Pioneer's CDJ200: The lack of a USB option is causing problems for our reader.
Reader Torino187 writes: “I have a CDJ / DJM350 set-up. I use USB sticks when I practise at home, but find that most gigs I play at don’t have USB capability, as they tend to have CDJ200s. At the moment I’ve started ripping disks because of my venues and this is a hassle.
“I have looked at the Serato SL4 and Pioneer DDJ-T1 controllers as options. Would it be redundant or a waste of money to get one of the two? And do I need them? Thanks.”
Digital DJ Tips says:
You have three options, then. Firstly, continue burning CDs. I can see what that’s annoying you! Secondly, use a DJ controller (you mention the Pioneer DDJ-T1). Thirdly, use a Serato box, and you mention the SL4.
These three options are basically “traditional” (ie analogue) DJing (even though your music is from a digital USB stick, the rest is how it’s always been done); digital controller DJing, where you have one controller plugged into your laptop that is your mixer and decks all in one; and what’s called “digital vinyl” or DVS DJing. (Confusingly, it still gets called this even when you’re using CDJs not record decks.). If you’re not clear about the final one, it is where you use a computer, a small interface box and special “timecoded” CDs or vinyl to “control” music from your laptop using the club’s existing equipment.
The way you do it right now is the way most pro DJs still do it, although they play in clubs where USBs are very common. It’s just bad luck for you that you don’t.
The way you do it right now is the way most pro DJs still do it, although they play in clubs where USBs are very common. It’s just bad luck for you that you don’t. If this is the only reason you want to change (you can’t be bothered burning discs), you need to weigh up whether the leap from DJing the “traditional” way (albeit with USBs) to one of the two forms of digital DJing you’ve identified is worth it for you.
If so, you have highlighted two options: Using a DJ controller (you mention the Pioneer but there are dozens – get our free guide), or using a DVS (“digital vinyl system”).
The controller route I think wouldn’t make a massive amount of sense for you, as you already have DJ gear and you’re happy using it (and using the stuff in clubs, apart from the CD question). DVS makes more sense, because you could use a similar set-up at home as in the clubs, getting a lot of the benefits of digital DJing as a bonus.
If you decide to go the DVS route, I’d recommend you consider either Rane SL 2 for Serato Scratch Live
How would you advise our reader? Do you have the same problem where you are? How did you solve it? Please share your thoughts in the comments.
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Tags: controller DJing, digital vinyl, dvs, USB djing
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IMO if you HAVE to drop CDs I’d go with DVS. Most clubs have a compatible setup so you can use their equipment still and have a little more flexibility in your set. I’m doing the same thing currently with moving to Traktor’s DVS with an A6 card (more so for recording and effects). Depends on the venues you play out at and what they provide for the entertainment.
[ link ]DVS no contest.
Unfortunately there is a stigma to using a controller which doesn’t apply as much to a DVS set up.
People expect DJs to be either using decks or CDJs so when they see you with a controller many people will assume you are less of a DJ than the next man and this can cost you gigs.
IMO, if you already have CDJs and a mixer then it makes no sense to buy a controller when all you need is a pair of control discs and a box.
For you I really think it has to be DVS all the way
You get all of the benefits of the software without the stigma and you can stick to using the pro DJ equipment which you are used to using and already exists in the clubs.
As for which DVS system to get?
It depends on what type of DJ you are; If you are a technical DJ and likes to weave long complex mixes, sometimes using three or four tunes with FX and nutty EQ skills then Traktor is the one.
If you are a straight up old skool DJ who only ever mixes from one track to the other and focuses more on track selection than technically complex mixing then Serato is the one.
Also if you are a turntablist who likes to cut, scratch and transform then Serato is most definitely the one. House DJs seem to be pretty evenly split between Sarato and Traktor but when it comes to hip hop and turntablism, I don’t know any turntablist worth their salt who uses Traktor, if they use a DVS system it’s always Serato.
Basically when it comes to mixing house Traktor can do so much more than Serato but it takes time to learn but if you don’t care about being a 4 deck wizard and just want to throw down as soon as you purchase your kit, then it’s Serato baby
Before I started using Serato I tried Traktor but I found just setting it up took a couple of confused, frustrating hours.
Serato was instant, plug and play.
Good luck and enjoy
[ link ]Although Brandon makes a good point about recording.
