Turntablists — what more do you want from technology?

There is an emerging voice that wants tech companies to do more for turntablists. But do you really know what that "more" even is? If so, let us know.

kontrol z2 technics turntablism turntablists

kontrol z2 technics turntablism turntablists

A recurring theme in the DJWORX community comments is the notion that because Native Instruments has been focussing on controllers, it has “forgotten” about turntablists. So we got to thinking — if NI or any other DJ technology company for that matter were to bring the requested more to turntablism, what could it possibly be?

ABOUT TRAKTOR — SOME CONTEXT

As it’s a regular comment on DJWORX, so let’s give some context to those who feel that NI is snubbing the turntablist world:

  • The Kontrol S8 has inputs for turntables, and comes with Traktor Scratch Pro. Traktor Pro would have done otherwise.
  • The Native online store lists numerous Traktor Scratch specific DVS products, including two flavours of DVS bundles, plus vinyl and slipmats.
  • NI only makes one mixer, the Z2,  and it’s largely aimed at the scratch market, hence the Innofader.
  • NI actively sponsors the IDA World Battle.

Let’s be clear — just because a company shifts focus temporarily, it doesn’t mean it’s moved on. It just means that it’s not giving the maximum attention to the thing that you so desperately care about. The Apple Watch is coming out, so this means that they’ve forgotten about iPads and MacBooks?

DVS — THE GAME CHANGER

Turntablism is a cool, exciting, but niche part of DJing, one entrenched at a cultural level in turntables and vinyl. The purist attitudes exhibited by some border on religious mania, to the point where the very idea of using any kind of technology is an abomination. Yet those same people who so vehemently rallied against DVS back in the mid 2000s, now routinely use it and manage to hold their head up high, simply because a needle hits a groove.

So you can see technology has gained acceptance within the turntablist world, to the point where things like loops, cues, and samples (you know, the things that you can’t do with vinyl) are totally OK. You can’t argue with convenience or creativity, but that is a well-trodden and now largely irrelevant subject anyway.

kontrol z2 technics turntablism turntablists
The Magnificent Jazzy Jeff’s magnificent setup. Dicers, DDJ-SP1, and a Rane Sixty-Two — a turntablist wet dream, but still all about skills.

BUT HOW FAR IS OK?

Given the cultural relevance and pure hands-on rawness of vinyl and turntablism, there must surely be a point, a technological line in the sand at which advances can no longer be acceptable if the roots of a culture are to be maintained right? The very tenets of turntablism are still clear — turntables, mixers, needles, slipmats etc, as are the techniques too. But the way music is played has changed, and new techniques are evolving from new technology.

This leads us to the thrust of this piece. We’ve established that while turntablism has evolved, the basic principles are still much the same, and are still upheld with reverence. So when people protest about turntablists are being forgotten about and left behind, what exactly do you want to see companies like Serato and NI deliver? What kind of thing do you feel is acceptable to add while maintaining the spirit of turntablism? Where do you draw the line? Is your definition of turntablism as flexible as necessary to satiate your craving for new shiny? Is a turntable all it takes to keep it real and bring on the shiny?

OVER TO YOU

500 words and lots of questions later, answer if you will this simple question — as turntablists of any brand persuasion  what if anything do you wish to see hardware and software companies do for you?

Tags
Mark Settle
Mark Settle

The old Editor of DJWORX - you can now find Mark at WORXLAB

Articles: 1228

Related Posts

164 Comments

  2. Let me be the first to voice my opinion on what I would love to see from Native Instruments imho as a hip-hop, funk and soul DJ, who might not be the best at it, but loves turntablism:

    Mixers:
    First of all I’d really like an upgrade of the Z1 as well as the Z2!

    The Z1mk2 should have:
    – the “bare essential” transport controls
    – EQs + Filters (perhaps touch sensitive for Kills)
    – “DVS” inputs (line/phono)
    – Mini Innofader as the crossfader (with curve control)
    => So basically like the Akai AMX but for Traktor!

    & the Z2mk2 should have (in no special order):
    – curve-controls for all faders (preferably they should all be FULL innofaders or at least “normal” innofader minis without the changed feel on the upfaders)
    – controls for 3 FX Units per Deck (like the Pioneer DJM T1)
    – Filter on & off buttons
    – more metal and less plastic (f.ex. all poti-stems)
    – some controls (perhaps via shift+flux) to control the newly
    added Freeze mode
    – perhaps even some hardware effects or at least effect ins/outs
    to add an external effect unit
    – footswitch in would be nice
    – EQ-Killbuttons like the Rane TTM57mk2 / or make all Potis Touchsensitive
    – AND MOST OF ALL: Two USB-Ports for easier switch-overs between
    2 Traktor DJs
    => so just like all current rane mixers!

    If they did update the Zs and were to add all those features, I’d buy both of them in a heartbeat, even for a higher price then N.I. usually charges:
    (Z1mk2 => 249 – 399€) & Z2mk2 (999 – 1499 €)!

    Oh, and of course I wouldn’t mind a Z4, but I’d rather have a high quality Z2mk2! ;)

    Soundcards:
    Same thing for their line of sound cards – PLEASE add a second USB-Port for easier Switchovers between Traktor DJs!

    Controllers:
    I’d love to see a Kontrol D2 with a horizontal layout (like the Pioneer SP1 Controller in Jazzy Jeffs setup) so that turntablists can place it above the mixer for better access!

    Swag:
    Oh and while you are doing all that please please also give us more Traktor swag!!
    T-Shirts would be nice and more colours for timecode vinyl:
    -> Only black, white, red and blue + the odd Thudrumble LTD record now and then
    is just not enough!

    Thanks in advance! ;)

    • Make the Kontrol D2 bigger, ditch the Touchstrip and the screen and add a pitchfader plus a 7″ JHogwheel with a CDJ-style cue-indicator in the middle!

    • I just the Akai AMX and would love a deck like a V7 that is slightly smaller (more portable to go with it).

      Although, I did figure out how to get the V7 to work with the AMX on Serato DJ. Took some experimentation to get them to play nicely.

        • Only a couple weeks so far… No USB hotplugging or else you are gonna crash. If I had both devices plugged in and then launched software, sometimes I would get no audio out of the AMX (only in headphone cueing) because Serato DJ software expected the V7 to be the main soundcard.

          My workaround (stable so far)… I plug in both devices, leave the V7 hard power switch off (on the back). When I launch SDJ, I wait for the 2 decks to show up, then power up the V7 (while crates are still loading). Audio runs thru the AMX, so no no RCA cables at all, just USB cables to my MacBookPro 13″ (non-retina).

          So far, if I don’t hotplug and have the correct start up order, it is stable when playing – I have not had crashes while playing at all once I get the software launched successfully.

  5. Every scratch mixer should have an EX Loop. I get the whole digital/software thing, but that’s where the DJM-T1 and Traktor Z2 failed me. I literally just sold my T1. If there are no built in hardware FX I would at least like the option of using my own effects processor. I don’t like only relying on software because a lot of times I like to use vinyl.

