CDJ400 vs CDJ800 [Archive] - inthemix Forums

Simon_Murphy

17-Apr-09, 08:24am

Background - have been using my mate's 200's at home just to listen to tunes etc (obviously not accurate enough to record with) and borrowing another mate's 1000's when recording mixes etc. Need to get my own cos I can't keep borrowing others' equipment.

I've read some of the discussions about the different CDJ's etc. 1000's are the obvious preference but can't wait and save any more so they're out already.

The 800's have come down a lot in price obviously and can prob pick up two new 800's for a similar price to two new 400's. I have used both but not enough time to have a preference.

Besides what is on the spec sheets what are people's thoughts and experiences on which would be better to buy for home mixing and recording?

dart

17-Apr-09, 08:34am

i know you asked about home use, but i would go the CDJ800s purely for the fact they're very similar in look/feel to the 1000s, which will really help when you play out

(as most places have 1000s and the 800s will feel very similar, so you won't spend half your set getting used to them).

Random_Kiwi

17-Apr-09, 08:55am

CDJ800s purely for the fact they're very similar in look/feel to the 1000s

Look, yes..."feel", no fucking way they do...that's like saying a Porsche 911 has the same "feel" as a VW Bettle

And I've seen LOADS of smaller bars/clubs with CDJ400s in them already...more than any small bar/club that has 1000's.

They're cheaper, they take up way less space, they have more features (than the 800), they feel just as robust as the 800's, a lil plasticy compared to the 1000's, but even the 800's feel plasticy compared to the 1000's.

I freaking LOVE the 400's...the platter is a lil small, but if you're used to 200's, it's still a step up. For me, if money and space wasn't an issue, 1000's all the way...if it was an issue, 400's over the 800's anyday. The USB option, the built in effects, more variety with the pitch control percentages....0.02% increments FTW!

You've had enough practice on the 1000's not to freak out and not be able to play on them in a club when you play out, so no stress there...just comes down to which you'd prefer now...the big and clunky 800, or and compact and racey 400...

seanious

17-Apr-09, 09:22am

Look, yes..."feel", no fucking way they do...that's like saying a Porsche 911 has the same "feel" as a VW Bettle

And I've seen LOADS of smaller bars/clubs with CDJ400s in them already...more than any small bar/club that has 1000's.

They're cheaper, they take up way less space, they have more features (than the 800), they feel just as robust as the 800's, a lil plasticy compared to the 1000's, but even the 800's feel plasticy compared to the 1000's.

I freaking LOVE the 400's...the platter is a lil small, but if you're used to 200's, it's still a step up. For me, if money and space wasn't an issue, 1000's all the way...if it was an issue, 400's over the 800's anyday. The USB option, the built in effects, more variety with the pitch control percentages....0.02% increments FTW!

You've had enough practice on the 1000's not to freak out and not be able to play on them in a club when you play out, so no stress there...just comes down to which you'd prefer now...the big and clunky 800, or and compact and racey 400...

Shit now i want one :corey:

GreenyG

17-Apr-09, 09:27am

400's ftw.

I've had mine for a year now, and even if I could afford 1000's, Id still keep the 400's around for the convenience of the USB and the fact that they can use the one usb connection to your computer to work as a sound card and a midi controller. Just means that if you ever decide to get traktor (for example) up and running with it, you wont need any of the extra features of the more expensive 'scratch' version, and would be able to buy the considerably cheaper versions of this or similar software.

It's also fantastic being able to throw your new songs onto the USB and away you go, instead of burning a new cd.

For the simple convenience the 400's give you at home, you really can't go past them.

Dr Bones

17-Apr-09, 09:29am

i wasn't aware pioneer made such a big range of turntables, do ordinary cartridges and stylii fit on them?

brendanClay

17-Apr-09, 09:51am

have been using my mate's 200's at home just to listen to tunes etc (obviously not accurate enough to record with)

What do you mean not accurate enough?