Serato is utterly useless when it comes to recording your mixes live.
Almost all of the other DJ software has an inbuilt record option, even VDJ, but not Serato.
However up until digital DJ technology hit the scene recording mixes live was always a pain. We used to use a DAT recorder.
So in that way you can consider Serato like a pair of 1210′s.
Unless you buy external recording equipment you can forget about recording those mixes
[ link ]Let’s not turn this into a Traktor vs Serato debate please. Go and do that on the forum if you want. Let’s try and help our reader to make his decision by directly referencing the question above.
[ link ]RE: “Serato is utterly useless when it comes to recording your mixes live.” This is why you get Ableton Live with Serato Scratch Live, it Automatically becomes the Bridge and works (arguably) better than everything else for this purpose.
[ link ]I record off serato all the time with no problems… I’m confused
[ link ]yea I record all my live sets with serato itch and go back a day or two later to point out what I could have done better.
[ link ]Ah the old Traktor Vs Serato debate…
[ link ]I would say that Q-bert, Craze, Shiftee, Grandmaster Flash & Rafik were worth their salt when it comes to turntablism…all Traktor users my friend. You’ve just been schooled.
lol spot on I have just been schooled. Thank you for the heads up. Q Bert is mighty and he prefers Traktor but Phil is right. Let that debate rage where it belongs. As for the topic I recommend the SL2 not the SL4. The SL2 will do everything that the SL4 does but for less corn. Great value
Plug and play then you are away 
[ link ]Let’s not turn this into a Traktor vs Serato debate please. Go and do that on the forum if you want. Let’s try and help our reader to make his decision by directly referencing the question above.
[ link ]I had the same decision to make and went for the DVS option Traktor Audio 6 scratch (I also got an X1 controller). I have to admit it was the most cost effective option but the learning curve is taking longer than I expected to familiarise myself with the set up and traktor system. I get more worried about my laptop freezing or crashing when I play out, but I can always carry a few cds as back up.
[ link ]There’s also another option, stop DJing. =)
How about taking your Pioneers with you? I think pair of those weights about as much as full digital dj gear.
[ link ]I agree take your pioneers,also whatever you decide try before you buy if you can,I tried serato and found that you lose many of the functions of the cd player[depending on make model etc] such as no loops or hotcues except off the laptop keyboard.I know the new cdjs work like a dream with serato but your current venues do not have these players.
[ link ]If using a controller so long as its pro and has the right feel no problem but I also feel it has to look right,if you took your car to the garage to have it fixed you would not expect the mechanic to be dressed up wearing a suite and tie,in a similar way your gear also has to look right for what you are doing [in other peoples eyes rightly or wrongly.]
Good point Tony, maybe a small extra Midi controller for cues, loops etc is a good idea if DVS is the choice.
[ link ]I cosign with getting a midi controller.
I don’t know about you, but I’ve had a streak of bad luck when I walk into gigs and the gear in the booth is faulty or broken. I like how I can come in, hook up, play, and leave without upsetting the setup for anyone. Plus they work well in these tight DJ booths now.
[ link ]I would look into the controller option too. You have some really nice gear to choose from now and a lot of dj’s are making the switch. Good luck!
[ link ]If you think burning CDs is a pain, wait until you try to squeeze a controller into a booth that can only fit CDJ-200s. DVS is the most painless way to go, pick up an SL2 and don’t look back. You might look into a Traktor rig, but it isn’t going to be a pleasant experience, Traktor’s browser is like pulling teeth compared to Rekordbox/Serato, and it’s roughly as bad as burning CDs in the long run.
And lol at whoever said Serato is terrible for recording, the DJM-350 has a built in USB recorder; and using the external recorder in Traktor next to a Scratch setup is a recipe for latency.
[ link ]I’m not sure that Serato and the CDJ 200s are a good fit. I started out on a pair of CDJ 200s (simple, fun, reliable but limited decks), and I almost sold them to a guy who wanted to use them with timecode — but he walked away from a deal after his research told him there would be problems.
[ link ]I did a quick search and found this link — http://serato.com/forum/discussion/605397 — which seems to confirm what he said. Virtual DJ timecode may be another matter, though.
The other alternative is to pick up a compact, DJ-booth-friendly controller like the Vestax VCI-300mkii (which I own and love) or the new VCI-380 and just plug into the mixer. Adios, CDs!
