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Important question about GEAR!!!

Hope someone can help!!
I'm hopefully buying gear really soon, and I went to the local music/instrument store here (Guitar Center) to check out some prices. My dream rig is two cdj-1000's and the djm-500. But, the stuff is expensive as hell, and i'm probably gonna take out a loan to buy the stuff and pay it off with the money i'd make DJ'ing.
BUT, my dad thinks it'd be a better idea to start off with something small, cheap and simple like the Numark CD Mix-1 CD player/mixer. he thinks that when I get enough money, I can just "upgrade" it. I told him it was a better idea to just get the Pioneer stuff and not have to pay for the Numark, try and sell it later and then buy the Pioneer stuff when i becomes outdated. Am I right, or is there another alternative i'm missing?

heheheh
My alternative is... don't DJ at all!!!
Lol jokes never think like that...
If you're starting up and u want the nice stuff. I would agree that its kinda dumb seeing as how if you continue you're going to upgrade in a year anyway and be out of enough money that you could have saved for better gear. Going for a loan however is risky. Are you starting or do you already have quality experience? No one is going to expect you to start getting gigs anytime too soon if you're starting up. If you're plan is to get money to pay off your loans by getting gigs soon after you start then its going to cost you a whole lot because the interest on that loan will rise dramatically as you learn to mix/scratch whatever you choose. If you have a job then you could pay back loans over time and lose less. However, if your dad is like mine ( i do have a job so this is not an issue) when you can't turn up the money he'll start grumpily paying it saying he was right all along... yada yada and you'll owe him money. Just get a job unless you're already an experienced dj so that you can actually be able to pay for everything is what I'm saying.
I've never used a loan, but maybe someone else who has can tell you more about it.

Son, don't you know your father is always right.

OK, first up don't even think about getting this:
Numark CD Mix-1 CD player/mixer


it's an all-in-one system, so, you won't be able to upgrade from it, and if any component gets busted, then you can't mix at all! it's also probably low quality all around.

Also, a reality check, not many DJs make money doing what they do.

I suggest saving up so that you can get some decent reliable equipment. I would suggest pioneer CDJ-100s, if you can't afford the 1000s just yet, and maybe a DJM-300 instead of a 500. this will get you CD mixing, and leave room for upgrading.

or if you wanna go cheap, and like numark then go for this:
http://www.pssl.com/bitemdetail.tpl...003052013540500


don't take out a loan, you will lose money in the long run trust me. unless of course you can get your dad to lend you the money, nothing wrong with that, as dads are usually interest free!

I was 22 when I bought my setup and went to sam ash and opened up a credit card with no payments or interest for a year. They actually have the promotion right now and I believe its free shipping. If you do this make sure you pay it off within a year or you'll owe back interest. Pioneer is also offering a 150 dollar rebate for the purchase of the cdj1000. Another sweet setup is the cdj3000 with the djm3000 that you might want to look into since it will save you some cash. In the long run is an great investment but if you were one of those kids that stopped playing with their toys after the first week then I would think twice. If you know someone, spend a few hours on their decks to see if you actually like it. Check out the pioneerprodj forum as it can give you a little more info about getting into mixing. Good luck

I have to agree with JohnSmith dont get that crap ass Numark, thats just ewww

Dont go big right away, ur dad is right with that you can always upgrade, and dont forget, the cheap stuff can be sold too, to with a DJX400 from Behringer, its the same thing as the DJM300, but cheaper, it will save you money.

When it comes to CD players, you can go with 2:

Numark Axis-8 (Sells for $500 each)


or
Numark Axis-2 (Sells for $200 each)


This is the Behringer DJX400 (Sells for $100 each)

Sorry for the big pic.

Pioneer DJM300 (Sells for $300 each)


Whats so significant about their differences, nothing really.
One difference I can tell you about is the XPQ 3D surround effect, that the Behringer has and the Pioneer doesnt.

well, for one, pioneer BPM counters are bound to be better. but BPM counters are shiite anyway.

for two, the DJM300 will allow you to control your CDJ100s with the control cable, and start them by moving the crossfader. just something to consider, it's not that important though.

for three, the XPQ, what is it? how does it sound? anyone know?

The numark axis 8's are really nice... and not that expensive... but you could get a denon 2600 for the same price... The denon would cost you less than the price of 1 pioneer cdj 1000 and you will have what most clubs have.. (although many are upgrading to newer equip.) To start out you don't need the pioneer mixer... you can get a mixer for half that price that will work just as well...

