Spinning with records or cd's: Which do you prefer???

[KBallenger53]

What's up Party People?

I have a little question I'd like to ask everyone on the board. What do you guys prefer to spin with, records or cd's:icon_question: Since we're heading into the future of modern technology, Inquiring Minds Would Like To Know!!!

I'll give my opinion a little later!

'NUFF SAID

[BrunoRepublic]

You're talking about the future of modern technology, but you don't mention MP3s? There are plenty of laptop DJs already.

Many young people regard both LPs and CDs as obsolete technology, so to them this would be like asking about their preference of 8-track vs. cassette.

[mrkick20000]

What's up Party People?

I have a little question I'd like to ask everyone on the board. What do you guys prefer to spin with, records or cd's:icon_question: Since we're heading into the future of modern technology, Inquiring Minds Would Like To Know!!!

I'll give my opinion a little later!

'NUFF SAID

I prefer CDs in spinning because I have more CDs than records now, it is easier to handle for me, and I would like not to wear beloved records anymore :)

[drlove]

Not being a professional deejay (I "spin" for my own pleasure:icon_lol:) ....... If I wanna hear a track I have on both cd and vinyl, I'm going with the vinyl as it's MUCH more fun to grab something BIG & groove-y versus something small and shiny.

[needlefingers]

I agree with BrunoRepublic.

I work with CD's today, and love the ability to still be hands on. Even more, I love the easy addition to loop and add effects, not only on the fly, but all on the same hardware/CD turntable/mixer.

I also admit to premixing ahead of time. Anywhere from 2 songs to "mini-mega-mixes of matching melodic medleys" (say that 3 times real fast).

It's the way of the world today.

But I am moving into the laptop/mp3 world of mixing.

[STEPHEN L FREEMAN]

Vinyl, whenever possible. 3 reasons why:

1) I've been at it since '76 and I (personally) feel that I have more "control" when working with a vinyl disc. I only use a CD if it's an unreleased mix, that I need to use. Like one of my Hot Tracks mixes, that was a "bonus" cut, from any particular issue.

2) Over the last couple years it's become a novelty for Clubs & Parties to hire DJ's who use vinyl because it's visually, more interesting. I have every release that's available on colored vinyl, or picture disc. As well as, tons of blank-labelled copies. And customers do get a kick out of that stuff. :icon_biggrin:

3) So many DJs that use CD, also have their "mixes" on those discs. Using a computer to create a mix, then playing it off the Disc at a club... Well... It just smacks of cheating. Technology replaces Talent. Add to that the modern-day, marathon, empty-beat intros that DJs have to work with... And seriously, anyone can do that. Granted, the old-skool DJs that get so much praise, used to do the pre-recorded sets thing, too. Just on reel-to-reel, instead of CD. (if you were by the booth and knew what to look for, you could catch it) But it offended me just as much then, as it does, now.

[andyy]

Call me old fashioned but i love my vinyl and always will nothing beats for me anyway spinning my vinyl , i dont have a cd player or cds and in fact tonight we had a great time spinning all those fabulous disco records from Average White Band to everything in between to Yarborough and peebles.

[JussiK]

Vinyl. Nothing to do with being old fashioned. Even the mention of cds or seratos will brand you for life in the better circles, you'll be known as uncool, unprofessional, a commercial dj, not an artisan. Suggest cds or serato and you'll never get invited to spin where the cool djs spin quality music. Moog in Barcelona, Java in Paris, any hip club in Tokyo - cds? Don't be daft. Still, the occasional promo-only cd track can be sneaked in during sessions in commercial clubs if absolutely necessary, without losing face. Take note that's Promo ONLY, no commercially available product. "But I need to travel, vinyls are so heavy...". Stop whining, you got two arms and a back, just carry the damn bags !:-)

[mrkick20000]

Vinyl. Nothing to do with being old fashioned. Even the mention of cds or seratos will brand you for life in the better circles, you'll be known as uncool, unprofessional, a commercial dj, not an artisan. Suggest cds or serato and you'll never get invited to spin where the cool djs spin quality music. Moog in Barcelona, Java in Paris, any hip club in Tokyo - cds? Don't be daft. Still, the occasional promo-only cd track can be sneaked in during sessions in commercial clubs if absolutely necessary, without losing face. Take note that's Promo ONLY, no commercially available product. "But I need to travel, vinyls are so heavy...". Stop whining, you got two arms and a back, just carry the damn bags !:-)

