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Okay so,
- Im totally new to the WHOLE DJ scene but i have such a passion for music and figured that i wanted to do more with it and get good at mixing and generally playing around with great music. Problem is- i have no ided where to start. I have a good set of speakers and a laptop but thats it.
- I would appreciate any set-up guides, materials i can read up on and generally some pointers in the right direction.
thanks,
WillS :cool:
1) Download Virtual DJ or a demo of Traktor.
2) Youtube tutorial videos and utilize this forum's search feature / blog
3) ???
4) Profit
equipment to start off?Quote:
Originally Posted by sss18734
Download the demos of Virtual DJ, Mixxx and Traktor and play with them every day for a month. When you are not playing with the software, be on this forum reading posts.
Read about midi controllers, CDJs, turntables, different companies products, look up controllerism and turntablism. Read as much as possible.
When the month is up, pick which software you like the best. By then, you should also know what kind of gear to buy, how much it will cost, what it will do, and to use it.
Once you have some choices, ask our opinions of them, and then go out and buy whatever YOU want.
Practice EVERY day, and don't get frustrated when it doesn't work. DJing takes time and practice.
Don't be afraid to post here if you don't understand something. We are all nice people, and will help you out, just use the search button first. Your answer may already be there.
And, have fun.
Like dripstep said, don't even bother with equipment yet. First choose your preference in software. Then, learn the heck out of it. When you get annoyed at having to click everything, you'll know exactly what it is you're looking for in a controller or DVS system.Quote:
Originally Posted by WillS
These are all wonderful suggestions. 10 years ago this would have been an easy decision but a difficult startup because you decided between CDjs or turntables, then chose a mixer, etc... heavy on costs, and little choice on the medium. Today there are WAY more choices on medium and a much lighter start up cost. Definitely try all of the different softwares. I just recommend Traktor because it was really intuitive for me and reliable when I started using software to dj, but of course to each his own. Traktor 2.5 might be a bit more confusing and its moving toward a mix between ableton and a dj program so be weary, it might be confusing at first. If you really want some hardware to start I would say get something cheap like the m-audio xsession and just mess around a bit, learn what a crossfader does, the basics of volume, and equalizers, cueing, etc. You can always sell gear as you upgrade to more advanced things.
ps just curious but what style of music do you think you might be djing? Don't really limit yourself here with a response; it just helps sometimes with suggestions. Like top 40's music is usually just cued up and volume faded (though there are some pretty amazing top40's djs too). If its hip-hop I would recommmend having some scratch functionality. If its 4 to the floor you'll want a decent mixer and effects etc. Not saying these are the exact recommendations but it helps
Okay guys there's some absolutely awesome help here and it's just what I was looking for. In reply to the last post, I'm looking to be a DJ in the area of house music/light dubstep/electronic. Does that change anything or do I sill approach it in the right way?
Thanks again guys
I would say stick with the plan still. The key to house music is beat matching, so for the future I would recommend some physical controller that allows you to control tempo. Personally i grew up beatmatching with turntables, i love the feel and they have amazing control, but can be pricey and also take up a lot of space. Traktor has a sync function that automatically beatmatches, im sure the other programs have something similar, but in my opinion you are missing out on a key technique that house djs should know. You wont need tolearn it right away or for a while. S2/S4 users, is it easy to beatmatch with the jogwheel and tempo without the sync? If you go the s2 s4 route in the future i recommend ignoring your computer when you beatmatch, just listen to the beats catching up to each other to line up.
Oh ps, im sort of leading you down the traktor route unintentionally, if you see another controller online or program you like better then please feel free to use those. I can just tell you that the most competitive programs are traktor, and serato in terms scratch functionality (controlling digital music with physical records, cds, or external controller). These arent your only options but 80% of people can recommend at least one of those.
^this
Being able to beatmatch is a great thing, and it is also "fun".
And mixing a entire set beatmatching is also something that at you end you can be proud.
Like a lot of people in the forum(i think), i use sync when i need to do more creative tricks, like beat juggle, controllerism, massive use of effects, but when mixing in proper "normal" way, i go for manual beatmatch, at least you improve your feelings with the music and songs.
