New to DJing or production? Need help or advice? Post here

Clanket

Everything I've read so far about vinyl vs digital indicates that vinyl is superior audio quality than digital. It's one of it's big selling points.

My original question was whether digital music, specifically mp3 was good enough to DJ in a club with. Having read more today, it seems like it is. I'll probably build my collection with a mixture of vinyl, cd's and downloads.

Have to say though I'm a massive fan of vinyl. I also much prefer buying CD's than downloading from Itunes etc. It's something about having something physical, rather than a bunch of 1s and 0s.

But the additional cost of building a vinyl only collection v a digital only collection is huge.

Cianh

While you're on the topic lads, are there any decent shops in Dublin selling vinyl anymore, I haven't bought any in a years now. Last place I was in was on crow st. in Temple bar, not purple moon, across the road from it.

electrogrimey

Cianh wrote: »

While you're on the topic lads, are there any decent shops in Dublin selling vinyl anymore, I haven't bought any in a years now. Last place I was in was on crow st. in Temple bar, not purple moon, across the road from it.

Sounds like All City, and if it wasn't, you should go to All City.

Cianh

Cheers, must head in for a look.
Is it a very small shop on crow st yeah?

Paul1979

Leinster7 wrote: »

it just depends on how fussy you are about the sound and if you are going to be playing in mid-large clubs. If not, save your money and buy mp3.

Can I suggest you buy a track from beatport in mp3 and wav and play them both out and listen.

...Personally I play a mix of wavs/aiffs and a lot of vinyl (US deep house and disco edits) that are vinyl release only and because I like to play **** that everyone doesn't have...and the sound quality is not as good as digital of course....but then its vinyl and its real

a well pressed vinyl in good condition sound better than any WAV

theaaao

Hey guys hope someone can help me with this...

I had VDJ and the hercules DJ control steel and was messing around with them.
But what I'm really interested in getting into is music production. So I was advised to get the Alesis iO2 audio interface to connect my keyboard to my laptop and Cubase LE came free with it.
I was also under the immpression that the iO2 could be used as an external soundcard for the DJ control steel as it doesnt have one built in.
So I was trying to kill two birds with the one stone by using the iO2 as a soundcard and to connect my keyboard to the laptop.
However I'v been at it for hours and I cant seem to get deck A out of my speakers and Deck b cued in my headphones!!

Is it possible with the iO2? There is no headphone jack on the dj controller or any outputs, just the usb connection to the computer.
Thanks in advance!

ED E

The iO2 has two inputs, not two outputs. Its gonna be no use to you.

RastaRed

Howya Lads,

Another annoying newbie question, Ive discovered my love for music again, used to DJ at weddings, 21sts, 30ths etc. Im now doing an intro course in Pulse College for sound and plan to do the part time diploma course there in Oct hopefully. Im also planning to start DJing again, this time digital.
Heres what I have:

Dell Laptop(Full of tunes)
Software:Traktor Pro, Reason 5, Abelton Live 8
M -Audio Oxygen Midi keyboard
CDJs and 4 channel mixer
Amp
2 x 1000w speakers

Couple of questions:
I know i need a usb soundcard, could i use the midi keyboard as a midi controller for Traktor?
Is it possible to mix on laptop with traktor pro using a mouse if i dont have a midi controller?
Could i use the mixer on my old cd decks with traktor?

For the diploma course, I will be using mac and pro tools there so I'll be getting a macbook eventually when i get the money, can anyone recommend a decent priced soundcard that would work with both windows and mac?

Sorry for all the questions, any help is much appreciated

electrogrimey

You'll definitely need something like an Audio 2 DJ, but everything else, yes.

For the CD decks it depends on the decks, but most of those dual units have inputs on the back, so you can normally route traktor through it, just have a look on the lack. If there's a line-in for each channel you're sorted.

You can mix on Traktor with just a mouse, and you can map some things to your laptop keyboard too to make it easier. It's just a bit of a pain, mainly for the knobs and faders.

As for the Oxygen 8:

Leinster7

I can highly recommend the Apogee soundcards. I use the rosetta series in my studio but I have an Apogee One for the road and it sounds great. Powers up my Beyerdynamics very well too. The Duet is good too if you want something for your studio. However if you are going to use Pro Tools, you're probably better off looking at the M-Boxes.

