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Newbie wanting to Start
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| xKaoSx |
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. |
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| trancearmada |
| traktor is really good too, in my opinion give that a try |
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| 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. |
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| JohnSmith |
| 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. |
amen! |
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| u4ea |
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 :D 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:
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| teo |
| 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? |
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| u4ea |
Hey Teo,
I'd be happy to provide you with some prices...hope you don't mind if they are in US dollars :rolleyes:
-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.:eek:
-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. :D 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. |
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| u4ea |
Found out the name of that "European" soundcard :p
Abit UA10
We can't get it in the U.S. Maybe you can pick it up in Greece, Teo. |
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| LeVouS |
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 |
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| u4ea |
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 :p 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! :) |
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| LeVouS |
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 ? :eyes: |
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