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-- Simple kit for a beginner?

Simple kit for a beginner?

Not necessarily cheap kit. Something I can build on. Goal 1 is to simply mix two CD tracks together at home.

So far I've tried software mixing without headphones but didn't like it. Want a mixer.

I have:
2 x VAF DC-7 floor stander speakers
Rotel RB-1070 Power Amp 130W per channel
Hooked up to on-board sound on my PC.

Need:
2 x CDJs
1 x Mixer
Soundcard
What else?

Maybe Serato would be an option? I wouldn't need a soundcard then would I?

I use Rapid Evolution to catalogue my tracks. I'd imagine if I wanted to play at a friends house I would need a laptop so I could at least access my Rapid Evolution database.

I have read some of the information threads above. So far I've picked out maybe getting

CDJ1000 MK3s
Korg Zero 4 Mixer
Xone 92 Mixer

I sure did like the compact looking setups that have the mixer and the two CDJs in a suitcase but maybe I'm getting ahead of myself.

Any suggestions appreciated.

I personally like Pioneer mixers more. You also need to pick out some headphones. I only have experience with Sony. My friend has MDR 750 (IIRC) and I don't really like them. They are awesome for listening, but when I mix, I prefer something that gives me a good amount of bass.

My setup is : 2x CDJ800MK2 + Xone92 + EFX1000...I'm a beginner and I do that for fun.

I'd recommend the 800 over the 1000, because you save a lot of bucks and there are not really difference between the 2 models.

But the Xone is an awesome mixer dude

I'm not a dj or anything, and I have never tried that equipment, but to me it looks way overkill. You really dont need a xone 92, pioneer cdj 1000's etc when just starting out, sure you can sell it for alot afterwards and stuff, and it might be easier to learn on. But that gear is easily worth thousands of dollars, ask yourself if you really need that to simply mix two CD tracks together at home. I would probably go with pioneer cdj 100, 200 or 800, a djm 300/400, some solid vestax mixer, or a nuo2/3. Remember, I have never dj'ed myself, but it just seems like a complete overkill to me.

I mix vinyl, so take what I have to say with a grain of salt, please. If you're set on mixing CDs, from everything I have read, you'd be hard pressed to find a better set up than a pair of Pioneer CDJ 200s. If you want solid, reliable decks for mixing only (can't 'scratch' on these decks), there doesn't seem to be a better deck out there.

I can't offer you much input on a mixer. I use a cheap ass Numark 2 channel mixer, but since I only mix epic and progressive trance it fits the bill. I'm only doing long fades. Your decision here really comes down to quality and how many channels you want. If you'll add a third CDJ or even a turntable at some point, you'll want a 3 or 4 channel mixer to avoid making this investment twice. Also, a lot of people prefer rotary mixers, so listen to the pros and cons of using rotary.

I have a pair of Stanton DJ Pro 2000 headphones. http://www.topdjgear.com/stanton-djpro-2000s.html

They are good cans (good sound and isolation), but they can get to be a little heavy from time to time. A ton of users here will tell you to go for the Sony MDR-7506 cans. http://www.topdjgear.com/sony-mdr-7506.html

I've never used them, so I can't say, but they get overwhelming reviews among the majority here.

The benefit of buying more expensive gear is that it holds it value. It's like buying a Honda versus a Chevy. At trade or sale time, you'll get more for the Honda. There's also something to be said for not going overboard with your first purchase. You may find out that you simply don't derive the joy from mixing that you'd expected. If that's the case, then you'd minimized your losses.

Hope that rambling helps some.

Edit: also please read http://www.tranceaddict.com/forums/showthread.php?s=&forumid=8&threadid=29639

and

http://www.tranceaddict.com/forums/showthread.php?s=&forumid=8&threadid=366219

what is your budget? the gear you've picked out already runs to AUS$5000 or more for 2 cdj's and a mixer if you are buying new.

quote:

Originally posted by Zoso The benefit of buying more expensive *BRANDS OF* gear is that it holds it value. It's like buying a Honda versus a Chevy. At trade or sale time, you'll get more for the Honda.

fixxed...

