Let's compare the "user comments" of Traktor vs Serato though:
first... Serato (
http://rane.com/scratch.html):
User Comments
* The mimicking of a true vinyl feel is absolutely uncanny. The information architecture is outstanding but the software is bully - Chris, NY
* Great product! - David, DE
* Looks and works very good. Great innovation! - Paavo, OH
* Incredibly amazing product. I have been sold on the Rane name for quality products & look forward to my next purchase with great confidence. - Dexter, NJ
* Always used vinyl...never thought I would ever give up, but now it may happen...no more heavy crates! Thanx - Roy, MA
* Serato rules - stay live on the forums, your input and listening ears really help. - Allen, VA
* This product is awesome! The technology and craftsmanship used to make this work is excellent. I love it! - Noah, HI
* Can't believe how simple the setup was. Now I have the option of mixing MP3 or WAV files on the fly! - William, NJ
* SSL is a great product! Much, much better than the competition! - Jeffrey, AR
* I appreciate your products & their quality! Keep up the good work, Rane. - Nicholas, CA
* This is an awesome product! - Christian, CA
* This product rocks! No regrets choosing Rane Serato over that other MP3 interface. - Jung, PA
* I lost all my crates of records 13 years ago, you guys are a god send. Unbelievable product. Keep up the technology. - Kurt, NV
* I knew about all other similar products, but this was by far the best one for the money. - Alexander, CA
* I never knew 22,000 tracks could be so light. You Rock!!!!! - Matthew, CA
* This is an incredible tool for all of us! Keep the innovation alive on wax! - Fernando, CA
* It's very practical and well designed for scratch DJ's. - Jose, CA
* Unlike another product of the same kind Serato Scratch Live by Rane actually works. I like to use products that work. - Matthew, CA
* Great product!! Fully converted!! Love the Mic input. - Michael, HI
* Serato is the Best! - Randy, WA
* Excellent Product! Revolutionary! - Chris, HI
* Greatest invention ever. - Sherman, VA
* This is everything they say it is! An excellent product that exceeds that of its competitors. Highly recommended product! - Barry, CA
* I was going to purchase another product, but I was unanimously told Scratch LIVE was it, hands down. - Jim, FL
Now... Traktor (
http://www.native-instruments.com/index.php?id=djartists&L=1):
Davide Squillace - "I could not think of myself DJing without Traktor Scratch. The amount of tricks you can do with the effect and loop sections is just endless. You can make a track "move and sound" in a totally different way from the original, instantly creating different moods around you. And it always works, no matter what!"
Tommy Lee and DJ Aero (Electro Mayhem) - “Traktor Scratch is light years ahead of the competition! The control over the software is second to none. Being able to assign MIDI controllers is great for total control over your sound. The response using CDJ-1000’s is so tight! We won’t do a gig without it!”
Grandmaster Flash - "I feel right at home with Traktor Scratch when rocking the party. The interface is great, and I love the effects and the accuracy of the time-code vinyl. Whether I am doing a slow rub, a fast rub, a cut or backspin, the response is amazing."
Ali "Dubfire" Shirazinia (Deep Dish) - "From the first time I used Traktor Scratch, it was quite obvious the sound quality was overwhelmingly above the competition. I've used it extensively on tour playing in front of over 10,000 people and it performs beautifully. I love the effects, especially the reverb for creating dramatic peaks during breakdowns. Combined with the easy looping, multiple screen views, full customization and controller possibilities, Traktor Scratch has really elevated my sets."
DJ Simi - "Traktor Scratch offers the best sound quality, stability and timecode. The looping is really effective, and you can add a MIDI controller to control loops, beatjump, track selection and the effects. It will change the way you DJ.”
DJ Dirty Harry - "Traktor Scratch is a must have. This is top notch software with dope on the fly features. Having 4 decks (turntables) is a blend DJs ultimate dream of. The effects are amazing especially when doing vocal remixing, the reverb and delay is on point. This is the future."
Ali Shaheed Mohammed (A Tribe Called Quest) - "When it comes to performing sick mixes across multiple music genres there's no better platform than Traktor Scratch. Most of my library are aac files, which traktor scratch plays without any hiccups. and the sound that comes out of the audio 8 is super clean - i love it."
Supa Dups (Black Chiney) - "Traktor Scratch is the best digital DJ system I have ever used, no other one even comes close."
