First of all, this is my first post and I have been thinking of starting for quite some time, maybe it's finally time to start now so I have alot of questions.

I'm curious about buying tracks from beatport.com. What is the quality of the beatport-tracks and does buying them from beatport (or any other site/CD-store) give you the right to play them at parties/clubs? Which coding is the best? FLAC, WMA or MP3 or maybe something else? Which kbps should I aim for?

Also I wonder which setup I should get. I don't want to be too dependant on my computer so I was thinking of a DJM-800 and some kind of controller for the decks, which software is best suited for that? (since I have all the effects on the mixer maybe I don't need Traktor or Serato?) suggestions and opinions? Thanks in advance!

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Originally posted by CalvP Do you have any experience of DJ'ing before?

Not with the actual DJ:ing. We have a DJM-800 and 2 CDJ-1000 (I think) where I work so I have examined those.

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Originally posted by CalvP Can you have a little "play" with them? A DJM-800 is one hell of a first purchase, for someone who has no experience! i would always recommend the cheapest option to start with, for the simple fact that if you decide DJ'ing isn't for you, then you haven't lost too much. Generally there are 4 options... 1. Software only 2. Software with a midi controller 3. Software with time coded vinyl/CDs & a mixer 4. Decks & a mixer Which inspires you the most?

Assuming you've already got a laptop, Calv's (roughly) listed them in ascending order of cost there, which is useful... although option 3 is likely to cost more than option 4.

If you got a DJM-800 and a controller, you'd still need Traktor/Serato: you need a source, something to play your MP3s/CDs/records. With software DJing, that would normally be something like Traktor or Serato. A controller is literally that: it controls a bit of software (tells it to start playing, stop playing, seek forwards/backwards, etc), i.e. option 2 Calv gave above.

With each of the 4 options, here are what I'd suggest are the best beginner approaches:

1. Get a software demo, e.g. Traktor Demo. Free to try out, if you like it you can buy it.

2. Get an all-in-one controller, e.g. M-Audio Xponent or Vestax VCI 100. They usually come with free software, so that part's taken care of too.

3. Give it a go at a mate's if you can. This is an expensive way to go, as you essentially need everything from option 4, PLUS software and an appropriate soundcard. Most people who go down this route start with option 4 then decide they want more flexibility but don't want to give up their decks.

4. Look for a 2nd hand setup. Brands like Vestax and Pioneer will hold their value longer than Numark/Gemini/random unheard of companies, so a year or so down the line you might be able to get nearly as much as you paid for them if you either upgrade or decide it's not for you.


Don't worry about getting the best kit now, you can always upgrade... and when you do you'll have a much better idea of what you want. An old TA veteran once said:

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Learn on ghetto gear and you'll be a better DJ in the end

- basically if your kit is a bit sub-standard then you'll get used to working around its pitfalls right from the start, which will make you a lot more adaptable when you start playing out.

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Stu Cox |

I appreciate the answers and I think the route I wanna go is the 2nd one with some minor changes - I think I don't want an all-in-one controller. But a mixer and some kind of controller. The optimal solution would be a mixer and a pair of CDJ-lookalike-controllers because I really don't feel like putting CDs in these things. I would like to assign them channels in some software and have access to my library on the computer and handle everything from there.

First I was recommended to get a controller (Pioneer DDJ-T1), so I looked it up, researched, read reviews and all of that. Then I thought that this controller was just a piece of plastic with no function other than controlling the software Traktor. What if some component in the DDJ-T1 breaks down? Then the mixer and all decks are broken... So I looked up the Numark NS6. Looks very good but I don't like the look of Serato. Thing is the NS6 is also a standalone mixer, which is nice to me if I decide to buy CDJs (if they are compatible?).

Finally I was thinking of just a mixer with a laptop. And I heard the DJM-800 is all you need and a whole lot more. Maybe 4 channels is a bit excessive? Maybe I should start with 2. What do you think?
And also anyone got a DDJ-T1? Is it any good? Have you got any information on it's expected lifespan? I'm really careful with my stuff by the way.

Thanks alot

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Originally posted by R_Set What if some component in the DDJ-T1 breaks down? Then the mixer and all decks are broken...

This is something which extends to any kit, you're pretty screwed if anything dies unless you've really thought about a back-up plan. Most clubs have CDJs installed, so you could just make sure you've got some CDs in case your DDJ-T1 dies.

The DDJ-T1 isn't cheap though! Do you really want to throw that much at DJing when you haven't tried it before?

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Originally posted by R_Set So I looked up the Numark NS6. Looks very good but I don't like the look of Serato. Thing is the NS6 is also a standalone mixer, which is nice to me if I decide to buy CDJs (if they are compatible?).