    Also, the removal of Foot Switches on Mixers and FX processors. My RMX-1000 is missing one and so are the DJM-T1 and Z2. The EFX-1000 had that option. It’s really challenging to scratch and have to cut effects on and off I think they stopped thinking about battle/scratch djs workflow a while ago.

    Which is why I still hold on to mixers like the 707, 909 and 57SL.

    So far, only the Rane TTM-57MKII has it and I’m happy they thought to keep that in there. Let’s keep the EQ kills as well. If they can make a 909 with the features of the DJM-T1 it would be a game changer. However, i feel like mixer companies are into whatever is the current “hot” trend. For a while it was all about making the best scratch mixer and every company paid a lot attention to what those DJs needed. Now I feel a bit neglected. I dunno, just my opinion. I could be wrong, but I do know what features I would like.

    • YES on the footswitches. Even if you don’t scratch there is usefulness in them. I had the TTM 57 which had one but my favorite was the old Tascam XS-8 which had footswitch inputs for the fx sends. Worked wonders with my old EFX-500

    • I agree on the footswitch and efx loop comments, the manufactures are nerfing a lot of products with great potential. I was one of the early adopters on the 57mkI and couldn’t believe it took so long for someone to implement this, and even then it took years before they even properly opened up what could be controlled by it.

      In the current market, I highly recommend looking into guitar pedals if your into hardware, or better yet, ableton with a midi footswitch where the possibilities are endless, looper and efx unit all in one if your down to use a software solution. Otherwise a few guitar pedals including a looper and your set for dedicated hardware and expressive turntablism. I played with a band for many years with a ttm56, 1x turntable, mpc 1000, and 5-6 guitar pedals on the ttm56 efx loop like delays, flanger, gater, looper, etc.

  6. i like to See a controller wich Has the size of a reloop neon with 8 cue Point Buttons a Loopencoder a Browser Encoder and a display to show my trackcollection and maybe waveform etc. that thing placed behind my tech 1200’s and i’m satisfied.

  7. I’d like to see colour-coded beat-grid markers in the software. For example, Beat 1 = Red, Beat 2 = Orange, Beat 3 = Yellow…. Beat 8 = White. Or maybe beat-grids that are clearly numbered 1 to 8. This would be a massive help for freestyle beat-juggling.
    Okay I do my turntablism on a controller, and I really need a better way of referencing beats for juggling, but I reckon this could help out vinyl turntablists too.

  8. [serato] I want 2 extra decks available for use controllerist style to compliment my existing 2 x turntable decks. Ideally jogless, and the entire setup available via max 2 x USB slots.

  9. A stanton SCS 1D but with a kontrol d2/maschine studio screen able to show stacked waveforms and music library.
    10inch motorised platter with full record label sized digital cue marker read out like seratos software based display.
    Direct midi button control of camelot key a bit similar to vestax controller one (12 buttons with shift for minor or major keys).
    Motorised pitch fader for real time update which would be great for instant doubles.
    Real time key information update ie if you move the pitch over x% it will update the display to what the current key is if key lock is off.
    I have a lot more ideas but thats all you’re gettin!

  10. – loopstation in a mixer with footswitch control
    – qfo style all in one ( everyone’s buying handy Trax and frisk / raiden faders)
    – midi control for pitch on decks with usb connection
    – a midi controller designed for that deck nice and mountable with scales programmed in ( I.E. upgrade Ur decks to a c1)
    – no laptop dvs setup, dsp in the mixer, plug a usb for hd and wireless connect a screen to see whats goin on.
    – for one deck mixing, on the deck, a dedicated button that shifts the playing track across to a free virtual deck, and also buttons to jump back to those decks. Would be nice to have a few virtual decks. So one turntable can become many.

    …. Where do I collect my cheque :-p

    • loopstation in a mixer! yes please. one or two foot switches, then you can set the first loop going and then use the mixer controls and keep building.

      AND MAKE THE EFFECTS POST FADER!!!!!

  11. I’d like to see new innovation in:

    1. The way scratch samples are loaded and used – I think it’s stupid to load scratch sample files to the same decks as songs. Technology could allow scratch samples to be stored in a separate sampler and used with deck A or B by a “quick switch” whenever needed.

    2. Scratching melodically / altering scratch sample pitch – Think about the Simpler instrument in Ableton. You load a piano hit sample to the Simpler and then you are able to play it across the pitch-range with your midi keyboard. A scratch sample (“Aahh”, “Fresh” etc.) could similarly be used across the pitch-range using midi buttons (Taking the Vestax Controller One concept further). This particularly would open a whole new dimension to competitions like DMC and Threestyle.

    What do you think?

    • Hello Ajack,
      1- You can do this loading your samples in a sample deck. Sample decks are scratchable ! you then have access to the whole grid of samples, up to 4 at the same time. Here organisation is your friend.

      2- It was possible in the past, when you could change the pitch of the track independently from the speed of the turntable and still keep the dvs control
      (i don’t remember how far back it was taken away tho).

  13. What I want is for once a better library system that has a built in cover finder, and automatically adds cue points based on presets of every 4/8/16/ or 32 bar increments.

    The biggest update should be cutting library organization and prep time in half. Right now, I barely DJ anymore because I can’t stand the endless tedium of organizing thousands and thousands of mp3s.

    There has been continuous bells and whistles added to performance tools over the years and almost absolutely nothing done about library organization and preparation.

    • yep totally agree about the library.

      I did a gig recently were I needed to play a massive variety of styles and basically reverted to using some of my old cds because i knew each of my self made best of certain style cds contained 10 to 15 of the tracks i needed and i could just mix through quicker whilst pulling out the next best of cd.
      This worked out much faster than faffing around scrolling through big playlist and typing into the search funtion.Perhaps I need to organise myself a bit better lol.

      Just a thought…..
      You know where in tracktor you can set up different layouts and flip between then,it would be cool if in each layout you could have a different set of playlists selected in the favorites bar at the top of the browser.

      So your doing a top 40 gig you flip to your top 40 layout with relevant playlists in the favorites bar.

      Your doing a house gig you flip to your house layout with all of your house playlists in the favorites bar if you see what i mean.

      I’m going to kick myself if you can do this already!
      If not will send NI my address so they can send me the cheque :)

  14. More of an idea for vinyl enthusiasts (overlaps with turntablists). I have an idea for a great way to use error correction in software to make better audio recordings from vinyl in order to archive and transfer music from vinyl to digital audio at a higher quality and accuracy. It should actually be possible to get the highest quality possible, even using dirty, worn out records. I believe every bit of sound that was on the original metal master pressing disc is still on the records, if you know how to get it off and have enough of the right data points.

