I tried, Lord knows I tried.

[Excalibur]

Saturday night, I had a major session with John's Denon HD2500. After a short period of use, with the aim of mastering the blighter I was totally exasperated by the whole experience. :bang: I managed to cure its deafness, but was ground into submission by its insistence on my having to strike the keyboard on average about ninety seven times just to be able to stop one side, and then search for a track, and having to submit all search requests in triplicate before being allowed to progress. :bang: :bang: :bang: :bang: :bang:

If the Cortex didn't have the dreaded "sticky play button " fault, it would blow the Denon into the long grass for me.

I have the option of buying a third Cortex, in order to be able to send one off to have them replaced at leisure. No way am I going to even consider a Denon, but a Numark must be worth a look. Anybody near me using a Numark D2/DDS? :confused:

[Vectis]

Anybody near me using a Numark D2/DDS? :confused:

No, but give me a few weeks and I'll be selling one ;)

Unless you're feeling flush in which case the iDJ2 (DDS in disguise) is still available in the for sale threads...


Oh, and I can confirm that in the useability stakes you'll find nearer the Cortex end of the spectrum as opposed to the Denon. And it has the wonderful crate facility.

[rob1963]

a Numark must be worth a look. Anybody near me using a Numark D2/DDS? :confused:

Yes, and I'm only 223 miles down the road from you!

:D

[Excalibur]

No, but give me a few weeks and I'll be selling one ;)

Unless you're feeling flush in which case the iDJ2 (DDS in disguise) is still available in the for sale threads...


Oh, and I can confirm that in the useability stakes you'll find nearer the Cortex end of the spectrum as opposed to the Denon. And it has the wonderful crate facility.

Ah but will it come with a six hour, try before you buy, no obligation, demonstration? ;) :D :D

[Sapphire Disco]

I've got a Numark D2 & a Cortex HDC3000 I do find the D2 much easier to use a bit boring in fact, but it's only back up so no matter.

[rob1963]

Ah but will it come with a six hour, try before you buy, no obligation, demonstration? ;) :D :D

Peter,

There's no way in a million years you'd find the D2 (or DDS) complicated or awkward to get the hang of.

[Corabar Entertainment]

Peter,

There's no way in a million years you'd find the D2 (or DDS) complicated or awkward to get the hang of.Are you sure? ....He can't manage to print an excel file! :p :p :p :p ;)

[Creature]

sticky play button I have heard about this but not experienced it. My Cortex is one of the original 1st batch and has never shown this problem.

[rob1963]

Are you sure? ....He can't manage to print an excel file! :p :p :p :p ;)

Good point!

:Laugh:

[yourdj]

Saturday night, I had a major session with John's Denon HD2500.



There's no way in a million years you'd find the D2 (or DDS) complicated or awkward to get the hang of.

I bought a dnhd 2500 when it first came out and never got on with it.
Loved it from a djing point of view. really nice. just difficult to find tracks.

I ended up buying serato scratch and using it as a controller with mp3 timecodes.

I completely love my Vestax VCI controller/mac & Itch.
You will have no problems finding any tracks or mixing stuff on the fly.
Took me a day to get used to. :) Highly reccomended as with any controller of this sort (ie denon HC ....)

http://img3.musiciansfriend.com/dbase/pics/products/4/3/9/610439.jpg


http://www.skratchworx.com/images/DNHC5000_1_s.jpg

[Corabar Steve]

I bought a dnhd 2500 when it first came out and never got on with it......

...... just difficult to find tracks.
How difficult can it be?????


Use up / down arrow (optional first step not needed if selecting Artist)

Hit enter

Type a bit

Hit enter

type a bit more or use the up / down arrows

Hit enter

Press play


..........




alternatively........


twist a knob (optional first step not needed if selecting Artist)

tap same knob

twist it again

tap it again

Press play

[yourdj]

How difficult can it be?????


Use up / down arrow (optional first step not needed if selecting Artist)

Hit enter

Type a bit

Hit enter

type a bit more or use the up / down arrows

Hit enter

Press play


..........




alternatively........


twist a knob (optional first step not needed if selecting Artist)

tap same knob

twist it again

tap it again

Press play

:D totally understood. Great piece of kit and reliable too :)

Just loving Itch more as its a bit more easier from my point of view and more versatile as it is a bit quicker to sort out what you want.

Maybe i did not explore it enough :confused:

[Corabar Steve]

Just loving Itch more as its a bit more easier from my point of view and more versatile as it is a bit quicker to sort out what you want.I can find any track in about 7 seconds. How much quicker do you need it?