RastaRed

electrogrimey wrote: »

You'll definitely need something like an Audio 2 DJ, but everything else, yes.

For the CD decks it depends on the decks, but most of those dual units have inputs on the back, so you can normally route traktor through it, just have a look on the lack. If there's a line-in for each channel you're sorted.

You can mix on Traktor with just a mouse, and you can map some things to your laptop keyboard too to make it easier. It's just a bit of a pain, mainly for the knobs and faders.

As for the Oxygen 8:

Thanks a million for the info, the video is very interesting, cheers

Charlie Haughy

Any tips on getting paid gigs around the south east of ireland DJing during the summer? Ive played a few small gigs in clubs for free but would like to get a regular slot and make a bit of cash at the same time.

Ive played lots of house parties and have my own setup, but dont like djing the commercial rihanna/eminem/beyonce etc., prefer house/tech house/dubstep etc. but I know that its hard to get paid gigs playing that in ireland, im not located in dublin. I think im pretty decent for the length ive been djing (2 years)...

Is it best to just make mix cd's and give them to club owners, or put stuff up on soundcloud or something?

theaaao

theaaao wrote: »

Hey guys hope someone can help me with this...

I had VDJ and the hercules DJ control steel and was messing around with them.
But what I'm really interested in getting into is music production. So I was advised to get the Alesis iO2 audio interface to connect my keyboard to my laptop and Cubase LE came free with it.
I was also under the immpression that the iO2 could be used as an external soundcard for the DJ control steel as it doesnt have one built in.
So I was trying to kill two birds with the one stone by using the iO2 as a soundcard and to connect my keyboard to the laptop.
However I'v been at it for hours and I cant seem to get deck A out of my speakers and Deck b cued in my headphones!!

Is it possible with the iO2? There is no headphone jack on the dj controller or any outputs, just the usb connection to the computer.
Thanks in advance!

Lethal_Bullet wrote: »

The iO2 has two inputs, not two outputs. Its gonna be no use to you.

Okay seeing as the io2 is of no use to me in this situation, any suggestions?
What about a numark dj io, or a behringer U control 202?
Basically I need something that will be cheap and suited to my needs. BTW, if anyone has any second hand soundcards, reasonably priced, send me a link.
Thanks guys..

Renter

Yo,

I bought a pair of Technics recently and I'm just wondering if anyone have any suggestion or advice as to what monitors/speakers to buy? I'm somewhat clueless about it. Any help would be greatly appreciated!

Thanks!

Clanket

If you're only beginning you should probably just hook the mixer up to a hi-fi to begin with.

If you have your heart set on monitors, have a look at KRK's. They're cheap and pack a nice punch.

Cianh

Whats the advantage of getting the monitors for bedroom use? i've always used the hi-fi, sound quality aside obviously. If I start getting better Gear etc will they blow the bollix out of the hi fi?

Clanket

Hi-Fi's are grand for bedroom use. Sound quality depends on the Hi-Fi but if you really turn them up you'll blow the speakers.

If you're having a house party and want the place rocking, you're better off with a set of powered monitors / amp.

Cianh

Clanket wrote: »

Hi-Fi's are grand for bedroom use. Sound quality depends on the Hi-Fi but if you really turn them up you'll blow the speakers.

If you're having a house party and want the place rocking, you're better off with a set of powered monitors / amp.

Cheers, my mates hate dance music so there'll be no parties i'm afraid, i'll stick with the hi fi till I have the rest of the gear gotten first, I'd still defo upgrade for better sound quality eventually.

Renter

Sorry, as I said I'm pretty clueless. Can you guys recommend a good hi-fi?

Clanket

Cianh wrote: »

Cheers, my mates hate dance music so there'll be no parties i'm afraid, i'll stick with the hi fi till I have the rest of the gear gotten first, I'd still defo upgrade for better sound quality eventually.

They all hipsters?

Clanket

Renter wrote: »

Sorry, as I said I'm pretty clueless. Can you guys recommend a good hi-fi?

Do you have a mixer?

