Hey
I’ve been reading up on DJ’ing a lot lately, and I’m now in the position on what do I start out with? At first I wanted the Mixtrack Pro to get started with, but after reading some more it seems that if I want to play in clubs I should start with what will be in the clubs and thats CDJs and turntables.
Of course this will be a big price jump, but I feel it’ll be worth it in the long run as I really do want to get into DJ’ing.
So my question to the pros out there is, what would be an ideal set up under $1000 for an aspiring club dj? Also Serato or Traktor? The only software I’ve messed with is Virtual DJ
Don’t be afraid to go the digital route, regardless of what people say.
With that being said, what are you playing and how are you planning to play it? If you’re going to the Top40/Hip-Hop/Mashup route then Serato would be a safe bet.
BUT if you’re going the EDM route and are planning to be dropping loops and samples while utilizing 4 decks then I would go the Traktor route.
Are you planning to go DVS or all in the box with a midi controller(s)?
Well you can also buy a pair of CDJ, a mixer and start mixing “standard”.
You will still be able to use Traktor/Serato if you want to, if you get CDJs that have a USB port for MIDI/HID control.
CDJ are a big first investment but if you are really intrested in DJing then, it’s the best choice to learn the basics.
I think this is a moot point now a days to be honest. As long as you learn your gear, whatever the set up, you’ll be fine and can learn the “basics” for your set up and go on from there.
The only reason I don’t want to go digital is because I feel it would leave me unprepared for a club environment. If this is untrue then I’d definitely go the controller route.
I am leaning toward the DVS setup since that is whats “standard” in clubs right?
Im primarily a hip hop guy, but I’ll also do techno and other genres of music. So Serato looks to be the better route.
There is no standard in “Clubs” now a days, so don’t be afraid to go the digital route. As long as you can perform and keep the crowd happy and coming back clubs don’t care what you use.
If you’re going the controller route then Traktor is the way to go. More options and a lot more flexible.
So a controller + Traktor… the DDJ T1 ? Would that get me prepared for what might be set up in the club?
Thats my main goal is to play clubs and live shows with artists
Well, it doesn’t matter what clubs have as you’d be bringing your set up with you. But the DDJ T1 isn’t a bad choice, or the S4. But I would recommend picking up a second controller to compliment your set up as well, like a X1 or K2 so you have access to all you’re controls without having to use a shift button
Just as a side note regarding “club standard” the club I go to regularly has 3 DJs that are always there, none of them use turntables or CDJs, everything is controller.
At the end of the day if you can play on one platform, you should be able to play on all of them. I have an S4 and im currently looking into adding some CDJ or TT because they are just more fun IMO.
Needing to have the “club standard” is an outdated concept. I wouldn’t worry about it. The reason you may think that or have heard getting the “standard” is a good idea, is because for many years, it was turntables. Due to the physical nature of playing vinyl, you really did want to have a feel for your turntable, and for decades, Technics 1200’s were leaps and bounds better than anything else. Because if that, it really did benefit a DJ to have a “feel” for technics. With the advances of digital DJing (CDJs, controllers, DVS), you don’t really need it anymore. You can learn by riding the pitch knob, or synching. You should be ok no matter what you get. Start out with affordable equipment, and upgrade if you’re still interested in it a year down the line.
Another reason people always used to want to go with the standard (technics 1200) is because they held their value EXTREMELY well. The same can’t really be said for most equipment at this point due to the constant stream of new tech.
If you are talking major clubs they all have cdjs to some extent or TT. Why? Because its universal. Most people have serato or traktor and bring in their timecode, hook it up and are good to go, and if not they have the fall back of cdjs for the most part. But most place will let you hook a controller in provided its not super huge, and it will fit in the booth, and you aren’t dealing with a super club.
