Does using a controller prohibit playing in top 40 clubs??
Hey all, Ive got a quick question I wanted to hear some of your opinions. One of my main goals is to be able to hold residencies in Vegas or LA ect ect but I know ALL of the big name clubs has their own set of CDJs or 1200s. I currently use an S2/S4 and have only messed arond with CDJs/1200s like once.
Do you guys/gals think it will be looked down upon or even prevent me from playing at those big name clubs if I’m not one of those Djs that uses club gear, instead I bring my own controller.
i think that you should be able to use everything available at yiur disposal. in this case, its cdj/ technics. i honestly dislike using sync. however if you arent really capable of using cdj or technics it can be counted as minus points for u…
why?
In theory, djs should be able to play on any format. u bringing a controller goes against that… plus why bothe hauling that too! i prefer showing up with my lappy and an audio 4 than my big ass S4…
I agree a DJ should be able to play on any format. Also some booths are so crowded there is really no choice but to use their gear. Also if you are hanging out by the booth chatting up the other resident and he goes, “hey you want to spin a few?” This could be your chance. What are you gonna do say, “no, I don’t have my S4 with me”
Good thing is a mixer is a mixer. It has a crossfader and up faders. I have yet to see a mixer set up without these two controls. CDJs and TT’s have a start and stop button. Beat matching is beat matching. So if you can master these basics, you should be good to go.
I personally have Serato SL and Traktor on my laptop as wells as Virtual DJ (my primary use) Just so I know how to work the popular software out there. Ya just never know. I learned on TT’s so I am good with that. I use a Denon 3700 and DNMC6000. My preference is the 3700’s and Virtual DJ, but I can work with just about anything out there. I am not bragging, I’m by no means a great DJ, but I can make do with what’s in from of me.
To answer the original question though. I have use controller at clubs before, some DJ’s frown on it, some don’t care. Bottomline is how good you sound and whether or not you get people dancing and keep them there drinking.
I have use controller at clubs before, some DJ’s frown on it, some don’t care. Bottomline is how good you sound and whether or not you get people dancing and keep them there drinking.[/QUOTE]
Ya I agree with both above. @truewind It would definitely be good to learn and play anything. I dont think its a big deal “hauling” an S2 around (S4 is def a bit bulky) but you can just mount the S2 on a stand above the other DJs turntable and plug in that way but I see your point it is def an extra hassle.
@St Pe, unfortunately I dont think anyone will care. eventhough I play all week Im only playing for 200-300 and not in a big name club. A vegas wner probable wouldnt care all that much…unfortunately
@DJ ATX, Ive actually thought about this a lot, ‘what if someone is like hey lets jam, play some tracks’ I’ll look like a dick if I said no. And to your other point I know I can rock a big crowd I just feel like not using club gear is looked down upon and that I can play better with gear Im comfortable with. I guess its just getting comfortable with everything maybe
I guess I’ve always just been taught as a musician to bring your own gear that you’re comfortable with and play. I’d be sad not to have my hipass/lopass filters though like my S2 haha!
I live in Miami. I play open format…at the big open format clubs down here and there quite a few with big name resident DJ’s there’s no way your walking in with an S4 and getting any play time. At smaller clubs where no one cares, and at house clubs where headliners come in all the time (like dubfire) and play on some X1’s — yes, I’ve seen it all the time. But at the main open format (hip hop, reggae, house, electro, etc) everyones on CDJ 2000’s and many are on 1200’s.
Yeah everyone has a comfort level or a gear they are used to. But, if you know how to work the basic: fader, upfader, start/play - pause/stop, beat match. you will do just fine. May take you a few mixes to get used to the lay out, but the basics will carry you through.
I have used controllers at clubs and whenever I get booked I always ask if I could bring my own gear. I have only been turned down twice. MOst clubs here in Dallas expects you to bring your own mixers and decks except for a select few.
I don’t know about you guys, but when i plug my TT’s to my Audio 4 and start the track, Traktor still detects the bpm of the song, then its just a question of looking at the BPM on the screen, and playing with the pitch fader until it matches the bpm of the other song playing.
All you have left to do is start the second song on the one… is that too hard???
I have seen many well paid DJs play at clubs with just controllers. Carl Cox is fond of using Maschine as a Traktor controller on his Tour. Again though it’s his Tour he can do whatever he wants.
It is always good to be considerate if you are playing before or after someone. Best thing to do is let them know what the situation is and maybe they need to give you more time to set-up/pack-up. Most DJs don’t mind that as long as they know ahead of time. If your tapping them on the shoulder 15 minutes before their set is done yelling you need to start setting up then that’s just being rude.
If that isn’t an option I would suggest either setting up as you feel comfortable with leaving in the booth ahead of time, as long as it won’t interfere with the other DJs. I would suggest at least learning basic mixing with CDJs and carrying around a few CDs just in case everything craps the bed on you which can happen from time to time.
I hear that… Give me an S4 flightcase anyday instead of the Marshall 4x12 in a full flightcase and an 8u Rack mount flightcase plus 3 guitars (and that was just my shit) then theres all the drums, cus we all know that drummers never carry their own drums