Hi Jussi,

Sorry, I am interested in getting Serato (though rather expensive !) as a kind of new-tech chaser :) I am only a disco maniac, not a professional dj, and have not spinned even at a local party or small clubs for years. It's just the easiest way for me to listen to disco tracks on CDs and at times make mix-CDs at home for fun. Also there is no problem with CD's sound quality and artistry for me, although many point out there is. But let me respect your stance, and I guess many other disco aficionados and pro-djs in most cases prefer vinyls to CDs with good reason

[VINYLLIFE]

:icon_eek::icon_eek::icon_eek::icon_eek:
I need to smell it...touch it...sometimes when nobody's looking I might even lick it. Vinyl runs in my blood. I ve always wanted to know how a dj can see the break comming on a cd? With vinyl you can see the sweet spot. Not old fashioned,....just passionate.

[andyy]

Glad to hear that many feel vinyl is not old fashioned but so many modern collectors and music lovers around always say how cds are so much better but i have to disagree . Whats a little exercise carrying vinyl around what other way keeps you fit and and you also get a reward when you play it its pure magic spinning and spinning with needle on the groove.

[shives]

I much prefer vinyl. It's much easier to control when mixing, and easier (for me) to jump back and forth to different parts of the song.

That said, I've been moving into mixing mp3s lately just because of the physical space that vinyl takes up.

[KBallenger53]

Looks like vinyl is winning the race so far. I tend to prefer vinyl too because, after spinning with them for 32 years, it's kind of hard: "To teach an old dog, new tricks"!!!:icon_lol: Right Steve!!!

But after reading the replies, I can dig where all of you are coming from. CD's are lighter and more compact. You can put up to 20 records, depending on the length of the cut, on one disc, thus eliminating the number of crates that you would have to carry to a Gig. (And boy did I get enough workouts!!! Imagine having to go up 20 flights of stairs because the elevator is broken!!!)

Quote by Steve: "3) So many DJs that use CD, also have their "mixes" on those discs. Using a [COLOR=blue! important][COLOR=blue! important]computer[/COLOR][/COLOR] to create a mix, then playing it off the Disc at a club... Well... It just smacks of cheating. [COLOR=blue! important][COLOR=blue! important]Technology[/COLOR][/COLOR]

replaces Talent. Add to that the modern-day, marathon, empty-beat intros that DJs have to work with... And seriously, anyone can do that. Granted, the old-skool DJs that get so much praise, used to do the pre-recorded sets thing, too. Just on reel-to-reel, instead of CD. (if you were by the booth and knew what to look for, you could catch it) But it offended me just as much then, as it does, now".

I totally agree with you on this one Steve, and I am also guilty of using my 3hr reel towards the end of the night to take a breather, grab a drink from the bar, or to get some chick's number that I've been eyeing all night!!! But here's another problem that I'm sure you can relate to. Have you ever run into cats that say they can't spin on your turntables?

Let me tell y'all something, as long as I've been spinning (since '76), I've never owned a pair of Techniques 1200's!!! Hard to believe? I love them to death though, but a true D.J. can spin on anything!!! I started out with some old Techniques B101 belt drive turntables!!! When I finally had to "send them out to pasture", I bought me a pair of black Gemini XL-1800QII turntables that I still have to this day. (Have to dust them off at least once a week though)

But I met one guy that told me that he can only spin on 1200's, and he wasn't really all that great to me!!! Over the course of years I've spun on every name brand, and cheap turntables that were made in Taiwan!!! But to me the trickiest turntables to spin on were those THORENS!!! And if there's anyone who's never had the experience to use them, I'm sure Steve can also tell you, you've got to know what you're doing with them.

First of all, they've got a thick platter, like the old record players that I had in Kindergarden class. Secondly, they're belt driven so don't expect that quick take off as you would a 1200. Thirdly, because the platter is so heavy, the record will drag before it takes off, so you have to push it to get it going. But, once you've learned to master a Thoren, you've mastered them all!!!

And I don't know how true this is but, I've heard rumors about new turntables coming out that can automatically adjust to the pitch of the other cut that is playing to make it easier for the New Jacks coming up!!! Man that's cheating for sure!!! That's the same as baking a Duncan Hines cake in the microwave, instead of setting your oven at 350!!! Has anybody heard about these?