CDJ-200 will hold its value just as much as a 1000 because its a pioneer deck...

I don't know if you can say the same about an American Audio cd player...

I would spend $5000 on gear because I just love the music too much but not to start.

Based on that other thread I'll look at these options:

CDJ:
Pioneer cdj200's

Mixer:
Pioneer DJM-400
numark dxm06
Vestax VMC-004
Ecler Nuo 2

Cans:
Sony MDR-V7506 or V6's
Sennheisers HD-212

Don't get:
2 X pioneer cdj 100
Behringer mixer.
Vestax PCV-275 mixer
Technics

Based on my wrap-around earphones experiences with both Sony-G72's and Senheiser PMX60's I'd go with the Sony any day of the week.

Then I have to decise how I'm going to hook it all up, via Serato or a nice soundcard. Gotta decide if I'm going to hook up a keyboard etc.

Thx for clarifying. Time to look at some secondhand/new prices.

EDIT: btw, I'm playing Trance, progressive and house. No scratching or effects unless it aids in smooth, seemless transitions, 'cause that's basically all I'm after right now. Nothing fancy.

quote:

Originally posted by b1_ I would spend $5000 on gear because I just love the music too much but not to start. Based on that other thread I'll look at these options: CDJ: Pioneer cdj200's Mixer: Pioneer DJM-400 numark dxm06 Vestax VMC-004 Ecler Nuo 2 Cans: Sony MDR-V7506 or V6's Sennheisers HD-212 Don't get: 2 X pioneer cdj 100 Behringer mixer. Vestax PCV-275 mixer Technics

All that sounds good.

I'd recommend 2 x CDJ 200's and a DXM06. I think the Ecler Nuo 2 is good also, but I have no experience with that.

For cans, can't go past Sennheiser HD-25s. Cheapest place I have found them is www.chemicalrecords.co.uk. They ship internationally too. I have both a pair of these and the Sony V6's at the moment, would not recommend the V6 for DJing, they are heavy and hard to keep one on the ear and one off.

I don't see what the problem is with the Vestax PCV-275, I've had one in my possession for about two years now, and it's great. All the faders are still nice and tight, and they has been no bleeding whatsoever. It's been used for a few house parties and taken a bit of a bashing when I'm practicing tricks etc. Highly recommended, however I'd still recommend the DXM06 as they are known for being very durable and have some reasonably good onboard effects for the price you pay.

Pioneer mixers bar the DJM-1000 and the DJM-800 are rubbish, so don't buy one of those. Bleed city!

Good luck.

By the way, you have mentioned hooking the decks up. If you have a mixer and two CD players, there is no need whatsoever to hook it the whole lot up to the computer unless you plan on running ableton too. Serato is for emulating vinyl, and requires an actual turntable to use.

quote:

Originally posted by Beat Blog I don't see what the problem is with the Vestax PCV-275, I've had one in my possession for about two years now, and it's great. All the faders are still nice and tight, and they has been no bleeding whatsoever. It's been used for a few house parties and taken a bit of a bashing when I'm practicing tricks etc. Highly recommended, however I'd still recommend the DXM06 as they are known for being very durable and have some reasonably good onboard effects for the price you pay.

yeah they seem to be a bit of a favourite around here.

I quite like mine as well.

quote:

Originally posted by Neo Hacker My setup is : 2x CDJ800MK2 + Xone92 + EFX1000...I'm a beginner and I do that for fun. I'd recommend the 800 over the 1000, because you save a lot of bucks and there are not really difference between the 2 models. But the Xone is an awesome mixer dude

Yeah I didn't want to fork out the extra money for the cdj1000's because I couldn't really notice many differences - atleast any that would help me.

I've got two CDJ 800MK2's and a beringher djx700 mixer - not the best mixer but it's doing the job for now.. I'll upgrade it in the future

I am glad I forked out the money to buy some decent CD decks though, I think it's a step everyone has to take - I know I'd still want CDJ's if I ended up buying numark/stanton/denon cd decks.