All you need is a hi-fi with an aux in (red and white) and a mixer. Then get the cable that connects the 2, Mixer out to aux in. You then turn the Hi-Fi to the aux channel (i.e. Radio/CD/Aux) and it will play any signal being passed to it from the mixer through the cable.

I've not looked at Hi-Fi's in a long time so go down to Power City and have a look around. They've been improving leaps and bounds over the last 10 years so I'm sure there's hundreds of them.

You're not after amazing sound quality if you're just starting out so don't break the bank.

Hootanany

Hi Oldie here used to DJ in the 80's is there a software programme for mixing my itunes songs. do you still have to count the BPM or is done for you now.

Many thanks in advance

Cianh

Clanket wrote: »

They all hipsters?

I've seen a lot of people on here giving out about the hipsters... are they the young lads that look like a bit hillbilly's? skinny jeans, check shirt with t shirt under, in your face runners, maybe a hat too, and a half arsed attempt at a mustache?

Anyway no they're not, just into rock/indie or not into music at all. One of them actually purchased take thats new album...we're talking about a ****ing grown man here!!!

Clanket

Cianh wrote: »

I've seen a lot of people on here giving out about the hipsters... are they the young lads that look like a bit hillbilly's? skinny jeans, check shirt with t shirt under, in your face runners, maybe a hat too, and a half arsed attempt at a mustache?

Anyway no they're not, just into rock/indie or not into music at all. One of them actually purchased take thats new album...we're talking about a ****ing grown man here!!!

Yep that's them. AKA Shít clowns

www.sh_itclown.com (remove the underscore - damn language filters)

You gotta love Take That

Clanket

Hootanany wrote: »

Hi Oldie here used to DJ in the 80's is there a software programme for mixing my itunes songs. do you still have to count the BPM or is done for you now.

Many thanks in advance

Don't know to be honest. There's a few mixing programs but don't know if they give you the BPM. I'll leave for someone else

Hootanany

Clanket wrote: »

Don't know to be honest. There's a few mixing programs but don't know if they give you the BPM. I'll leave for someone else

Thanks what programmes

Cianh

Clanket wrote: »

Yep that's them. AKA Shít clowns

www.sh_itclown.com (remove the underscore - damn language filters)

You gotta love Take That

Ha Ha,this lad is not far off what i was describing

Clanket

Hootanany wrote: »

Thanks what programmes

I've one at home. Can't remember what it's called. Do a quick google and you'll be off

ED E

Hootanany wrote: »

Thanks what programmes

Lots...

Some notable DJ Software:
Ableton Live
Deckadance
djay (software)
DJ Mixer (Software) for iPad, iPod Touch and iPhone by Musicsoft Arts LLC
DJ Music Mixer by Program4Pc Inc.
DSS DJ by MyXOFT
FL Studio, formerly known as FruityLoops
MegaSeg
Mixmeister
Mixxx
OtsAV by Ots Labs
PCDJ, also distributed as DJ Decks
Scratch Live
Torq (Software) by M-Audio
Touch DJ for iPad, iPod Touch and iPhone by Amidio Inc.
Traktor
UltraMixer
Virtual DJ (VDJ), also distributed as Numark CUE
Visual Discomix, also known as VisualDiscoMix (VDMX)
Note: Some of these softwares are not commonly used for live performances, but are used as digital audio workstations (DAW) for the modification/creation of audio files to help mix, edit, and sample audio for live performances. Namely, FL Studio and Ableton Live.

Source: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/DJ_Software

Hootanany

Lethal_Bullet wrote: »

Lots...


Source: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/DJ_Software

Any free ones or trial ones Found one thanks to all

J_E

I'm thinking of DJ'ing and I want your advice on something, guys.

I love electronic music, really gotten into it about 3 years ago and have built up a large collection. Thing is, I have no real interest in techno/house. My electronic stuff is all stuff like Aphex Twin, Burial, Four Tet, Flying Lotus, dub/dubstep stuff (no brostep please). I feel I could bring something original to venues that other DJ's may have not done in my area. I'm just worried though that unless I'm blasting hardcore four-to-the-floor beats or popular tunes, people aren't going to like it at all. I guess what I'm saying is, if I go into DJ'ing, will I be doing it to my own tastes or will I be simply providing what the crowds want, or will I be able to meet a halfway point where I don't have to play the Top 20, play stuff I enjoy that's danceable, and do well with myself? Hope someone understands what I'm about. Thanks for reading.

electrogrimey

Cydoniac wrote: »

I'm thinking of DJ'ing and I want your advice on something, guys.

