and to answer the op the best answer is: no answer.

i've seen countless threads like these on audio nerd boards that i frequent. At the end of the day the advice of 20 different people that took 20 different paths in their adventure into picking up mixing isn't worth that much. If you are serious about this, no one is going to give you the answers.

Like everything else it is work, you will have to do your own research and go from there. If you are not willing to invest the time into learning a minimum of musical theory (hint: djing becomes easy and second nature to guys because of these basics), you probably are not serious about this and should not invest a ton of money on it.

If you want to be a dj for cash and women...don't bother. If you have no one to help you learn (which drastically reduces the learning curve) you are in for a few months of bad hygiene and yelling at a mixer because you can't get 2 tracks to fit no matter how hard you try. It doesn't matter if you don't learn to beatmatch (on the grand scale i think this is important, but this is a personal view.) even 2 perfectly matched tracks won't fit together unless you know the "how to". Do this only if you are interested and really want to, and not because it seems like the cool thing to do. There are more djs now than ever before...and I can tell you that 99% of them are losers that would not know a vagina if it hit them in the face and said, "hi, i'm a vagina!."

Long story short, before even attempting any mixing start reading up on song structure, phrasing, eq'ing. Watch one of the jillion youtube vids that show theory in practice. Listen to your favourite dj sets. Pick out a transition or 2 that sounds great to you. Spend some time listening to the 2 tracks used (in full, not a mixed version. intro and outro are a must), and without actually attempting a mix beatcount, and try and wrap your head around how it is done. Copying is unoriginal, but in the learning process it can be a great tool. As previously mentioned playing 2 of the same tracks at the same time and learning to juggle to one from the other flawlessly will also help your timing and to better understand song structure.

Ask yourself why you want to learn. If it is for any other reason than because you really want to...stop yourself right there and just get a hooker. It's cheaper, easier, and purists won't be angry if you don't beatmatch her. If you are serious get ready for a long process (to be good).

That's a really good post Jay.

I would also add, that DJing starts with a strong feeling that you are different, and can bring something new to the table. Even maybe a sense that what you want to do isn't out there. You are not good yet, but you know.

If it starts from being tired of clubbing and that you think it's the next natural step because you heard a lot of music, don't.

If you want to do it because you want to copy exactly the latest Hernan Cattaneo set that changed your life. Don't.

If you like to dress up as a drag and wave your arms in the air. Please don't.

Buy the cheapest equipment you feel comfortable on at first. Practice a lot. Record your mixes and listen to them, asking yourself what you want to change. Watch other people spin, incorporate what they are doing that you like, and ignore the parts you don't. Listen closely.

quote:

Originally posted by Ravemontreal That's a really good post Jay. I would also add, that DJing starts with a strong feeling that you are different, and can bring something new to the table. Even maybe a sense that what you want to do isn't out there. You are not good yet, but you know. If it starts from being tired of clubbing and that you think it's the next natural step because you heard a lot of music, don't. If you want to do it because you want to copy exactly the latest Hernan Cattaneo set that changed your life. Don't. If you like to dress up as a drag and wave your arms in the air. Please don't.

yep.

if you already have a dj name and don't even know what kind of gear/software/type of music you want/need, its time to take a step back and realize that you are going to end up like all those other kids that can't even mix on traktor playing to empty rooms on st laurent.

I'll also add that if you are getting into it because you want to be able to play what you want. Don't.

You won't be able to do that until you make a name for yourself. Until then djing tends to be about playing that you must, and not what you want. (looks in direction of clueless locals starting opening the night at 128bpm when the headliner rarely goes over 122.)

ps. i tried out one of these dj in a box kits the other night at my neighbors house and was actually pretty impressed with how it handled. For the price it would be a great thing to learn on because the pitch resolution is the same as on cdjs and other than the sound quality works pretty well.

I'll get the model, i think he paid only 400 for it.

Not everyone need to be a serious innovator to enjoy DJing. It can just be a fun hobby. I've spent countless days in bliss playing for myself, as well as for a few friends, or at (non-club) parties. It can be just fun and not a shedload of work if you just want to enjoy music.

Thanks jay, witty, and rave for some posts and advice. Enjoyed reading each one, And no i'm not doing it for the BItcHeS.. So can you give me a round estimate of how much I should be looking to spend on the most basic of dj setups, i have the speakers so thats okay, i need headphones+ all the rest.

quote:

Originally posted by WittyHandle Not everyone need to be a serious innovator to enjoy DJing. It can just be a fun hobby. I've spent countless days in bliss playing for myself, as well as for a few friends, or at (non-club) parties. It can be just fun and not a shedload of work if you just want to enjoy music.

you don't need to learn anything to enjoy the music. that being said this thread is not on how to learn how to enjoy music

it is already implied no?

quote:

Originally posted by Ammar.Hasan Thanks jay, witty, and rave for some posts and advice. Enjoyed reading each one, And no i'm not doing it for the BItcHeS.. So can you give me a round estimate of how much I should be looking to spend on the most basic of dj setups, i have the speakers so thats okay, i need headphones+ all the rest.

the thing is you don't have the speakers unless you have proper dj monitors. Multi media speakers are good to play around with, but unless you can hear the frequencies you need to eliminate they won't be of much use

As far as how much to spend? Go to moog this weekend and look around and try things out. It will also give you an idea of how much things cost. Telling you how much you need isn't going to help because we all have different gear on here yet still manage to put together cohesive sets. Get a budget and work with it.

I'll get the model and make of the dj in a box thing...i really really think it is a good piece of noob kit.

Moog sounds familiar, but i'm not sure where it is?

if you can't master google, give up now

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