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??? on some equipment..

Alright....just got my Techs in today.

1st question....what kinda needles should I get. Gonna be doing alittle scratching as well as normal mixing. Also, links to sites that sell them would be really good to. I may need the whole thing....cartridge and needle holding mount.

2nd question....What kinda mixer should I get...I plan to get another TT in alittle bit so how many channels should I get and what kinda stuff should I get with the mixer...like Bass knobs etc.

3rd question....What kinda headphones do you all recommend.......I know I should get some that are very flexible..

Sorry for the questions....just don't want to go out and spend money on stuff that I don't need....thanks for any help

Re: ??? on some equipment..

First of all as you know it comes down to how much money you can spend

quote:

Originally posted by Dj Fred Lamar 1st question....what kinda needles should I get. Gonna be doing alittle scratching as well as normal mixing. Also, links to sites that sell them would be really good to. I may need the whole thing....cartridge and needle holding mount.

Are you gonna do heavy scratching or not?
you can get a pair of Ortofon nightclub at audiolines.com for 230 bucks ( gotta call them up and negociate ) their great
otherwise some cheaper ones are
Stanton Discmaster 2
and a pair would cost about 120 or so
so if you get some like that you won't need to buy a headshell which would be an extra 30-40 bucks each....

also check out samash.com and pssl.com they garanty the cheapest prices so if you see one cheaper elsewhere they'll lower theres ... I suggest going through samash and pssl more then audiolines

quote:

Originally posted by Dj Fred Lamar 2nd question....What kinda mixer should I get...I plan to get another TT in alittle bit so how many channels should I get and what kinda stuff should I get with the mixer...like Bass knobs etc.

Same question how much money you want to spend ?
You want parametric ( left / right ) ( which is only on the little higher models )
bass mids and highs
Pioneer Djm 600 two channel ( but two TT inputs and Two line inputs so the channels are switchable like on all mixers ) that'll be 350 about at pssl .... I don't like that mixer cause it don't have parametrics and I don't like all the extra whistle and blow like BPM counter but it's defenitely ideal to start out with !

You can get a vestax PVC 275 for 500 which is a decent three channel mixer

Lastly I'd suggest a Rane TTM 54i which is about 600 but that one will last for a life time and it's the best for heavy scratching and mixing .... That's actually ( with other rare high end vestax ) one of the rare brands that does great mixer for both scratch and mix djs ..... you know the crossfade is what makes all the difference ..... but Rane is just da bombbb!

quote:

Originally posted by Dj Fred Lamar 3rd question....What kinda headphones do you all recommend.......I know I should get some that are very flexible..

Try not buying any Dj dedicated headphones at all means !
THEY SUCK!
if you see ads with big djs ( like carl cox etc ) trying to sell dj headphones don't forget they're being paid to be in the ad ..... and the dedicated dj headphones suck ...
they have often to much bass and bad mids and highs ....

get some sony 7506 or V6 ( exactly the same headphones but different prices ... sony's stupid ) so that's 100 $about ( 7506 ) to 50 $( V6 not V600! )

or get some sennheiser HD 280 pro for 100




I hope this helps ... don't hesitate with extras questions ... and be a little more precise with your budget possibilities

I'm gonna be doing minimal scratching......like a few bleeps here and there....nothing major....

***********************************
As for Ortofon.......I'm guessing these are the series. Are they listed from greatest to least greatest. Which should I stay away from.

CC NCS
CC DJS
CC Pro
OM NCS
OM DJS
OM Pro
OM Pro

Also, I went the website and others and it has the specifications like output etc......is there anything I should look for. And for that Stanton Discmaster 2, which series would it fall under for the above if it was a Ortofon.

************************************
For the mixer: what is parametric ( left / right ) ? And for the "two TT inputs and Two line inputs." The 2 line inputs would be for what?

So basically...a mixer with bass mids and highs, parametric (left/right) is what I should get.....? Kinda on budget for mixer....don't wanna spend no more than 450 for one for now.

************************************
Those sennheiser HD 280 pro look alot bigger but comfortable and those sony's look smaller but flexable.......I'm kinda leaning for the sennheiser HD 280 pro.

