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-- Newbie wanting to Start
Newbie wanting to Start
Hello - Im a newbie to the sensation known as spinning.
All I've really done is mix mp3's with Accoustica MP3 Audio
which basically only includes track layers and volume control.
Of course my friends who dont know any better say they like my CD's I make for them. I like to mix Hard Trance and Prog Trance.
I have NO equipment- Just my computer- I was thinking of
getting one of those DJ Kits that comes with 2 cd's and mixer- etc- they cost about $500- (Piece of crap)
I would just like to know where I should start-
Should I start practicing on actual CD Mixers or should I use
these Computer Mixers like Mix Vibe- or PCDJ? (Dont Laugh)
My friends say the mixing is a little rough but I have a really good ear for songs and what sounds good and what goes well together.
Any advice would help.
get VTT, it's the best.
www.carrotinnovations.com
or, better yet, get 2 tech 12s.
traktor is really good too, in my opinion give that a try
Nooo
here is my advice. DO NOT GET THE CRAPPY PACKAGE DEAL. You'll hate yourself for it later. Even better don't buy anything. Go find someone who has turntables already. but some records spend a hundred bux on some records.. now go to the friends house with tables and practice. play for a month or 2 if your still interested and still want to get you own. do it then. When you do get your own... Please oh please get quality equipment.
Re: Nooo
| quote: |
| Originally posted by djbluesky here is my advice. DO NOT GET THE CRAPPY PACKAGE DEAL. You'll hate yourself for it later. Even better don't buy anything. Go find someone who has turntables already. but some records spend a hundred bux on some records.. now go to the friends house with tables and practice. play for a month or 2 if your still interested and still want to get you own. do it then. When you do get your own... Please oh please get quality equipment. |
PCDJ
I use PCDJ with the external MP3 controller from Numark...called the DMC-1. I really like the PCDJ/DMC-1 interface. I've been "spinning" mp3s 
for about 6 months now, and I love it. I'm not PvD or Tiesto by any means...but I've come a long way, and I've recorded a few of my own mixes...each one gets a little better. This was a great learning tool for me, I use it every day.
I picked up that Numark DMC-1 on sale at the Guitar Center for $99. The DMC-1 comes with PCDJ Blue, which is a scaled down version of their mixing software (PCDJ Red). Blue is GREAT cuz it doesn't let you cheat...no beat counter 
So, if you have a PC, you are more than half way there...pick up a DMC with the software and an external mixer...I just sold my stanton mixer on eBay for 50 bucks (upgraded to a new mixer). I also recommend having 2 sound cards (or an external one like the SB Extigy) so that you can get 2 channels out of PCDJ and feed them into your external mixer.
Check it out:
http://www.pcdj.com
Here's my setup:
i was always interested in mixing with my computer but really didnt know how. im dling now VVT..hope i can make out somethin from it. some1 told me i need two sound cards in order to mix 2 mp3s from the computer.. u4ea u have a nice setup there..how much did they cost u all?...can u tell me the name of the software and hardware exactly, so i can do some research by my self?
Hey Teo,
I'd be happy to provide you with some prices...hope you don't mind if they are in US dollars 
-The MP3 controller is called the Numark DMC-1 and it comes with the software PCDJ. I picked it up for $99. You can check out the software at the vendor's website: http://www.pcdj.com They do have a demo version of the software called PCDJ silver. You can operate the software on a keyboard alone, but I like the DMC-1 interface, just like a CD mixer. I don't know how easy it is to find a DMC-1 in Europe. I think pcdj.com is selling it for over $200...ripoff.
-I bought the mixer (Stanton SMK-201) when I bought the MP3 controller, it was kind of a mistake. I bought it because it was cheap ($75). After I learned a few mixing skills, I knew that this mixer wasn't cutting it. It only had 2-band EQ's, and I think trance DJ's really need at least a 3-band EQ. I sold my Stanton on Ebay for $50 and then got a new mixer with 3-band EQ/kills for $150. If you don't have alot of money to buy fancy equipment, try to find some used stuff, it will save you a bundle.
