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dj equipment (pg. 4)
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| london_ta |
I'm to lazy to read this whole thread.
HERE's my two cents. I'm so happy I took the time to learn how to use CDJs, or in my case Denon cd decks (barely hold pitch anymore). Once you're able to properly beat match and understand transitions, then you should go out and purchase Traktor 2. At that point focus on programming and enhancing your technique with effect, samples and loops.
I use Traktor Scratch Pro 2, Tracktor Audio 10, & 1x X1 controller.
Glad I can pull out my cd's on occasion without any issues. |
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| geroin |
also id like to add that in the last couple of years by listening to records, old and new i've discovered many styles of music for myself that ive never even heard before or liked. Even stuff like jazz/old obscure rock/electronica/older electronic music/classical music/disco/nudisco/house and even some eastern european 70's music.
It really helps your mind let go from your conventional techno/house that we hear in clubs and appreciate other styles. I'm sure a lot of people listen to other styles of music but i'm just sayin'. |
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| culorut |
| quote: | Originally posted by KStuff
I get your point, but learning the basics of DJing is a long ways away from being a professional. I'm asking if a piece of Numark all-in-one is sufficient to learn on, get a feel of the basics, for a minimal investment of $150 (ie for someone that has never touched anything else before). Then one can evaluate, and try out other more expensive equipment once they're ready to upgrade, have a better idea of the direction they want to go (or quit), and do gigs in public. |
Yes you can learn the basics on cheaper gear but I'm also going to say not to waste your time with that stuff. Buy standard equipment (CDJ's, 1200's, etc) with the mindset that you're buying it for life, even if you grow out of it or don't like it you will get a good return on your money selling it used. I doubt that even happens though because you'll be hooked in no time playing on quality gear. |
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| MSZ |
lol this thread.
if you really want to get good at it, you'll do everything, software, manual, try vinyl etc.
you can learn a lot from each medium, i know i did. i've done it all, and i have been at practicing for about 8 years starting on vinyl.
software is very underrated i find, why? you will learn a lot about track and phrase placement between tracks visually, even using a simple program.
not going to lie, traktor is dead simple to use, my buddy can make pretty dope transitions on it and cant really dj much that says something, it would be pretty awesome if you could make a living playing out on traktor almost every night. to the more veteran djs, if you're going to use traktor, use the out of it, use as much of it as you can, work hard, and dont just mix tracks traditionally on it.
why i like cdjs most, i like the connection and work ethic projected when playing live. i like that there is no failsafe when you're doing bad, overall its subjective but i feel it really adds to the performance especially if you're not looking at a damn laptop so much.
you'll get a better feel for song syncopation and tempos when you pitch slide, thats also a very cool skill to have. dont rely on a bpm counter, when it tells you its 90 bpm when its actually going 122.
and guys, if you're going to say something bold like, "use this" please explain why, thats forums 101... jesus.
my 2 cents. |
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| GGM |
| I'm not a DJ and have no interest in being one but I would say it sounds like some people have lost sight of the end goal here, getting the best sounds possible to the end user's ears. That's the bottom line imo and maybe person #1 accomplishes that best on vinyl, person #2 does it best on Traktor, etc. To each their own and with anything like this you just have to dabble in everything a bit to find what works best for you. |
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| Magnetonium |
Funny how 4-5 years ago noone knew of Native Instruments (and everyone bragged about Serato ) and now everyone's using Traktor. Yes, I definitely highly recommend Traktor. I've had Native Instruments equipment since 2007 and love it. No problems, ever. Upgraded the software for my Traktor recently - audio driver on this thing is phenomenal.
I also recommend using turntables with Traktor. Highly recommend going with Technics SL-1200's (MK2), the most reliable and best looking turntables in the industry, can last you a lifetime. Make sure yours are made in Japan. Had mine for 4 years now and didn't even have to change my needle yet (get a top of the line Shure needle for your turntables - you won't regret it). And buy turntable cases for these things.
Now when it comes to mixer, this one is a question of debate. Most people would suggest Allen & Heath, but I love my Pioneer DJM-800. Excellent features and easy to use. Amplifies your sound really really well, very reliable piece of equipment.
