DJing has come a long way since the days of vinyl records and turntables. Today's technology has pushed the boundaries of what's possible, bringing new levels of creativity and precision to the art of mixing. One of the most exciting developments in recent years is the rise of motorised jog wheels on DJ controllers. With the recent release of the Rane Performer the talk of motorised jog wheels has never been more prevalent. If you're a DJ or aspiring to become one, understanding this technology could be a game-changer for your performances.
What Are Motorised Jog Wheels?
At its core, a jog wheel is a circular interface on a DJ controller used to manipulate the playback of music tracks. Traditionally, jog wheels are non-motorised, meaning they don't spin on their own. You have to manually move them to control the track. However, motorised jog wheels are different—they mimic the feel of a turntable platter by spinning like a vinyl record, offering a more authentic scratching and mixing experience.
Why Motorised Jog Wheels Matter
The introduction of motorised jog wheels brings us back to the tactile, hands-on feel of DJing with vinyl, but with the convenience and versatility of digital technology. For many DJs, this is the best of both worlds. It allows for more precise control over tracks, making it easier to perform complex scratches, beat juggling, and other advanced techniques.
Real-Life Examples
Take the Rane One, for instance. This DJ controller has motorised jog wheels that provide the same tactile feedback as a traditional turntable. When you touch the jog wheel, you can feel it spinning beneath your fingers, allowing for incredibly precise manipulation of your tracks. Similarly, the Pioneer DJ Rev 7 offers motorised platters designed to emulate the feel of vinyl, making it a favorite among turntablists and scratch DJs.
The Evolution of DJ Gear: From Turntables to Digital Decks
To appreciate the impact of motorised jog wheels, it's worth taking a brief look at the evolution of DJ gear.
The Era of Vinyl Turntables
Back in the day, DJs relied solely on vinyl turntables. Brands like Technics became legendary for their durable and high-quality decks. DJs would carry crates of records to gigs, manually beatmatching and scratching with their hands on the vinyl.
The Shift to CDJs and Digital Controllers
As technology advanced, the industry saw the introduction of CDJs and digital controllers. These offered DJs the ability to play digital music files, reducing the need to carry physical records. Pioneer’s CDJs, like the CDJ-2000NXS2, became industry standards, offering features like looping, hot cues, and sync functions that made mixing easier and more versatile.
Enter Motorised Jog Wheels
Motorised jog wheels bridge the gap between these two eras. They bring the tactile, hands-on control of vinyl to the digital age. Digital turntable controllers like the Denon SC6000M and the Rane One have incorporated motorised jog wheels, making them popular choices for DJs who want the best of both worlds.
The Top Contenders: Rane One, Pioneer DJ Rev 7, and Denon SC6000M
Let's dive into some of the top DJ controllers that feature motorised jog wheels. Each of these has its own unique features and strengths, catering to different styles and preferences.
Rane 12 Mk2
The Rane 12 is the first most obvious choice. This DJ controller mimics a DJ turntable. With a 12 inch motorised plater, digital pitch control and on off switch for deck shut downs these decks are the obvious choice for turntablists all around the world. Now on the Mk2 version, they have everything you need for a fully functional Serato DJ deck.
Rane One
The Rane One is a standout with its motorised platters that closely mimic the feel of traditional turntables. It’s built like a tank, with a solid metal chassis and high-quality components. The Rane One is perfect for scratch DJs and those who want that authentic turntable experience in a compact, digital format.
Pioneer DJ Rev 7
The Pioneer DJ Rev 7 is another excellent option, particularly for turntablists. Its motorised jog wheels provide a responsive and realistic feel, and it’s packed with features designed for creative mixing and scratching. Pioneer has a long-standing reputation for quality, and the Rev 7 is no exception.
Denon SC6000M
The Denon SC6000M is a digital media player with motorised jog wheels that offer the tactile feedback of vinyl. It’s known for its robust build quality and extensive feature set, including a large touch screen, WiFi connectivity for streaming, and dual-layer playback, allowing you to play two tracks from a single deck.
The Future: Will Pioneer CDJs Get Motorised Jog Wheels?
One of the big questions in the DJ world is whether Pioneer will incorporate motorised jog wheels into their flagship CDJs. While nothing is confirmed, it's certainly a possibility given the popularity of motorised jog wheels among DJs. If Pioneer does take this step, it could set a new standard in the industry, blending the best aspects of vinyl and digital DJing in their iconic CDJ format.
Making the Buying Decision: A Step-by-Step Guide
Choosing the right DJ controller with motorised jog wheels can be overwhelming. Here’s a step-by-step guide to help you make an informed decision.
Step 1: Assess Your Needs
First, consider what you need from your DJ controller. Are you a scratch DJ looking for the most authentic vinyl feel? Or are you more focused on features like looping, hot cues, and effects? Understanding your priorities will help narrow down your options.
Step 2: Set Your Budget
DJ gear can be expensive, so it’s important to set a budget. High-end controllers like the Rane One and Pioneer DJ Rev 7 can be pricey, but they offer professional-level features and build quality. If you're just starting out, you might look for more affordable options.
Step 3: Research Reviews and Demos
Once you have a shortlist of potential controllers, dive into reviews and video demos. Sites like DJ TechTools, YouTube, and various DJ forums are excellent resources for real-world feedback and performance demonstrations.
Step 4: Visit a Store
If possible, visit a store to try out the controllers in person. There’s no substitute for hands-on experience. Feel the jog wheels, test the features, and see which controller feels right for you.
Step 5: Consider Future Proofing
Think about how your needs might evolve. If you plan to progress from bedroom DJing to playing gigs, investing in a higher-end controller could save you money in the long run. Features like motorised jog wheels, robust build quality, and professional connectivity options will serve you well as you advance.
Step 6: Make the Purchase
Once you’ve done your research and tried out the gear, make your purchase from a reputable retailer. Many offer return policies and warranties, giving you peace of mind in case something goes wrong.
And To Conclude: Embrace the Revolution
Motorised jog wheels on DJ controllers represent the next step in the evolution of DJ technology. They bring the tactile, hands-on control of vinyl to the digital realm, offering unparalleled precision and creativity. Whether you choose the Rane One, Pioneer DJ Rev 7, or Denon SC6000M, you’ll be equipped with a powerful tool that can elevate your DJing to new heights.
As someone who's been in the DJ scene for years, I can say that motorised jog wheels are not just a gimmick—they're a revolution. They provide the best of both worlds, combining the feel of traditional turntables with the versatility of digital controllers. If you're serious about DJing, investing in a controller with motorised jog wheels could be one of the best decisions you make.
So, dive in, do your research, and embrace the future of DJing. The dance floor is waiting!
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