i hear alot about cd decks etc. anyone using a dual cd players rack mount styles? if someone is, are all the functions still available? looping etc.. sampling as in a denon would do.

i had to use rack mount cd decks 1 time with ssl: the old models that i used didn't offer me near as many options as my turntables do with ssl.

if you use cd decks, i'd say your best off with cdj's or something like that (with a platter).

i see. so i will lose my options as far as my controller goes. looping, sampling etc. the only cd players i should use would be table top players and not dual decks. correct?

Dual deck CD players come with a wide variety of options - like looping and sampling. They just don't have a larger platter, usually they offer a jog wheel.

looping should work almost perfectly, sampling might work, it depends how the CD player implements it.

i've used a denon 2000f with ssl. it functions pretty much like it would with an audio cd.

i also use it with my s5k's. the looping/hot starts work. sometimes you may have a bit of a clip sound. during loops, it's not as noticeable, but stuttering may produce it more. there's also a bit of latency when using them but i found it quite easy to adapt to.

the "dump" (censor) feature also works on the s5k...hehe, i guess i don't need to complain about that being incorporated into ssl.

I haven't tried it yet but my Numark CD-88 would probably work pretty well. The emphasis would be on mixing more so than scratching. I used this unit as my primary system for about 4 years and I don't think I could ever go back to using the "stutter" cue feature offered by cheaper cd systems.

*moved to general*

i have a denon 9000 and a 2600. but i really want to try serato. i know with turntables the prgram is sick. i just want to be able to get full benefits from the program using my players.

you'll lose out on the alpha track feature on the 9000....everything else works pretty good..

you might as well just use internal mode

1.4 did not exhibit any of those problems with my 5K's.

I was very impressed the way the hot starts, loops, breaks, dump, and just about every other feature worked just about flawlessly w/the 5K's and SSL.

This is why I miss 1.4 so much and have decided to wait until it is taken care of.


IMO, watch me get shot here, I really do not miss much, I actually gain a lot more function, when using CD TT vs. Vinyl TT.
I do a lot of outdoor Gig's and the wind is my worst enemy with Vinyl TT.

The dual players (Denon Anyway) should all function the same. The only thing you lose is Alpha Track & Tail Echo. Sh!t even reverse works perfect!

So I think you will find everything the same w/SSL and your Dual Players minus the above mentioned.

Good Luck,
-DJ MDX

is this from experience or did someone tell you this? im gonna go to a local dealer and see if they can set it up for me so i can try it out. i basically only use denon but the dual deck style. we'll see!

thanks dj mdx.

I use the Denon DN-S5000's and the 9K you have is almost basicly the 5K rack mount version and everything I have mentioned works that way on my 5K's.

sounds good. im not really looking to scratch on serato, but also want the basic loop functions as my 9000.im just trying to cary less cd books. i have 10 books now and it can be a "B" carrying all that. so its more just trying to be a bit more compact with my setup.

you lose alpha track because there are only 2 tracks on a control disc. one for song mapping/playback, the other for cueing. with the sl-1, you can only have 2 inputs. it's common for most people to setup the inputs with deck A on one side, deck B on the other.

how would you hook up an extra pair of input signals (alpha from each deck)? you can't..therefore, alpha is lost...

however, you CAN use ssl with a single s5k or one side of the 9k. i find it a bit easier to use alpha for mixing with one deck than having to use the input reverse which is built into ssl since i'm already familiar with alpha.

now...if you had 2 laptops with 2 sl-1 units with the same music libraries on each side.....then you could use alpha...and totally get crazy..

imagine that 2 laptops lol. i really appreciate the help. do u know anyone using a denon 2600. im assuming if it would work on a 9000, it pretty much should work with any popular denon player. the ones i encounter at most clubs would be denon's 2600,4000 and 9000. i even see some pioneers dual decks (the one with the big jog wheels) u think serato works well with any of those models.

i don't see why it shouldn't work with other decks...or any deck for that matter...a cd player is a cd player...you could even use it with a household cd player with line out...and only be limited by what the unit is able to offer.

cool, with that in mind. im gonna go buy serato this week, but first i need a laptop (a decent one) without a breaking me. any suggestions? ibook?

Check this thread if you haven't www.scratchlive.net

and what should i check there...

He probably meant this thread here: scratchlive.net <- click.

Oh, sorry about that...Thanks, nik.

I have 1200s (in a big coffin) and numark CDXs (in an even bigger custom coffin). I don't think I could ever go back to ding a gig without serato but would really like to have an ULTRA compact system that will still give me good control (and cd backup capabilities).

The solution i'm currently working on:
-compact dj case
-numark cdn36 or cdn88 (both have scratch capabilities while cueing which is essential to cue up serato)
-rane mp2 (no need to spend the extra $$ on the mp4)
-serato
-laptop shelf to go inside dj case

I can't wait until it's complete!

BTW: please PM me if anyone has an mp2 in good cond for sale!

I have your solution. I use a Numark CDN 88 I have it mounted in a small case, and I dont use a laptop. I use an IMAC G5, with 2 gig of ram, and an extra power supply for the throuhs. Its not heavy at all and fits nicely in the back of my Honda Element. I even had a custome flight case made for my IMAC. Check out my setup:

www.bigcitydjs.com

Hype, you and I have the same mixer. Behringer VMX-1000 Pro. Have you had any problems with your volume sliders?

hype is it annoying taking the imac to gigs? Do they make a safe/easy to carry case for it?

nevermind...just noticed the custom flight case.

how much was that flight case? i think i'll be picking up a refurb soon since they are down to $800us for 1.8ghz 17".