    But alas, I am not a programmer. I’ve tried talking to a couple of Audio DSP engineers, but they each said they are too busy to take a look at the idea. How would I go about making this software a reality? Do I take the idea to an existing company (Serato, are you listening)? Someone said Kickstarter, but if I’m not a programmer and I don’t even have a DSP person yet, how do I even setup a timeline and deliverables for that? If anyone has ideas or leads, email me here: zkeeball at gmail

  15. I prefer the pioneer rekordbox just because you don’t need a laptop up there with you. I would really like to see a rekordbox controller with DVS insted of the CDJ platters.

  16. I have yet to even buy DVS, but the big areas I can see are looping and efx loops.

    I also want crazy looping flexibility. Like the ability to record a 1 bar loop,
    to double that, do be able to dub a 2 bar loop over that. To be able to
    manipulate the loop lengths on the fly. I want to be able to have each
    recording track independent from the others so I can drop out certain tracks
    and bring them back in. A visual metronome would be dope so that you can get
    started on your beat without having to worry about the timing as much. There is
    SOOO much I can think about with looping.

    I want multiple effect loops (that can run real hardware effects units) and
    that each have their own wet/dry controls and can run in a chain. Rane seems to
    have gone over to running everything in 100% wet and telling you to adjust on
    the hardware effects themselves. That doesn’t always work so well with some
    pedals and whatnot. Using the wet/dry on the mixer sounds better to me.

    Lastly, I still hear people talking about time delay. That needs to be a
    non-issue. I’m assuming its just certain computers, but any type of delay is
    unacceptable to as far as I’m concerned. These dudes who have to “get used
    to it” and end up learning to naturally adjust for the delay . . . that’s
    crazy to me.

      • From what I can tell Remix Decks is just a multi-track player. More like using “mute” on an MPC.
        I’m talking about live looping, not using pre-recorded loops. E.g. “Scratch Composition”. More like what an RC-50 or RC-300 does except more refined.
        As far as effects loops, I’ve never really seen anything that can do what I mentioned. Most people probably don’t get that deep into it but you don’t want your delay running 100% wet, but your looper HAS TO run 100% wet. With two or more daisy chainable effects loops you could get things just right instead of just “good enough”.

        • Ok, I get you.
          I have a TC Helicon unit that I use for this. I would just stick with hardware for live looping. Tried and tested and it works every time. Plus the technology is already there, you don’t have to wait for anyone to invent anything.

          • I was saying that if it was integrated into the DVS you could probably make the looping capabilities a lot more powerful and also add a visual element. I get by just fine with the RC-50 but its a little limited in some areas. It seems like DVS could open it up a bit, plus allow for quicker access to your samples.

  17. Personally the most frustrating is how so much hardware is just so close to be good, but because of what it’s lacking it isn’t interesting.

    I believe the best thing that could happen is a Vestax PMC 05 Pro V. Almost the same as the Pro 4, but with an agnostic sound card, collaboration with Serato and NI to make it compatible with both DVS. Sprinkle some midi like with the Pro 4, price point at 1000 euros.

    NI missed the mark with the Z2 : no fx loop, no midi without a computer (what good having Core Audio sound card, if it’s then crippled because you cannot use the full mixer…).

    They missed the point with the Z1 : not (midi) usable without a computer, no inputs.

    Pioneer missed the mark with the T1 : no fx loop, weird internal mode (seems you have to do the Konami code to access this mode), Pioneer price point…

    Etc…

    I believe most of us aren’t that hard to please, but we can usually see through marketing gimmicks faster than others, not the least because we know the type of beatings we put our equipment to.

    Simple but complete.

    Quick guide for any company listening :

    – It’s not because we scratch that we don’t need 3 band eq (bonus for filter per chanel).
    – It’s not because we use DVS that we don’t need an fx loop
    – The more open the better (thumbs up Akai AMX > Serato + whatever DVS not locked down)
    – It’s not because we scratch that we don’t need midi (and stand alone please, no control center needed)
    – It’s not because we scratch that we don’t a flexible cue section

    – Sound card needs to be flexible, either use it like an external one, or internal, with the controls mapped to midi inside the software. That means route any thing anywhere type of deal. That also means a minimum of 6 channels (3 stereo pairs > ch1/ch2/master).
    – I’ll leave space for others to jump in :)

    Cheers !

    • Actually a TTM56 MK3 with a 6 or 8 channels soundcard would be good for the price of the Z2, all controls sending midi.

      Or an EMPATH with 8 or 12 channels, all controls sending midi.

    • Well, that one is really a matter of serato making the club kit available to other mixers. I held on to my Pioneer DJM-T1 and Denon DN-X600 in hopes that they would release that, but I got tired of waiting and said efff it.

      • Nothing beat the DJM-T1 for now, you can even record your set with input 5/6 and a background application like Audacity, Sound Forge.
        Club kit compatibility would be the ice on the cake !

  19. I just had a thought. What if someone made a simple aftermarket refurb kit for 1200’s? Design drop-in parts that are much easier to fix/replace than the original Technics ones. The body of the 1200 is nearly indestructible. There’s got to be thousands broken 1200’s laying around of which the body and platter/motor would still be useable if other easy to install parts were available for them.

    • Some people on Digital Vertigo were thinking or trying to come up with a more flexible pitch for the 1200, ultrapitch for the win !!

      Unfortunately it didn’t really materialize, if i remember correctly the technical challenges were really hard to overcome.

  20. Man…with so many extra MIDI-controllers to add to your set up already being out there: all I want I a decent sounding mixer with properly adjustable line fader curves. That’s the main reason I didn’t go for the Z2.

    • I’m so with you! What happened to making all three faders fully adjustable on supposed”scratch” mixers!! The stiff linefaders without curves were and are one of my major gripes with the DJM T1 and now with the Z2!!

  21. Nothing special, just keep improving scratch response.

    I see everything else being updated, besides the most fundamental feature of any DVS: scratch response or ‘behaviour’ if you want.

    Serato has made an absolutely amazing job with SSL, but went back 5 years in development with SDJ.

    Traktor is still very basic in scratch sound quality and they really need to start thinking about jugglin/hiphop DJs too (thumps up again to Serato for this).

    • +1
      especially when juggling with loops the sticker drift is insane in Traktor. With normal cue points it´s good, but with loops… forget it. And although scratching works fine with Traktor, it still could be improved a few notches.

  22. It would be nice to have better compatability with mixers that have sound cards already, and/or higher quality standalone audio interfaces for those who choose to use older mixers that do not have this feature – its been a while since the audio 4/8 update to the audio 6/10 range.

    An updated Xone:92 that has a lot of the soul and character of the original but is traktor scratch certified would be awesome. Doubly so if it kept the four band eq ^_^

    As for features “missing” from Traktor for turntablists… I’m not one but I prefer to use turntables for mixing, and I don’t really see much that’s missing or such. I love how they’ve brought a wide range of features while still retaining the ability to use my turntables.

    Oh, right. One thing does come to mind – a dvs record that doesn’t wail like a banshee at 45rpm! :p

      • I don’t quite get the frame of reference being used for those numbers, could you provide a bit more details as to what you’re referring to?

