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Quick Traktor to CDJ Question
Lith
I couldn't find a highly specific answer to this question, so am starting a new thread.

Being used to using a MIDI controller (Numark Omni) and Traktor, and using the built-in loop functions of Traktor...but being able to mix with the faders and mod wheels (not having to use the Sync functions)...

could someone easily adjust to playing live on CDJs, without any previous experience using them, in a live setting?

Apologies for duplicate thread if this answer exists elsewhere, but I couldn't find this question answered specifically.
veezee
Sure ya could.. i think for the most part Traktor emulates cdj's... although the cue/play/pause functions works different on some cdj's.

Keep in mind with cdj's you really have to know your music.. the wave displays are not as detailed and some cdj's dont even have them :)

Jay
Lith
Thanks for the reply! Good point about the displays, too. I wasn't even thinking about that since I have zero experience with the CDJs, and now realize I definitely appreciate using them (not to say I don't know the songs, but helps for cueing and knowing the ending stretch).

I'll probably have to look into renting a pair of CDJ 1000s to give them a try.

I'd still be interested in more feedback. Thanks all!
n3lly
Who cares whether or not the cdj's give you feedback on your track when you're using traktor.

Traktor needs a laptop/computer to run and will give you a much more detailed overview of your track than the cdj1000's would anyway.

If you're going to switch to real cds then obviously the display on the cdjs wont be that detailed.

Definitely worth renting out the cdjs before purchasing.
dj_macgyver
the numark omni control is pretty much designed to work as a cdj replacement, when it comes to controls. it is, however, far more customizable, due to the software backend :)

if you can mix with the omni "by ear" (ie. without looking at the waveforms, phase and bpm displays) you should be able to do the same with cdjs. i wouldn't recommend doing it live, even though you might even be able to make it.
Lith
The more I think about this question, the more it comes down to being able to sync the songs. I'm very comfortable with the jog wheels of the Omni controller--their weight, and how much movement is required to make the correct adjustment to stay in sync.

The CDJs have really large jog wheels, and I wonder what the feel transition would be like?

I expect them to be just as good as Traktor in terms of pitch control (I stay in the 8% range to allow for more accuracy on what appear to be smaller pitch faders on the Omni). I don't rely on the auto-sync function because the devices, software, and song files can't be trusted, especially when you're mixing two songs over a 2+ minute period. Even when I've recorded to WAV off my Technics 1200s! Small movements with precision are vital to making the use of whatever device chosen, and even more so when mixing two songs that are outside each others' realistic rhythmic range.

I'm happy to hear that the overall experience is similar in terms of functionality, but I remain convinced by the feedback so far that it's best to try CDJs before you throw yourself into a live setting.
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