There has always been a reluctance from turntablists to try new technology. But not from UK legends The Scratch Perverts. They’ve never really given a crap about convention and doing the accepted thing, so were more than happy to embrace CDJs and push them in a way that others have stayed away from. And now Tony Vegas and Prime Cuts are in the Pioneer studio in London for the DJ Sounds Show and doing it again. If you wanted to see how the new PLX-1000 turntable held up under the abuse of a turntablist, Prime Cuts is an ideal DJ to do just that.
Even if you have no interest in Pioneer’s new turntable, this session is a journey through the old school, and a wicked demonstration of tag team DJ skills. Tony Vegas is putting the CDJ-2000s to the test with just CDs, and Prime Cuts runs Traktor Scratch through the DJM-909, but part way through breaks out a 7″ vinyl set too. Awesome stuff.
And for those wanting to know, the muted bit removed for copyright reasons was Showbiz and AG’s “Next Level”.
So yes Dan Tait, I do most definitely approve.
Interesting that they’ve chosen to use DJM-909s which are no longer available. I guess that what they’re saying is that the current Pioneer mixers aren’t really up to scratch for turntablism.
I don’t think it’s that. The 909 has unique effect-based features that really suit the Scratch Perverts style.
Didn’t they have a hand in developing the 909?
That’s what I was told, hence the 909 badman credentials
These guys have enough skills to rock with just a straw and a tire-iron. When you have these level of skills, the equipment doesn’t matter so you use what you like.
yeah they like the tone play on the 909. and the kill switches.
these guys are amazing
I wish more videos had this much diversity of tunes, skills, and presentation. Excellent job guys and thanks for posting this Mark.
its a pleasure watching the 7 inch part
Ooer. Seriously though, these guys were my heroes back in the late ’90s and early ’00s.
yep i watched them since dmc 99 but sometimes i got annoyed by these Vestax 07 feedback routines that got played out eventually
absolute class, proper legends.
question for those in the know, has one of them got the others mixer routed through their mic channel or something??? I’ve never set up a tag team setup before
there is a session line input on the DJM909 but these mixer prob are connected to a radio mixing desk
They are using the session out – Prime Cuts into Tony.
cheers lads, interesting to know
These look great turntables. Even though I have Technics, parts on them are starting to go (one channel deck seems to have a weaker signal/sound than the other, the ground wires are goosed, and overall they need an extensive servicing). I’d be very interested in buying a pair of the Pioneers for everyday use and preserving my Technics for posterity/sentimental reasons.
Does anyone know how much they are going to cost? When can we expect a review (looking forward to that one).
£599 each. And I suspect that we’ll be front of the queue for review units. I stress UNITS because getting one is pointless.
Considering the usual “Pioneer Tax” that’s really not bad value at all.
Is using Cds on a CD deck classed as old skool too now???? i think it is isn’t it
I was referring to the music selection more than the technology. That said, in DJ terms, the 909s are relics. I still want one though.
it was a genuine question, not questioning your article Mark. its very rare i see actual CDs being inserted into a CDJ these days, so was wondering if the technique was classed as Old Skool now. i remember those mixers coming out and never ever thought they would have a cult following amongst turntablists but i guess when you think about it they were quite groundbreaking at the time
I would certainly class using actual CD’s in a CDJ deck as old school just for the reason you mentioned. The only CD’s typically used in CDJ’s nowadays are timecoded.
I know right? haha… that made me feel old instantly :D
First, these guys are legends. Watching Tony Vegas and Prime Cuts was always an exercise in waiting to see what kind of crazy things they could come up with. Second, it was freaking fantastic the way A-Trak and Craze clowned them. That rivalry was so good. I wish clowning was still a thing at battles. Maybe it is and I’m not watching the ones where it happens, but wordplay and phrasing seem kind of dead. I also wish there was a really good rivalry in the DJ world again. Piklz and X-Men and then these guys and Allies. Ahh classic.
superb!
Download?
Wonderful.