        And on a playful note, it’s “Wulfe” :P

        • Hey Wulfe, 416 is Toronto area and 519 is from the edge of Toronto across to London. I remembered you mentioning L&M, was just wondering if you were local.

          • Ah, that’s why I recognized them as potential area codes. Sadly though, I’m not from that area and I’ve only ever been in Toronto for a quick stopover on the way to Ottawa to visit family. I live several provinces to the west, in Northern Alberta ^_^

            • Koo koo, just figured if you were in the area that I’d offer a guest spot on our Saturday night radio show at the University of Guelph. Be well and good luck with your endeavors.

              • While I’m honoured to hear such an offer, even if I was local I would have had to decline such as my skills definitely fall into the “rusty” category as I fell into one of the really bad habits that happens to everyone at some point – letting my gear collect dust due to a combination of various things.

                Good news is that several locals (as well as several people I’ve known for years that are in other countries, not to mention some of my customers at work!!!!) have been increasingly getting on my case about my pattern of excuses as to why I haven’t fired up my decks for a while, and doubly so from those who’ve listened in when I used to do weekly (or more often) mixes online.

                Interesting/funny part is that most of my records nowadays would be classified closer to “classics” than modern…. Even if I have mainly switched to using sources such as Beatport to get my music because record shipping is just too darn expensive.

                Basically, the short version is I need to stop trying to find that “magic” in some form or piece of technology, toss pretty much all excuses aside, and just back to do doing things…. Even if a pair of D2’s would essentially kill off the one last excuse that keeps cropping up (it’s kind of hard to look up tracks when your 21.5″ monitors are five feet away from the turntables and angled away)….. And just go back to finding the magic within the music itself.

      • That would be a little easier/cheaper than carting around a laptop for sure, but it’s still a little clumsy when you start talking cables, stands, etc. I’m looking for simplicity, compactness and as few cables as possible. The key word was “elegant” in my original post. I like purpose built machines. To be clear, this isn’t something I’m just dying to get, but I “wish to see” it. I want a CDJ(minus cd slot) and a turntable to have a baby that still plays vinyl because I have a lot of that. Seems pretty doable at this stage in the game.

  25. For me; combine the 57mkII with a TRX while taking the filter FX and effects from a 900. Next daydream would be Technics releasing an updated M5G with +/- 50 % pitch with pads like the RP8000.

    On the software side all I want is lag to be comepletely gone and a dynamic keylock that disengages whenever the CV is being manipulated.

  26. I’m waiting on a portable, compact, battery powered skratch device with an sd card reader, no laptop/tablet/phone needed. Response must be as good as vinyl/innofader, with at least a 7″ platter.

  27. The only technological advancement I want is stand alone DVS, like the mixer section of an XDJ-RX on its own. For raw DVS turntablism this is all I want.

    But for my original performances I’m quite happy with what I’ve got, 2 turntables, mixer, Audio 6, Midi Fighter Twister, F1 & Dicers.

  29. I would like to see a Numark V8 with built in screen that can also read music from an external device/drive. Works in HID mode with Serato and more important Traktor Pro. It has that Vynil feel but also works as a controller. Numark was way ahead of the game with the NS7 and V7 but their failure to work something out with Traktor killed those decks. If they just made them also work with an external device like am Ipad or read off a USB drive, it’s a wrap. I would also like to see better mixers with realistic prices. Mixers have always been overpriced. And many at the lower prices lack basic features like cross fader curve control.

  30. i want a Xone2:02 with better fx loop and better faders and black faceplate, nobody has yet made the perfect scratch mixer for me, the mixer i got now is too big thats why i want an updated Xone02

  31. Alot of the comments here talk about this controller and that controller… DVS is not MIDI. Digital Vinyl Systems require time code vinyl… not screens, not HID support or layout of the controller. You are missing the point, these things can be used with Serato DJ or Traktor Pro not their Scratch versions.
    I’d like to see ALL DVS systems go to a 64bit engine as Cross and now Traktor are doing. I’d almost like to see timecode run at 45rpm too, just wondering if it would be a tighter read?

    All in all, I can’t complain. It has come a far way since the Final Scratch and Torq days.

  32. On Creative nerding and studio fun there’s a load toys all ready listed in comments I’d love to have but Tbh, I’m very happy playing out on one deck and a Z2, fx, loops, basic juggling and basic live sample looping can all be easily achieved on the fly on a very streamlined setup. What frustrates me with modern tech is the dumbing down of the scratch focused features on mixers.

    Stiff line faders are the norm now, unless you buy rane scratch djs have to fawk out more money for free moving line faders or mod them. All the djs I’ve met in the non Internet world who prefer stiff line faders have been beginners in my experience. I appreciate the overall market has dictated the trend of stiff fades but now djs are starting of with a mindset that linefaders have to be stiff rather than appreciating how creativity limiting stiff faders can be.

    On the flip side We finally live in an era that most mixers of any note including 4 channel lumps, are made scratch friendly with either decent faders installed or atleast have innofader ready stickers slapped on em, which is obviously a good thing. I’d jus like to see a return of standard scratchy features- free moving faders all round, line fader curve control, channel swap and fader reverse default features on all 2 channel mixers.

    • Exactly my opinion! What happened to making all three faders fully adjustable on supposed”scratch” mixers!! The stiff linefaders without curves were and are one of my major gripes with the DJM T1 and now with the Z2!!

      • Don’t get me started on the DJM T1, my word what a disappointment! All that effort to R&D a new scratch fader and make the whole mixer bomb proof only to go and screw up on the basics the rest of the mixer should of had. People actually got payed for the joke descions that went into that mixer #stillbitter

        • A serato Pioneer scratch mixer would actually appeal to me greatly.

          Imagine an updated version of the 909 with better screen and serato mapped.

        • I went on a whole rant about this, The crazy part is when the originally dropped it they wanted 1600+ fro that mixer then brought it down to $600 because the Z2 did basically the same shit for the most part.

  33. New analog mixer with better Traktor intergration, DJM 900 NXS and Xone DB4 re too old (no FX sync on soft for instance) – In my dreams a Xone 93C ! W8 4 Musikmesse !

  34. New analog mixer with better Traktor intergration, DJM 900 NXS and Xone
    DB4 are too old (no FX sync on soft for instance) – In my dreams a Xone
    93C ! W8 4 Musikmesse !

  35. I would like, that the OEM like Reloop and other brands would also offer a direct-drive turntables for home use besides their DJ-line – as a spin off. A extra model for the living room without the special features buttons and controls which a DJ needs. Why? Because direct drive technology is rare in the hifi-turntables of today. Most often it is belt drive. Small manufacturers are not able to handle the DD-technology. Belt drive is more simple to design. It would be nice to see again a simple and straight forward design like the early Technics direct drive turntables have been. So the OEMs could participate of the general vinyl boom in the consumer market which is even bigger than the DJ-Market I think.