You really should compromise with your parents...they obviosuly don't want to spend too much $$$ and your dream gig is just too much for a beginer. What if you don't like it, you're out $3000.

I would say get the denon 2600 (around $1000) and an inexpensive mixer....

first off, if you're getting into djing thinking you're going to make money, which it sounds like... just walk away right now
there's no money in djing
the only way you'll really be able to make enough money to pay your bills is if you're signed to a major label

now as for your situation
i do recommend the setup you want, but if you're just starting up you won't be able to use that seup to it's full ability and all those bells and whistles will just confuse you

start with a cheap system first (since you're going the cd route)
then once you've got the basics down and you're sure you want to keep it up, then upgrade

quote:

Originally posted by DJ_Shockwav first off, if you're getting into djing thinking you're going to make money, which it sounds like... just walk away right now there's no money in djing the only way you'll really be able to make enough money to pay your bills is if you're signed to a major label now as for your situation i do recommend the setup you want, but if you're just starting up you won't be able to use that seup to it's full ability and all those bells and whistles will just confuse you start with a cheap system first (since you're going the cd route) then once you've got the basics down and you're sure you want to keep it up, then upgrade

Id agree with most of that however I wouldn't say there's NO money in djing. Plenty of TA DJ's in here have got gigs at some clubs. The thing is... there's no REAL money in this hobby. If you're expecting to get into this thinking that you'll be able to live off getting gigs each week... peresevere 10 years while starting producing after you become a mixmaster and then maybe we'll see.
Keep in mind, this is a hobby. It doesn't mean you can't keep your dreams alive...heh.
Well... I'm still saying get what you can really afford. I could afford enough without much hassle (loan sharks calling) so you should keep this in mind. If you can't afford anything and everything is getting bought for you. Then a compromise is really your only solution unless you start making money. I'm sticking with get what you can afford. If you're making dough, bigger purchases won't ahrm u as much. But in your case, you have the possiblilty for enough financial harm. Just compromise. Maybe getting a djm-300 and cdj-800. Or the new behringer djx700 (pioneer imitation). Whatever. Something cheaper. cdj-100s are good too. There's no shame in them whatsoever. They're killer. As mentioned above there are also other options.

I would get Pioneer CDJ-100 c players.. and get the the 2 channel pioneer...
When I first got my equipmment, i got american DJ pro -scratch 1 cd players. After 2 years of use they work great and compliment my mk2's very nicly..

The Behringer DJX700's arent coming out until September, and I doubt you want to wait for those.

I totally have to agree with Shock about the money thing. There really is no money in this unless you get signed to some major label. And being that your taking the CD route, not many big name record companies sign CD DJ's. If your looking to do this to make a few bucks, enjoy life, pick up a few girls here and there, than go for it. If you think your gonna be the next Tiesto, thats a hell of a dream.

See I got into DJing because I love music, I love bringing music to people, I love people to have fun. That brings joy into my life. Im gonna start in NYC, where I live, and when I feel I am comfortable and good enough, Im gonna go to Israel for a summer and DJ there just so I can get a feel for the international scene. I know the trance scene in Israel is popular, and since I have family there, that will be my first international stop. After that, who knows???

my friend actually had the same problem you had and in the long run his dad was right. since you haven't started djing yet you don't really know if your gonna like it or not..hell you prolly don't even know what the hell it is actually about (i didn't until a short while ago) my friend went out a bought all top of the line gear used it for about 6 months then realized it wasn't for him.then he was stuck with 2 grand worth of equipment that he didn't want and he only got about a half of the original money back

also you have to be hella good to make a decent amount of money off of it. and usually the money you do make if any your gonna want to spend it on vinyl or cds cuz every crowd loves a new and unheard tunes. don't buy a package deal though cuz you usually get screwed over with a cheap ass mixer. if i was you i would buy intermediate equipment and stick with that for a few years because intermediate equipment is still over half the price of professional grade equipment. if you get good and your still really into spinning a few years from now then upgrade.