[Excalibur]

Are you sure? ....He can't manage to print an excel file! :p :p :p :p ;)
Not strictly true.


I have heard about this but not experienced it. My Cortex is one of the original 1st batch and has never shown this problem.
I've got two with this fault,and the newer one's the worse of the pair. :(


How difficult can it be?????


Use up / down arrow (optional first step not needed if selecting Artist)

Hit enter

Type a bit

Hit enter

type a bit more or use the up / down arrows

Hit enter

Press play


..........




alternatively........


twist a knob (optional first step not needed if selecting Artist)

tap same knob

twist it again

tap it again

Press play
Very. . Steve, you left out at least seventeen presses of the escape key to warn it you wanted to ask something, and a load of swearing .;)

On the Cortex:
Type
press enter
press enter
press enter
done. :D

[Corabar Steve]

You only have to hit escape if you want to back a stage, which invariably points to user error & not the machine :P

[Shaun]

Oh dear, Peter. You and the Denon just aren't seeing eye to eye. :lol:


I love my Denon, all three of them. I never really liked the cortex though and ended up selling it.

[Booche]

Dont have this issue with having a custom built pc and VDJ type whatever you need in the search bar and hey presto :) (aslong as you've got it lol) id guess proberley less then half a second and its there ;)

Cheers Dave :)

[Excalibur]

You only have to hit escape if you want to back a stage, which invariably points to user error & not the machine :P
Not according to my Teacher.;) And as far as I could see, all the errors were nothing to do with the user Steve! How dare you suggest such a thing? :eek: :eek:


Oh dear, Peter. You and the Denon just aren't seeing eye to eye. :lol:


I love my Denon, all three of them. I never really liked the cortex though and ended up selling it.
Shaun, apart from owning a Denon, and spending months locked into a soundproof room, and not coming out till one of us submits, I couldn't have done a lot more.

The experience of using the Cortex however is a totally different matter. You can search everything instantly from any point, all results come up at once, and apart from the Sword of Damocles when you search on the playing side, which you soon install a Pavlov's Dogs response to ( hit the tab key, as soon as you've pressed play ;) :D :D ), it's fine.

Were it not for the accursed sticky play button, the machine would be totally fit for purpose. :bang: Why oh why can't somebody design a new machine to take the DJ world by storm? Two big colour screens, user friendly software, two USB sockets front and back , possibly an installed HD and CD drawers.



Dont have this issue with having a custom built pc and VDJ type whatever you need in the search bar and hey presto :) (aslong as you've got it lol) id guess proberley less then half a second and its there ;)

Cheers Dave :)

Sorry mate, I couldn't live with a system that slow. :p :D :D :D

[WWDJ]

When I picked up DJing again about 3 years ago I looked at the big 3 Hardware Controllers ,Numark, Cortex and Denon and decided to lay out the cash on the Denon because it was getting the best reviews at the time.

I'd say the biggest problem with the denon is the small screen so you can't easily search for inspiration. The pseudo crate feature was introduced later on and i never really tried it, as i always kept my laptop open to take requests, search and keep a playlist. I used it for about 2.5 years.

About 6 months ago i started trialing Traktor with the Denon HD2500 as controller and even tried a HC4500. I didn't get on with the latency and the fact that some of the controls didn't fall easily to hand. Then Native Instruments bought out the X1 controller. This is super portable, robust and doesnt have latency problems. The only downside is the lack of jogwheels but you get used to it.

The advantage now is I can find anything within seconds, tags tracks into the crate, pre-prepare sets, lists, songs that work together. Cue points, loops etc are also taken care of with preparation.

I work differently now and gig is about playing the best of what you've already thought about rather than thinking 'what next' ... that does happen though when you can't get them to dance.

As said above, there seems to be a definite lack of products of this type for the mobile dj market, which is why I have jumped to a laptop.

i would say that if you
* build a dedicated machine and use it for nothing else.
* use a decent soundcard
* use a robust controller
... you will have very few problems, if any at all.

I'm about 15 gigs in now with Traktor and it has been flawless and when people see it with the X1 controller they definitely don't think 'just another laptop DJ' ... they are on the whole interested in what is going on and impressed by the facilities.

The HD2500 is a good machine but not without it's flaws, so has now been relegated to backup and i really do believe that if I had used any of the others i would still have ended up going laptop as i think we have got to the point now where it is the way to go. you only have to look how many of the big names are now Djing from laptops, Tong, Carl Cox, Fatboy Slim. If it wasn't rock solid reliable they wouldn't even be considering it.