If you're going to be an independent DJ with all your own (lighting, speakers, etc.) like me, I'll make some additional recommendations for you. Buy from American DJ brand for ALL your lighting effects and fixtures. DO NOT EVER BUY lasers and only stick to LED effects and NO HALOGEN bulbs. Lasers and bulbs have shorter lifespan, require additional maintenance and more susceptible to damage. If buying DMX-controlled lighting, it takes some learning and usually I don't bother as the audience mostly doesn't give a so just stick to audio-activated lighting.
Best low-cost fog machines, in my experience, are by Chauvet. You can get a 20,000 cubic feet per minute machine for about $150 (can fog up a middle school gym in just a minute), while brands like Martin will cost you several times the price.
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| LightsOut |
| quote: | Originally posted by missgl
Im looking for advice on what kind of dj equipment to purchase - ive decided to take it on as a new hobby. Any advice would be appreciated! thanks!
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| quote: | Originally posted by Magnetonium
Buy from American DJ brand for ALL your lighting effects and fixtures. DO NOT EVER BUY lasers and only stick to LED effects and NO HALOGEN bulbs. Lasers and bulbs have shorter lifespan, require additional maintenance and more susceptible to damage. If buying DMX-controlled lighting, it takes some learning and usually I don't bother as the audience mostly doesn't give a so just stick to audio-activated lighting.
Best low-cost fog machines, in my experience, are by Chauvet. You can get a 20,000 cubic feet per minute machine for about $150 (can fog up a middle school gym in just a minute), while brands like Martin will cost you several times the price.
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:rolleyes: |
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| Magnetonium |
| quote: | Originally posted by LightsOut
:rolleyes: |
I figured the guy might want to upgrade stuff once in every while.
I consider lighting to be essential part of any DJ setup. Just playing music isn't enough these days. Even one or two lights will do, especially when one has Mystic LED light.
Yeah, DJ'ing is my hobby too - I only prefer to do occasional gigs on the weekends. I stick to my two day jobs for the time being.
EDIT - Does everyone have to give other people attitude on TranceAddict these days? Jesus Christ. How convenient that you edited out the previous sentence which specifically mentioned if he's going a step further ...
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| Mortyman |
| quote: | Originally posted by spiderpig
Since when is purchasing vinyl a waste of money? Coming from a self proclaimed "vinyl addict", how can you make that statement? |
Unfortunately this "hobby" will get short-lived. It's not a cheap hobby to have. |
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| geroin |
| quote: | Originally posted by Mortyman
Unfortunately this "hobby" will get short-lived. It's not a cheap hobby to have. |
there is a reason why vinyl outlived every single format out there in the last 50 years of djing and is still being used today (even after people stopped buying records just for the sake of listening to music) |
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| Adam420 |
| quote: | Originally posted by Mortyman
... and spend $20/track? As a former vinyl addict, those days are done. don't waste your time or your money. :sadgreen: |
only buy records if they're vinyl-only. That's what I do. It's worth it, there is some great . Well not if you play the sort of stuff you do I guess.
| quote: | Originally posted by Mortyman
... and spend $20/track? As a former vinyl addict, those days are done. don't waste your time or your money. :sadgreen: |
$20/track, what are you talking about? A WAV of a new track on Beatport costs $3 - $3.50. Times 4 that is 12 to 14. A record costs $12 to $14, and usually has 4 tracks on it. I don't see what is the big deal. Records are a labor of love in his day and age I've realized and it shows who the real music lovers are. Again this is more for techno or house, not the stuff you play.
Oh and finally, buying used records can actually be cheaper than buying MP3 versions, or roughly the same price. I just bought my first pair of decks and they are sweeeeeeeeeeet. Vinyl sounds so nice. |
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| LightsOut |
| quote: | Originally posted by Magnetonium
I figured the guy might want to upgrade stuff once in every while.
I consider lighting to be essential part of any DJ setup. Just playing music isn't enough these days. Even one or two lights will do, especially when one has Mystic LED light.
EDIT - Does everyone have to give other people attitude on TranceAddict these days? Jesus Christ. How convenient that you edited out the previous sentence which specifically mentioned if he's going a step further ...
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:haha:
Not trying to give you attitude, I just find it hilarious that OP is asking for advice on his first bit of gear and he's getting tips on fog machines, lasers, and intelligent lighting; when he's going to practicing basics in his bedroom. He might as grab a Funktion One and a disco ball while he's at it. babysteps. :p |
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