    Unfortunately, no real development at Hanpin as the main supplier took place for many years, as far as I can see? Even looking under the hood of a pioneer PLX 1000, one sees a single-sided circuit boards from cheapest material and exactly the building blocks that stuck in cheap devices. This is very disappointing as a product of the Pioneer Brand which is not sold really cheap. Nothing new except of exterior cosmetics for many years. It looks like electronics and mechanics from the eighties. When I check the inside of a device of today it should also appear in a modern and tidy look.

  36. How about a Qfo with Midi Control section for Traktor/Serato…Maybe like one half of an Ns7 III with the Mixer and a real Turntable. But i fear that would be to specific

  37. It will be amazing if someone release a turntable groovebox. Let me explain it a bit.

    Imagine an standalone box (turntable shaped) with motorized platter (of course) and mpc pads and tr-style step sequencer. Something in between mc909 (with its variphrase technology), denon 3700, qfo (xfader and 4/8 lije faders for each pad/sequence).
    I imagine it (and use all the actual technology to achieve something similar) as producer deck with true scratching features (not like the bridge which seems similar but isn’t) to use in junction with regular scratching setup (the most usual description in other comments) as a “remix/looper” deck.
    Audio looping options (external source or internal includding scratching routines for melodic parts such horns…) and audioslicering.

    :)

    • Something like this is what has been in my thoughts as well. I think since we have pretty much moved to digital with turntablism, it should be about time we start mixing it up. A turntable no longer needs to be confined into a linear playback concept. Something that can accept a turntable platter control to modulate a new kind of system, where synthesis, sampling as well as sequencing is all possible. Also I’d like to see turntable platter control shifting more towards bidirectionality, where the turntable can control something but the turntable platter itself can also be controlled remotely (preferably via DIN MIDI), this would enable keyboard controlled playback pitch, MIDI sequencable platter control etc.. We are only scratching the surface of what could be possible.

      Also tying everything down to be tethered with software is IMO stagnating development. Not everyone wants to buy a plethora of expensive device and then having to hook up a computer OS just to use it. Computer based systems are wonderful for prototyping and R&D, but for example, if we look at DJing software, the standard paradigms have already been established and standalone hardware solutions matching the functionality could realistically be produced already.

  38. Dj Jazzy Jeff setup itself shows that there is definitely something to improve! I mean, in a controller point of view, there are a lot of redundancies !!! Dicers, + Pioneer SP1 + Rane 62 controls, that’s completely overkill, isn’t it ?
    So I think there is an ergonomic / design / layout challenge to achieve to make the whole setup really simple and functional.

    I really like the layout of the Z2 because all access and infos are relevant (cues buttons size and position, fx section, loops length led…) this is where the Rane (even if the build quality and sound are higher) fails. So there is a good market for teh really well designed dvs mixer!

    Regarding the decks, there is also something to do, the Reloop RLP 8000 is really a good concept, if only it’s was made before and branded under Denon or Pioneer or even Technics (RIP) it would have been such a big success!!!
    I think there’s also something to do with a cool controller…The N.I Kontrol D2 is super cool, it’s a like a mix of X1/F1 and even Maschine. We can controls descks, play songs, do live remix/beatmaking, add some fx and see essentials infos a the screen. The concept is sick, unfortunately the price also :-( ) !!!
    Finally, the softwares have also to be improved, many djs complains features that are avaible in one dvs sofware and no in the other. Since a few years now, dvs software companies are more focused on integrating new hardwares instead of adding new (useful not fancy) features. Let’s hope that will be change soon…

    But for me, my huge expectation is to see an upgraded version of the Denon sc3900 ! These decks have already what I’m looking for:
    – compact size

    – real vynil sensation with a huge torque and a nice platter size (9″)

    – versatility (cd, usb, hybrid…)
    But now they can be improved with the lastest features (color screen with high res waveforms, color pads/buttons, natively supported by serato AND traktor, needle search…) and I think there is no longer a need for the cd slot so it should be made as the Pioneer xdj 1000. The main challenge is for to me to bring a platter that can both used in a motorized mode and either a cdj mode (static but can also scratch). THIS will make everybody OK both turntablists, cd/controller-ists !!!

    My ideal 2.0 setup would be:

    – One controller with cues, loops, color screen, remix/beatmaking => Kontrol D2
    – One motorized deck with cues, loops and color screen (no fx need) => sc3900 mk2 (only one because of the inst double feature and the controller described above)
    – One mixer with simple layout, fx and samples buttons => ttm 57 mk2

    One last word: F*** the fight between Traktor and Serato regarding the hardware, I would (and probably every djs here) love to use theirs gears on any dvs !!!! Let’s hope Serato (with the club pack) inspire Traktor to do widely the same !!!

  39. I’m a big NI user;
    1210’s
    TSP
    Z2
    X1 Mk II
    F1
    Therefore I’m probably target market for new add-ons like the D2. I do get a little frustrated by the amount of kit I need to be able to do what I want to do – try running effects just on the Z2; the workflow sucks so you need an X1 along side it to get a decent result so your £600 mixer is really a £750 mixer and then theres the F1 on top and you are at £900 to get full traktor functionality. Thats not really a complaint, more an observation.

    NI can only release kit as they develop it, I get that, and the kit NI put to the market is excellent quality and works well.

    I’d struggle to call myself a proper turntablist because my scratching skills aint good enough (working on it though) but I can honestly say I hate playing without turntables, so DVS is the future as well as the present.

    For me the kit NI provides is good, I’ve no real interest in changing to Serato but would if I had to. I love DVS and TSP but there are still a lot of bugs in 2.7xx that need addressed particularly with respect to timecode.

    So to answer the question, its not about the hardware, the effort NI put in to the kit is obvious, BUT NI lost focus on the software side of the Traktor ecosystem big time.

    Fix TSP and I’ll be a lot happier. Whether thats 2.8 or 3.0, don’t care, just hurry up already and kill the bugs, no need to list them its all well documented.

    One more thing, NI need to engage better on product launches, we are all grown ups, the mega soft sneaky-peaky, bit at a time marketing is soooooo boring now. Launch the product with full details of how it works, how it integrates with your existing set up and how it improves on what you already have.

    Want me to buy a pair of D2’s? The show me how it improves on my X1 & F1 combo and make it clear from day 1 what you are selling. Oh, and bring in customer loyalty recognition offer discounts to people who bought F1’s and X1 Mk’s to users who bought brand new from NI or NI official resellers.

    Basically sort traktor software and sort the crappy apple-esque marketing out.

    Oh, finally, stop giving us multiple copies of Traktor we can’t use, whats the point in having 6 licences????

    • I agree. The release video for the D2 barely even showcased the D2, let alone what it could bring to the table not only for new users, but also how it can provide additional features to those already using Traktor.

