Turntables Vs. DJ Controllers: Which Is Better In Today's DJ Industry?

[@dj-kalifornia]

Do you use controllers, turntables or CDJ's at your gigs? Comment below and let me know what you use, and if you are curious about making the switch to some other types of gear.

[@LoudPxckk]

what about the rane one because this video seems to have the secret conversaton of motorized vs not motorized controllers and turntables

[@dj-kalifornia]

@@LoudPxckk The Rane One is still considered a controller and not traditional turntables.

[@lustforlow-end6022]

I’m only a bedroom dj & I still use my 1210’s & DJM400 with vinyl, but only because I can’t afford to go digital yet. A decent laptop is quite expensive 😥 someday I’ll be able to upgrade though hopefully! 🙏

[@moleex5759]

I use a 4 channel controller with vinyl left for scratching and cdj on the right.

[@elliel2k2]

For me versatility is the name of the game. Nearly 40yrs ago I started out with turntables because that's all we had, but times have changed and you gotta change with the times or get left behind. So now I dj on all 3 formats turntables, cdjs and controllers. Turntables are still my favorite but that's just a preference not the only way to go. All those dj's saying you're not a real dj if you use a controller are just scared of what they're not use to, and I get it, they put years of practice into DJing with turntables and here comes some kid with a controller and a few months of experience doing the same thing. Yo get over it and master it all!!! The great ones aren't limited by the gear.

[@Cr0fteeGaming]

I feel this is the way. I learned on 1210's and later CDJ 1000 MK3's. Been out the game a long time but want to get back into it. Thinking a FLX10 and then maybe hooking up the 1210's for home use, but hoping this would allow easy transition to the CDJ club standard.

[@CalimanAirGunner]

Added cdjs to the set up in 2023 my 1200s are still my go to

[@keithdodd3570]

Its the DJ on both types. I grew up with Tecnics 1200 mk ll turntables and a Numark mixer. All vinyls, but you must change with the times. Peace.

[@CSdjcdog]

I've been d j here in chicago since 1984 On turntables, and believe it or not. A tape deck with a Pitch control. Fast forward to today. I'm using the DDj flx10 with two turntables For me that's the best of both worlds. I have the familiar of the turntables and the flexibility of the controller But I used the turntables, about 95% of the time

[@DJGaryP]

I started off on a rain one and then switched to a rain 70 and two rain 12s. I’m never going back to controllers.lol

[@tonyhenwood9280]

I have been DJing since 1978 saw all the changes from turntables to cd players then came the computer age and as a DJ you had to able mix all sound sources because at the end of the day a DJ is mixing 2 sound sources my console when CDs were introduced was 2 turn tables and 2 cd players we had to incorporate digital media from 1985 and we now have many choices its how you as a DJ use the gear you have

[@alpham8754]

Well, that might be right that some guys saying "A DJ without playing on turntables / vinyl isn't a real DJ", but it's not about turntables. It's more about listening instead of simply reading wave forms. I agree that DJ's should learn or should use their ears to beat match instead starring at a screen. And yeah, I'd mentor those guys, I love the DJ community! I started completely digital with a plain midi controller (no soundcard) and a laptop back in the days where everyone hated controllers. With a long delay, in 2021, I started over with the NuMark MixTrack Platinum FX controller: Integrated sound card, space between the knobs, a large fader, 8 switchable pads and a display on each deck. I had to learn soon, that cheap controllers and mixers are cheating at sound quality and / or output volume of master, because it's usually only 41.1 kHz on low budget controllers like my NuMark one instead of 48 kHz which is industry standard. Then, I've worked for vinyl record retailer and I couldn't hold me long back to start my journey at vinyl. Now I have much vinyls and different songs on each (mostly Eurodance on vinyl), so I enjoy both worlds. At the end, I ended up with Pioneer DJ PLX-CRSS12 and the Pioneer DJ-SM 7 mixer. I decided to go with a such a hybrid turntable, because at the beginning of some gigs I play mixes and on DVS vinyls you can't play 60 minutes, they typically have only 15 minutes available. Great thing, it's fun to play with it, but the turntable is very unstable at staying at a speed especially for this high-price-class, which makes it sometimes hard to beatmatch. I also bought this setup to be fully Rekordbox compatible, but never used so far since November 2023. I'm lazy when it comes to changes in gear or software...