Good luck!
That doesnt really make any sense, the issue comes from the 200s not having a vinyl mode, something people who don’t scratch turn off anyway.
[ link ]The lack of vinyl mode was clearly enough to scare off the guy who was looking at my CDJ 200s for use with Serato. Torino187 didn’t say whether or not he needs scratch capability. If he does, the info I provided may help him in his decision.
[ link ]I’m going to start with my infamous question: “What do you want to do with it?” If burning CDs is the hassle, you might want to consider bringing your own CDJ players to the club and patching directly into the mixer. This solves your problem with ZERO extra cost.
If you want to add a computer to your set up DJing, the two main programs for computer DJing are Serato Scratch Live* and Traktor Scratch Pro. With a specific sound card, a computer and all the right patching and configuration, you will no longer have to burn CDs on a regular basis… however you will have to bring your laptop and make sure there is *your brand* DVS controller at each event you play at.
The SL4 ($899) might be a bit on the excessive side seeing that it’s a 4 input system and you might only want 2 inputs (the SL2 reduces the number of inputs, but costs around $499… the Traktor A6 is about $330 in comparison). If you were in the market for a newer mixer for use with Scratch Live you could pick up one of the special-built RANE mixers (instead of picking up an SL2/3/4).
The Pioneer DDJ-T1 will be redundant unless you’re replacing your entire mixer-and-CD player set up with a Computer and DJ Controller using Traktor Pro (the T1 part means it’s the Traktor variant of the DDJ line). This is at least worth thinking about because many of the new controllers are lighter, better laid-out and typically are more feature-ridden than most dedicated mixer-and-CD player combos out there for a lot less than than the mixer-and-CD price… I’d recommend factoring in the price of a laptop computer when you compare prices because you’ll need one for the DDJ-T1 (or anything like it).
It is worth mentioning that some digital DJ controllers are not compatible with some DJ programs. If you’re going the controller route, make sure the controller you like works with the program you like.
* Itch is basically the same thing as Scratch Live, only it works from the moment you launch it, however it’s locked to specific “Itch Branded” hardware controllers. You can still use most Itch controllers with Traktor, but they aren’t typically as capable in Traktor as they are in Itch.
[ link ]I don’t think there will be any controller stigma attached to playing a club that only has CDJ200′s, I’d say get a controller then you can set it up how you want for playing at the club…
I would also look past pioneer controllers as they are not that good and rather large for a controller that will be hard to fit into most booths.
[ link ]Heres my 2 cents:
Early this year I also got sick of CDs and decided to take the plunge and got a controller (Novation Twitch) with Serato Itch. All was well until I started taking it to gigs and felt like the other DJs were ‘judging me’, assuming I wasn’t a real dj and that I was ‘simply hitting sync’ (even though Ive been djing for 10 years, started with vinyl and wasn’t using sync) – its just the image a controller puts out (something Phil has written extensively on) so I decided to sell it and get a DVS setup. I brought a Serato SL3 and couldn’t be happier. I now feel the others don’t judge me behind my back (good for getting repeat gigs) plus I can choose to use the CDJs or the vinyl turntables if the mood takes me. Just make sure to get the Novation Dicers as well (or other small midi controller) as this makes cueing in Serato a lot easier.
Take it from me, I’ve tried the 2 options and if you’re playing regular gigs the DVS option is the way to go.
[ link ]I thought rekordbox was the the software that allowed the cdj2000 to be used digitally? If that’s the case wouldn’t that be the easiest option?
[ link ]He’s talking about CDJ200′s, not 2000′s. They only play CD’s.
[ link ]I personally prefer DVS (and DCDS?), because i like the feel of vinyl and good CDJs! That may be the best place to start since you already have a setup that you like. However, i don’t think that trying to the controller route (if you’re curious and can afford the added cost) is a bad idea. I love being able to pack everything i need for a gig in my backpack! The stigma around controllers will eventually fade away (just like the stigma around CDJs… at least amongst the DJs i was around when the the CDJ 100 first came out), so that should be the least of your concerns. Go for what feels most comfortable and what’s in your budget, then continue rocking your events and having fun!
[ link ]OPTION 4: Play Vinyl!
I ditched traktor for CD’s then I ditched CD’s for vinyl, best move i’ve made for my DJing.