-Soundcard...You have a few options here. I personally use the Sound Blaster Extigy. It is an external USB soundcard, that can split PCDJ's output into 2 channels (just like 2 turntables/CD players), in turn, feeds your external mixer via mini-to-rca cables. It costs $125...kind of expensive I guess. If you have alot of money to spend on a soundcard, get the Emagic 2/6. I think it costs around $300. It is truly a professional soundcard. There's also the Gigaport AG (not sure on the price...but expensive). On the PCDJ forums (http://message.visiosonic.com/cgi-b...rum/dcboard.cgi), a few of the european DJs have mentioned an external card that is only available in Europe...I don't know the name of it, but they speak very highly of it, and it only costs about $75.
-Cables, this is the cheapest part of the setup. I have 2 mini-to-RCAs coming from my external soundcard, feeding to my mixer. I also have RCAs for the output of my mixer to a speaker/stereo source. So, 3 cables to produce some sound. You can probably get all three for under $10.
Best of luck, let me know if you have any other questions. I LOVE mixing MP3s, but I think I may take the plunge and buy some used Technics 1200s. Its a big step, and I'm really afraid of incurable vinyl addiction. But what the f@#k...I want to do it. I'll still continue to mix MP3s...if I don't have the vinyl, I'll most likely have it on MP3.
Found out the name of that "European" soundcard 
Abit UA10
We can't get it in the U.S. Maybe you can pick it up in Greece, Teo.
hi u4ea .. Nice setup there .. very neat
I am purchasing DMC-1 too but i am worried about my second soundcard ... i was planning to buy 1 soundblaster live soundcard ( coz its cheap and quite nice) however i don't know how to config it if i will use it with PCDJ red
and about mixer i am thinking to buy Behringer
DX-500 ($140) or
VMX-300 ($170) http://shop.store.yahoo.com/djgear/behvm3chanvc.html
i think both have 3 chanel .. pliz tell me which one is better or perhaps u can intro other mixer at around that prize
Thx, LeVouS
Hey Levous
Does your Soundblaster live card have 2 outputs on it? If so, you should have no problem running both PCDJ channels out of your Soundblaster card. PCDJ works pretty well with Soundblaster Live, there's even a checkbox in the PCDJ config to use the soundblaster live setup. I tried running PCDJ with 2 soundcards (one internal on my laptop, and the other was the SB Extigy), and the channel that was running through my internal soundcard sounded like crap. So, it is nice to run both channels through one soundcard if possible. Luckily, most of the SoundBlaster cards have that capability. Double check yours to make sure
As far as mixers are concerned...I wish I could help you further, but I'm a newbie myself and don't want to mislead you. I did look at the Behringer mixer that you are considering. It is a pretty nice mixer, and a great price. I ended up purchasing a Numark mixer (DM3001X), also a 3 channel mixer with 3-band EQ and kills. I'm pretty happy with it, the monitor sounds clear, and so does the master.
I bought a set of used turntables over the weekend, and hooked them up to the mixer with my DMC-1...awesome sounds great, and its alot of fun. Sorry, wish I could recommend a mixer for you, but I'm in the same boat as you. However, if you have any more questions about the DMC-1/PCDJ setup, let me know, I'd be happy to help you out.
Good luck with your setup and mixing!
Thx u4ea .. ur info helps me alot .. btw do i really need to use 2 soundcard ? coz so far i am concerned .. i need 2 sound card bcoz each player will go to each sound card. After reading ur reply .. is it very bad to use 2 internal soundcard ? coz i am planning to use that option.
hahahaA` good for u that u have purchased turntable .. i think i am still far to go for TT .. i am still struggling with beatmatch ... hahhaaA~ btw any suggestion to master beatmatch ? 
Hey Levous,
If you will be using PCDJ, I highly recommend using 2 soundcards, or a soundcard that is capable of putting 2 outputs (like the SB Extigy). If you already have 2 soundcards, great, give it a shot!