[@grey5626]

Started skratchin vinyl in the 1970s on turntables, was a pretty early adopter of CDJs and DVS too. Have had controllers, but since 2018 have been getting my groove on almost exclusively with turntables again. Phase has been fun! The PLX-CRSS12 might be my next pair of turntables, but I've been super happy with the Reloop RP-8000MK2s in recent years too and not really interested in controllers I've seen in a while. I gave away my DJ808 to a fellow deejay friend a couple of years ago and haven't missed it even slightly.

[@slavic8430]

Absolutely can underline the fact that people get blown away when they realise there are TT's in use. Got two guys on a gig standing right in front of the decks for quite some time talking about and analysing the hand movements on the record. They were absolutely amazed to see this in action. One mate returned to university on a monday morning totally freaking out about a hip hop and r'n'b party he were on that weekend because a the DJ used TT. Absolutely flashed him and took him some time to get over it 😅

[@DJ_DoubleM]

I’ve been using controllers for the past 14 years. However, I still have a love for vinyl, and would love to have a set of turntables at home. Unfortunately, I live in an apartment, and my space is limited. Therefore, a controller is my tool of choice. 22:24

[@drummergurlxoxo]

Newer DJ , started in 2020. Started on SR2, moved to SRT1000 now started my vinyl TT journey as of last October and I have such a NEW LOVE FOR MUSIC ! Def harder than controllers even w DVS. I feel as though as a DJ who frequents venues with their own equipment CDJs ARE EVERYWHERE. I get my fair amount of practice each month at studios but my home set up is technics and S11 and love it !

[@dj-kalifornia]

Congrats on the new journey. You will realize pretty quick, if not already, that playing on TT's ignites a new passion for DJing and your skills will continue to be enhanced, regardless of what medium you're playing on from here on out. Stay with it and keep kicking ass!

[@francofamily4462]

@@dj-kaliforniawell said , 58 y/o here , I’ve tried all types, Asia to USA. My top fav is s11, 1200’s,phase for now. It never gets old with 1200’s & you feel that musician in you using them as your instrument (not necessarily scratching) & creating an art. Then I also have the standard vinyl set up with a 19 in mixer which just makes it classy & nostalgic.

[@djpuma007]

Awesome video thanks fir sharing, been thinking back n firth wether to upgrade to a controller from my ttb but you totally answered my confusion. Am all good with my ttb and serato but I get that phase to make things smooth, am still using needles lol but I want to try phase. Thanks for sharing a true point of view from the ttb point of view

[@georgemapp2855]

I use both, new to controllers

[@josehumbertorodriguez5755]

Nice explanation about turntables and controllers I agree with you on this point I’m learn by DJ in the 80’s but I never close my eyes to the technology I like to use softwares and controller but my passion always will be press start on a Technics SL 1200 MK Thanks for this video Greetings

[@hazmatproduction4562]

I was a vinyl DJ most of my time playing gigs. Even after I went digital I was playing live on a timecode vinyl traktor scratch setup. Eventually I was forced to switch to CDJs because the decks in so many clubs were crap & not being maintained I haven’t played live gigs in a while now. I’m perfectly happy playing at home on my XDJ-RX3

[@djxpress5770]

I prefer controllers because it's compact, less seperate gear to carry, hookup and disconect! Less wires to deal with too. I've been at this since 1975. In my home studio setup, I have two 1200 MK3's, 2 Numark CDJ NDX-900's & the Rev7. So from old school to new, I have it. Gigs? I use the Rev7! Those that still want to lug 1200's around, go for it. 1200's are 27 pounds a piece! Two 1200's with a mixer and the coffin itself... It is definitely not 40 or 50 pounds, as stated in this video!!!

[@worfdax]

I laugh when I watch today's DJ's with controllers constantly pressing buttons and screwing with the music. Like you said the audience doesn't care about any of that. DJ's do that just to impress other DJ's. Their playlists are good example of that. too. Most DJ's play what they want to hear or what other DJ's want to hear, not what will keep people on the dance floor. DJ's today usually work in a club with little or no competition from any nearby clubs. In the 80's there were 11 bars on Division Street between State and Dearborn in Chicago and 9 of them had DJ's. You had to be the best or you didn't last because the competition was tough. I lasted 6 nights a week from 8 pm to 4 am for 9 straight years. When the 90's rolled around I had had enough and moved on with my life. It was cool to be a DJ in the 70's and 80's. Today, any 12 year old with a laptop and a controller can be a DJ. #housemusic

