skill & techniques, not so much about the gear. Similarly to being able to drive and using different vehicles. You get comfortable to what you are accustomed to. When are you going to do a scratching for controllers totourial? We want this. :)
Que aula hein! Parabéns
You actually can do that flutter scratch you did on the controller onto a turntable just done, similar, but differently. Don’t quote me on the name but I think it’s been called by a few the fresh water crab. Interested to see what scratches people learn that are done exclusively on controller as well as figuring out ways to do rubs, hydros etc or like one you’ve mentioned the tweak scratch.
Straight skills sir!!👍
its true what you said ..i like it. i have now djsb3 its a firstime to use it but im afriad to bring in the party beacuse i dont know yet to use everytime laptop i use to dj very well i use sersto and virtual dj 8
All about "The Fader"!!
WELL SAID ... I CAN RELATE TO THIS AS I USE BOTH !!!
Awesome topic 👏🏽
Do you have a day one tutorial?? Starting from the beginning??
it's awesome man !!
Quick question...when you started scratching, how did you decide which hand to place on the record vs the crossfader?
Dam jog wheels on the mxc8000 so heavy..but you are RIGHT THO..
How do I need to set my cross fader when on my controller to get the better cuts
thank you... dj pri yon joni
This guy is sponsored by NASA
I just can't cut on the mcx8000..it seems like when you cut the music to drag on.when trying to cut Evan if the fader is set for tight cuting
The following advice might be viewed with a bias since I am a demonstrator for Pioneer DJ, but I know exactly what you mean. I have attempted the Peter Piper routine on the latest Denon jog wheels and it is pretty difficult for me to do. I understand it might just take some getting used to, but I find them heavy at times. And by heavy, i mean, they have some weight to them when throwing and braking.
Would you say its easier to go from turntable to controller or controller to turntable.
DoesIT Matter I think both directions will have a learning curve. But turntable guys won’t admit it if they struggle on a controller.
@@priyonjoni No shame in my game here. Although i have been listening to music all my life ive never persuade it. I brought a DDJ SB2 but I think learning the fill of a turntable would be easier so i want to get a different controller to support DVS and go from there. Just discovered your videos last week and im loving them. Keep up the excellent work. thanks for the reply.
Hey man I hope you can cover the topic of cdj's, I wanna know why they cost so much and why people keep using them...
It just doesn't make sense to me, I heared they have a much better sounding capabilities, like the DAC and build quality, I hope you can answer this for me.
Marom Haim I don’t think CDJs are for everyone. If a controller does everything you need it to do, then that controller is right for you.
For myself, and this is strictly my personal opinion, the value I find in CDJs are the following:
Modularity: Unlike controllers, you can use as little or as many of them together as you wish. While on a controller, you are fixed at 2 at a time, and at best selectable for an additional 2 decks. CDJs can be used from 2-4 decks linked together, or infinitely more unlinked.
Versatility: Controllers are usually fixed to one or two software platforms. On CDJs, thanks to HID mode, the CDJ can run as a native accessory controller on all major DJ software platforms including Serato DJ, Traktor, Virtual DJ, and of course Rekordbox.
DJ Link: As mentioned in modularity, the DJ Link allows for multiple configurations which include linking the CDJs together, linking the CDJs with a mixer for effects syncing, linking the system to a computer to serve music from Rekordbox, and finally, linking the devices to sync with Toraiz devices.
Accessorizable: When CDJs are linked, they can use their free USB ports to connect accessory devices using the open USB ports, like the DDJ-XP1 and the DDJ-SP1. Keep in mind, you can do this with a controller. But in the case of CDJs, you won’t need a computer.
Multiple formats: CDJs support multiple standard audio file types from USB flash drives, SD cards, CDs and DVDs. Much of this sounds unnecessary for most of us. But there actually is a good amount of DJs who still use CDs today. Unlike certain smartphone companies, pulling features out would be unfair to these folks who utilize those older mediums.