When you get your DMC-1/PCDJ, configure PCDJ for 2 soundcards. In the same configuration screen, select soundcard #1, test it. Then, click on the soundcard #2 tab and test it. Now you should be configured for 2 sound cards. By the way, do you have an external mixer? If so, now is the time to run a mini-to-RCA from your soundcards to your mixer.
The only reason I had trouble with 2 soundcards was because my internal factory soundcard (came with my compaq laptop) is a piece of crap. I tried one channel coming out of my Exigy external USB soundcard, and the other channel out of my internal soundcard. The channel that was coming out of the internal soundcard sounded muffled. Just make sure you check the volumes on your soundcards, and adjust them accordingly. If you have quality soundcards on your PC, you should not have any problems with sound quality.
Beatmatching 
That's a tough one. What I do is play song A, get a feel for it. Then, I listen to song B in the monitor and find a good cue point. This cue point should be a 1 count of the 1-4 beats in a measure. Just count 1-2-3-4-CUE! You can set cue points in PCDJ, so you'll never have to do it again in a song. Ok, Song A is playing, you have song B cued. Now, just practice, don't worry about bringing song B in on Song A's outro. Just try to match the beats. Count song A's beats 1-2-3-4-1-2-3-4 now, after the 4th beat in a measure, hit your play button to bring in song B. Adjust the pitch sliders accordingly (slower/faster). You can also finely tune the pitch by pressing 'load'+'pitchbend'. If you are very close, hang on the pitchbend a little until the songs sync up. It took me a few days to get the hang of it on PCDJ, just be patient, remember to take a break every now and then. It also took me a few days to get TT beatmatching...still working on it, but improving and having fun.
Hope this helps! Good luck!
hahahaA~ great info .. i'll try it tomolo coz i am have plenty of sch work to do rite now ... hopefully i can gain something from ur info .. Thx u very much u4ea
btw for temporary i still dont have external mixer .. planning to buy it in a short time .. still cant decide which mixer .. i think most likely i am going to buy Behringer .. but not sure whether VMX300 or DX500
i know u have tried to help me with the mixer but perhaps if u have time .. could u check and compare the 2 mixer and tell me which one is better ? coz i find it very similar and if i am not mistaken VMX300 has better fader ?
GreeTZ, LeVouS
i think i'll be able to solve some questions of yours.
i've been through a lot as far as the "soundcard" matter is concerned...
i've also used the pcdj software too, only not with the numark controller.
if you don't own a descent soundcard, then you DO need to buy a new one. if you don't at least own a soundblaster 128 (thats what i got x2) then it should probably sound like real CRAP.
extigy is the PERFECT solution for any soundcard problems that might occur, only too pricey though...
if you decide that you need a new soundcard i'd suggest you two of the cheapest soundblaster so that you have at least a DESCENT sound. if you can't afford two of them, go for a single one. only you'll have to use a mixer with that setup (each channel goes to left/right, that means MONOPHONIC sound. which is pretty bad), unless a quadraphonic soundcard (each channel goes to front/rear).
in case your pc contains an onboard soundcard, don't even think of using it...
one more tip, if you're into bying a mixer, don't bother bying numark controller for pcdj (useless if you don't care about the feeling). also the software can be easily found cracked online. (i think pcdj isn't worth bying, there are better progs like bpm studio. it's the best i've used far up until now (believe me, i've experienced lot's of them!), if you care about the feeling there's a controller for it too, only a bit more expensive).
as far as the mixer is concerned...
DO NOT go for the behringer VMX-300, no way i would trust a mixer with THD 0.05% (distortion)
there are so many other options (most of them are far better)at the same price range. beat counter is no need, unless you're so lame you won't waste few time to learn how to beatmatch... a simple 2 channel mixer would do.
better go buy quality mixer (go for more known to the massive brands, these are more likely to last...), not necessarily expensive. could be a 100$ mixer.
hope i've been helpful, if you have any more questions i'd be glad to help...