In all-----wanna try to stay within + or - 50 bucks for the following

Needles----$150
Mixer------$450
Headphones-$100

Thats kinda my budget right there......

Thanks for the help

For mixer i would reccommend the Pioneer DJM 500 (Great mixer with 4 channels and loads of effects )
For phones i would go with Sony MDR-V700DJ (Very good quality and very very flexible)

Lastly I'm not sure about both scratch/mixing needles, I only have Stanton AI 500's but I wouldnt mind a pair of Ortofon Concorde Nightclub S needles
They also do a scratch needle which is illuminus pink

quote:

Originally posted by DVS For mixer i would reccommend the Pioneer DJM 500 (Great mixer with 4 channels and loads of effects ) For phones i would go with Sony MDR-V700DJ (Very good quality and very very flexible) Lastly I'm not sure about both scratch/mixing needles, I only have Stanton AI 500's but I wouldnt mind a pair of Ortofon Concorde Nightclub S needles They also do a scratch needle which is illuminus pink

what is it with you people ?
These pioneer mixers it's like EVERYONE on TA has the same ...... they are good reliable mixers but nothing extraordinary

and come on talk to Gluegun the headphone expert ... he'll tell you the Sony 700djs are shitty headphones all plastic and crap



I say you should get a pair of Stanton Discmaster 2 which will cost like 120 bucks

Sorry jdat, a few small corrections..

From your first post

quote:

Pioneer Djm 600 two channel

I think you meant 300, which is 2 channel with no effects.

the 600 is a 4 channel with effects and sampler, and the 500 is the same thing without the sampler. the 3000 is a rackmount version of the 600 with one more effect.

they all have beatcounters.

in my opinion these mixers are all overpriced for what they do.

and one more correction, regarding "parametrics". This is a kind of EQ, it has nothing to do with left and right. Parametric EQs basically make your EQ sound warmer, it's hard to explain, but they are better.

what you are talking about is pans, or a knob for the balance. some better mixers have pans on each channel, and most have it for the master channel.

sorry dude, just had to clear that up.

now, to Fred lamar:

congrats on getting techs!

as for what mixer to get to scratch, i would agree that the Rane is a very good choice. stanton makes some good scratch mixers too.

the Vestax PCV275 is an awesome trance mixer, but no good for scratching, the cross fader is to gradual. it isn't adjustable either.

I would get something at least 3 channel, if you do plan on buying another deck. vestax has some dope 3 channel mixers, but they are quite expensive once you get into the samurai series.

Needles? the ortofon pink ones would be the best.
I have stanton scratch masters, they are good as well.

good luck!

quote:

Originally posted by JohnSmith Sorry jdat, a smalle corrections.. From your first post I think you meant 300, which is 2 channel with no effects. they all have beatcounters. in my opinion these mixers are all overpriced for what they do. and one more questions, regarding "parametrics". This is a kind of EQ, it has nothing to do with left and right. Parametric EQs basically make your EQ sound warmer, it's hard to explain, but they are better. what you are talking about is pans, or a knob for the balance. some better mixers have pans on each channel, and most have it for the master channel. sorry dude, just had to clear that up.

oh shit well I did mean the 350 bucks mixer ... got confused with the reference ( I don't try to know by heart stuff I don't like )

and yes you're right with the eqs and stuff. .... I just moved to the usa and I'm stil confusing the technical terms in english ...

I've been running sound for concerts since forever so I have that technical expecation out of dj mixers which obviously is hard to suit when you see dumb over rated mixers like the pioneers.

and no, para EQs don't make your sound warmer, you just have better control over it and often these are higher quality EQ circuits which like you said can equal wamer sound ... but still it's the ability to control more that makes the sound come out better

I'm not an expert in mixers 'n stuff, but in my experience you will hardly need things like pan on every channel. For using Pan as an effect the one in the master-section normally should be sufficient.

As for the headphones it REALLY depends on what you're heading for.
I have the Sony MDR-V500, they have a nice clear sound and am happy using them when mixing at home, but when driven to higher volumes like in a club or something they just suck. That's because they lag bass then. If you prefer Sony for handling, like I do, try those silver ones (don't remember their name ).
If want them just to be LOUD, use Sennheiser. If you're looking for quality and excellent sound head for Technics, had my best experiences with them so far, just don't have the money...

thanks for the reples......