[Solitaire Events Ltd]

when people see it with the X1 controller they definitely don't think 'just another laptop DJ' ... t

How on earth would you know something like that? :confused:

[Corabar Steve]

Not according to my Teacher.;)
Go on then, I'm curious now. What are you using the escape key for?

[Shakermaker Promotions]

I don't understand how you can find it so hard to use the Denon? I'd say without a doubt that the Denon is the best piece of kit that I own. Searching is easy and if you can't find something using the different methods (Artist, Title, Genre, Year etc), then you just press F12 and go into 'String Search' mode which I believe the Cortex has too.

[WWDJ]

How on earth would you know something like that? :confused:

From the queues that form when people are trying to get a look at it :D :D :D
(maybe definitely was a strong word to use lol)

Seriously though, what I am trying to say, it is looks, feels and works in a way that you are still DJing properly ... whatever that is ;) .... rather than dragging tracks into Media Player or Winamp autofade which IMO isn't really DJing as they don't give you room to experiment and try new things. Don't get me wrong, there is a time and place for these apps, background music etc, but they are not designed to extract the best from the tracks you are working with, cue points, mix out points etc to give the gig a better flow.

The X1 give you full control over the features and aside from searching for a track you don't need to touch the laptop at all.

I have had nothing but positive comments about the setup.


I don't understand how you can find it so hard to use the Denon? I'd say without a doubt that the Denon is the best piece of kit that I own. Searching is easy and if you can't find something using the different methods (Artist, Title, Genre, Year etc), then you just press F12 and go into 'String Search' mode which I believe the Cortex has too.

After using one for 2.5 years I can concurr with this. it is dead simple to use. Takes about 5 minutes to learn and maybe an hour to master all the features (there are a lot!), it's just the lack of inspiration that got to me even after the first gig, which i took a paper list too ... aaargh!

On the Hardware Controller front, no-one has mentioned Pioneer. I really thing they shot themselves in foot with the MEP7000 because you have to have the CD/DVD drawers. I don't need those and if it had been a 3u Hard disk Controller I would have probably have bought one.

[Excalibur]

Go on then, I'm curious now. What are you using the escape key for?
Everything. :D I shall have to introduce you to my teacher. Ask Darren, he's met him. ;) ;) ;)


I don't understand how you can find it so hard to use the Denon? I'd say without a doubt that the Denon is the best piece of kit that I own. Searching is easy and if you can't find something using the different methods (Artist, Title, Genre, Year etc), then you just press F12 and go into 'String Search' mode which I believe the Cortex has too.

Because it's the most user unfriendly piece of DJ kit I've ever come across.

Default setting on the Cortex. Gary, if the play buttons on both my Cortex units weren't sticking, I'd not have even looked at the denon.

[Corabar Steve]

You've obviously got a rubbish teacher, who should take a break from DJing then :sj:



As for user unfriendly.......

What nonsense, I don't even have to think about what I'm doing, it's that intuitive.

Admit it, you're just a luddite in disguise :P :sj:

[Excalibur]

You've obviously got a rubbish teacher, who should take a break from DJing then :sj:



As for user unfriendly.......

What nonsense, I don't even have to think about what I'm doing, it's that intuitive.

Admit it, you're just a luddite in disguise :P :sj:

Eh? :confused: :eek: :eek: No disguise needed, I'm wearing the t-shirt proudly. :p :D :D :D :D :D

[Shakermaker Promotions]

As you know, my experience with the Cortex was not a happy one so I won't go down that road again and start the usual Denon vs Cortex vs Numark thing.
Ex - Are you saying that the Denon search facility is what has put you off totally? I honestly can't see what the problem is. The only way I would not be able to find a track is if I have tagged it wrongly...simple as that. I think it is SO EASY to use.

[Excalibur]

As you know, my experience with the Cortex was not a happy one so I won't go down that road again and start the usual Denon vs Cortex vs Numark thing.
Ex - Are you saying that the Denon search facility is what has put you off totally? I honestly can't see what the problem is. The only way I would not be able to find a track is if I have tagged it wrongly...simple as that. I think it is SO EASY to use.

In a nutshell, yes. Justin, John and I have sat together, and raced each other in a search. Justin wins hands down, I'm a creditable second, and John loses by a mile.

I'm willing and eager to be shown how the denon can work well, but I don't see it happening. I know I'm a Luddite, but I've used Justin's VDJ rig, and it's a piece of cake. Of the three systems, I still prefer the Cortex by a country mile. If it weren't for those accursed buttons......................................

