Gig dilemma

[Shane]

i would just bust out the laptop / controller and plug a rca out into the mixer mid set.. they wont even know whats going on... sounds like these guys are old school and don't trust technology. They're afraid your going to plug in your setup and screw everything up for the next guy, or they had problems before with a "laptop dj" and they have sword them off.. the truth of the matter is... almost all the top edm performers and dj's use computers in their sets... except for maybe tiesto and a few few others..

[BentoSan]

hold back on the controllerism hostility.

this is apparently a big opportunity for you, in your situation. one of the only big nights in your area? yeah i wouldn't pass that up. it's good exposure and you'll meet a lot of important people, so i wouldn't go about this in a "controller or die" way. i'd try to explain to them that it wouldn't be a big deal. it doesn't take up much space, it's easy to hook in/unhook, and you'll rock it out a lot harder on what you're comfortable with. be professional!

+1

Dont push the controller thing so hard you look like a nub, on the same token you need to stick up for your rights for performing with midi Its people like us that are setting the tone for the future allowing midi to be used along side vinyl or cdj's without a second thought by the promoters.

If its a gig you cant get without playing cdj's or vinyl then go the cdj route, down the track you should be able to convince them to let you play with your midi controllers - be patient !

[dafe]

+1

Dont push the controller thing so hard you look like a nub, on the same token you need to stick up for your rights for performing with midi Its people like us that are setting the tone for the future allowing midi to be used along side vinyl or cdj's without a second thought by the promoters.

If its a gig you cant get without playing cdj's or vinyl then go the cdj route, down the track you should be able to convince them to let you play with your midi controllers - be patient !

I have to agree as well. At the end of the day, you're going to have a fucking ball, there's nothing like performing on stage making people dance - regardless of how you do it.

Just be confident in your ability and track selection. Put forward a good solid set and let everyone watch you expand into wider territory with your controllers down the track, and then have a laugh with the promoters while you call them digital dinosaurs

[Accidental-DJ]

just get ur set all ready in traktor an then burn to cd's

is there really much that ur gonna go on the laptop an vci that u cant do on the cdjs? if its just striaght mixing an filtering etc.. just burn off the cd's

but if its using a lot of effects etc an beat juggling then i can understand why you want your vci...

just rock out an have fun

get good with both an have the best of both worlds

[djhipnotikk]

or just burn a premade mix onto one cd, pop it in, and then study that justice picture on how to act like you're mixing.**

XD


** = please don't do this

[MaxOne]

yeah, either just rock on cds and/or whip out your controller half way through. no one will notice or care i'm sure once the party is going...

[sj03w4t]

I agree with all those who advice you to talk to the promoter. Speak the truth: you haven't dj'ed in a while with CDs and you will rock out much better using a laptop. Also mention you're not using auto mixing software etc. but that you're actually performing. Maybe show a picture of your set up and give some explanation..

[jedediahd]

I would jsut try and explain that it is a very simple setup and you won't be altering anything that is already set up, you are simply going to line in to one of the channels on the exsisting mixer. It should not be a big deal, as I have done this a couple times already as I am in the same boat as you are!

[tigerstyle]

just go with the cd's. i really dislike the cd thing because my sweaty hands really messes with the disc read. but yea, like someone else mentioned, you should have cds on hand to begin with as a plan b. good luck man and have fun!

[JamesT]

Well I actually use two channels, cos I mix externally, my controller does effects, looping and general transport controls so I do not need to use a mouse, so setting up I could just stick the RCA's in the line input next to the turntable phono inputs and just switch it for my set...

I think they are pretty stuck on the idea of Vinyl and CD's only though, apparently its beacuse (and I quote from the promoter) 'the art of mixing is in beat matching' which yes, is true, and it is a great skill, but these days I think DJing is way beyond just being about matching two tracks and switching the crossfader over. But for now, I shall just have to make set list, burn some CD's and rock it that way!