'NUFF SAID

[qdearl]

Though I do love my vinyl, I much prefer spinning with CD's (for all the reasons already mentioned) I do understand the cats that have been doing this so long, and they're so damn good at it!, that they just prefer their vinyl(if it ain't broke, don't fix it....) But like many, I'm a techno geek, so once I the CD era came, I had to try it out, believe me it was slow in coming, we stuck to vinyl for a couple years after the CD turntable explosion, I didn't really want to change over, until Denon introduced their player, why? Because the platter spins:icon_lol: So even though I was all for the compactness afforded with the smaller CD players and smaller books of CD's I still need to see something spinning when I'm playing.
Also, with the way most Party/Event/Club audiences are today....fickle, and self centered, you need to have as much ammo with you as possible, cause there's no telling what songs you may end up having to play to keep the crowd pleased before the night is over.
I don't however, condone the use of pre mixed sets to get you through the night, it's ok if maybe you're having some technical difficulties or equipment breakdown, and need to keep the party moving, while you figure it out, but it shouldn't be the norm for any guy calling himself a DJ:icon_cool:
I could never understand how a DJ would do that anyway, you're supposed to be vibing off the crowd and feeling the music, so how do you know which way the energy will flow? That was another part of the reason we went from vinyl to CD, we'd get somewhere start playing, get into it, then realize we didn't bring THAT song cause we thought we'd be going in THIS direction musically
That doesn't happen so much anymore....

....and yes we are moving towards the laptop/hard drive scenerio.
(But I still won't sell any of my vinyl....)

[needlefingers]

I do find it kind of naïve (and I’m sorry to say, “pompous”) for anyone to presume they know better about any one DJ’s performance and job. Because let’s face it, some have to do it for work and not just love of DJing.

There are DJ’s for all kinds of venues, avenues and occasions and to assume that all have the luxury of just toting vinyl around from gig to gig is a myth long dead. Along with the music, I have to supply the turntables and sound system and a light system. I have to act/perform as MC and sometimes Host for the event. I have to keep the show on a schedule and be ready to ad lib both music and talk when things go wrong or are running late. I have to run lights, talk on the mike, greet the clients guests and listen to their requests, pass out disco paraphernalia , such as whistles and glow necklaces, and even sometimes get out on the floor to lead a dance (splits are extra: $72.50 plus tax.).

To have a few pre-mixed medleys or a two or three song combo not only frees up precious time, but also tackles what are usually the crowd favorites. To do a 6 to 10 minute greatest radio hits medley also allows a lot of requests to be filled at once. And how is premixing any different from the Disconet series?

Furthermore, I am not selling the DJ (although I do promote myself), as much as I am selling the ambience.

My clients are more on the high-end and spend very little time worrying about who the DJ is?

And when you are doing a three hour gig for a corporate or non-profit client, you have to consider that there is time for dinner and presentations. Meaning you are left with basically 90 minutes to work with your clients guests.

Technology is a wonderful thing that actually allows more creativity. It was only eighty years ago people were sitting around waiting for the radio tubes to warm up so that they could listen to three hours of what had to be live performances. We are way past that.

About eight years ago, I decided to look to add other opportunities to my life. I took a journey to rediscover what makes my heart sing. And I found it. It was disco. And when I did DJ in the late 70’s and early 80’s, it was the best time of my life.

When I went to rediscover it, I noticed it had changed. CD’s, CD players, computers, sampling, looping, on the fly effects.

I asked myself “ Do I want to be a dinosaur or an archeologist?” A dinosaur can be fun, but many fall into the tar pits and sink to the bottom. As an archeologist, I get to rediscover the dinosaur and put him up for all to see. I can put it together anyway I want to fit a custom audience and then tear it all back apart again, to rebuild for another audience.

I’m not trying to insult anybody. Some dinosaurs can be dinosaurs all their life. Liza Minnelli. Jack Nicholson. I just decided at mid-life, I needed to be an archeologist.

So I went to school and learned computers and audio engineering. And I was at the top of my class, beating all the twenty somethings who grew up with the technology. Why? Because I knew what the end product should sound like. And that is what I get hired for.