Walshy Killer (Black Chiney) - "This is how u crush other soundboys, with excellent sounding tunes and real live sounding scratches and wheels. Closest thing to a real record!"
Matthew Dear (Matthew Dear / Audion) - "There are many features of Traktor Scratch that make it stand out from the rest. It allows for a wider variety of controls that can greatly expand an average DJ set. Simply put, it's the best there is."
Troy Pierce - "There are so many great things about Traktor Scratch - from the interface to the cable system and the well thought-out software. But one thing separates it from all of the other systems I have used... it works every time, no matter how bassy the booth is or how worn out the turntables and needles are."
John Acquaviva - "Traktor Scratch is everything I have wished it to be. It brings me into the future I have dreamed about now. I can't wait for the next updates so I can do even more!"
Steve Bug - "The soundquality and the stability of traktor scratch are both outstanding. It even works flawlessly in situations where i would have probably had problems with other systems. I also love using the internal effects and the loop function. It takes mixing to the next level without having to carry additional external gear."
Gilb'R/Chateau Flight - "After long hesitation, I have finally switched to a digital DJ system, and Traktor Scratch is such a pleasure! Setup is quick and easy, it works with my iTunes collection, and I can concentrate on making my mixes sound fresh with loops and effects... Traktor Scratch made DJing technique exciting for me again!"
Mark Hill (Artful Dodger) - "Traktor 3 and Traktor Scratch are my new weapons of choice - they allow me to take my productions straight from the computer to the club, and mean that the creative process never has to end. The usability and sheer quality of the Native Instruments hardware and software are second to none!! "
Eric Soul - "Very innovative, guaranteed to create damage on the dancefloor! The user-friendly features on Traktor Scratch allow the turntablist in me to spontaneously push boundaries of experimentation."
JC - "This system is a compact and slick machine that has every DJ's technical whim catered for; from sensitive vinyl and CD readers and playlists management to the looping facilities and all that falls in between."
ARTISTS ABOUT TRAKTOR 3James Holden - "TRAKTOR completely revived my interest in djing, I haven't had so much fun since the first time i fluked getting two of my friend's hardcore records at the same tempo 9 years ago. My last mix CD wouldn't have been the same without it - nothing else gives the balance between cool toys (pitch shift!) and keeping a raw, live- sounding mix"
Daz-I-Kue, (Bugz in the Attic) - "...I was a real sceptic with programs like these, being a vinyl (and sometimes CD) head, 'til Traktor 3 came about. This has got to be the most intuitive DJ software I've come across. The features are bananas and have made my mixes a lot more creative. Doing a DJ mix on the plane is a truly freeing experience....essential!!!!"
Barry Burns (Mogwai) - "TRAKTOR 3 has somehow miraculously made me sound like a professional DJ. Now when I get asked to DJ, all I need is my laptop, soundcard and Traktor. I don't take cd's or vinyl anywhere now so it's a lot better than carrying 3 bags around airports and foreign places. Well done Native Instruments, you make me appear talented and comfortable!"
Michael Gray - "Now that i have Traktor there is no going back. This system is so stable and yet very versatile, its loaded with all the fx i need and more.The days of DJing with CD's are numbered!"
Matthew Dear - "With infinite potential for mixing, looping and effecting, Traktor 3 allows for absolute creative control. The best software out there helps to convey your individuality as a performer rather than hiding it, and Traktor 3 does just that."
Richard Devine - "Traktor 3 is the next step in futuristic DJing — it takes my mixes and lives shows to a new sonic dimension. The new functional effects and four-deck control are brilliant. Traktor 3 is my favorite application for live shows; nothing even comes close!"
Funk D'Void - "Traktor 3 has challenged me to take my creativity in mixing to a new level. At first I was overwhelmed, but now I am already mastering its awesome potential. The bar has been raised once again."
Chris Liebing - "Traktor 3 finally allows me to leave the limitations of turntables far behind. It expands the creative possibilities enormously, and it is my new main tool for all my DJ performances."
Pat, I only know 2 people who use Serato: Ethan Bliss and Scott Blackwell. The rest of the industry seems set on Traktor. I'd seriously give the demo a try before you buy. Nothing's wrong with Serato, but with both setups costing the exact same amount, I'm going to go with the one people like Stryke, Grandmaster Flash and James Holden are backing.