      • Yup more underground cinema than product video…… Image is obviously important to NI, these video releases are not cheap to make and take a lot if effort to get the ‘look’.

        I just get the impression that NI want to do the cool arty stuff and leave it to Ean Golden, Endo, Mojaxx & the Worx crew to explain the detail & where the product fits in.

    • Try 2.7.5 open beta, it has a 64bit engine. I have it installed on my back up laptop and run it on my daughter’s Z2, so far it’s really stable. Unfortunately I can’t run it on my set up as Pioneer hasn’t released 64bit application support for my DJM.

  40. I´d like to see a new version of this controller here:

    http://www.djworx.com/skratchworx/newspage.php?fn_mode=comments&fn_id=1494

    especially the one from the 2nd picture in Ricci Rucker´s setup. One row with buttons would be enough for me (I don´t really like a setup with controllers like X1 or F1 between the mixer and the turntable, I like it “tight” so a slim controller would be the only option for me).
    Here´s an outline of my idea: a slim controller with 12 buttons (like the ones from the F1 controller for example, I think they have the right size and I like the feel of them) in a row, maybe a rotary knob to switch pages and a USB hub in the back (like Z2 or D2). Another advantage of F1 like buttons would be the ability to color code them when you do your mapping.
    Since you can map the key function in Traktor, I would use this baby as a Controller One alternative.
    Since your just changing the key within the software the pitch of the platter wouldn´t change which is a pretty nice thing imo. With LED buttons you could color map the buttons to match tone/semi tone steps like on a piano and with a rotary knob to switch pages you could get access to the full octave range.

    And now imagine a full integration of Traktor and Maschine… You choose an instrument in Maschine/Komplete, load it into a deck, scratch it and record it into a remix deck slot. Endless possibilities here! And when on top of that you´d be able to use VST fx in Traktor…. and all that stuff mixed with nice tracks/stems, I´d be a more than happy turntablist.

        • You are hereby notified to henceforth cease all contact with my client, the aforesaid Jameson B. Urgler, IV and you are hereby notified that any dissemination, distribution or copying of this communication or any communication received from or sent to the aforesaid Mr. Urglar is strictly prohibited and are formally requested to notify the undersigned immediately by certified registered mail upon the your compliance with the aforementioned and thereafter immediately destroy the original and copies, electronic or otherwise, of any and all messages heretofore referenced.

          Cirroc

          Notice: This communication is from a debt collector. This is an attempt to collect a debt. Any information obtained will be used for that purpose.

  41. I don’t know why many people say NI forgot the turntablists. Rane mixer + Pio DDJ SP1 + Novation Dicers = NI Z2 + NI Machine… So you buy 3 things from 3 manufacturers, or buy 2 things from 1 manufacturer?!

  42. I’d like to see Traktor and Serato natively support tabletop moving platter decks (ie Denon SC3900). Denon hybrid MIDI mode worked really well with ScratchLive, but the hybrid timecode has a horrible sticker drift on all versions of Traktor.

    Screen implementation would be a bonus, though not necessary. Also Serato messed up the LED output mapping functionality in Serato DJ so buttons don’t light up like they used to on ScratchLive.

    As for analog turntables, not much more can be done in that department other than a “tighter” timecode signal (although its really good as is).

        • If it helps I’m using my x600 mixer as a sound card in Traktor and set everything in Traktor and on the mixer to 44.1 khz, on the asio panel I set it to 88 samples/ 2ms latency.

          Hybrid midi just works for me mate, no issues at all.

            • Unless you got a conspicuously slow laptop (which I doubt) then I’m out of ideas mate. I remember speaking to Silvio via the forums when he was still at Denon and he said that he felt that hybrid midi tracked better with Serato than it did with Traktor, but I seriously don’t get any problems on Traktor.
              Maybe it’s just one of those quirks computer DJ’ing likes to throw at us, some people get the issue and some don’t :-(

  43. Compact lightweight turntable for traveling dj’s. Plater size between 7 to 10 inch. That would make me happy. It would be nice if you could have one coffin that would not pass 25 kilo’s.

  45. Numark v8 with embedded dj player and a screen no smaller than an iPad mini. Sadly, like mobone commented, if something like this was made, and it would have some Achilles heel design element(like the screens on the ns73 which are simply too small, or like the stiff pots other people are talking about)

    As for the questions of ni being truly supportive of turntablism….well just look through their list of employees and see how many turntablists you see. Can’t we just be honest and accept that they literally, by the nature of who the employ, look more like a generic tech startup, than a company passionate about djing. At least when compared to Rane, djtech, and imect. Look at their video of their office, not a turntable in sight.
    Please guys and gals, be realistic, they have found something else to devote their time and energy to, which as I said months ago, appears to revolve around kooky Berlin basements. Do you really think their stems files will be open source forever, ha ha f’n ha……you can bet that a great deal of their resources, right now, are being devoted to some drm way of tieing you, your gear, and your library to their bank accts. At this point, you’re dealing with a multinational corporation, and I think we all know what that leads to.

    So do us all a favor, and support genuine dj companies, who make products people want. Instead of supporting companies that make profits by pandering to the unitiated

    • Well, thats a weird comment about looking through the list of employees like you hang out with them, but it is a big company that has a lot of product lines. As far as Traktor goes, I’ve scratched with 3 people directly responsible for current and recent (last three years) versions of Traktor, and they are dope. I also have hung out with a few of their product specialists who are dope on the cut. The features that are introduced are ones that their users ask for, just like Serato users have different needs, Mixvibes, VDJ, etc. There are options, and they just offer one.

      Also, basement parties are dope. :P

    • Sorry if I seem to be a bit of a jerk on this, but I think that you may be confusing the nature of the beast on this (as alot of other people here are doing the same).
      By definition DVS is a Digital Vinyl System. It is a vinyl emulator that reads a constant tone and determines the pitch of the file being read on your hard drive. It needs a player to generate said tone (from timecode). DVS requires you to drop a needle on a piece of vinyl.
      MIDI and HID have nothing to do with DVS, even though they tie into the software. They are controlled and processed by a CPU and time (pitch) is also determined by an inside process, DVS requires a player to generate a tone to determine pitch (BPM).
      This allows you to operate closer to the hardware layer and step a little bit away from a lifeless soundcard feel, it adds a bit more body to your sound. Controllers never have the body that a nice heavy mixer brings to the table.
      Even though I usually run my CDJs in HID most of the time and mix externally through a hardware mixer (or use the Wolfson DACs in the CDJs with advanced audio routing), I still drop my WHTLBLs on a pair of timecode every once in a while to make sure I still can rock the wheels of steel.

  47. ” What kind of thing do you feel is acceptable to add while maintaining
    the spirit of turntablism? Where do you draw the line? Is your
    definition of turntablism as flexible as necessary to satiate your
    craving for new shiny? Is a turntable all it takes to keep it real and
    bring on the shiny?”