I am not astonished that vinyl is personal choice for some. Or many. But there are a lot of ways to get the message across. In this instance, at least for me, the message is the music.

I don’t feel the need to defend myself on this matter, even thought I did take some comments as an insult. But I do want to stand up for those who read this thread so that whatever choice they make, they don’t feel the intimidation, or fear of a choice, that a “dinosaur” can sometimes cause.

And I don’t have any reason to feel ashamed for anything. Well……there was that incident in a bathhouse in Buffalo….BUT THAT GUY ASKED ME TO DO THAT! We did settle out of court; I cast him as the lead in a road show of Hello Dolly. Well he could sing the part now.

Just remember, there are all kinds of DJ’s, and I would be willing to bet that some of you could not give the performance I give some nights. And vice-versa.

[STEPHEN L FREEMAN]

I do find it kind of naïve (and I’m sorry to say, “pompous”) for anyone to presume they know better about any one DJ’s performance and job. Because let’s face it, some have to do it for work and not just love of DJing....

I don't even wanna know where all that anger came from. But I didn't read anyone "presuming to know better about any one DJ's performance and job."

If you're referring to my comment...? Well, I've never done a corporate gig and my hat's off to you for having the patience to do them. Having to do all those other things, besides DJing? I can barely walk and chew gum at the same time. I'd end-up going postal before the night was through.

BUT... I DO know about my arena. In a club... Straight-up DJing... Where you're only job, is keeping that floor going at full-tilt, all night. Whether it be 150 obnoxious drunks who wanna hear Madonna all night... Or 2000 people who WILL turn on you in a freakin' heartbeat, if you blow it.

And in that situation...? Yeah... It pisses me off when DJ's cheat.

[needlefingers]

I really didn't write it in anger Stephen, and if it came across as such, I am sorry to you and anyone else. Read the line calmly and that's how I felt. I was just trying, more or less, to be direct in that comment.

It was some of what you said and what others said. I just wanted to point out that there are all kinds of DJ's and my own belief is that they are all artists' to different degrees. And that all DJ's are entertainers too, thus falling into the 'show business" catagory, which allows for some trickery or illusions.

And I also did not want anyone who works with CD's, as a preference, to feel any less for their choice.

In any case, these are my busy two weeks and I know I'm going to give it my all and get those fat asses on the floor.

BTW, DJing for me is sideline work. I freelance in the audio feild, but jobs have been drying up and I am actually doing more DJing this season, just to keep the bucks in.

I may actually have to go back to acting.....if they will take a "dinosaur" like me. :icon_mrgreen:

PS I do understand why a club DJ would use vinyl. I would probably want to also. And I still do buy vinyl.

[STEPHEN L FREEMAN]

I just wanted to point out that there are all kinds of DJ's and my own belief is that they are all artists' to different degrees. And that all DJ's are entertainers too, thus falling into the 'show business" catagory, which allows for some trickery or illusions.

Point taken.

I may actually have to go back to acting.....if they will take a "dinosaur" like me.

Thankfully, whenever the economy goes sour, entertainment is the field that rebounds first. People go dancing, and see shows, so they can forget that they're broke. Like, right after the stock market crash...

"Mame, you need to get into something steady... like acting."

[andyy]

To those of you who have read my previous post you will know i love my vinyl as oppose to cd. I think to everybody who loves music and if it is your full time work or part time job or just for pleasure we all have our personal reasons of choosing an ideal format.
One thing i have noticed which has not been said is yes cd is compact in size takes up less room, you can carry lots of them without your arms feeling like you have workd out at the gym. But you get that horrible skiddding which is so embasessing for those entertainment people and quickly the DJ has to rectify this in lightning time.
Ask yourself this if vinyl iis damaged and it snap crackle and pops in a loud venue with anything from fifty people to hunderds of people what is more irritating to the public a pop or a skiddding of the CD.
Texchnology has not yet got rid of that yet in CD format anyway so the older Vinyl will once again pip to the post.
I think in times like we live in lot of people who treasure their vinyl are reluctant to take it out to a venue just in case some of the vinyl walks away when their backs are turned .
For the home audio fanatic the vinyl junkie the one who plays music for pleasure we have the best world because we can play our vinyl in the privacy of our homes and treasure it forever, and we dont have the pressure which DJs must have to undertake even though the majority must enjoy and love their work.
To sum up i guess a mix of CD and vinyl would be the balance for a DJ and if one format lets him or her down then they have a backup of entertainment format. but for me i can choose what i want and when i want to play it because thats what a vinyl lover can do collect and collect even if it does take up so much space nothing in my opinion beats the feel the smell and oh my gosh the mellow sound ah pure heaven.

