Help needed please on starting a journey to be a DJ

Omega28

Hi all

For the last few months the thought of doing a bit of DJ'ing has been in my head floating around and now I would actually like to try and do it!

I would like to hear from the DJ's in here and how they got started, did u guys get lessons or was it self thought? Ideally I'd love to go somewhere and get a few lessons to learn the basics! Is there anywhere that offer this service?

Next, I would like to know which route is the best route to go down regarding laptop, turntables or CD's?!:)

Lastly I'd like to know what equipment would one need to do a gig lets say a few parties here and there.

I want to do this but I want to do it right. I don't want to think I'm a super DJ after a few weeks and go out and play a gig cause I'v seen this type of DJ at many parties and there hopeless! Thats why I'd love to get a few lessons, I wanna learn it correctly!

any advice is greatly appreciated lads!

thanks again

Logical Fallacy

Dylanmc111 wrote: »

Hi all

For the last few months the thought of doing a bit of DJ'ing has been in my head floating around and now I would actually like to try and do it!

Go for it man, it's very rewarding and a great way to spend your time.

I would like to hear from the DJ's in here and how they got started, did u guys get lessons or was it self thought? Ideally I'd love to go somewhere and get a few lessons to learn the basics! Is there anywhere that offer this service?

I'm more producer than DJ in that i play all my own stuff when i am doing gigs. I get gigs because people like my music. With regards to DJ's, they get gigs because they have the skills to beat match and mix, select a good set and read a crowd. Most of the DJ's i know are self taught, i am currently learning vinyl mixing and would just say go for it yourself. It is a complex and fine art, but nothing you can't learn on your own.

Next, I would like to know which route is the best route to go down regarding laptop, turntables or CD's?!:)

That's really up to what you want to do. All have their benefits and supporters. Some people will come down a bit on anything that isn't a vinyl but, to be honest, **** em. I've walked past people outside clubs talking **** about "digital DJ's" and those same folks have walked up to me after sets to tell me how much they enjoyed them. A quality set is a quality set, irregardless of how it is done.

Lastly I'd like to know what equipment would one need to do a gig lets say a few parties here and there.

Once again, it depends entirely on the circumstances. If you are a vinyl DJ playing in a venue with a soundsystem, decks, mixer etc then obviously you only need to bring along your wax and your gunfingers...but if you plan on doing parties and **** for punters in rented rooms in places you might need your own system.

My advice is just decide how you want to play it, get what you need and start practicing. Don't worry about doing live shows until you have your skill set up and some sets recorded. Then get out to the nights doing the type of music you are into and press the flesh a bit, show you are willing to support other people in their efforts. There are many nights about the place that are more than willing to give new folk a shot in my experience.

Omega28

Thank you very much!:)

I'll probably head down the route of the laptop:D

Mainly cause it suits my pocket, I honestly wouldn't have the cash to be buying 1000s of euros worth of equipment.

I'm unsure where to begin really, I'd obviously need a software package like traktor but what else would one need?

How much would I need to start this up?

sorry about all the questions but I'm a total newbie

TURRICAN

get a usb midi controller --x1.
a hifi system to plug into for your sound and a mixer to go with traktor.
i use serato, 2 1210s,vestax mixer.i learned myself,i knew i was going to love it so i went off and bought good gear as this will last.i had used other cheap stuff and it just aint the same.good luck

seannash

most people dj for the fun,dont worry about gigs or whats the best setup for gigs.you might find that you get bored with laptop djing and would prefer a more hands on experience.

teach yourself,its meant to be an enjoyable past time so if you truely like it youll stick with it,besides the laptop takes care of the beatmatching so i dont really think youll need lessons on much else.

just have fun with it,any club worth playing will have there own soundsystem so dont worry about that.besides your a long way off playing out

Omega28

thanks again guys for all the help

ok so I wanna start and I wanna use my laptop:)

could someone kindly tell me in simple terms so a newbie can understand what I need to start?

I downloaded a trial version of virtual DJ, enjoyed it but would like something better.

apart from the laptop and softwatr is there anything else I need? someone mentioned a usb midi controller?

I'v seen something that hooks up to the laptop so I can control the laptop with?


sorry about all this:( total newbie

p.s is the hercules DJ console a good starting out equipment?

seannash

Dylanmc111 wrote: »

thanks again guys for all the help

ok so I wanna start and I wanna use my laptop:)

could someone kindly tell me in simple terms so a newbie can understand what I need to start?

I downloaded a trial version of virtual DJ, enjoyed it but would like something better.

apart from the laptop and softwatr is there anything else I need? someone mentioned a usb midi controller?

I'v seen something that hooks up to the laptop so I can control the laptop with?


sorry about all this:( total newbie

what digital dj's do you listen to/like.


there is a ridiculous amount of setups to choose from but we need to know what you want to do,basic djing,mashup,do you want the option of more than 2 decks

Omega28

I want to start off using basic digital dj'ing equipment so I can get to use it and mess around without spending 1000s

I'm only gonna be messing around in the room, nothin else. I would like in the future to use cd's if I really get into it.

Omega28

Numark Total Computer DJ, seen it on the sounds around website? any use folks?

seannash

get a dj programme(any of them will do)

get one of these http://www.soundonsound.com/sos/jan04/articles/evolutionuc33.htm

get a stereo to mini jack connector
http://www.pixmania.ie/ie/uk/673728/art/belkin/audio-cable-3-5-mm-mini-j.html


then find a stereo with an aux button on it.hook everything up and your all set

ED E

Dylanmc111 wrote: »

Numark Total Computer DJ, seen it on the sounds around website? any use folks?

Are you talking about the box set? If so, I'd swap up to the Omni, I have the controller and soundcard listed, and TBH the omni is a better option. Forget the headphones and Cue(The software).

Omega28

What software would u guys recommend?

Omega28

could anyone tell me what I exactly need to do laptop dj'ing

thanks

seannash

seannash wrote: »

get a dj programme(any of them will do)

get one of these http://www.soundonsound.com/sos/jan04/articles/evolutionuc33.htm

get a stereo to mini jack connector
http://www.pixmania.ie/ie/uk/673728/art/belkin/audio-cable-3-5-mm-mini-j.html


then find a stereo with an aux button on it.hook everything up and your all set

I DID

Omega28

what software would u recommend?

seannash

get one of the free ones(use google)

figure out what features you need and then make an educated decision.

or else just get traktor and be done with it

Omega28

do I need some form of controller like the hercules rmx?

seannash

seannash wrote: »

get a dj programme(any of them will do)

get one of these http://www.soundonsound.com/sos/jan04/articles/evolutionuc33.htm

get a stereo to mini jack connector
http://www.pixmania.ie/ie/uk/673728/art/belkin/audio-cable-3-5-mm-mini-j.html


then find a stereo with an aux button on it.hook everything up and your all set

specifically this one

get one of these http://www.soundonsound.com/sos/jan04/articles/evolutionuc33.htm

thats my personal choice,but if you want a hercules get one