Technics boards or Pioneer controller: which to rent?

The counterpart is in one word: the disks. Playing vinyl involves building a collection, which requires both budget and patience, and taking it with you on the big day.

See the sheet and availability of the decks Technics SL-1210 MK2

For whom is Location Pioneer XDJ-RX3?

The XDJ-RX3 brings together players, mixer and screen in a single device: you arrive with a USB key and you play. This is the choice for evenings where you need to be operational quickly, without installing a control room.

Its point of vigilance is the other side of its richness: everything depends on the machine and on the USB key prepared in advance. An unforeseen technical incident in the middle of the evening can generate stress, and some purists will find that the jogwheel will never replace the disc under the fingers.

See the sheet and availability of Pioneer XDJ-RX3

What equipment according to your profile?

• Senior DJ in search of authenticity: the turntables will offer you a lively set and real playing pleasure.
• Organizer of a private party: the controller guarantees simple, compact and efficient installation, even without much experience.
• Curious beginner: start with digital to familiarize yourself with the basics, then explore vinyl when the desire to go further arises.
• You're still hesitating: rent both on different dates and form your own opinion, hands on the equipment.

The four fundamentals, whatever the hardware

The choice of machine does not change the skills to be acquired:

• Tempo matching (beatmatching): synchronize two songs so that they beat in unison. This is the root skill. Automatic syncing helps out at first, but train your ear to do it manually.
• Listening with headphones (cueing): prepare the next piece without the audience hearing it. You manage two streams at once, what comes out of the speakers and what you put behind the scenes.
• Transitions: the crossfader ensures the fade, the equalizer allows you to exchange the bass from one song to another for a clean blend.
• Musical programming: build a coherent set in terms of energy and read the atmosphere of a room. This is what separates a real DJ from a simple playlist player.

To progress quickly, also take care of your workstation: a closed headset, a stable work surface at arm's height, sufficient lighting to read your controls. Work in short but regular sessions, and record your mixes to listen to them again — this is the most informative feedback on your calibrations.

What the table doesn't say

Two Technics decks also require a mixer, cartridges and transport — count the volume before booking. The XDJ-RX3 is transported alone. On DJ equipment, a €200 security deposit is left at handover and returned when the gear comes back: think about it in your budget.

At Fox Rider, the cameras and drones leave by Chronopost, with insurance at the price. The DJ equipment cannot be shipped: it is collected and delivered by hand to Lyon 3, and a €200 security deposit is left at handover and returned when the gear comes back.

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