I find I appreciate my music a lot more and I find it more fun to DJ on.
[ link ]Why not simply invest a little money in getting a nice flight case that can house your 2 CDJ-350′s for transport? The footprint of a CDJ-200 and 350 are almost identical and both have removable power cords. You could swap out their decks for yours fairly quickly and easily and you get to retain the functionality and work-flow you are accustomed to, plus its cheaper than buying more gear.
[ link ]Stop whining. Those burned CD’s will save you one day when the laptop crashes and burns just like that bag of vinyl.
[ link ]meant to say, “just like that bag of vinyl will also save you.”
[ link ]Hi Guys, Just my thoughts as I’ve probably used & owned every kind of setup style you could possibly imagine.. my first thought is that while DVS on vinyl is great (but somewhat limited!!) I must say I am not a fan of timecode Cds at all! I think the response is just plane frustrating and it just doest feel like a nice way to work! personally I try and use HID mode for both traktor and serato as much as possible in clubs thos who have used it know that its freaking amazing! however thus not being an option on the CDJ200 I think theres nothing wrong with a controller! I use them quit regularly when a clubs house set up is just not to par! I seriously just wouldn’t even worry about haters, no matter what equipment you use and no matter how you play there are always gonna be haters, it just comes with the job, I honestly find the ones that hate the most are the guys that are threatened by you!! I cant tell you the amount of times some big headed wanker DJ has giving me the whole “this is my turf, get rid of your toys!” vibe on the first night at a new venue only to find that after I do a killer set management are happy to scrap that fool coz their sick of his ‘bad’ attitude too! I also know a heap of old school guys that are sticking to vinyl too, but once they see you smashing the shit out of a drum machine with loops, cues and samples all at the same time, trust me they cant help but be somewhat impressed! As for the club, if you do a great set that makes them money, and keep the girls in the club their not gonna give a single toss what gear you use!!
[ link ]If you end up going the DVS way.. be safer in knowing even the DVS programs have evolved beyond simple timecode systems.
Im another one who loves the HID options as an alternative from DVS timecodes. With Traktor Scratch and Serato you get both options in one.
I love both Serato and Traktor, and I use both every week. i can not pick a favorite because they are completely different types of concept. So here is my advice…
Traktor is more advanced with features than Serato… but it is much harder to use in terms of technical features and setup. Its great for people who have the time to spend learning new features and people who know how to solve setup problems. Because there are so many options you can really personalize and push your own inventiveness.
Serato has less features.. because it is designed to be the most reliable software on the market. It has very simple.. almost fail-safe setup, and is suitable for people who are not too interested in learning all about the ins and outs of DJ soundcards, and laptops. i use in clubs where I am getting paid a lot of money to perform with 100% reliability. The bonus is clubs like this generally have serato already set up.. so all i have to do is plug in the usb’s and we are go for fuss-free setup.
i have never been to a club that has traktor already set up.
Which ever you choose you will be more than happy with as a step up from using CD. Just be sure to do a lot of reading and asking around to choose the one that is right for you.
If DVS is not for you and you are looking at controllers instead.. I definitely recommend Traktor. Serato only works WELL with a few controllers, where traktor works with any midi device easily.
[ link ]Keep burning CDs. Might be a pain but still less hassle than everything else not to mention cheaper!!
[ link ]To tell the truth; I switched from CD’s to DVS system (Traktor Scratch), since I moved to a new city, where I didn’t have studio/desktop computer to burn CDs ecc.
Unfortunately, I’m really not happy to use timecode things (I bought a latest Macbook pro indeed, anyway that was my best investment). First of all, it’s still terrible for cue’ing, the lag etc. It’s not reliable like CD’s. Second biggest issue is the mess that it’s giving me with the CABLES, changing DJ’s moments. Third, even after Dj’ing for years, digital dj’ing stuff makes you sort of 2nd class DJ. Really, nobody wants a mess in the dj booth (especially you are always playing with vinyl/cd djs).
Positive stuff; sorting out music is fantastic! But if you are tired of burning CD’s you’ll be much more tired of tagging your music/beat griding, carrying and installing everything…
Unfortunately, I’m still using Traktor Scratch but just starting to burning CDs again.
[ link ]That’s why controllers were invented – true plug and play in small, smart boxes.
[ link ]