the ground up ( how do I get started)
Results 1 to 5 of 5
  1. #1
    Newbie redtail45's Avatar
    Join Date
    May 2014
    Posts
    3

    Default the ground up ( how do I get started)

    I have been around this site for a mouth now and I want to ask you guys where to start.

    At this point I have nothing other than some music and a desktop computer. I'd like to start djing as a hobby and have no idea where to start, what to buy, and how to mix. I have very little money at this point so please keep it cheap. I would really like to play bass music, dance, house, dubstep, eletronic music in general. I have no knowledge of lingo, terms , etc.. so please keep it in lamemans terms.

    At this point I'm a guy who likes music that can't play an instrument, and would like to take it the next level.

  2. #2
    Tech Wizard
    Join Date
    Aug 2013
    Posts
    89

    Default

    First get some DJ software and mono splitter cable (latter if you only have one stereo output in your computer).

    On the software side, two big ones are Traktor and Serato. Neither is free, but you can get trial or demo version (at least NI has trial version for Traktor). Good option is Mixxx, which is completely free. You can mix with keyboard and mouse for starters, to see if it's for you.

    Then you need separate master out and headphone outs. Probably the cheapest option is to get stereo to dual mono splitter, like this. Then configure your software to output the master out to one stereo channel and monitor to another, and you're set (look for specific tutorial in your software of choice when you have selected yours).

    That's for the price of 10 coins. If you're willing to spend a couple hundred bucks, take a look in this. I started with original Numark Mixtrack and it was enough for a few years, and cost was around 200 euros.

    Most importantly, look for music you like, learn about phrasing, beatmatching, harmonic mixing and use your ears.

    Hope this helps at least a bit. I suggest that you read basic lessons about DJing from (for example) DJTT blog and see a few youtube tutorials, just to get your learning process started.
    CMD MM-1 - CMD PL-1 - Traktor Kontrol X1 Mk2 - Traktor Kontrol F1 - NI Komplete Audio 6/Traktor Audio 2 Mk2
    My setup history
    Mixcloud page

  3. #3
    Tech Wizard
    Join Date
    Mar 2012
    Posts
    80

    Default

    You enjoy music but never played a instrument?

    Well, learn to count beats before playing. It'll help your mixing a lot.

  4. #4
    Newbie redtail45's Avatar
    Join Date
    May 2014
    Posts
    3

    Default

    I played or attempted to play an instrument, but I can't read as I play I have to memorize music.
    I have mixxx and have been messing around with it.

    What kind of hardware do I need.

  5. #5
    Newbie redtail45's Avatar
    Join Date
    May 2014
    Posts
    3

    Default

    I have mess around on mixxx a bit.


    "You enjoy music but never played a instrument?

    Well, learn to count beats before playing. It'll help your mixing a lot."

    I tried once but my main problem was that I couldn't read music, I had to memorize it.


    what do I need as far as hardware.

Posting Permissions

  • You may not post new threads
  • You may not post replies
  • You may not post attachments
  • You may not edit your posts
  •