[@rodrigoms75]

Great video, I used controllers before and was not fun as turntables… sold it a now saving to buy used turntables

[@davidcummings5984]

Well said ! Im into breakbeats esp rare 60s rock some funk . Im not a dj but i used to pause mix tapes . I got techs SL 1200s & likely get the rane reloop for my techs . Once ive mastered the techs ill move onto a controller probably a Rane controller . See i was told by friends my pause mixing on tapes are off the hook even classic breakbeat mixes are not as hardcore or abstract sounding .So if get a decent controller i hope to replicate those tape mixes & go for the off beat. Peace .

[@petelongrs]

Like your pre gig process. You want to be as cool as you can be when you start.

[@petelongrs]

With recent Denon CDJs, they have two layers, two sets of stereo outputs so if one has a problem you can (in theory) switch to one player and talk through the transitions ;)

[@tuneroneff]

Just!!! Thank you Good analysis.

[@ree746]

2 of three require software. Software eventually becomes unsupported as new mixers come out. How many controllers and DVS ready mixers floor the market every few years after the companies force the consumer to “upgrade”. For me it has nothing to do with controller vs TT. It’s the companies taking advantage of DJs and knowing young aspiring kids will buy the newest thing.

[@OgDj2024]

RESPECT! ✊🏾

[@tukinski]

Watched the whole video (at x2 speed). Liked and subscribed.

[@tonysmith5878]

WARPPED VINYL AND ALL!!!!!!!!

[@bboymac84]

There’s ups and downs here. Controllers have a quicker response when stopping the record and hitting the cue point to drop on the 1.

[@patricklhommel]

Why not use a controler 4 charnels that can also allow connectivity of 2 external turn tables I have a old american dj vms4 that allow this. The best of the 2 worlds. Don't now if more recent and high end contrôler allows this today.

[@satyavratadas1640]

Try using some real vinyl and beat match its a total in the moment connection with the music that people can actually feel and see your every movement with the equipment has more meaning almost like a dance with the hands you can feel the rush and adrenaline 10x more then with a controller. Way more effort went into to the music and the mixing style isnt comparable.

[@dj-kalifornia]

I agree. I also think that if technology was never invented with DJ software and controllers, there would would be A LOT less DJ's than today. You had to put in some serious work to make music sound good and DJ back then.

[@williamtharpe8537]

Great Video! I'm an old-school DJ , Family and friends only (hobby) 1200's and DJM 600 , moved to NS7II and now gotta get the Rane Perfomer! Still play vinyl everyday, gotta have a spinning plater, just my preference.

[@petelongrs]

You want to be as cool as you can be when you start. Sorry, youtube-bot didn't like my original comment.

[@RobHTech]

The problem for me os i am completely new and i don’t want to have to buy gear over and over again, and clubs, etc. don’t use these controllers, CDJ, and actual turntables. Then, theta alpha/pioneer now does stupid stuff with their gear and charging ppl for Rekorbox 7 and can’t do live mixes without it unless using just a USB like the pros who still actually live mix. So IDK what gear I should get. I like Native Instruments and Denon stuff but can’t use that in a club.

[@natealanzo3979]

its just preference at the end of the day, how or what you want to work with. definitely don’t think its that deep

[@tonysmith5878]

TABLES AND NO LAPTOP ALL DAY.

[@jiggyblends]

40lb for 2 turntables, a mixer and a case????

[@detroitologist]

The argument over what is proper dj'ing and what is fake marketing bullshit, analog vs. digital, or any of the arguments out there, all just an argument over something that is already controlled by the Music Industry. It is as Toffler predicted... "the wider any culture is spread, the thinner it gets" - The Law of Raspberry Jam

[@projekt679]

If you can DJ on turntables everything else is easier.

[@00wrongun]

Turntables without a doubt, controllers do half the job for you

[@rainbowgaming8441]

turn tables not everything today is on record and controllers so much faster and more ideas and the speed you have tables are not the way to go , the records your paying to much , you have to move forward today

[@francofamily4462]

@dj-kalifornia ‘breakbeat era Florida’!!! Here as well :) WPB.

[@dj-kalifornia]

Hell yeah my dude!

[@francofamily4462]

@@dj-kalifornia 9 Pm till i ‘break’ -ATB 😎