Virtual DJ Soundcard OR Hardware?

Joebits

Been Djaying a few years now.
Currently using the Numark DDS which is hooked up to my Numark C3 Mixer.

I'm pretty used to it now and no problems.

Anyways, my main Query,

I love Virtual Dj as I play around with it sometimes on my laptop and am considering moving to it.

1. Do I sell my Numark DDS and buy a soundcard and hook up Virtual DJ to my C3 mixer?
OR
Do I go for some of this really good looking dedicated hardware and Sell Both My DDS & C3 mixer?

Either way, cost isn't an issue once I sell my DDS/C3 because I can then afford the hardware. Do these dedicated virtual DJ hardware systems come with a soundcard of some sort?

Laptop Query.
I've had an Acer 5920G for little over 2 years now.
I'm wondering how do you know if you're laptop is good enough and won't let you down at a gig? Do I need to buy a different laptop and dedicate that to my DJaying?

Thanks for any help/advice! :cool:

ThirdMan

Joebits wrote: »

Been Djaying a few years now.
Currently using the Numark DDS which is hooked up to my Numark C3 Mixer.

I'm pretty used to it now and no problems.

Anyways, my main Query,

I love Virtual Dj as I play around with it sometimes on my laptop and am considering moving to it.

1. Do I sell my Numark DDS and buy a soundcard and hook up Virtual DJ to my C3 mixer?
OR
Do I go for some of this really good looking dedicated hardware and Sell Both My DDS & C3 mixer?

Either way, cost isn't an issue once I sell my DDS/C3 because I can then afford the hardware. Do these dedicated virtual DJ hardware systems come with a soundcard of some sort?

Laptop Query.
I've had an Acer 5920G for little over 2 years now.
I'm wondering how do you know if you're laptop is good enough and won't let you down at a gig? Do I need to buy a different laptop and dedicate that to my DJaying?

Thanks for any help/advice! :cool:

There's no right answer to your first question. Some people prefer to run the software through an external mixer, while others prefer the dedicated systems. It really depends on you.

Many of these all-in-one units have a sound-card built in, particularly the more expensive models, but do some research into each product before you purchase anything.

It's really a matter of preference, but Traktor Pro might offer you more features than Virtual DJ, should you decide to switch to digital. If you did, and money wasn't an option, I'd go for the Traktor Kontrol S4.

This is a dedicated unit, but it can also be used as a standalone mixer, so you could still use CD/vinyl at a later date, should you wish to. It comes included with Traktor Pro S4 software and has a built-in, high quality soundcard. Everything you'll need basically.

Traktor Kontrol S4
http://www.native-instruments.com/#/en/products/dj/traktor-kontrol-s4/

On the other hand, if you have your heart set on Virtual DJ, then the Denon DN-MC6000 is all you need.

Denon DN-MC6000
http://www.denondj.com/DN-MC6000-P125.aspx

Regarding your laptop. Check the specifications and make sure it is fully compatible with all the software/hardware you're looking to get. If it's not, and you still want to go digital, then you'll need a new laptop. But I doubt it. The Acer should be fine.

ThirdMan

Another thing, whatever route you choose (mixer or standalone unit), you'll still need some sort of midi controller. That might be another reason to go for the standalone unit.

ED E

Joebits wrote: »

Laptop Query.
I've had an Acer 5920G for little over 2 years now.
I'm wondering how do you know if you're laptop is good enough and won't let you down at a gig? Do I need to buy a different laptop and dedicate that to my DJaying?

Thanks for any help/advice! :cool:

Yes, with a few conditions:
1. Clean the fans
2. Do not use Vista, XP is standard but 7 can work(Aero and UAC off)
3. Install a clean copy just for DJing, Often referred to as a DAW. It should have no WIFI, no secuity, screesaver off, maximum performance power plan etc. Install video drivers etc and Whatever software you want to use. The partition only needs to be 30GB(or even 20 odd). Your music can stay on your normal partition.