So.....

This is what I have come up with:

Needles------:
Either Ortofon Concord series or the Stanton Discmaster 2. They both look great but the Stanton are alittle more cheaper. Any comments on which one is the best. Do they both play the same or can you here a difference when playing on a loud system.


Mixer--------:
Ummm.......A question to get cleared up....whats line mean....I know what the input is? Well, these are the mixers I had in mind:

PIONEER DJM300
VESTAX PCV175
VESTAX PCV275
GEMINI UMX9---is this any good on pssl for 149 & list for about 499
STANTON RM3S--need more info about.....alotta knobs and it says its a 10 in mixer....is that good or bad....its on pssl....doesn't matter if its 2 or 3 channel for right now.....which one would do well.....the Stanton RM3S look pretty neat as well as Gemini......the Pioneer looked a little plain and the Vestax were alright.....just up there in the price......


Headphones---:
Either Technics DJ-1200 or 1200A (whats the difference) or the sennheiser's. I'm going to be playing a a few clubs put mostly bars and stuff so which would be the best out of the ones stated?

P.S---just finished reading a topic about split cue on teh board....does any of the mixers abvove have it......

thanks

OK. I will only answer the mixer part.

as far as verstax, the 175 does not allow you to hear EQ changes in the headphones. i think that sucks, and it's why i got the 275.

the 275 also has 2 headphone outputs, and split cueing. it is also built with better components, and all the outputs are gold plated.

the stanton has pretty much the same features as the vestax 175 i think, but is not as durable.

I have heard good things about that gemini, that's why i posted it. however, it is only 2 channel.

line.. means a line in. like you could plug a CD player, or whatever into that, any standard audio device that connects with RCA or regular stereo jacks with an adaptor. contrast that with phono, which is only for turntables.

most mixers allow you to switch that, so either a deck or a CD on each channel, 4 inputs but only 2 at once.

For your price range. The vestax 275 seems to be the best choice. I have the DJM 300. THe only thing I like about it is the sweet EQ's (Same ones on the 500/600). I did have the Stanton RM3s mixer for about 3 weeks...it was garbage, I exchanged it for the DJM 300. The design is an exact copy off the Vestax 275, however the build quality is somewhat flaky. The faders are horrible. Hardly any sound from 0-7, then within the top 1.5 cm of the fader, all the sound slams in. It made smooth mixing such a pain. I just picked up a pair of Sony 7506 headphones from GuitarCenter last week. I paid $87 (thats a decent price). These headphones are awesome. Talk to GLUEGUN about how to upgrade the earpads.I Think i want to do that. Good luck, and have fun with your new equipment

I'd prefer the Technics they have a warmer sound to me and are flexible.
Haven't seen any flexible sennheisers.

Alright..after further reading and helpful comments.......I have come to this:

Needles------:

Either Ortofon Concord series or the Stanton Discmaster 2. They both look great but the Stanton are alittle more cheaper. Any comments on which one is the best. Do they both play the same or can you here a difference when playing on a loud system.


Mixer--------:

PIONEER DJM300
VESTAX PCV275---many good comments about this one...
GEMINI UMX9---is this any good on pssl for 149 & list for about 499 (Right now, doesn't matter if its 2 or 3 channel....Want be getting that other TT till I make some money from this system.)

quote:

The design is an exact copy off the Vestax 275, however the build quality is somewhat flaky. The faders are horrible. Hardly any sound from 0-7, then within the top 1.5 cm of the fader, all the sound slams in. It made smooth mixing such a pain.

Was this a description about the PIONEER DJM300?

quote:

Originally posted by Dj Fred Lamar Headphones---: Technics DJ-1200 or the sennheiser's. So far, Technics are in the lead.....

Sennheiser HD 280 Pro owns compared to these Technics headphones

forget the technics headphones man

i wouldn't recommend hd 280s for djing... they're too quiet and in high spl environments, like clubs, you wouldnt be able to hear anything...
*shrugs*

This is what I have left....the headphones have already been decided...thanks for the opinions.