I have a shit job so I did a lot of research before spending a lot of hard earned dollars on my gear and for what I wanted to mix and what I wanted to spend I went with the CDJ 200s and a Vestax VMC 004-FX mixer and so far I love them. You already have speakers and an amp so the decks, mixer and cans are all you need, there is a separate thread about cans so I would check it out there but it seems that a lot of people go with Sony.
before you buy you need to think about what your wanting to do in the future, I plan to add more decks later so i got a 4 channel mixer, at the moment I just set up Traktor for an external mixer and plug my PC into my mixer because I don't play out that much but with a decent sound card a laptop will do that great. if you want to just stick to 2 decks then go for a 2 maybe three channel mixer if you want to keep your options open, being in Au check out www.Djwarehouse.com for prices and stuff, that is where I got my stuff and they were really good but call them up before you order because they gave me way better prices then they had listed on the web site (CDJ 200 listed at $790, I paid $590 ect)

have a go on someone else's gear if you can before buying also and see if you like the feel of it, if you don't, don't get that stuff.

if you have your heart set on some higher end stuff then the 200s Vestax has some CD decks out that have been getting great reviews but i don't know how easy they are to come by in Au but still, most people rely more on teh pioneer gear when it coems to CDJs

hope this helps a little, best of luck!

Ultimately this is what I want to do:

2 x CDJs
1 x mixer (? channels)
1 x laptop running Rapid Evolution and Traktor
1 x amp
2 x speakers

I want to hook the Mixer to Traktor and mix through the mixer not through Traktor (I can't stand mixing with my mouse), but I want to see the tracks up on Traktor for a visual display of where I'm at in my mix, with quick switches to Rapid Evolution for on the fly song selection. In other words, can you hook it up so that when you turn a dial on the hardware mixer the corresponding dial in Traktor turns?

Now is the Traktor to Mixer connection possible? And if it's possible is it worth doing? And if I want my laptop to be in the loop with my two CDJs does this mean 3 channel mixer? And do I need the CDJs anyway if I've got the laptop, ignoring the whole debate on whether your cool-factor drops if you're not flipping CDs but just fiddling with a laptop? I guess if there are no CDJs and you want to run the music through a laptop it means you're gonna have to buy an external soundcard anyway.

quote:

Originally posted by b1_ Ultimately this is what I want to do: 2 x CDJs 1 x mixer (? channels) 1 x laptop running Rapid Evolution and Traktor 1 x amp 2 x speakers I want to hook the Mixer to Traktor and mix through the mixer not through Traktor (I can't stand mixing with my mouse), but I want to see the tracks up on Traktor for a visual display of where I'm at in my mix, with quick switches to Rapid Evolution for on the fly song selection. In other words, can you hook it up so that when you turn a dial on the hardware mixer the corresponding dial in Traktor turns? Now is the Traktor to Mixer connection possible? And if it's possible is it worth doing? And if I want my laptop to be in the loop with my two CDJs does this mean 3 channel mixer? And do I need the CDJs anyway if I've got the laptop, ignoring the whole debate on whether your cool-factor drops if you're not flipping CDs but just fiddling with a laptop? I guess if there are no CDJs and you want to run the music through a laptop it means you're gonna have to buy an external soundcard anyway.

To run Traktor on the laptop, you will need a mixer that also functions as a midi controller, which, for a beginner price really only leaves you with one choice: The Ecler Nuo 2. None of the other mixers you listed have this capability.

quote:

Originally posted by Beat Blog To run Traktor on the laptop, you will need a mixer that also functions as a midi controller, which, for a beginner price really only leaves you with one choice: The Ecler Nuo 2. None of the other mixers you listed have this capability.

i could be totally wrong here, but the nuo2 doesn't have midi afaik. only the nuo4 does (out of the nuo's).

and for the original poster, you don't need cdjs at all, if you're going to play using traktor only. if this is something you want to do then go for it, but then i'd at least suggest getting a decent midi controller and a good quality sound card with multiple outputs, so you don't have to dj with your mouse!

I just started Dj'ing around 6 months ago
Ive got
2 Pioneer CDJ100's (Not the best but the do the job)
1 Pioneer DJM600
1 Pioneer HDJ 1000
2 Kam Speakers & Amp

Not the best of gear but not bad for the price I Paid.
Does the job for Bedroom use !