Testbed: Think of CDJs as the sports car that introduces the new technology before it is rolled out to the rest of the devices. Remember, CDJs came way before controllers came out, and much of the tech and features on modern controllers (including non-Pioneer controllers) came from CDJs. An example would be the Hot Cues. Which originally was developed for the CDJ-1000. In automotive, Honda’s VTEC technology was first introduced on the exotic sports car, the NSX. Today, fuel efficient versions of VTEC is available on all their vehicles. CDJ technology is the same way.
Comes in all sizes: CDJ-2000NXS2 maybe expensive for most folks. But did you know there is the CDJ-TOUR-1? It is an even heavier duty (and more expensive) variant of the CDJ-2000NSX2. Designed with higher quality plugs, more robust construction, and includes a flip up screen. This player is more for production companies to have a more durable deck that can withstand the rigors of the festival stage. On the opposite end, did you know there is an XDJ-1000 and XDJ-1000MK2 which are half the price of a CDJ-2000NXS2? It’s a stripped down version of the CDJ, removing the CD drive and many buttons which can be found inside the touch screen display. If CDJ-2000NXS2s are too pricey, consider the XDJ-1000MK2. With that said they even come in smaller sizes to the 1000, with smaller jog wheels in the XDJ-700.
Sorry for the long reply but I wanted to answer this question efficiently. Hope this helps.
@@priyonjoni no need to apologize, I was actually looking for this type of described answer and I honestly appreciate that!
So I think that I am overcomplicating this, maybe I should just stick to controllers rather than looking for the expensive cdj solution, which doesn't connect with my needs, I need to be portable, so I guess I should go for a good deal which is a DJ controller, best of both worlds... :)
Thanks alot again man, your channel truely deserves more appreciation and support for all this great content and feedback that you provide :)) I wish you the best of luck man!!
@@priyonjoni "Rigors of the festival stage" = Cake
Erick Caceres I work for Pioneer and part of my job is unboxing and setting up the loaner units. Those things can get pretty banged up in shipping and during stage setup. They’re constantly moved, reconnected. Sometimes put away in less than ideal places. And climate plays a part in them too. Dessert dust can be damaging as well. These aren’t your typical personal pieces safely tucked in a coffin.
@@Marom_Haim- I know Pri yon Joni works for Pioneer, but if you're not already aware of it, the new Denon Prime 4 controller will be released next month and looks amazing. A four channel stand alone controller.
My apologies to Pri yon Joni for suggesting the competition.
hi... i hope you can give me courage to bring it tomorrow im a dj for valentines party i cannot bring it beacue i dont know to use it only little ...the party is for 80 persons in the hall ....
how did I learn to scratch? from scratch
Do these elements on the wall behind you really work or help??
Bartek Kreblewski I demonstrated the effect of the acoustic panels here in this video ruclips.net/video/Zz64eufdsBY/видео.html
Both have their advantages but it's hard to argue that with more complicated scratches its harder on a controller because most of them dont have tactile feedback. If the s4 mk3 didnt have a crappy crossfader and put in a damn hamster switch i wouldnt have a problem not using my 1200's...the technology Is almost there but not quite yet
MrJSiQ I agree with the hamster switch. Is the Traktor crossfader reverse control MIDI mappable? If it is, you could probably link it to a controller button.
@@priyonjoni i remember trying to make a keyboard shortcut but for some reason it wouldn't allow me... That thing is almost perfect; oh well maybe in the next hardware update
I found that lowering the jog sensitivity on a controller helps a lot with control. It's highly subjective though, all personal preference.
Yes, finding that sweet spot of rotational speed / sensitivity and if available platter feel / tightness ( ie vci380)
I always ask them: “is the internet different on a iPhone or Android? Laptop and Desktop, tablet between the rest?” Of course it is, size and interface, but can you still get to where you want? Can you make them do what you need to? Same here. With digital media all of these tools are simply gateways to touch the media. It’s all the same, marketing makes it different.
i am not fan turntables, and CDJ i love DJ controller is best and then better