The Digital DJ: A guide to vinyl/CD emulation
News FeedIn the first of our guides tackling the fast paced and sometimes confusing world of modern Digital DJ gear, we bring you the low-down on Vinyl & CD Emulation set ups.
This particular method allows the DJ to control digital audio files (mp3, wav, aiff, etc) on their computer or laptop using time coded records or CDs alongside a traditional DJ set up of a mixer and either vinyl turntables or CD decks. The technology allows them to manipulate audio without relying on a mouse or keys and adds to the performance element by offering a further level of hands on control. Some users personalise their rigs further by adding MIDI controllers or independent samplers or FX units which can be added via USB to your computer where compatable or plugged into the interface or mixer via phone cable.
This format is popular with time served DJs wanting to make the step into the digital arena but also keen to maintain a degree of familiarity it is however also popular with DJs involved in Dubstep or Drum & Bass and within other scenes where the use of vinyl is still heavily championed by aficionados. One of the great benefits of switching to this method is that it can vastly decrease the amount of heavy vinyl carried to gigs while increasing the size of the available music library. For current CD DJs, just imagine not having to squint at roughly scrawled track lists on scraps of paper in dark DJ Booths or discovering that fatally scratched CD as time ticks down on the active deck. Practicalities aside, digital DJing provides new performance and artistic possibilities and believe it or not it can be a lot of fun!
Central to this set up is a laptop or home computer and your chosen platform. Remember that if you want to play bars clubs then mobility of your gear will be important so unless you’re looking at setting up a permanent DJ booth a laptop is often the safest option. The other thing to bear in mind is that the specs of your computer are suitable for your chosen software. We try to list this information near the bottom of our product descriptions but if in doubt our team is always happy to explain things in more depth.
With regards to choosing your platform, there are a number of worthy contenders, from the big guns like Traktor Scratch and Rane for Serato Scratch to innovative and cost effective new-comers such as Reloop’s Spin+. Most of the available packs contain all you need to get started i.e. dedicated software, an audio interface and of course, time coded CDs and vinyl. Some brands offer different versions that deliver specific features or extra channels to allow for the use of more sources e.g. four vinyl decks rather than two. Another new development is digital mixer/interface hybrids complete with software such as the Rane TTM 57SL which cut out the need for an external interface,
It’s is important to remember that in order to get the full functionality from Vinyl or CD emulation at home, you will need to use the software and hardware in conjunction with traditional turntables or DJ CD players and in some cases a mixer. This is often not a problem for existing DJs making the step over to digital as they will often already own this equipment but the extra cost could put off beginners from following this particular route into DJing. Look out for our next guide on digital DJing to learn more about the options available.
Related Products
Native Instruments Traktor Kontrol X1 – DJ Performance Controller
Native Instruments Traktor Kontrol X1 The Traktor Kontrol X1 DJ controller from Native Instruments provides hands on control over looping, syncing, effects and other functions within Traktor. With precision designed knobs and plug & play functionality due to automatic mapping, this sleek yet robust hardware is the perfect controller for all Traktor versions including pro, scratch, duo and the…
Web Price:
155.00Availability:
in stock 
Native Instruments Traktor Duo 2
Power & Simplicity Any track on your computer or in your iTunes® library is ready for mixing – find the right song instantly with the Crate Flick cover art search. With TRAKTOR’s tried and tested beat detection, your mix will always be in time, giving you the foundation to get creative on the effects and EQs. Control the crossfader, EQs,…
Web Price:
79.00Availability:
in stock
Numark Red Wave DJ Headphones
Headphones designed by DJ for DJs RED WAVE headphones are designed specifically for the professional DJ. They employ a comfortable, closed–cup design for great isolation from outside noise. RED WAVE’s large, 50mm neodymium drivers produce clean, powerful output. Designed by DJs for DJs, these headphones have a convenient, swiveling design on one cup so they're easy to wear one-sided between…
Web Price:
59.99Availability:
in stock
Native Instruments Traktor Kontrol S4