Shifty-Sly

17-Apr-09, 09:54am

i wasn't aware pioneer made such a big range of turntables, do ordinary cartridges and stylii fit on them?

Bones is a fiunny guy

Simon_Murphy

17-Apr-09, 09:58am

Random_Kiwi

17-Apr-09, 10:09am

I am interested to know if the 400 replicates this better than the 800.

YES - the 800 only has 0.05% increments, the 400 has 0.02% so it's more accurate...you also have more options on the Percentage range, +/-6% as opposed to +/-10% on the 800

kasper_flip

17-Apr-09, 10:13am

400s all the way. anyone who buys 800s these days is a fool, 400s cost less, and have much better features. i use 400s at home and play on 1000s out, theres no problems with moving between the two.

GrEnNo

17-Apr-09, 10:19am

can some one please think of the platter PLEASE!!!! i fucking hate small platters!!!! makes me feel like im gonna break the thing

slackas

17-Apr-09, 10:20am

the big and clunky 800, or and compact and racey 400...

Pffft clunky, your 400s arent going to make you mix better.

800s for me i like the platter size.

Up to opinion really, or if you want serato intergration 400s ftw, but if you just into mixing and like the platter size 800s ftw.

Simon_Murphy

17-Apr-09, 10:24am

Ok cool. Thanks for the info. I was leaning towards the 400's but just wanted some more feedback.

I have no trouble adjusting to 1000's at the moment so that won't be a problem.

400's will also still fit on my desk next to my 1200's (which I still prefer).

Random_Kiwi

17-Apr-09, 10:29am

Pffft clunky, your 400s arent going to make you mix better.

That could be argued as they have a more accurate pitch, 0.002%, as mentioned...so that could make you mix better...but yah, really, you still have to have the skills in the first place.

The only thing the 800's have over the 400's is platter size...which I don't personally find to be an issue at all.

Simon_Murphy - head into DJ Warehouse or DMC and have a play, see what you think in relation to your experience with the 200's and 1000's then play on the 800 too and go from there.

headhunta

17-Apr-09, 10:42am

I have a set of 800's the only thing is a wish i had 1000's and im glad i didnt buy 400's because most of the decent clubs/events will never go away from 1000's

Simon_Murphy

17-Apr-09, 10:47am

Ok so taking the platter size out of the equation and the moving back and forth between one of the above and a 1000 (which doesn't bother me at all - by the time the first track is cued up you can't even notice) the 400 is the better option in terms of features etc?

Has anyone who is used to playing on 1000's ever recorded using 400's?

I basically need to know whether I can accurately use them for recording mixes with the same control I get from the 1000's or whether it is still a big drop in terms of accuracy and quality.

headhunta

17-Apr-09, 10:52am

recording quality also comes down to your mixer and your sound card imo

Simon_Murphy

17-Apr-09, 10:57am

True - just trying to decide on the CDJs though in this case. New computer is coming in a few months.

kasper_flip

17-Apr-09, 11:08am

personally i would say if you depend so much on having the top of the line gear to record a mix you need to practice more... just my opinion though

Simon_Murphy

17-Apr-09, 12:01pm

So practice at using inferior gear to try to obtain the results as what is more easily achieved using better gear which is more similar to the gear used in clubs? I've had plenty of experience using 1000s - am just hoping to find a way that I can mix and record at home without having to save the extra $$.

Also if I depended on top of the line gear I would wait and save for the 1000s. Just after thoughts on the comparison between the two pieces of equipment in question.

Your previous post sums up pretty much my line of thought at the moment.

kasper_flip

17-Apr-09, 12:12pm

400s are great pieces of equipment, you will have no problem using them. when i was choosing cdjs i didn't even consider getting 800s, and then decided that i couldn't justify paying the extra money for 1000s, considering i still play mostly vinyl, and the extra features that 400s have. (as well as the fact i am a student and wanted to save some money.)
in the end i paid $1400 for 2 CDJ400s, and they weren't even bought at the same time. you would pay almost that for a single 1000, and the money you save can go towards some nice spiffy monitors or a new mixer.