I love electronic music, really gotten into it about 3 years ago and have built up a large collection. Thing is, I have no real interest in techno/house. My electronic stuff is all stuff like Aphex Twin, Burial, Four Tet, Flying Lotus, dub/dubstep stuff (no brostep please). I feel I could bring something original to venues that other DJ's may have not done in my area. I'm just worried though that unless I'm blasting hardcore four-to-the-floor beats or popular tunes, people aren't going to like it at all. I guess what I'm saying is, if I go into DJ'ing, will I be doing it to my own tastes or will I be simply providing what the crowds want, or will I be able to meet a halfway point where I don't have to play the Top 20, play stuff I enjoy that's danceable, and do well with myself? Hope someone understands what I'm about. Thanks for reading.

No idea what people are like in Portlaoise, but in Dublin there are loads of places you could play that stuff. It depends if there's anyone around you who also listens to that stuff.

J_E

Well, judging by the local clubs, there seems to be a general consensus on either chart music, trance or hardcore, which is by no means bad if you're into that sort of thing, but I'm looking for something different. Maybe I should start practicing and trying out Internet shows.

eZe^

Just got a loan hercules dj console mk2 last night with Traktor and Virtual DJ on a macbook. I have to say it's some laugh. One question I have though, the controller is pre-mapped with virtual dj, so you just plug and play away. While I haven't tried using Traktor, I'm assuming I'll have to do my own mapping ya? Also, is there any advantage to using Traktor from the start, or is it grand to just use the simple intuitive vdj? EDIT - nevermind, it works beautifully well with traktor! :P

Also, I'm hearing loads of conflicting methods from different dj friends on how they mix. I'm at the lowest starting point right now (about 2 hours in :P ), so I'm still having fun messing about with eq's in the middle of a song, and realistically mixing is what I'm spending my time learning. I know there's no best way, but what's the conventional way? Some of my friends say don't use the cross-fader, as it's really only for scratching, some say bring in the second using the equalisers, the others say just use the volume levels on each deck. It's a tad overwhelming.

Gelio

Completely new here, so I'm a fan of a lot of the house thats popular at the moment. A friend of mine got into production a while back and he has produced some nice stuff. So a few days ago I decided I'd like to have a go at it myself for a bit of fun. I downloaded fl studio 10 and I've been fiddling around with it for a while trying to get the hang of it. TBH its quite overwhelming for someone as new to production as me. I've had a look at a few tutorials and I've learnt from each one but its not easy. So basically I'm looking for advice, what did you do when you started off? How did you get on? Thanks

overthenest

Hi folks,

I love my music and have recently decided to bite the bullet and try my hand at dj'ing the only problem is i havent a clue as to how it works.
i see a lot of guys in nite clubs using lap tops? but most serious guys seem to use equiptment. i think it is really interesting and would like to do it as a hobby more so than anything else, it would also be nice to be able to dj if a mate was having a party or something like that. any advice would be much appreciated.

ianuss

have a read through this thread to get yourself started http://www.boards.ie/vbulletin/showthread.php?t=2056200471

overthenest

ianuss wrote: »

have a read through this thread to get yourself started http://www.boards.ie/vbulletin/showthread.php?t=2056200471

cheers mate

ianuss

No worries. If you've any other questions just post them in that thread. There's loads of people on here using the various types of equipment.

Cianh

I'm having a problem with the beat loop on my cdj's. Its working fine from the point of view that i press beat loop /loop divide and it gives me a four beat loop.

The problem is when i'm mixing I get the beats matched perfectly and the next tune is ready to go; but if I want to use a loop in the mix to make it last longer the loop bpm is slightly off and it causes a train wreck mix.

I don't think cueing the next tune up in the bpm of the loop would work either because when i'd press exit the original tunes bpm would be off.