[Pe7e]

As you know, my experience with the Cortex was not a happy one so I won't go down that road again and start the usual Denon vs Cortex vs Numark thing.
Ex - Are you saying that the Denon search facility is what has put you off totally? I honestly can't see what the problem is. The only way I would not be able to find a track is if I have tagged it wrongly...simple as that. I think it is SO EASY to use.

I think you have hit the nail on the head there! When I first got my HD2500 I hated it, to the point of nearly destroying it with a lump hammer. Thankfully someone gave me some tips and advice and my problem was traced to my database, or more specifically the ID tags. If these aren't right, you will never be able to use the HD2500 to its full potential. It took me a long time and much effort to clean up and arrange the database, and learn the HD2500s functions, but now I love the player, apart from the silly small screen of course, :D the Hi - Res Numark screen is much better.

[CRAZY K]

I still prefer the Cortex by a country mile. If it weren't for those accursed buttons......................................

How much to fix Peter, cant be that much surely:confused:

I have one unit that sticks--so I use the other one:D

[Creature]

if there still under warrenty then should be free - but im presuming they are out of warrenty

[Excalibur]

I think you have hit the nail on the head there! When I first got my HD2500 I hated it, to the point of nearly destroying it with a lump hammer. Thankfully someone gave me some tips and advice and my problem was traced to my database, or more specifically the ID tags. If these aren't right, you will never be able to use the HD2500 to its full potential. It took me a long time and much effort to clean up and arrange the database, and learn the HD2500s functions, but now I love the player, apart from the silly small screen of course, :D the Hi - Res Numark screen is much better.
I wanted to do that, but don't think John would have been impressed. :D :D Somehow, I don't think I'll ever own or love one. ;)


How much to fix Peter, cant be that much surely:confused:
It's more being without one while it's being mended that's the problem. Plus, I might need a non Cortex player for another project. Thus, the ideal is two Cortex, and another player, probably Numark, but possibly Cortex.


I have one unit that sticks--so I use the other one:D
Ah yes, but you see I'm ambidextrous. I multitask, two at once. :D :D :D


if there still under warrenty then should be free - but im presuming they are out of warrenty

They're way out there boy, ah say way out. :( :( :D :D :D

[Twinspin]

When i first bought the hd2500 i looked at it and i thought where do i start. But it took me about an hour to figure it out and be able to work with it comfortably on gigs.

But now i get on with mine well enough to use it week in week out. When you get used to it.

Its like laptops.... Some people have said to me how can you use that built in touchpad without an external mouse it must be so annoying.

I just said to them nope not at all. Spend time using it and you get used to it.

But i will tell ya that Peter managed with the HD2500 pretty well on sat night.

[CRAZY K]

It's more being without one while it's being mended that's the problem. Plus, I might need a non Cortex player for another project. Thus, the ideal is two Cortex, and another player, probably Numark, but possibly Cortex.



I think I would use my I pod now as a back up if one of the Cortex is down the repair shop---;)

[Excalibur]

I think I would use my I pod now as a back up if one of the Cortex is down the repair shop---;)
You what??!!! :eek: :eek: :eek: :eek: :eek: :eek: :Censored: :Censored: :Censored: :Censored: :Censored:

Listen mate, I'm happy being a Digital DJ, I could live with being a Laptop DJ, but an Ipod DJ? HELL WILL FREEZE SOLID FIRST. :p :D :D :D :D :D :D

[soundscapes]

on a technical level theres no difference between a using a denon, a laptop or an ipod. all are essentially mp3 players ! :)

[simon1969]

on a technical level theres no difference between a using a denon, a laptop or an ipod. all are essentially mp3 players ! :)

Indeed they are !!!

[BeerFunk]

I couldn't comment on the Cortex or Numark models, but I think the HD2500 is easy enough to use (although I must admit mine hasn't been in use for some time now!)


on a technical level theres no difference between a using a denon, a laptop or an ipod. all are essentially mp3 players ! :)Yep, just as Sid, Mr Tong and I are all essentially DJs! ;)

[Gary]

I use a pair of Denon DN-HD2500's on my main DJ rig, and love em.

I noticed that a few of the posts in this thread mentioning any problems they were having with their 2500's are a few months old now. What remaining problems, if any, are people still having? I'd like to help if I can.

[Solitaire Events Ltd]

I use a pair of Denon DN-HD2500's on my main DJ rig, and love em.

I noticed that a few of the posts in this thread mentioning any problems they were having with their 2500's are a few months old now. What remaining problems, if any, are people still having? I'd like to help if I can.

As discussed as SEDA, I am starting to get problems with buttons sticking, particularly the cue and play buttons. I have had a quote for around £25 to replace them, but I think this is a little disappointing considering the unit is only around 2 years old and in immaculate condition.