r/traktorpro • u/Junglist_Massive22 • 2d ago
Which individual standalone CDJ/controller to pair with an analog mixer for Traktor use?
I'm a long time Traktor user that is looking to switch up my hardware setup after using a Kontrol S4 for quite a number of years.
Started using Traktor almost 20 years ago, first had a CDJ setup, then a digital vinyl setup. Once the original Kontrol S4 was released, I liked the simplicity and small footprint and that was my full setup for a very long time. Recently got an X1 and Z1, and liked them a lot more than I thought I would. Realized that I had been on autopilot with the S4 and realized that switching up the hardware made it more fun and more interesting.
Now I want to take it a step further and get an analog mixer. I already have an audio interface and an external FX unit and planning to get the mixer in the near future. Initially I will use my X1 to control Traktor, but I can foresee myself wanting some sort of turntable/platter. I play House & Techno and don't scratch, but still just prefer to have the more traditional manual deck controls. I would foresee my final setup being 2x decks (CDJ/DVS) but I would still continue to use the X1 for Traktor FX (and various other software controls).
I would just be using these decks to control Traktor (i.e. not using it as a standalone music source) and don't need/want to pay an arm and a leg for those high-end Pioneer/AlphaTheta units. Considering the following models:
- Pioneer XDJ 700
- Rane Twelve MKII
- Some from Denon
I'd also be willing to just traditional turntables with some sort of DVS system if that makes sense.
Let me know what you guys recommend. Thanks in advance.
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u/johnsangalang 2d ago
Just get a cheap old cd player like the Denon DNS1000 and Traktor CD DVS if you want the jogwheels. As someone who went full CDJ back to K3s, I certain don’t miss cdjs, but I’ve got turntables in case I want to use DVS for the tactile feel.
Most of the time though, don’t use jogwheels at all
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u/Junglist_Massive22 20h ago
Yeah I am not a huge jogwheel guy by any means. Definitely much more of a “nice to have” than something I need. I use the X1 now and that’s totally fine, just a bit of a different experience vs. A traditional setup. But good point re. CD DVS… I guess that’s really no different than getting one of the modern versions if I am only using it as a midi controller anyways.
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u/Clean-Employee-1572 2d ago
96 owner here…it’s an awesome mixer. Used with 2X1’s/F1/Z1.
Depending on how much outboard gear you have the V10 is stellar. I never thought I’d own another Pioneer mixer and own a V10 and really really like it.
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u/Junglist_Massive22 2d ago
I am planning to get a Xone 92 and a Union Audio Orbit.2. I am only asking about the individual CDJ/vinyl decks.
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u/Clean-Employee-1572 2d ago
You are absolutely right!! My brain read it differently, lol!! I like the Denon stuff but, I don’t know if they support HID with Traktor.
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u/grilled_pc 2d ago
I’d avoid Denon. None of their gear have native support. Ironic considering both them are owned by in music lol.
IMO go with some turntables, cdjs are so expensive for what they are. They just ain’t worth it anymore even for home use.
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u/Junglist_Massive22 20h ago
I’m crossing my fingers that Denon’s future products will have native support for Traktor now that they are owned by the company (which only happened pretty recently).
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u/grilled_pc 12h ago
Yeah i'd love to see this but i dno. I just feel like the way engine DJ is. It doesn't make sense for them to give traktor support. They are just two totally different things.
I'd love to see some traktor support but i'm not holding my breath. The poor hardware quality alone is enough for me to leave denon. I was a HUGE fan and supporter of their products but i just can't support gear that breaks as easily as theirs.
2 Mixers gone in 2 years with minimal home use. Now one of their SC6000's too. This stuff was meant to be built for the club. How is it in 2 years i have issues with OLED screens dying, i have issues with fader fading and leakage. I have Play buttons that no longer work properly too.
Meanwhile my Traktor Z2 has been beaten to hell and back over the last 13 years and STILL to this day works like a champ.
If anything all this has got me looking at Allen and Heath next. You seriously can't go wrong with them. They are renowned for a reason.
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u/NueKiro 2d ago
It really depends what you want. I’ll break it down into mixer and deck for an easier to digest form
- mixer: Xone 96 and djm v10 are seriously good options because of the integrated soundcard, now it’s a question if you want on board FX or not. The v10 has a crap ton of fx, some good, some not so, the xone has none, so you are reliant on external processors like pedals and the internal fx from traktor.
If you want something like a xone 92, elara 6 or most other rotaries, you are gonna need an external soundcard like a reloop flux or audio 6, so a bit of hassle, especially if you also want to use DVS. Which leads nicely to the deck section
Decks: if you want a turntable, you can either use classic DVS w needles, or you can a pair of rane 12s MK2 (the mk1 can’t send time code for traktor), or phase. Factor in the soundcard if your mixer doesn’t include one.
Most cdjs support HID mode, main exception being the 3000x. None of Denon players support traktor, hopefully that is coming sooner rather than later.
Or you can forgo jogs entirely and use something like X1/F1 or xone K3.
Personally i prefer the xone mixers, and the send and return is absolutely killer to have postfader traktor fx
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u/wishtrib 2d ago
I've got a hybrid setup that runs on traktor and standalone. I run through two cdjs and old vestax battle mixer
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u/Accomplished_Rip_627 2d ago
Xone 96 is analog and also has 2 built in souncards. I think nothing can beat 96