The tunes have been analyzed by rekordbox too so the bpm reading should be pretty accurate to begin with.

Cheers for any help
Cian

Doucheman

Wondering if any Traktor experts here can help me with a very basic question.....

Have 'upgraded' to Traktor Pro 2.01 recently (was using virtual DJ previously), and am having trouble with the crossfader - when I am mixing two tracks, which are of equal levels, I'm not getting a smooth transition volume wise-the master sound is much louder when the crossfader is in the middle. Have tried adjusting the crossfader smoothness/sharpness settings but to no avail. Any suggestions? Thanks

seanbmc

I have a question, been using Virtual DJ on the laptop and I have decided that I'm going to need a good controller.

My price range is 100 euro or so max, any suggestions?

DrGreenthumb

Doucheman wrote: »

Wondering if any Traktor experts here can help me with a very basic question.....

Have 'upgraded' to Traktor Pro 2.01 recently (was using virtual DJ previously), and am having trouble with the crossfader - when I am mixing two tracks, which are of equal levels, I'm not getting a smooth transition volume wise-the master sound is much louder when the crossfader is in the middle. Have tried adjusting the crossfader smoothness/sharpness settings but to no avail. Any suggestions? Thanks

effectively your playing both songs at the same time, this is nothing to do with a crossfader setting you should be EQ'in as your bring in/out the tracks,

so your not playing the 2 tracks at there max together,

i.e on the track thats playing bring in the other one with a lower bass and adjust to increase the bass while lowering the other tracks bass, this also works on the mids and highs, play around with it for a bit and you'll get the hang of it,

also some tracks are just louder or if one is a better quality it will sound a bit louder due to more bass and overall richness

DrGreenthumb

seanbmc wrote: »

I have a question, been using Virtual DJ on the laptop and I have decided that I'm going to need a good controller.

My price range is 100 euro or so max, any suggestions?

for that price your not going to get anything that I myself would consider good,

this is 150 at Aquarius, but its probably crap,

http://www.aquariussound.ie/index.php?page=shop.product_details&flypage=flypage.tpl&product_id=70&category_id=39&option=com_virtuemart&Itemid=2

id recommend you save up and get something better or get something 2nd hand

That_Guy

Thinking of investing in a Mixtrack Pro from Numark.

Have any of you used it? Worth getting or worth investing in something else?

ianuss

Never used one of those before but I'm after switching to vinyl so I'd consider selling my M-Audio Xponent. It's a great little controller. Something around €250 I guess

gazza10157

hey guys im new to the mobile dj buisness and 1 problem i have is everytime i use my fog machine the speakers pop or spike. The fog machine runs off a different power socket and it still happens...any ideas on what is causing it and how it can be fixed thx gary

Cianh

Cianh wrote: »

I'm having a problem with the beat loop on my cdj's. Its working fine from the point of view that i press beat loop /loop divide and it gives me a four beat loop.

The problem is when i'm mixing I get the beats matched perfectly and the next tune is ready to go; but if I want to use a loop in the mix to make it last longer the loop bpm is slightly off and it causes a train wreck mix.

I don't think cueing the next tune up in the bpm of the loop would work either because when i'd press exit the original tunes bpm would be off.

The tunes have been analyzed by rekordbox too so the bpm reading should be pretty accurate to begin with.

Cheers for any help
Cian

Anyone had this problem? or know what i'm doing wrong? Cheers.
Cian

Doucheman

DrGreenthumb wrote: »

effectively your playing both songs at the same time, this is nothing to do with a crossfader setting you should be EQ'in as your bring in/out the tracks,

so your not playing the 2 tracks at there max together,

i.e on the track thats playing bring in the other one with a lower bass and adjust to increase the bass while lowering the other tracks bass, this also works on the mids and highs, play around with it for a bit and you'll get the hang of it,

also some tracks are just louder or if one is a better quality it will sound a bit louder due to more bass and overall richness

Thanks for that man, getting the hang of it ....

gazza10157

wel lads im just starting out in the mobile djing and 1 problem i have is when i use my fog machine my speakers pop or make a weird noise i am running them off different power sockets and the fog machine is kept away from the speakers but it still happens ....any ideas why ? thanks gary