So I’m getting deeper and deeper into the DJ rabbit hole and I am seriously reconsidering my options.
I just got a residency at the hottest club on campus + about to drop a load of cash on speakers to DJ private events and I can’t afford to have an unstable setup.
My traktor pro has crashed up to 7 times in one gig (yes ive tweaked) and today was the first time I didnt have to restart my laptop during a gig (thank god) but sound did periodically cut out for half a second during some songs.
No offense but I’m starting to feel like my setup is a collection of toys rather than a legit DJ setup.
For example: In my setup I can’t tell if I’m clipping. I have no meter except for the little indicator on the top of TP that flags red. Shouldn’t I have more control over my music though?
Back when I knew less I thought I would be okay with a VCI 100 and Audiofire 4 but now I’m realizing all the little things that make a DJ’s job (making a smooth mix) possible that is causing me to reconsider my setup.
So now that my rant is over can yall tell me why I shouldn’t switch to:
Serato
Ecler Nuo 2
(2x) Pioneer CDJ 400
Setup: Laptop, Traktor Pro, VCI100SE, Audiofire 4
Windows XP Ultimate by Johnny, Service Pack 3
Intel Pentium M, 1.6GHz, 2Gigs Ram http://www.myspace.com/djczo
seems you are having problems with your computer, is it optimized yet for audio applications?! about the “clipping” - isn´t there a limiter inside of traktor to avoid this problem…my advice would be to tweak your system to the optimum before switching, just to make sure you did the right choice.
also maybe do a test, if your system is good enough to handle a tight latency…you can do a check about how your system is handling realtime audio streaming with this program:
other than that it could also be a driver conflict problem or something with the power management of your usb ports…do you allways use the same port for the soundcard or are there other devices you plug in there, too?
ok, i don´t mean the auto gain (if it doesn´t work for you, just leave it off, you can adjust the gain using the vci´s) i have to take a look at traktor, wich i only have the demo…just give me few sec´s…
you can get a very “PRO” sound out of traktor. My self and many,many other pro djs around the world use traktor in large clubs every day. In fact one could argue that Traktor on a software level and a hardware level is actually higher quality.
The problem you are having is related to mixing internally. I would suggest using traktor with an external mixer at home or in the club. You will have much more control over the sound that way.
Right , your mixing internally. Yeah its harder to manage the volume in Pro if your having to push the volume really high cus the Master Volume Meter isnt the best. This is why Richie Hawtins programmer has made him his own on screen Master Volume display which is more accurate (The Traktor 3 Meter was better imho).
You should definitely consider Eans suggestion of mixing externally if you have problems with the VCI but i dont see why you cant control the volume with the Master set at a good limit . It sounds more like your having to push the software volume because the Club System isnt as loud as you would like. There should be enough headroom to allow you to back your levels off so you have plenty of volume left to mix without clipping in Pro.
Switching Software will not be a solution to clipping problems or in fact any problems. Might just be an expensive waste of time.
i think those computer specs are on the lean side for running pro. i have a similiar laptop that didn’t really even like to run 3.3 smoothly.
for stability, esp. on older computer hardware, serato is the clear winner in my opinion but you may be able to increase your latency and explore the crash logs more if you want to stick with traktor.
EanGolden, i would love to see an article on the sound quality of the different programs. In my experience, traktor did not sound the best.
It just removes activation and some other xp kinks that bog down the system.
What is Windows XP Ultimate Edition?
Windows XP Ultimate Edition is a custom Windows XP Professional Edition that includes several software integrated as components that in my point of view should of have always been part of windows.
This is not an official release from Microsoft.
you are having a similar setup to mine (1.6ghz/2gig) except i am using service pack 2..!