Simon_Murphy

17-Apr-09, 12:15pm

Ok cool. Think i'm sold then. I also still prefer vinyl but need to have CDJs for recording mixes at home and trying out new tunes. Mate got his for $1500 for two - now to find a good deal myself.

kasper_flip

17-Apr-09, 12:17pm

do you live in melbourne? i got my 2nd 400 from JB Hi Fi in preston 3 weeks ago for $700. Elizabeth st JB also sell them, i got my first one from there.
I've yet to find a DJ store that will go as low as JB do.

Simon_Murphy

17-Apr-09, 12:32pm

Yep in Melbourne. Will call around then and see if I can get them for $700.

twiggy88

20-Apr-09, 03:48am

CDJ 400 is a much better deck then the 800. More affects/vynil effects, USB and IPOD ready. Its also cheaper then the 800. If i wanted a bigger Jog face i would save up for the 1000. The 400 suits me down to the ground for home use. 400 FTW!!!

baax

20-Apr-09, 05:29am

Background - have been using my mate's 200's at home just to listen to tunes etc (obviously not accurate enough to record with)

Dont blame the tools, if you were any good you'd be able to lay down sweet mixes with those units.

For the last 5 years ive been using this
http://2mix.co.uk/shop2mix/images/axis2_large.jpg (http://2mix.co.uk//shop2mix/product_info.php?manufacturers_id=21&products_id=495&osCsid=d2a0141bd66899dc105753d40a3097db)

and this

http://www.mundomusical.cl/tienda/images/CDI-300-MP3.jpg

Two of the loosest units around, combined cost around 800$

Compaired to these a set of 200's would be a big upgrade but im not even thinking of getting newer ones, these do the job just fine.

brendanClay

20-Apr-09, 08:20am

I have CDJ200s and think they're fine. They even include the 0.02% pitch increment.

Whilst, I think that they may be the more difficult Pioneer CDJ to mix on, it will almost guarantee that you can mix on the other models.

I also think that the jog wheel on the CDJ400 feels quite cheap.

Vlammen

20-Apr-09, 08:33am

The responsiveness of the platter on the 200 is nowhere near as accurate as the set up of the 1000 platter/jog wheel. When recording the more accurate the better and the 200 doesn't cut it.

:lol:

Obviously your skills do not cut it - there are plenty of people out there who can mix no problems on a CDJ-200. Yes the platter is not as nice as on the CDJ-1000, but it's a perfectly good CD player to be mixing with.

Go practice some more.

brendanClay

20-Apr-09, 10:09am

:lol:

Obviously your skills do not cut it - there are plenty of people out there who can mix no problems on a CDJ-200. Yes the platter is not as nice as on the CDJ-1000, but it's a perfectly good CD player to be mixing with.

Go practice some more.

I attribute the platter to the "grip" (or lack of, in this case).

The CDJ400, 800 and 1000 all have plastic platters with "grooves" for your fingers.

The CDJ200 is metal.

As I say though, if you can do it on the CDJ200, the others will be easy!

Vlammen

20-Apr-09, 10:40am

I attribute the platter to the "grip" (or lack of, in this case).

The CDJ400, 800 and 1000 all have plastic platters with "grooves" for your fingers.

The CDJ200 is metal.

As I say though, if you can do it on the CDJ200, the others will be easy!

It's plastic actually - with a funny sort of coating on it.

And yes - I agree with the lack of grip, but you just need to be fairly gentle.

brendanClay

20-Apr-09, 11:07am

As soon as you're used to it, it's a piece of piss to mix on! ;)

Vlammen

20-Apr-09, 11:40am

Absolutely... As any of the Pio players are.

slackas

20-Apr-09, 12:02pm

My neighbour had american audios, OMG what a POS.

Made the worst noise if you tried to "scratch" on them.