*sigh... wat advice can u give to people like me... who'z friends have no deckz?i can't try it, coz no one i know has deckz... i really want 2 get started off mixing as well but the equipment is so damn expencive, i get all paranoid about the wat if'z... like wat if i get sick of mixing or i end up hating it?... thatz a waste of ALOTA money!!... ur advice is heaps welcome dudes... should i take a risk?... coz i really love my trance
Hey Nomiz,
Well, unfortunately, if you want to mix, you're gonna have to spend some money somewhere. I know that's not what you want to hear, but its the truth
Before I started buying equipment, I read alot of trancEaddicts stating that if you don't go for it, you may miss out on something big. I took their advice, and I'm happy that I did. I've learned alot from everyone that posts on these forums.
Well, from my perspective, you have 3 options:
-Turntables & Mixer
-CD Players & Mixer
-PC Mixing program (possible mixer)
If you love trance, and you want to spin, do something about it! There is nothing worse than regret.
I started out mixing MP3s (with a cracked version of PCDJ-free). I wanted more hands on. So, I dropped $100 US, and bought the external MP3 controller, and another $70 on an external mixer (piece of crap). That was enough to mix MP3s and learn beatmatching, etc. I learned a little more about mixing, started becoming somewhat proficient. I sold my mixer on eBay and bought a better one.
Mixed a bunch of MP3s, and wanted more. I did some research on TTs, and looked at used equipment. I found a pair of used direct drive decks for $150. I bought them, and I love them. I really love spinning vinyl.
So, look around. You don't need to go to the music store and shell out over $1000 dollars to get brand new Tech 1200s and a Vestax mixer. Do some research, align it with your budget, and go for it!
If you end up hating it, put it up for sale online somewhere, there's always someone looking for a deal...you may even make a profit! So, my advice to you, after all of my incoherent rambling? Determine what you want to mix (vinyl, CDs, MP3s), do some research on these forums and look around for equipment reviews, then maybe look for some used equipment online or in a store. You can do it!
Best of luck! 
no jokes dude .... drop the mp3 dj-ing
if money is an issue .... buy belt driven TTs .. they work fine as can be as long as you the hamster running in a little wheel in a cage to produce the electricity that runs the motor of the TTs does his job right!
| quote: |
| Originally posted by u4ea -Turntables & Mixer -CD Players & Mixer -PC Mixing program (possible mixer) If you love trance, and you want to spin, do something about it! There is nothing worse than regret. |
| quote: |
| Originally posted by u4ea You don't need to go to the music store and shell out over $1000 dollars to get brand new Tech 1200s and a Vestax mixer. |
| quote: |
| Originally posted by JohnSmith In fact, i disagree with jdat, belt driven are not sufficient for DJing. at the very least get cheap direct drive tables. |
thanx for ur advice fellaz... i think i will take a leap of faith!
but just one more question (i must be gettin annoyin now) did u guyz just d.i.y when youz stArted mixing? or did u take mixing lessons? like does the deckz include manuals?!! or do u have to slowly find out for urself how things work and wat goes well with wat and how to beat match etc. etc. etc?... if u did d.i.y... would i be right by saying that the first month or the first few weex must of been hell, just by trying to learn the very basics of mixing and all those gadgets and knobs on the mixer??
I can't speak for all tranceaddicts on this one...but, from the messages posted on this forum and possibly:
http://www.recess.co.uk
http://www.godisadj.org
You should be able to get a descent start from the aforementioned sites. You probably won't sound like Marco V or PVD when you first slap some vinyl down, but don't get discouraged. Your TTs/headshells/needles will come with small manuals for setting up your equipment (esp. the weight for the tone arm), but it will not describe beatmatching...that's a skill you must practice/develop
I doubt many people have taken lessons here. I guess there is nothing wrong with taking lessons, but I would rather spend that money on vinyl or equipment. You can also develop your own style. Don't be afraid of your equipment, throw some records on there and get dirty!
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