I would steer you away from getting "just" software from the onset and jump in the deep-end with a proven controller & software combo, it'll also get you away from the "watching the screen" mentality.
A mixtrack pro for example is running under $250 and already has the 4 channel sound card built in you'll need to start playing/cueing as you should, as well enough knobs and buttons that can control everything in pretty much any software without touching the mouse or keyboard.
6 months down the line if you are getting pissed at the build quality, or dj'ing sell it or upgrade to an s4/vci400 or something more pro.
$250 bucks really isn't alot to outlay on any hobby these days.
In my humble opinion of course.
Thanks a lot.
What are everyone's opinions on the mix track pro? It's well within my budget but I'm not sure as too how good virtual dj is compared with traktor?
I don't know much about mixtrack pro, but at that price I would recommend looking at the m-audio torq xponent as well:
http://www.amazon.com/M-Audio-Torq-X.../dp/B000N7ZAIC
It is very smart to get a soundcard/controller combo because you will have enough to run decent audio stuff from your computer and you will have hardware control too. The other thing is that you are not stuck to any sort of software when you buy a midi controller. If down the line you decide to upgrade to traktor, or serato, you can always map all of the midi controls to that specific program (but that is a bit advanced at this point for you, this forum is always here to help you do that). Anyone have opinions on mixtrack pro or Torq? You can always check amazon reviews for these as well. Looks like the Mixtrack has gotten pretty fair reviews, but less amount than the torq.
You know what based on the reviews I think you're better off with the Numark instead of the torq. It looks like people have a hard time installing torq 1.5, which is what comes with the xponent. ANd torq 2.0 is $200 so you would be paying extra for an upgrade. Its also quite buggy from what I have heard. What type of laptop do you own? and how old is it?
Well, In some way I agree with who said ''Download the demos and bla bla bla'' and in an other way I regret that idea, because that will make a SyncButtonPerson and I don't want that for his future, that will make him a horrible DJ or not a DJ at all.
I would recomend starting with a TTs+Mixer+DVS setup, so you will know from the begining how to Beat match and the DVS so you can use your MP3/WAV files from your computer, ATM the a setup like this one won't be expensive, expensive vs a controller maybe.
But your free to do what you want, you can change the TTs for CDJs or you could decide not to use a software at all.Although I think Controllers are a good way to start If the SYNC button is mapped for something else.
I can't begin to tell you how wrong I personally see this being. Without knowing what software you like better, you won't be able to make as an informed decision on hardware. If you don't know what you want to do, or what you can do, you are relying on what you read. As with anything, there is lots of love and hate for everything. People love the s4, people hate it. Serato is better, traktor is better. How will you know what's good if you don't try what's free?Quote:
Originally Posted by haunt
I started on a demo copy of vdj, and a bcd3000, didn't turn me into a syncperson, or "not a dj"
I wouldnt start with equipment, get a feel for what its like using a laptop for a couple weeks and if you like it enough then buy equipment...but if you wanna jump on equipment just get something used off ebay like a mixtrack pro and also get traktor/vdjQuote:
Originally Posted by WillS
If you feel ready to drop cash. Buy a Mixtrack Pro for ~$250, and download Serato DJ Intro. This will hold you over for at least a year while you develop your hands on skills.
Also, make sure it's a Mixtrack PRO, not a regular Mixtrack. The Pro has a built in soundcard, and allows you to use DJ Intro, which is miles ahead of anything you'll use with a controller short of $1000. You could waste hours dealing with mappings and effect chains using the hardware with Traktor, but if you're wanting to get going plug and play, DJ Intro is your best bet.
Mixtrack + traktor.
Maybe have a look at a used s2, same cash, license included, and better control.
Okay, thanks. You may all shout at me for this but I'm planning on just using it in my room, with a desktop? And some 200W speakers. Is that bad or does it have to be a laptop?
If your just starting, you want to have a good play on some free software, or various demo versions. When your truly happy and can not live with out mixing, then you should invest in quality software such as traktor.