LOL at pitch bend buttons, remind me of dual denon CDs

Vlammen

20-Apr-09, 12:04pm

All the Denon tabletops have pitch bend buttons too ;)

kasper_flip

20-Apr-09, 02:17pm

the pitch bend buttons actually arent too bad. especially when u are using DNS1000s which seem to have a delay between when you touch the platter and when there is actually any response.

WADZA

20-Apr-09, 03:29pm

pitch bend FTW!! i wish pioneers had pitch bend buttons for that extra fine tuning.

brendanClay

20-Apr-09, 04:05pm

I used my dual Omnitronic CDJ770 CD player, and my mixes were extremely tight on them! http://images04.olx.pt/ui/2/42/11/18024111_1.jpg

The fine tuning is certainly an advantage! :)

quantum8

20-Apr-09, 05:48pm

Dont blame the tools, if you were any good you'd be able to lay down sweet mixes with those units.

For the last 5 years ive been using this
http://2mix.co.uk/shop2mix/images/axis2_large.jpg

and this

http://www.mundomusical.cl/tienda/images/CDI-300-MP3.jpg

Two of the loosest units around, combined cost around 800$

Compaired to these a set of 200's would be a big upgrade but im not even thinking of getting newer ones, these do the job just fine.

i had to play on a pair of these the other week....they were a loads better than the stanton cd players :lol:

Matty_neal

20-Apr-09, 07:39pm

Man I learned to mix on Stanton C314's and my mate STILL uses them. Been going strong for two years now. Plays out on 1000's. It takes like 10 mins to get used to the 1000's after using a little dodgey platter.

I'm now convinced on getting a 400 :P

I only have one cdj and two turntables. Almost wishing I bought two cdj400's instead of one 1000...

southern_dan

21-Apr-09, 08:07pm

i love my 400's

awesome little unit, never used the effects tho, they all seem a little tinny.

looping is great on them tho.

baax

24-Apr-09, 08:57am

i had to play on a pair of these the other week....they were a loads better than the stanton cd players :lol:

Yikes!!

J0rdz

24-Apr-09, 09:47am

Simon - go the 400s. As already outlined, they're more feature packed and cheaper.
Overall i think the only deciding factor is whether you would prefer a larger platter or not - and unless your going to be scratching on them, i cant see you making much use of the 800s platter size to justify going with them.
I think overall the 400s would really suit the music that you play and i dont think you'll have much problems in regards to the pitch adjust when recording. Im sure that jumping from a 1000 will take a little adjustment, but nothing a few hours of practice wont fix :)

jakeWilliams

07-Jan-10, 10:54am

does anyone think the next player popping up in clubs could be the 900? if this was the case, 400's are similar to what you may find in clubs in the near future
800's are more similar to 1000's, but 400's are more similar to 900's imo

slackas

07-Jan-10, 11:02am

DastardlyD

07-Jan-10, 01:04pm

http://2mix.co.uk/shop2mix/images/axis2_large.jpg (http://2mix.co.uk//shop2mix/product_info.php?manufacturers_id=21&products_id=495&osCsid=d2a0141bd66899dc105753d40a3097db)

im not even thinking of getting newer ones, these do the job just fine.

I just sold my axis 4 but i still have my axis 8 version which has stood the test of time for almost 4 years with plenty of gigs under it's belt. I like that it's sturdy and compact, essential when im also lugging my 1200's.

CDJ 400 is a much better deck then the 800. More affects/vynil effects, USB and IPOD ready. Its also cheaper then the 800. If i wanted a bigger Jog face i would save up for the 1000. The 400 suits me down to the ground for home use. 400 FTW!!!

What he said.

wheelo007

07-Jan-10, 04:05pm

I think the moral of the story is everybody has different tastes. Shit man, just get one of each if you can't decide and then you'll be a master of everything. Otherwise just hit a store and try both and see what feels nice and fuzzy under your fingers.

I bought a set of ex rental 1000s for $800 each. Perfect condition with a 1 year warranty from DJwarehouse. So bargain's do come up every once in a while.