Needles------:

Either Ortofon Concord series or the Stanton Discmaster 2. They both look great but the Stanton are alittle more cheaper. Any comments on which one is the best. Do they both play the same or can you here a difference when playing on a loud system.


Mixer--------:

PIONEER DJM300
VESTAX PCV275---many good comments about this one...
GEMINI UMX9---is this any good on pssl for 149 & list for about 499 (Right now, doesn't matter if its 2 or 3 channel....Want be getting that other TT till I make some money from this system.)

quote:

The design is an exact copy off the Vestax 275, however the build quality is somewhat flaky. The faders are horrible. Hardly any sound from 0-7, then within the top 1.5 cm of the fader, all the sound slams in. It made smooth mixing such a pain.

Was this a description about the PIONEER DJM300?

No, that is a description of the stanton RMS3

I have heard many bad things about this mixer, i wouldn't buy it.

i would get the vestax PCV275 if you can afford it and want 3 channels, and aren't too concerned about the gentle crossfader.

i would get the Rane or Ecler if you want a scratch mixer with 2 channels.

and if you want something really cheap, then get gemini or numark, but don't be surprised when you have to replace the faders in a year.

Yea...the Stanton RM is a terrible mixer.

If you're planning on getting a good needle for scratching/mixing, I would go with the Shure M447. They have really good for scratching and mixing. They never seem to get out of the groove. I have used this and I personally own Stanton carts and I am kicking myself in the ass for not going with the Shure carts.

So you should with the Shure carts for sure.

Ok, finally narrowing down the list....

I've decided (with the help of TAs) the headphones and the mixer.

The lowest I found the Vestax mixer is for $419.99
The lowest I found teh Technic phones is for $129.00

All I need now are needles.......bkim00, I took a look at the shure needles.....I'm not gonna be doing alot of scratching.......probably like 90/10.

But, these are the needles that I'm lookin at, suggestions are still welcome......its kinda 50/50 for the Stanton Discmaster 2 and the Ortofon's.

As far as Discmaster 2 vs. the Ortofon. I would definately go with the Ortofon. These are really great needles. A friend of mine has a pair and I have seen them as well as tested them out a little. I would have to say the Ortofon needles are great for mixing and for the little scratching you want to do.

I have also seen my favorite Bay Area DJ (Denise) spin with the Ortofon Silvers and she added her own scratches and it sounded great.

Yea, I was thinkin about Ortofon myself until someone tilts me to Stanton......I've looked around and have seen many diff colors for Orfoton......any diff. in the colors are just for show......

I'm not too sure about the differences between the colors of the Ortofon's. Just like the Stanton, each has its own qualities. I think, and this is just a guess, it is based on output of the needle as well as quality of the needle.

I know for sure that the feel of the Stanton needles are much different.

If you look at both of the needles, I'm sure you'll lean towards the Ortofon's just because you will notice the immediate difference in quality, feel, look, and sound. Plus, I've just heard that Ortofon is great for the mixing DJ.

[QUOTE]Originally posted by Dj Fred Lamar
All I need now are needles.......bkim00, I took a look at the shure needles.....I'm not gonna be doing alot of scratching.......probably like 90/10.

check out the Shure M44G... it's basically a redesigned M447 geared more towards mixing. It retains most the extreme grooveholding power of the 447, but has better sound quality and works better at lower tracking force (helps your vinyl last longer)

I like them quite a bit! They are very solid on the record, hard to make skip. Sound quality is quite nice too

-mer

i should add.. they are fairly cheap too... 'bout USD$50/each if you find a good deal on the net.

-mer

quote:

Originally posted by MERiDiAN5i2 [QUOTE]Originally posted by Dj Fred Lamar All I need now are needles.......bkim00, I took a look at the shure needles.....I'm not gonna be doing alot of scratching.......probably like 90/10. check out the Shure M44G... it's basically a redesigned M447 geared more towards mixing. It retains most the extreme grooveholding power of the 447, but has better sound quality and works better at lower tracking force (helps your vinyl last longer) I like them quite a bit! They are very solid on the record, hard to make skip. Sound quality is quite nice too -mer

These M44 7 are the best in scratching and they have minimal wear compared to ortofon carts ....

for more info go to this site turntablelab.com

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