Traktor Kontrol S4 is the Ultimate Performance DJ System TRAKTOR KONTROL S4 is the culmination of a 10-year vision. Fusing a premium quality 4-channel DJ mixer, a built-in soundcard, an intuitive controller, and the TRAKTOR PRO S4 software, TRAKTOR KONTROL S4 is the ideal one-stop package for DJs who want pro features, instant usability and go-anywhere portability. Seamless integration…
Web Price:
699.00Availability:
in stock
M-Audio Torq 2.0 DJ Software
DJ Performance Software from the Makers of Pro Tools Torq® 2.0 DJ software takes you beyond beat matching and into the future of DJ performance and real-time production. Don't just spin tracks—reinvent them. Take advantage of all four decks to create unique, complex, and dynamic mixes. Develop your own sound using high-quality, innovative effects and a powerful built-in sampler. Go…
Web Price:
143.00Availability:
in stock
Native Instruments Traktor Kontrol S4 Scratch Update
Upgrade Kit for S4 users allows you to control pitch, scratching, and transport functions of the S4 via analog turntables or CDJs upgrade kit includes TRAKTOR SCRATCH PRO 2 software plus 2 timecode vinyls / 2 CDs does not require the TRAKTOR AUDIO 10 interface, since you connect your turntables & CD decks to the S4 audio…
Web Price:
99.00Availability:
in stock
Rane SL4
TWO COMPUTERS & FOUR DECKS USING YOUR FAVORITE MIXER The SL 4 connects four vinyl turntables or CD players to your computer and the mixer of your choice. Using special control vinyl, CDs or MIDI controllers, you can scratch and mix files from your Mac or Windows computer's CD or hard drive. This intuitive system replicates the traditional DJing experience for…
Web Price:
699.00Availability:
Call 0844 815 0888
Numark NDX400
Play and scratch from MP3s, CDs and USB flash drives.
NDX400 is an advanced scratch MP3/CD player that can also play from a USB flash drive for cutting-edge performance. Numark’s Anti-Shock™ buffered skip-protection technology keeps music playing, even when vibrations might cause other players to skip. Three hot cues and large scratch wheel empower…
Web Price:
199.00Availability:
Call 0844 815 0888
Numark iM9 DJ Mixer with Effects
The iM9 gives you four channels to mix, match and mangle all your music SPICE IT UP The iM9 mixer doesn't stop with simple mixing, it has built-in dedicated three-band EQ controls for custom shaping the sound for any venue, or any mix. Create on-the-fly remixes and stunning song transitions by engaging iM9's high-quality, beat synced effects. Incorporate…
Web Price:
249.99Availability:
Call 0844 815 0888
Stanton STR8-150 Turntable with Free Stanton 680HP Cartridge
In creating the ST.150 / STR8.150, Stanton went back to basics and re-engineered everything. These "no nonsense" turntables have everything professional DJs need, and nothing they don't. That's why the ST.150 (standard S shaped tone arm) and STR8.150 ("skip-proof" straight tone arm) are built first, and foremost with quality in mind. Both models offer durable construction designed to…
Web Price:
499.00Availability:
Call 0844 815 0888
Stanton T.62 Direct-Drive Turntable with Stanton 500 cartridges
The Stanton T.62 comes with Stanton's most popular cartridges. Based on the Stanton Best Selling Favorite, the T.60, it's an easy to operate, direct drive turntable perfect for DJs of any style or experience level. The T.62 features a powerful motor with strong torque and a straight tone arm, which provides superior tracking capability for scratch DJs. The T.62…
Web Price:
149.99Availability:
Call 0844 815 0888
Stanton Uberstand DJ Laptop Stand
The Standon Uberstand laptop stand is an essential tool for the traveling laptop DJ / Musician. Most DJ booths and performance venues were not designed to accommodate a laptop, which creates a hassle for the DJ in many spaces. The Uberstand alleviates this issue. Folded, the Uberstand is the perfect travel companion to your laptop. Unfolded, its striking industrial…
Web Price:
79.99Availability:
Call 0844 815 0888
Stanton STR8-150 Turntables (2) & Numark M6 USB Mixer DJ Starter Pack
The Stanton STR8-150 "no nonsense" turntables have everything professional DJs need, and nothing they don't - and now that you can get two of them with a free Numark M6 USB mixer they make the perfect setup for a first-time DJ too. In creating the ST.150 / STR8.150, Stanton went back to basics and re-engineered everything. These "no nonsense"…
Web Price:
918.00Availability:
Call 0844 815 0888
Stanton M.203 2-Channel Mixer + Free Headphones
Stanton M.203 2-Channel Mixer + Free DJ Headphones Pound for pound, the M.203 provides the most robust feature set in this price category. With full rotary 3-band EQ per channel, a rugged alpha crossfader with an ultra-accurate FET-isolated "cut" setting and fader starts (perfect for Stanton's C-series CD players) – the M.203 provides DJs with every feature they need to start…
Web Price:
89.00Availability:
Call 0844 815 0888