You can use the NS6 with Traktor or CDJs instead of Serato if you prefer, but it's specifically designed to work with Serato Itch.

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Originally posted by R_Set Finally I was thinking of just a mixer with a laptop. And I heard the DJM-800 is all you need and a whole lot more.

You still need some kind of 'transport' controls: play, pause, forwards, backwards, pitch control, etc.

As the DJM-800 can be set up as a MIDI controller, you COULD pick some buttons to perform those functions, but it'll be awkward to use because it isn't really laid out appropriately.

Or you could use keys on your laptop keyboard for those functions, but again, it won't be very nice to use. Could be fine for getting started, but if you've got a grand to throw at a DJM-800, you might as well get a cheaper mixer and a controller you can use for transport.

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Stu Cox |

pm me.

i'll sell you a few pre mixed sets for cheap and teach you how to twist the unplugged mixer to dabeat.

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Originally posted by Stu Cox You still need some kind of 'transport' controls: play, pause, forwards, backwards, pitch control, etc. As the DJM-800 can be set up as a MIDI controller, you COULD pick some buttons to perform those functions, but it'll be awkward to use because it isn't really laid out appropriately. Or you could use keys on your laptop keyboard for those functions, but again, it won't be very nice to use. Could be fine for getting started, but if you've got a grand to throw at a DJM-800, you might as well get a cheaper mixer and a controller you can use for transport.

Have you got any recommendations for me? I'm thinking of taking some classes in DJing just to try out the gear before I buy them. If this is really something for me the DJM-800 is probably all I'm gonna need for a very long time._

But you are right I don't want to pay 3000dollars for the complete setup just now, unless it is something I really fall for. What would be the low-mid range beginner kit for me you think? I'm very into Pioneer because I bought the HDJ-2000 already, you think I can get a decent Pioneersetup cheap and new? If not what other setup do you recommend?

Thanks

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Originally posted by Zyklon_Jay _pm me. i'll sell you a few pre mixed sets for cheap and teach you how to twist the unplugged mixer to dabeat.

I don't even know what this guy is talking about... :/ it's not even about hardware right?

I use a Hercules RMX controller with Virtual DJ. It isn't glamorous, but it works great and the controller has a built in sound card. Not very expensive, either. The Numark Omni is another popular entry-level controller that's designed for Traktor.

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www.soundcloud.com/jpamusic

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Originally posted by Sushipunk At least last time you Brits got pissed off, we got punk music out of it. This time, it'll probably just end up being embers breaks

Sounds good. I will definetly check them out. I was also thinking about the Vestix Typhoon.

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Originally posted by R_Set Have you got any recommendations for me? I'm thinking of taking some classes in DJing just to try out the gear before I buy them.

Everyone's always raving about the Vestax VCI-100, so if you're willing to spend $650 then you know that'll get you a solid bit of kit which will hold its value if you decide to upgrade.

Although the Typhoon's half the price so you haven't really got anything to lose there, but don't expect anyone to give you more than $50 for it in a couple of years.

I seriously wouldn't bother with DJing lessons... that would cost even more money and there's enough info on the net for you to teach yourself. That is unless you've got a mate who's willing you to show you the ropes for free (or in exchange for a few beers), in which case I'd say definitely go for it.


Oh and if you do go for an all-in-one, don't use the sync button I'm not saying that out of any kind of snobbery or Ludditism - you'll learn so much more if you learn to beatmatch manually.

In fact on that note, is vinyl too dead to suggest considering getting a 2nd hand pair of turntables and a mixer then fishing some wax out of a charity shop instead? Again, you'll learn an infinite amount more if you start on primitive tech and work your way up to laptops etc, plus it's really good fun. Make sure the mixer says "Blue Dog" on it.

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Stu Cox |

I've come to realize that if you are asking these questions then you are not ready to start out as a DJ. You should educate yourself more about the music and DJing in general.

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My Soundcloud Page | The Free Soundcloud Stuff Thread

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Originally posted by SYSTEM-J Levels is...decent...damn better than a lot of the shite dominating the charts at the moment. It sounds absolutely nothing like...a billion and one similar tracks in this big-room style. I always had a soft spot.

You guys are way too nice. It's kind of disgusting actually. Doesn't the wold have enough wannabe DJ's who don't know fuck all about good music?

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Originally posted by SYSTEM-J Levels is...decent...damn better than a lot of the shite dominating the charts at the moment. It sounds absolutely nothing like...a billion and one similar tracks in this big-room style. I always had a soft spot.