What should I buy...TRAKTOR SCRATCH DUO or SCRATCH PRO? (or SERATO SL1?)

Guys,

I understand each product (eg. TSD, TSP, or SL1/SL3) is different in its own way (sound quality, GUI, sound effect board) and each of these have its pros and cons.

I am needing some help deciding which suits me better. Therefore it would be super if I could get some opinions/recommendations/thoughts on which product you think is better (for me that is).

I mainly use CDJ-1000 and CDJ-800 (occasionally CDJ-100).

My current dj'ing method:

- As mentioned above, using mainly CDJs to mix tracks
- I like to use 'vinyl mode' button on the CDJ quite frequently (to scratch)
- I like using the 'cue', 'play', and 'tempo' (occassionally 'master tempo') on the CDJ
- I don't use much (sound) effects
- So pretty much I'm using this software tool for my main music library and not to carry around a CD case.
- My current laptop is EEE PC 1000H, 1GIG Ram, 1.6GHz, 10.1inch screen (I know its recommended to get more RAM and bigger screen size...so yep, I have been considering getting a new laptop, possibly an APPLE. Problems running TSD/TSP on Apple?)

RANDOM QUESTION: Does the RCA cables play a big factor in the quality of sound?


I've done some research into TSD, TSP, and SL1. I've heard mixed bad & good stories and technical issues here and there. This is the main reason why I'm posting this thread. I heard SL1 has a better user-friendlier GUI but SL1 has poorer quality sound compared to the TSD even though both are considered to have 16bit sound quality.

BE GREAT FOR SOME THOUGHTS/OPINIONS. Cheers!

Henry

 

on the cables, sh*t cables will affect the sound, but semi-decent ones over short lengths are no issue

as for what you should get.. firstly a new laptop - I doubt the EEEPC will have the grunt to run traktor

secondly, the only functional differences between TSP and TSD software are the number of decks (4 vs. 2) and effects. There are a few other little things that might make the TSP software worthwhile (comparison chart here)

as for the hardware - TSD comes with the Audio4DJ, and TSP with the Audio8DJ - the A8DJ has a few advantages, 4 stereo ins and outs (for four decks, or 2/3 decks + recording out of a mixer) and a MIDI port (may not have much use with most controllers being USB capable) other than that the sound quality is identical, with 24bit/96khz capability

if you can't see yourself using more than 2 decks for the forseeable future, go with Traktor Scratch Duo, as you can always update to the TSP software later on (it works fine with the A4DJ)

no idea about Serato's offerings sorry, but hope that info helps

 

In my opinion, I would go for TSP (keep this in mind, I just bought TSP 2 weeks ago, was using TP before hand).... I was LOVE using 4 decks, to me thats a major plus about Traktor. Also by having 4 decks you might want to use 2 Turntables with 2 CDJ'S, or 4 CDJ'S (you would already have that option). The Audio 8 is a huge factor (4 IN & 4 OUT as DJ STICK said). I know nothing about the Audio 4 cause I don't have it. If i remember correctly I think its a difference of $250 more for TSP, which if your gonna spend a good amount of money, whats a few dollars more if your gonna get more out of the deal. I really don't know anything about Serato, so I can't compare. But, before I bought Traktor I did do alot if research, which I'm sure your doing the same. I would go for TSP in my opinion! Good luck!

 

Hi dj_stick and brooklyndrew, thanks for your thoughts on the equipment. You guys have clarified alot on both TS's.

I only use 2 CDJs/turntables at a time, and majority of the time its with CDJs. If TSD is not much different to TSP, then I will consider TSD. I actually had it in the back of my mind but just needed a 2nd opinion on TSD.

By looking at the TSD requirements, my EEE PC actually passes the Req'ts minimum. Though once I get it, I'll have it installed and we will see how sustainable/durable it is to use.

A question: my EEE PC doesn't have a DVD ROM, nor do I have an external portable DVD (USB) connector. There is an installation DVD that comes with the TSD package...Is it possible to copy the installation files from the DVD, load it into external hard disk drive, and then transfer the files from the external drive to the EEE PC (would that work)?

 

of you can just use the Traktor Demo install, then enter your serial number in the Service Center, which activates it as whatever edition you purchased

is your EEEPC based on the Atom architecture, or something else? if it's Atom... you're probably out of luck, it's not really designed for intensive apps like Traktor, but as I mentioned above, give the demo a whirl (timecode probably won't work, but you'll be able to use the internal mixing mode, just be wary that the timecode processing probably requires a little more overhead than just the internal mode)

 

For reduced performance PCs like Atom Based netbook, I'd say that older generation software and hardware will work better.. so I'd stick to a Serato SL1 which was designed at a time when 2ghz Core2duo processors were not the standards .

For installation, just download the files off the manufacturer's site.. they'll be fresher than the ones on CDs /

 

In my opinion this is just buying yourself trouble.

I know people will tell you that you can run Traktor on an EEEPC, hell no doubt someone could get it running on on a calculator if they really wanted to.

Its not a good idea.

You could end up with a whole world of issues.

I say do it properly or dont do it at all.

"Just cus ya can, doesnt mean ya should" - Phil Lewis

 

I managed to get Traktor to work on my EEEPC (same specs) but... had to run a very high latency to prevent audio issues. Also couldn't use key lock and effects and multiple effects without the processor utilisation getting uncomfortably high. Also not enough screen real-estate to show all modules in traktor at the same time... Definitely upgrade your computer. I'm very glad I did.

 

Serato SL-1.

*ducks*

 

SL3... you can record your sets with it... no fuss no muss, clean interface, no steep system requirements...

 

Are you really recommending that someone should buy Serato on the Traktor Forum?

May the Gods smite you with Fire & Brimstone.!

 

i honestly regret getting traktor scratch pro.....i should have just gotten serato.....traktor is too much of a holy bitch to set up....serato is almost just plug and play and u got everything u really need...and its simple...

 

Well, based on what he said he would use the DVS for and including the specs of his machine, realistically the SL3 would suit his needs better...

I own both TSP and SSL, so I am exempt from brimstone and fire and such. haha.

 

Looking at the machine it definitely needs to use the previous generation of software and hardware and Serato definitely surpasses Finalscratch .. (I would not even go for SL3. I should run OK but still SL1 would be safer )

The real clever move would of course be to buy a decent DJing laptop and a Traktor Scratch pro package of course.