If your budget isn't that great don't worry about a controller to much the true magic happens in the software not the hardware, you can pick controllers up for as little as £50 and easily upgrade when you have a bit more cash.
Okay so I was talking to a dj and he was saying that there's no point in controllers because you lose the aspect of DJing by just hitting sync on a controller so you never really get a feel for it. How do controllers compare to CDJ's and TT's?
Be careful WillS, you don't want this turning into the controller is better, cdj is better, sync is cheating debate. The thread will get closed.
Read around here, and you will see that your DJ friend has a very outdated point of view. Controllers and CDJs are very much alike. Just because there is a certain button, doesn't change the game. Do your research and you will see there are benefits and pitfalls for all 3.
Okay that makes sense. Thanks dripstep
So not to beat a deadhorse here...but i was having the exact same debate with this dude regarding controllers/Cdjs/Vinyl
and this pretty much shut him up and he had nothing to reply with
Lol...it's funny how people who never have actually used a controller are such experts on them using terms like "bad" and "toys". Learn ur shit before u shit on other ppls lawns...I can mix on cdjs and know my way around vinyl enough that I can do a set, yet I prefer using my controller as its more mobile, and there is other stuff I can do with my mixes that can't be done on cdjs...well on 2000s they can but I don't have 4000 to spend on them. Corbin I'm assuming u hate serato as well because there are wave forms...or cdj2000s as well since they have wave forms...hell any cdj with a screen because it shows the Bpm. Fuck it in that case producers are fakes too since they arnt using old school analog synths and drum machine...and use a computer now a days...god damn this debate regrading cdjs/vinyl/controllers is so fucking retarded...as the guy said in the video...u r bitching about how ppl play other people's music on a different medium...if ur gonna bitch then bitch about something that's valid...like wow that guy mixes like shit...or don't and stick to your cave man philosophy and only use the original turntables that were belt driven with original vinyls...
@Gapout - THAT is the kind of post we are trying to avoid here. You keep the debate going with posts like that. OP is looking for info, heard something, and understands now that its not true. You beat that horse enough.
Hey, no worries bro. Read up on here, there is lots of info. Find software you like, find some controllers or tts or cdjs that you like, read up on what you have found, and any questions you have after that, I'm sure can be answered :)
How am i keeping the debate going??
Im pretty sure the nature of my post is...it doesnt matter what the heck you DJ on....
If you buy a controller you're just gonna' use the sync button from the start and you'll get so used to it that you're never going to want to learn how to manually beatmatch. If you ever wana' play in clubs then I suggest you save up and buy cdjs/turntables and a mixer. Then again, I don't know where you live and what the clubs are like over there.
Im from nyc. The crowd doesn't care what equipment you're using, but no promoter or management will give you respect or hire you if you're using a controller.
My opinion is a used s2 and traktor, or a mixtrack pro and traktor.
I've gone from a Hercules Rmx with virtual dj, to a mixtrack pro with virtual dj then got traktor and not long after I started using traktor I upgraded to an s2 now I'm on the s4. All this has happened since last December lol!
If you buy smart with hardware it won't cost much to upgrade.
Thats probably one of the dumbest things i have ever heard.Quote:
Originally Posted by AlanS
Just because there is a sync button you are gonna use it???
So just because you own a gun does that mean ur gonna kill someone?
Its pretty dumb for someone who is getting into DJing to spend 5k on decent gear and they end up hating DJing.
I started off DJing on an Old BCD3000 and on VDJ and never used Sync at all. Now I am able to Mix on CDJs, Serato, and can get around original Wax enough to lay down a set...basic set but still DJ nonetheless.
I guess in NYC other Controllerists will never be able to get a show...like BassNectar, Porter Robinson, Skrillex, since all of them use controllers and not CDJs. /Roll eyes
They're famous producers. They're allowed to use what ever they want.Quote:
Originally Posted by Gapout
Deadhor5Quote:
Originally Posted by Gapout
^cleaver. That's funny