Performance Pads<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\nIt\u2019s not a universal feature, but many DJ controllers have performance pads beneath their jogwheels. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
You can assign little slices of audio or effects to each pad in the grid, meaning you can use the controller kind of like an instrument as your beat plays beneath.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
CDJs never have performance pads, but some newer models have similar performance-based features accessible via touchscreen displays.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Benefits of Performance Pads<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n- Interactivity<\/strong> \u2014 Performance pads afford us another element of musical interactivity and manipulation. Used artfully, they can make for a more dynamic show.<\/li>
- Tactility<\/strong> \u2014 Performance pads also bring a satisfying tactility to performing, helping us to get into the zone.<\/li><\/ul>\n\n\n\n
Drawbacks of Performance Pads<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n- No Distractions<\/strong> \u2014 Without performance pads, you can focus solely on atmosphere, song choice, and mixing, which can be just as, if not, more <\/em>enjoyable for your audience.<\/li><\/ul>\n\n\n\n
All-in-One Vs Discrete Setups<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\nCDJs are much smaller than controllers, but here\u2019s the thing\u2026 Although you can get away with playing shows with one if you have a laptop handy, for true mixing power, you\u2019re going to need two CDJs.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
On the other hand, DJ controllers are a completely self-contained beat-making package, and, comparatively speaking, they\u2019re pretty lightweight too.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Benefits of All-in-One Units<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n- Price <\/strong>\u2014 DJ controllers are always more affordable than two CDJs and a discrete mixer, which is part of the reason they\u2019re so popular among beginners.<\/li>
- Portability<\/strong> \u2014 Although CDJs are individual units, they\u2019re actually pretty bulky, and seeing as you have to ferry two of them about plus a mixer, they can be a real pain for mobile DJs. That said, you may not have to (more on that in just a sec).<\/li>
- Quicker Setup<\/strong> \u2014 Less hardware means fewer cables means faster setups.<\/li><\/ul>\n\n\n\n
Benefits of Discrete Setups<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n- Greater Control<\/strong> \u2014 If you purchase your rig as individual units, you get more of a say in how they feel, what they can do, and how you use them. <\/li><\/ul>\n\n\n\n
Jogwheels<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\nJogwheels are the circular part of controller and CDJ interfaces. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
They give us a very tactile way to pause\/cue music, beatmatch, and, of course, scratch, but, although these devices share this feature, jogwheels on CDJs tend to be quite a bit larger than those found on controllers.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Benefits of Big Jogwheels<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n- Analog Feel<\/strong> \u2014 Big jogwheels will feel more like real vinyl, providing more of a tactile experience. As such, they can be instrumental in smoothing out a turntable DJ\u2019s transition to the digital medium.<\/li>
- Better for Scratching<\/strong> \u2014 You can still scratch on small jogwheels, but it feels a lot nicer if you\u2019ve got plenty of room to work with.<\/li><\/ul>\n\n\n\n
Drawbacks Of Big Jogwheels<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n- Larger Footprint <\/strong>\u2014 There aren\u2019t really any downsides to larger jogwheels on CDJs, but a DJ controller with CDJ-style jogwheels may have a larger footprint.<\/li><\/ul>\n\n\n\n
Industry Prominence And Club Gigs<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\nThere\u2019s a reason you\u2019ll hear CDJs referred to as \u201cclub gear\u201d, and that\u2019s because most club venues will have two CDJs waiting for you in the booth, and you\u2019ll be expected to use them.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
You may think it\u2019s cool to shift the in-house equipment around to fit a large controller in what can be a pretty small booth, but establishment owners don\u2019t take kindly to this, as it can make transitions between you and the next DJ a bit messy.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Benefits of Using CDJs<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n- Light Load<\/strong> \u2014 Remember when I said you might not have to worry about lugging your heavy CDJs about? Well, this is why \u2014 the venue will probably already have two waiting for you.<\/li>
- Layout <\/strong>\u2014 You can practice on a similar setup to the one you\u2019ll be using in the venue, ensuring your performance is airtight.<\/li>
- Transitions<\/strong> \u2014 Sticking with the methods adopted by a venue streamlines set transitions.<\/li><\/ul>\n\n\n\n
Benefits Of Using DJ Controller<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n- Layout (sometimes)<\/strong> \u2014 All-in-one controllers with screens will have the same layout as a CDJ club rig.<\/li><\/ul>\n\n\n\n
Besides that, there are no benefits for controllers in this category, I\u2019m afraid. But we are starting to see a shift in perspective on the topic, with controllers becoming more and more popular for live performances across a wider range of venues.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
DJ Controller Vs CDJ: Which Is Right For You?<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\nWhether a DJ controller or CDJ setup is right for you depends on your personal preferences, skill level, budget, and the types of shows you\u2019re going to be playing.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
A controller is a more cost-effective, space-kind way to cut your teeth and get involved with your local scene if you’re just starting out. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
However, there\u2019s no disputing that a full CDJ setup should <\/em>be what you\u2019re aiming for eventually, as that\u2019s what you\u2019ll be expected to use at your club gigs.<\/p>\n\n\n\nA good middle-of-the-road option would be to invest in something like a controller with a screen, such as the Pioneer DJ XDJ-RX2<\/a>, as the layout will be nearly identical to a CDJ rig, helping to prepare you for your future club vacancies.<\/p>\n\n\n