Well then I guess I have two choices to get started:

a.
2 x Pioneer CDJ200s ($1400)
1 x numark dxm06 ($450)
1 x laptop for playing outside the bedroom enabling display of my Rapid Evolution database
total approx $1850

or

b.
1 x Midi Controller ($375)
1 x external soundcard (wouldn't have a clue - $500 maybe)
1 x Traktor 3 Software package ($345)
1 x laptop for playing outside the bedroom enabling display of my Rapid Evolution database, visual display of live mix, drag and drop songs with no need to burn collection to CD.
Total approx $1220

Hmmmm...

quote:

Originally posted by b1_ Well then I guess I have two choices to get started: a. 2 x Pioneer CDJ200s ($1400) 1 x numark dxm06 ($450) 1 x laptop for playing outside the bedroom enabling display of my Rapid Evolution database total approx $1850 or b. 1 x Midi Controller ($375) 1 x external soundcard (wouldn't have a clue - $500 maybe) 1 x Traktor 3 Software package ($345) 1 x laptop for playing outside the bedroom enabling display of my Rapid Evolution database, visual display of live mix, drag and drop songs with no need to burn collection to CD. Total approx $1220 Hmmmm...

you'd still need a mixer with the b setup though (unless the midi controller has some kind of a mixer in it, they're mostly crap though, so i'd avoid that) and headphones!

Dunno why you're set on getting a laptop for playing out.

You're a beginner, it will take you quite a while to start playing in bars/clubs.

Cross that bridge when you get to it, in the meantime get some CDJ's, mixer and headphones and have fun.

My recommendation (apart from "use the search")
2x CDJ-200 or 800mk2
Ecler Nuo-2, Nuo-3, Vestax PCV-275, DJM-400 or similar
Sony MDR-V6 or 7506 or whatever other headphones you want

quote:

Originally posted by Trance Nutter Dunno why you're set on getting a laptop for playing out. You're a beginner, it will take you quite a while to start playing in bars/clubs.

Playing out means friends parties. But there's a good point in there, clubs usually have the CD Decks and the mixers but not the midi controllers. If you go the laptop-powering-everything route you'll have to take you're own gear to the club.

quote:

Originally posted by Trance Nutter Cross that bridge when you get to it, in the meantime get some CDJ's, mixer and headphones and have fun.

It's not fun ripping all your tunes to CDs is all.

I have used the search

Here are some midi controllers
http://www.djwarehouse.com.au/cat/i...ategory_id=7892
No good?

Looks like this thread pretty much kills the pure software DJ idea:
http://www.tranceaddict.com/forums/...light=laptop+DJ

I had a hunch that it might be a case of just keeping it simple.

Might just revise my choices and go away and have a think about it (I really don't like burning CDs):

a.
2 x Pioneer CDJ200s ($1400)
1 x numark dxm06 ($450)
1 x laptop for playing outside the bedroom enabling display of my Rapid Evolution database
total approx $1850

or

b.
1 x Ecler Nuo 4 with midi controls ($1000)
1 x external soundcard (wouldn't have a clue - $500 maybe)
1 x Traktor 3 Software package ($345)
1 x laptop for playing outside the bedroom enabling display of my Rapid Evolution database, visual display of live mix, drag and drop songs with no need to burn collection to CD.
Total approx $1845

just get yourself decent cdjs, a decent mixer, decent headphones, a decent laptop and serato scratch live or torq connectiv or traktor scratch and you should be all set. won't be cheap though, but it seems like this is what you need.

Some nice video demos of equipment on YouTube.

Numark ICDX + Virtual DJ demonstration on Youtube.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0-3TkOUOHpQ

VirtualDJ <<>> External Soundcard <<>> Mixer (can't tell what mixer) + time coded vinyl
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=27Xu...related&search=

A software DJ setup. Numark dx09 Mixer <<>> Gigaport AG USB2.0 soundcard <<>> Virtual DJ on a laptop.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Tsta...related&search=

M-Audio X-session Pro USB midi controller in action -bout US$99
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JJ4z...related&search=

get ableton and a sick midi controller! trust me you won't regret it

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