[Noman]

I have only worked with Vinyl. As a resident DJ in several big venues, as guest DJ on different clubs and on the road. At that time I had no choice. (The CD wasn't invented) Of cource I love Vinyl.
Today I want this gizmo and use all my digitized vinyls in uncompressed format on harddiscs.

You can attach a vinyl record on top of the High Torque Direct Driven plattter for a real analog feel

I want it for christmas !!!!

DENON DNHS 5500

[STEPHEN L FREEMAN]

Today I want this gizmo and use all my digitized vinyls in uncompressed format on harddiscs.

You can attach a vinyl record on top of the High Torque Direct Driven plattter for a real analog feelDENON DNHS 5500

Now THAT'S a pretty piece of hardware I'd love to get my hands on!

[KBallenger53]

I have only worked with Vinyl. As a resident DJ in several big venues, as guest DJ on different clubs and on the road. At that time I had no choice. (The CD wasn't invented) Of cource I love Vinyl.
Today I want this gizmo and use all my digitized vinyls in uncompressed format on harddiscs.

You can attach a vinyl record on top of the High Torque Direct Driven plattter for a real analog feel

I want it for christmas !!!!

DENON DNHS 5500

That sounds very interesting, but how exactly does it work? Can I use conventional vinyl records on it? Will it play them without using a diamond tipped stylus needle? It'd be Out of Sight if it could!!!

But has anybody heard of these new computerized turntables that can automatically adjust to pitch/bpms of the other turntable that is playing? I've heard rumors of them, but it sounds just too good to be true to me!!!

'NUFF SAID

[qdearl]

I have only worked with Vinyl. As a resident DJ in several big venues, as guest DJ on different clubs and on the road. At that time I had no choice. (The CD wasn't invented) Of cource I love Vinyl.
Today I want this gizmo and use all my digitized vinyls in uncompressed format on harddiscs.

You can attach a vinyl record on top of the High Torque Direct Driven plattter for a real analog feel

I want it for christmas !!!!

DENON DNHS 5500

:icon_eek::icon_eek::icon_eek:Ooohhh Yeeaaahhhh.....Those are the next step for me, I'm hoping(praying, consulting the ouija board...) the price will come down some within the next six months, it's just a little too steep for me right now.

Yes, you absolutely can attach a vinyl 45 to the platter (You can also do this with the 3500's) and the platter spins at 2 speeds, 33 & 45! & just like the 5000's there's that Denon Alpha track, which gives you the ability to play 2 tracks simultaneously off the same CD, meaning you could do a party with just 1 player. Optional Hardrive instead of the CD Drive, and with Denon's included music software you don't even need to buy additional programs like Serato run manage your files. You can have 1 player with a HD the other with a CD drive link them with an optical cable, plug in an external drive via usb and have access on both players to every file in every location:icon_smile: include the on board effects and that direct drive feel, what more do you need!

[mrkick20000]

I have been using for around 15 yrs Pioneer CDJ series that used to virtulally monopolize the digital turntable market. In recent years rivaling Denon has developed new tech. machines consecutively. As I see the demo in the YouTube, DENON DNHS 5500 looks attractive, even I have a mind to buy it in near future???---mainly because you need only one machine! But I am not sure that I can familialize myself as there are too many complex functions in it:icon_eek:

[KBallenger53]

I have been using for around 15 yrs Pioneer CDJ series that used to virtulally monopolize the digital turntable market. In recent years rivaling Denon has developed new tech. machines consecutively. As I see the demo in the YouTube, DENON DNHS 5500 looks attractive, even I have a mind to buy it in near future???---mainly because you need only one machine! But I am not sure that I can familialize myself as there are too many complex functions in it:icon_eek:

The cheapest price I've seen for these machines are $870.00!!! Does it come with an open bar?!?

As the song said: "Can it be that it was all so simple then, or has time re-written every line, and if we had the chance to do it all again, tell me, could we, would we"???:icon_idea:

'NUFF SAID