My rig:
- Toshiba A33 2.8 GHz Pentium 4, 60 GB 4200rpm HD, 512 Ram, 533 Mhz FSB, 15 inch SXGA+ 1400x1050 screen. This computer is discontinued but the Dell 5160 can be ordered in a similar configuration.
- Echo Indigo DJ PCMCIA soundcard (24 bit capable). Has 2 stereo outputs, one to the external amplifier, and one for headphone cuing. Produces very clean sound, so far I can't tell the difference between my vinyl and the same music I ripped to Wav files and mp3 files. However I haven't yet been able to hook up to a big amplifier as I'm in a small city with only 2 clubs and the music is all top-40 etc played unbeatmatched from CDs and the club owners don't want anything different.
- M-Audio Evolution X-Session UC-17 Midi controller, configured like a 2 channel mixer with cross-fader, EQs with kill buttons, and filters. Used to control the software mixer in Traktor. This unit (or similar devices) is the key to making the computer respond easily and intuitively to your DJ intentions, so you are not always looking at the screen and clicking the mouse.
- And of course Traktor 2.53 by Native Instruments (legal version). The system runs solidly for hours on end with rare hiccups.
- Sennheiser HD 280 headphones, I like their sound although not a lot of bass. The headband is cracking at the ends (again) and I will need to get them waranty fixed soon.
The table is made from 1/2 inch plywood and 1/2 inch steel pipe, and aircraft cable "guy wires" are used for extra stability. There is a small fan recessed into the table top blowing air at the bottom of the laptop for extra cooling on hot nights. The table is about 43 inches high, near elbow height when standing. The table needs to be high so you are not bending over and you can interact with the crowd. So far the crowd is just a few house parties but I can get people moving!
The laptop and all accessories fit in a softsided case, total 17 pounds. The table is quickly disassembled into 3 pieces for the car.
When I got interested in DJing I figured I would probably do it as a hobby, so I picked the software route as best for me and potentially with a lot of new technology to come. Also I did not want to invest in a lot of vinyl that would wear out and be hard to store, retrieve & transport, and the TTs & mixer are bulky. I've seen some great things done with vinyl but really, most amateur and pro DJs are never going to go that far or want to get into turntablism, and a computer is a worthy alternative that can allow them to play an excellent set, better than what they would be doing on turntables.
Last edited by tvmann on Oct-24-2004 at 18:40
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