    For competitions like DMC or comps that advertise themselves as a branch of turntablism. I think it’s corny to use effects or smash pads during a routine. If you have to use DVS in a competition it has to be in absolute mode or else you shouldn’t qualify.

    If your on tour or are booked for an appearance. Then use whatever is necessary to entertain the crowd.

  48. I’m a massive self confessed luddite! For me personally all I need the ability to mix record into another and to be able to scratch on my Technics. DVS alone is enough for me. I’ve tried Serato and Traktor and both are ace. I actually won Mixvibes Cross in the DJWorx Christmas competition and have been using that ever since and it’s superb. That’s all I need.

    I know your site, and the DJ equipment industry, is kind of dependant on constant changes within the DJ’ing industry but for most turntablists being able to DJ with ancient Technics, but with using digital files is more than enough.

    Personally i’m beyond tired/bored of seeing new controllers, and new so called “next level” shit. None of these features are really re-inventing the wheel for me. I’m definitely not interested in Stems at all. Seems a bit Abletony to me. I just see most of these items as being a fad with a limited lifespan. These things become pretty much obsolete after a few years. Whereas my

  49. Death to the digital dj who gets eaten for breakfast as main course sucka.all you need is two turns and a two channel mixer and that mixer only needs a fader channel cadets r.a. and gain.input switch I guess and master volume and a headphone pout put with volume……I’m still in love with my vestax 06 and can prob take out a genocide of digital dis……

  51. Xdj- rx with the screens on a 4 to 2 channel mixer and USB stick option for both decks. Imagine a mixer with record box in it.. put in 2 tables with pioneers own vinyl system.. no more computers.. I would not be surprised if they do that.. Goodbye serato, ni …

  52. I want three things.

    1.) An end to super-stiff line faders as the default on mixers (If you’re so ham-fisted that you’re knocking the line faders all over the place while you mix, you need to practice more, or get yourself a rotary mixer.)

    2.) A media playback device with a spinning platter that plays digital files, faithfully represents scratching sounds, and has the feel/handling of a good turntable. This device should have cue buttons, looping, ultra pitch, adjustable startup/brake controls, reverse operation, and selectable pitch ranges. Ideally, this device would not require a computer. The Denon SC-3900 was really close to this ideal, but not quite there.

    3.) DVS functionality on an iPad (or tablet generally). Not the kludgy no-power adapter-and-pray-for-no-connection-dropouts functionality currently offered by DJ Player on the iPad with the camera connection kit, but real DVS functionality.

    • dvs on tablets is the way to go.

      i want an open source dvs that runs on a cheap tablet. i’ll get it one day, there have already been efforts to port xwax to android, but cheap tablets are still too slow.

      there are people who have made single deck xwax setups running on cheap arm boards like odroid but when you add a screen it just becomes a tablet anyway.

      i currently run xwax on an old netbook and its totaly gigworthy.

  53. An add on for the Denon sc3900’s which is customizable and puts track listing control and a decent waveform display on the unit and lets me ditch laptops forever.

  55. Just a thought. Shrink the turntable to a 10″ platter for use with timecode: It would get lighter easier to transport, install in clubs and you can play 12″ records by overlapping the platter an inch. Most of use are rarely playing real records anyway. 10″ inch time code is easier to transport in bags as well.

    Rane Suggestions: Route the tail of the echo on the Sl3/Sl4 through the aux so more people can use or fake post fader effects. This might be Serato that needs to do this though. Do whatever you can to get the 2015 Traktor scratch certified. The 2015 looks mostly suited towards house DJ and many of them prefer Traktor.

    Serato suggestions: Open up Serato DJ Club kit to include the Z2. It’s a beast of a mixer and feature wise destroys the Sixty-One. It would net you $170 from most users of the Z2. Even Rane must realize by now the Sixty-One was a mistake.

    Traktor suggestions: The Z2 is in need of Send/Return for effects, and curve controls for the line faders. Traktor is in need of flexible beatgrids, vertical waveforms, and video DJ’ing. A Z4 mixer with send/return and highly suggest a strong repair program with cross-shipping units that get called in for repair to encourage club installations. Without a strong plan to support the Z4 I say don’t even bother with a 4 channel mixer since no club wants to wait 3-4 weeks for a replacement.

    Pioneer: Bring back the 909 with a dual-usb soundcard and color touch screen. The old 909 is highly sought after on EBay and it goes to show the need for a 2 channel scratch mixer with built in effects. I would also suggest the mixer be easier to repair when it comes to the touch screen, pots, faders to help out with club installations where mixers are abused by savages.

    • I highly doubt that we will see a Z4 mix coming from NI, it seems that their response to the need of a 4 channel DVS ready solution for the market was an S8. I can’t see them weighing in on a 4 channel mixer as market is already flooded by Pioneer Traktor ready mixers, like the DJM 850 and the DJM 900NXS.

        • Once the S8 came out I put cash down on a DJM 850, I took it as their combo solution for DVS and controllerists. I figured at that point I might as well outfit myself with something closer to a club standard for familiarity. It also makes booking for radio shows and promoting a little easier… the whole flies, vinegar and honey thing.

          Even if NI put out a 4 channel, most turntablist wouldn’t be into it due to the 12″ format. From the bulk of what I understand from my friends that are avid turntablist, they prefer a 2 channel for the width.

          If NI were to improve on a mixer, it’s my opinion that they should revamp the Z2 due to it’s form. Particularly with circuit path and routing. I’d like to see an AC per channel and the mix record line come off the main out and loop it back in, this way you can externally mix with hardware and cut the latency caused by internally mixing with MIDI send and still record the mix without the need for a separate recorder or cable (like the need for the extra RCA when recording with an SL or A6/A10). The independent AC per channel is one of the things that I’m really enjoying about the 850.

  56. Quite simple for me: a turntable that will control a virtual deck over hid. Full size. Itll play vinyl too. And both traktor and serato will support it, and because they will, everyone will. 12 platter please a few buttons for cue point triggering. A controller though. Only a controller for hid, no soundcard. Keep the cost down.

  57. I am not from the camp that seems to believe that NI or Serato have turned their backs on turntablism. That being said, a NI branded turntable or even just a MIDI controller with hi resolution motorized platters and screens would be really cool… like the D2 and the NS7 had a baby. I would buy that shit in a heartbeat!!

  58. Hey Mark,
    it almost seems like people could use a bit of information about the difference between DJ mixing software and DVS ( the difference between Serato DJ and Serato Scratch Live or Traktor Pro and Traktor Scratch). It seems that most of these comments are aimed at either HID support or MIDI protocol. I don’t think that a lot of the younger generation realize that DVS requires a needle to be dropped on a piece of timecode for a reference on the pitch of the track being played out.
    I thought this article was about turntablism? If most of these people used turntables or had familiarity with them, they wouldn’t ask for a lighter and smaller turntable as vibration is already not a friend of a turntablist, making the unit lighter would just making skating a nightmare. The NS7 and active patter controllers are moot points as they don’t use timecode vinyl. All these people asking for USB ports so they can plug their music into the unit and read directly from the drive… where is your generated tone if you aren’t using timecode?
    Where is the turntablism without the turntable?