Well, about the money thing....I'm still only 16, so I'm not quite at the point at which I'm paying my own bills. I'd use the money to pay off the hypothetical loan, and then use wwhatver I get from there to buy new Cd's, new gear, etc. My main target (venues, if you will) of DJ'ing will be parties/house parties/ and the like. There aren't many clubs aroundhere that are looking for residents, and even if they were I'm still to young.
I have alittle experince in DJ'ing./ I'm rather decent with a mixer, but I'm new to decks.
Thanks to everyone for the help. KEEP THE ADVICE COMING!!!!

hey fellow TA's... if i ever say i'm going to quit djing (unless its been a long while and these forums are even still around) give me a slap in the face and tell me to persevere.
btw... for money... I didn't mean like record-label style like a solid name for yourself in the like of many trance djs like for example like BT or whatever other genre. I meant like maybe a gig a month or house parties... hell if you wanna make money off this you don't necessarily even have to be good, you just have to play whats popular, look at alot of the radio djs, play some underground tunes from over a year ago and the rest usually pop/rap. However thats not why I do it and I'm sure thats not why everyone else here does, its for da love of da muzica. I'm sure you'll be able to get house gigs for a lil' dough. Before i even started to DJ and read dj magazines people asked me if I was a DJ and I replied "no, not yet, just aspiring." And they're like "Well can I get you to come for like a party and dj for it". "i'm not even a dj yet... i just said..."
"I'll pay you man! Don't worry you'll get good moeny"
Me: "fine" (hahaha)
In high school its relatively simple. Just track the rich dudes parties and youll get like 100 bucks minimum for the gig. Problem is, you gotta have the whole set-up, and find people that will dig your tastes (even tho at that point it wont matter with drunkards and druggards most likely).
Just remember, its a hobby and not a profession unless your a pro ("pro" in "pro"fession). You'll need a job to keep up the vinyl and cd costs, however im betting that youll just burn your cds so whatever. I guess I'd probably go for decent equipment if i were you. I'm going to force myself to like djing. I don't see it being too hard if you've got a strong dedication to music. Persevere whoo-wee! You should be able to eventually get club gigs too. It is, however, one of those things that happenes only once in a while from what I'm getting. Not something like a once a week endaevor unless you're pro enough to be a resident. That could take years but at least you're starting young. I guess with the funds you have... go for either cdj-100s, or unless you're confident try ebay for used cdjs of higher models. DJX700 isn't coming out for a while i hear, but theres other mixers from behringer and other companies that you can get for cheaper adn will work fine. Practise!!! as much as you can. From what I hear... the point you get to beatmatching you really have to show youre will and persevere. Dig that? Don't get anything too cheap that it will turn u off djing, but dont get anything too expensive that can make or break you... unless of course you got the money to burn.

Chavez, your friends are just as good as mine. My friend told me to DJ her pool party. I was like, but I dont even have the equipment yet, shes like so what, Ill give you a loan if I have to. All in all, she booked me for August. Chavez, can you beat this, shes gonna pay me around $600-$800 to DJ her pool party for around 2-3 hrs. CHA-CHING!!! But shes a really good friend who wants to get me started in the business. And heres another plus, along with the cash, she also said Im getting laid that night.

quote:

Originally posted by Vlad Chavez, your friends are just as good as mine. My friend told me to DJ her pool party. I was like, but I dont even have the equipment yet, shes like so what, Ill give you a loan if I have to. All in all, she booked me for August. Chavez, can you beat this, shes gonna pay me around $600-$800 to DJ her pool party for around 2-3 hrs. CHA-CHING!!! But shes a really good friend who wants to get me started in the business. And heres another plus, along with the cash, she also said Im getting laid that night.

What!? HaHaHa. A loan!? A guarantee you're getting laid. HahAha thats jokes. What are your friends pimps ? I know others that would be interested, man people think djs are so cool when its not all that glamorous. Just fun, especially when getting payed. Money is always an incentive. And sex

Its a she, and she has many friends. She has asked me if I wanted to have an orgie. You like that? LOL! Of course I said yes, but I must bring a female, but I dont know any that would enjoy this, so Im still kinda stuck with that. But ya, money and sex, does it get any better for a kid just starting out? BTW I know her for a long time, shes one of my closest friends too, so of course she will hook me up.

quote:

Originally posted by ChavezHype hey fellow TA's... if i ever say i'm going to quit djing (unless its been a long while and these forums are even still around) give me a slap in the face and tell me to persevere. btw... for money... I didn't mean like record-label style like a solid name for yourself in the like of many trance djs like for example like BT or whatever other genre. I meant like maybe a gig a month or house parties... hell if you wanna make money off this you don't necessarily even have to be good, you just have to play whats popular, look at alot of the radio djs, play some underground tunes from over a year ago and the rest usually pop/rap. However thats not why I do it and I'm sure thats not why everyone else here does, its for da love of da muzica. I'm sure you'll be able to get house gigs for a lil' dough. Before i even started to DJ and read dj magazines people asked me if I was a DJ and I replied "no, not yet, just aspiring." And they're like "Well can I get you to come for like a party and dj for it". "i'm not even a dj yet... i just said..." "I'll pay you man! Don't worry you'll get good moeny" Me: "fine" (hahaha) In high school its relatively simple. Just track the rich dudes parties and youll get like 100 bucks minimum for the gig. Problem is, you gotta have the whole set-up, and find people that will dig your tastes (even tho at that point it wont matter with drunkards and druggards most likely). Just remember, its a hobby and not a profession unless your a pro ("pro" in "pro"fession). You'll need a job to keep up the vinyl and cd costs, however im betting that youll just burn your cds so whatever. I guess I'd probably go for decent equipment if i were you. I'm going to force myself to like djing. I don't see it being too hard if you've got a strong dedication to music. Persevere whoo-wee! You should be able to eventually get club gigs too. It is, however, one of those things that happenes only once in a while from what I'm getting. Not something like a once a week endaevor unless you're pro enough to be a resident. That could take years but at least you're starting young. I guess with the funds you have... go for either cdj-100s, or unless you're confident try ebay for used cdjs of higher models. DJX700 isn't coming out for a while i hear, but theres other mixers from behringer and other companies that you can get for cheaper adn will work fine. Practise!!! as much as you can. From what I hear... the point you get to beatmatching you really have to show youre will and persevere. Dig that? Don't get anything too cheap that it will turn u off djing, but dont get anything too expensive that can make or break you... unless of course you got the money to burn.

Well Chavez,
First off, thanks for all your help.
I'm gettin into DJ'ing for the same reaon you are/did. I WANT to spread trance, or electronica (in any form). Only prob is that most kids my age aren't so accepting, so I'd be forced to play more mainstream music. But, i'd definitely lay down some good ol fashioned trance most of the time.
Plus, i wouldn't use burned CD's for dj'ing. I rarely burn cd's so there's no way i'd use them to spin.

Dude, dont spin what they want, make them enjoy trance, start with something alittle more known, just to get the crowd moving, and once you get into the good stuff, they wont even know it, and they will be dancing their asses off. This is how trance survives, dont give into the population. For example, start off with Perpetuous Dreamer, Iio, Reina... and once they are warmed up and moving, flow into some Ferry, AvB, PvD, Tiesto stuff.

Have fun!
Play what you want... your sets can be as variable or one genre if u want. I know that sometimes if you want to play that mainstream stuff just look for the various remixes that are dope and it will work better with your mix... not only that but usually its faster... sounds good and everyone recognizes it. Breaks remixes can go well with trance.
Whatever its all up to you.

Chavez and Vlad....
What you are saying is very true. I really want kids to leran to love trance like I did. I want them to get their asses on the dancefloor and stay there until the end of the party. But, you're alwas gonna get the "Turn that damn techno off" comment. I guess the best way would be to get the started with soem Darude, and go from there. Kids like to dance, so i guess Trance (which is the BEST dance msuic) will suit them.

Which is why i need GOOD gear..........

If you go with 2 Axis8's and a Behringer DJX400 or Pioneer DJM300 Mixer, you would be set. The Numark Axis CD players are very good. The Behringer DJX400 is a rip off of the Pioneer DJM300, so its up to you which you want to get. The Behringer is $100 and the Pioneer is $300, if you get the Behringer, you can save the $200 you would normally spend on the DJM and spend on essentials, like cases/coffin or just keep it and save up for a better mixer or better CD decks. DJing is an investment and you have to be smart how you invest your money.

quote:

Originally posted by DrummeRaver86 Chavez and Vlad.... What you are saying is very true. I really want kids to leran to love trance like I did. I want them to get their asses on the dancefloor and stay there until the end of the party. But, you're alwas gonna get the "Turn that damn techno off" comment. I guess the best way would be to get the started with soem Darude, and go from there. Kids like to dance, so i guess Trance (which is the BEST dance msuic) will suit them. Which is why i need GOOD gear..........

I know I'm gonna get bashed for it from here...lol a site dedicated to Trance. But IMO I would say House is the best dance music. Its basically all the dance genres starting back in the 70s and even earlier combined into a genre that can really make u groove. Thats just my opinion. But Trance can REALLY make you move... like that of all hard dance and hard house. You get a track thats uplifting with NRG... and if anyones on the floor that can dig it... you got yourself a party.

First of all would wont get bashed, this forum is for all types and genres of dance music. But I personally dont like to mix house music, I dont enjoy it as much. Though if Im dancing and the DJ puts on a house song that is quality and knows how to use it, I will enjoy it - most of the time I will just go lounge around somewhere when the house music goes on. Trance4Life!!

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