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best way to incorporate a synth to dj set? (pg. 2)
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| Watts |
If you are really serious about doing this I recommend getting a laptop (or using your current computer) running Ableton Live and using an audio interface with MIDI IN.
Do what Freak recommended, except use some virtual instruments on the laptop. If you see this is what you want then maybe consider going hardware (but I don't see any point in that -- especially if you play out a lot).
Say this does not work out how you want it too, and you can't seem to find any use for this synth you bought; audio interfaces are going to fetch a better resale price than most synths will. |
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| i got big pants |
as far as i know, i dont think torq is capable of running vsti. only effects...which is bugger. maybe in torq 1.5 might be able to. something to look into after 1.5 is released.
i was thinking the ableton approach...a lot of things i like...but the cost involved is a bit much. ableton le is still on my mind, but it doesnt have the midi sync feature. only on the full version.
only reason i was thinking about a hard synth is due to the fact i want to get back into playing the piano (to some extent) while still having something i can incorporate into my sets, without having to always be connected to my computer.
i still have some time to figure out what i want.
thanks for the heads up though you guys. a lot to think about |
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| Watts |
| Get a MIDI controller to go with it. A laptop running a VSTi is the same thing as a virtual analog. |
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| stan229 |
| Torq also has ReWire i'm not sure how that works as i havent experimented with it yet |
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| adx |
I have been thinking that same thing! - I want to incorporate a piano into my mixes as well. Other DJs have been giving me ideas on what I could use, but it all seems so hands off. And expensive.
My plan now is very simple: I will be upgrading mixers here shortly. The new one will have 3 channels, vs my 2. Im going to take the output of the piano and directly feed it into channel 3. Done deal.
My goal is playing live, and not layering an effect (I guess its kinda the same thing.. but you know what I mean). Although the software way would be much easier. |
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| i got big pants |
| quote: | Originally posted by adx
I have been thinking that same thing! - I want to incorporate a piano into my mixes as well. Other DJs have been giving me ideas on what I could use, but it all seems so hands off. And expensive.
My plan now is very simple: I will be upgrading mixers here shortly. The new one will have 3 channels, vs my 2. Im going to take the output of the piano and directly feed it into channel 3. Done deal.
My goal is playing live, and not layering an effect (I guess its kinda the same thing.. but you know what I mean). Although the software way would be much easier. |
are you going to do this anytime soon? kinda curious if it'll all work out. esp as somebody said earlier...you might have volume issues |
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| stan229 |
| well with volume.. hopefully your mixer controls (gain,eq's) will be suitable enoughand maybe if you have some volume control on your snyth that will help |
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| Stu Cox |
| quote: | Originally posted by stan229
well with volume.. hopefully your mixer controls (gain,eq's) will be suitable enoughand maybe if you have some volume control on your snyth that will help |
It's not really volume so much as dynamics...
If the synth sound isn't compressed, it's likely you'll have to turn it up quite a lot before it's very clear over the other sounds, by which point there will be frequencies from the synth which will be overpowering the sounds in the records and it'll start to sound pretty grim. If you compress the synth, it'll bring all of the frequencies back to a level playing field so you'll be able to make it sound clear without some frequencies overpowering others. |
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| Nemesis44 |
| quote: | Originally posted by Stu Cox
It's not really volume so much as dynamics...
If the synth sound isn't compressed, it's likely you'll have to turn it up quite a lot before it's very clear over the other sounds, by which point there will be frequencies from the synth which will be overpowering the sounds in the records and it'll start to sound pretty grim. If you compress the synth, it'll bring all of the frequencies back to a level playing field so you'll be able to make it sound clear without some frequencies overpowering others. |
Indeed,
If you want to make it sound like it fits in then compression is needed.
Stand alone compressors tend to be quite expensive but I know the Behringer compressor is both cheap and actually surprisingly good for the money.
The other option is that you could route the synth output to a laptop and use a vst compressor but then you would be facing a bit of latency from the external soundcard.
To all the doubters out there, this isn't actually anything new Abel Ramos plays keyboard over live DJ sets and I know that Corderoy play guitars over their live sets.
On a slightly more bizarre note, Judge Jules (way back in the day) used to play Trumpet over his live sets. Although to be honest that does have trouble working in my head.
As with anything, it all comes down to how good you are and how natural you can make it sound. Just like turntablism, do it too much and it kills the vibe rather than enhances it.
Cheers
Nem |
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| Tony Morello |
| quote: | Originally posted by Nemesis44
Indeed,
If you want to make it sound like it fits in then compression is needed.
Stand alone compressors tend to be quite expensive but I know the Behringer compressor is both cheap and actually surprisingly good for the money.
The other option is that you could route the synth output to a laptop and use a vst compressor but then you would be facing a bit of latency from the external soundcard.
To all the doubters out there, this isn't actually anything new Abel Ramos plays keyboard over live DJ sets and I know that Corderoy play guitars over their live sets.
On a slightly more bizarre note, Judge Jules (way back in the day) used to play Trumpet over his live sets. Although to be honest that does have trouble working in my head.
As with anything, it all comes down to how good you are and how natural you can make it sound. Just like turntablism, do it too much and it kills the vibe rather than enhances it.
Cheers
Nem |
compression is definitely needed
behringer, normally known for their shoddy dj products are surprisingly good with their studio products, their effectors and compressors are actually pretty good
being in a situation to add that sort of thing to your sets is what's going to set you apart from the crowd, but like previously said, you have to make it blend in with your performance, so it sounds like it was actually part of the song to begin with because just like effects, less is more
a friend of mine actually plays with a live guitarist sometimes, he plays riffs overtop and through breakdowns, really good stuff i must say |
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| Dj Spiel |
I use a Korg MX Synth--I drop snares,bass and synths when i am mixing live. I also use it as a intro tool...creating a beat-song on the fly then blending a track I just purchased from//lets say beatport.com-- into what I just created on the Korg
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| i got big pants |
i thought about that little korg piece. looks nice. ive heard that it is a bit limiting once you get the hang of it, but heard there are awesome sounds.
how do you like it? is the learning curve pretty steep?
any volume issues as somebody stated earlier? |
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