    • This is exactly why we posted this. We’re not sure that people want or need more from a turntablist’s point of view. It’s also clear that turntablism is different things to different people, and not necessarily restricted to turntables anymore.

      • Honestly, I run my CDJs with Traktor Scratch in HID on a weekly basis. Every once in a while I get my partner in crime to bring out his Techs just so I can “keep in tune”.

        I just can’t understand “turntablism” without it’s root word of turntable being part of the equation. It’s like DVS without the Vinyl… at that point it’s just timecode.

        • Personally I wouldn’t even consider a CDJ as a replacement for turntables when it comes to scratching. There are so many kinds cutts that can’t be replicated on the CDJ because of the lack of a motor as well as other things. I’m not saying some of the cuts can’t be done on a CDJ but when you start going faderless, hydroplaning, using both sides of platter, motor off and using the weight of the platter, or start using your fingers. The CDJ or any similar type surface starts to show it’s limits real quick.

          Although I do wonder if advance scratching had started on CDJ’s; scratching would have probably gone in another direction and we might be hearing totally different cutts then the ones so many are accustomed to today. There has to be somebody out there that switched to CDJ’s and has since been going down a different path with scratching. It’s just hard imagining how it would sound. I’m thinking like lazer’s or very abrupt direction changing type sounds.

          • Read above comment that started this thread. I’ll quote my last paragraph “I just can’t understand “turntablism” without it’s root word of turntable being part of the equation. It’s like DVS without the Vinyl… at that point it’s just timecode.”.

            Honestly, I am a Transition DJ and have been for years. Decks, EFX and 909 inspired me on my current path many years ago. CDJs are fine for what I do, but as part of my local DJ community I know quite a few turntablist. People who work for 2 weeks perfecting a 10 to 15 minute routine. For this I realize that at least timecode is needed, analog vinyl preferred for sound.

            Some of my favorites are DJ Vadim, Cut Chemist, DJ Food, Herbalizer, DJ Shadow, Q-Bert and Kid Koala to mention a few.

  59. I don’t feel turntable/DVS are missing out. There are so many options for different styles and needs. I use DVS vinyl (with a DJM T1) for one regular gig (funk, soul, old school hip hop etc) because the DJs I pair with all happen play real vinyl (and CDs) from their collections so we’re using the same gear (no space for a controller) and I still get my Traktor with control over loops/fx etc (They would also love to move to DVS or find time to digitise their music fully to just use CDJs even).

    As for new shiny, I love having my entire DJ music collection in the laptop, I don’t love relying on or finding space for a laptop. I like sometimes using DVS for scratching hip hop etc (luckily the club still have Technics) and at home I still use 1210s teaching myself to be a better scratch DJ. Otherwise I like the ease and reliability of turning up and using USB sticks in CDJs at other venues especially if they don’t have turntables or I don’t intend to scratch (and then for certain gigs just a Traktor controller) but I miss the vinyl scratch feel sometimes.
    SO how about something that replaces the laptop but still allows vinyl timecode input.
    For club setup simplicity/gear that clubs will likely buy, maybe a phono input from the turntables into revised future CDJs (Pioneer might have an interest doing that as they now make a turntable) so the DJs can use the turntable to takeover the platter and pitch control and still use sync/loops/hotcues/music library via the CDJs and Rekordbox’d USB sticks.

    OR instead of using/buying CDJS, make a standalone Rekordbox device with a touchscreen (essentially a keyboard-less, super reliable purpose made laptop and serato/Traktor replacement – Pioneer would love that), with built in solid state hard drive, that the DJ can bring to the club or the club has installed above the standard mixer/cdj setup for DJs to plug USB sticks into that connects to the club mixer via USB and can receive timecode from turntables via the mixer but using the mixer’s soundcard and its on board effects. Maybe it would need touchscreen loop/hotcues (like the XDJ-1000) or physical buttons. A possible stepping stone or option to a future pioneer mixer that has Rekordbox and a screen built in and loop/hot cues on the mixer (like the T1/Z2/Ranes etc) and even basic transport buttons (like the T1) for those not needing to use platters at all or who don’t scratch. As someone had already suggested here, based on the middle section of the XDJ-RX but Im thinking a 4 channel pro club mixer.
    Although these are only solutions for DJs wanting vinyl scratch control who are turning up to use the club’s gear (IF they have turntables) or want to keep using their own existing classic turntables but with the ease of USB sticks and no laptop but still have access to effects (in the mixer), loops etc but not use remix decks/stems they’d lose having Traktor Scratch or any special Serato features.

      • Sure, but I’m thinking from a club perspective, a full 4 channel Rekordbox mixer so clubs can keep the modular mixer and 2/3/4 cdjs setup. If the RX or future model supported the option of timecode on the phono inputs I’d buy one for my own use, tempted to buy an RX anyway to replace my Traktor/controller setup. Be interesting to see what pioneer builds Rekordbox into next. Keen to ditch the MacBooks I rely on, if I wasn’t a DVS turntable fan Id be on CDJs and an RX already I’m sure.
        I teach DJing full time so I literally support all types of gear for students needs. My advice to them is just buy whatever reliable gear suits them and their style or what they may expect to use if they start gigging.

  60. I would want pioneer to bring back 909 with dual USB soundcard and filter effects.
    Rane 62 is freakishly overpriced I want a good scratch mixer with built-in effects, filters, send/returns ect

  61. A lot of DJs are caught between what they really want to use at home or at gigs where they can bring their own setup and gigs where for convenience sake have to use the venue’s (mostly) default CDJs and mixer. Saying that id like to see more DJs bringing controllers into clubs (and wish clubs would maintain their technics).
    Thoughts?

  62. There’s still no successor to QFO. I wish there was a similar turntable, fitted with magnetic crossfader (mini innofader?) and midi mappable buttons. Integrated DVS certified sound card could also be useful.

    All I’m asking for really is a simple all-in-one solution for scratch djs/turntablists who travel a lot and don’t need a full pledged mixer – something for playing with a band that’s easy to set up during rehearsals or convenient to take to scratch sessions – or maybe even something that would be possible to place on your lap when you feel like sitting down on the couch.

    Could be even 10-inch if you ask me.

  63. Is it just me, or are we kinda at the peak of what can be done with technology? Really, all DJing is is playing two songs when you break it down.

    • You should really YouTube a fellow that goes by the moniker of Kid Koala and say it again like you could match him… This acticle is about turntablism, its a niche of DJing.

        • If you noticed, he doesn’t even use headphones to monitor. Turntablism (in my understanding of the definition of the term) is the skill of using a record player as an instrument instead of depending on a produced track. Drunk Trumpet is pretty impressive, but his mix of Moon River is pretty slick too. He even puts on the koala suit for that one.

Leave a Reply