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

Colostomy Bag · 30-03-2009 12:33pm

Question about downloading music for DJing. What is the highest bit-rate that you can purchase online? Is there CD quality available? I have always shied away from buying downloads as I was under the impression that the quality was of MP3 type which is pretty poor in relation to CD quality. Anyone know about this? Also Traktor - is it easy to use, where can I get it, is it free? How long does it take to learn to use from scratch? I've had a look at some programs before like Cubase and found them to be head-scratchingly complex for beginners. Any advice welcome....

tman · 30-03-2009 12:40pm

Colostomy Bag wrote: »

Question about downloading music for DJing. What is the highest bit-rate that you can purchase online? Is there CD quality available? I have always shied away from buying downloads as I was under the impression that the quality was of MP3 type which is pretty poor in relation to CD quality. Anyone know about this?

The highest bitrate for an MP3 is 320Kbps, but you can also buy wave files (cd quality) at a little extra cost.
This debate has been done to death, but personally 320K mp3s are just fine, and you can get away with playing lower quality ones.

Traktor is definitely a good program to start off on, but don't ask where you get it for free here:p

bandybanter · 30-03-2009 7:03pm

Hi i was thinking of buying some dj decks to connect through my laptop. I haven't got much cash to spend at the mo but i was looking at either the

BEHRINGER BCD-3000

or
NUMARK TOTAL CONTROL
or
HERCULES DJ CONSOLE TRAKTOR
(all of these are on http://www.thomann.de)

Any reviews or opinions on any of the above would be greatly appreciated.

Thanks

jimi_t · 30-03-2009 8:01pm

bandybanter wrote: »

Hi i was thinking of buying some dj decks to connect through my laptop. I haven't got much cash to spend at the mo but i was looking at either the
BEHRINGER BCD-3000

or
NUMARK TOTAL CONTROL
or
HERCULES DJ CONSOLE TRAKTOR
(all of these are on http://www.thomann.de)
Any reviews or opinions on any of the above would be greatly appreciated.

Thanks

M-Audio Torq Xponent ftr. About 400 on dv247.co.uk (which is as reputable as thomann and often cheaper).

Of the three you mentioned, the Numark is probably the best as a controller but it doesn't have a built-in audio interface so you'll need to budget for either a USB/Firewire interface or a PCMCIA card. The Xponent has one built in.

Briney · 30-03-2009 11:00pm

I work in a Local Youth Club . We run a Charity Disco, age group from 12-18. the lad who does it is leaving to get work in Oz! So, with my intrest in music, Chart an Dance mostly, I have now got the job(unpaid!) to DJ. Can you please tell me which is the best programme to buy for my lap top to DJ with. I want to be able to use the music I have on the lap top. I would like the software to help with beats an maybe mixing 1 song to another. Not looking to make mixs or anything, just pull off good disco.

Thanks for your time.

jimi_t · 31-03-2009 12:07am

Hi Briney,

The best DJ software for your needs would probably be VDJ (Virtual DJ). It's about 35 euro available from her

http://www.virtualdj.com/products/homeedition.html

There's plenty of other options out there, most more complex than the next. For a charity disco you'd be flying with that one. Alternatively, Mixmeister Fusion (google it) is an absolutely superb and foolproof way of creating mixes both for later use and on the fly.

If you're DJ'ing off a laptop you'll almost certainly need some kind of audio interface. Plugging the lead directly into a PA from the headphone jack of the laptop is a no-no; you'll get an awful buzz and distortion and if someone knocks against it it'll make an awful racket. A cheap audio interface is the way to go - thomann.de or dv247.com would be two reputable places.

This would be perfect @ 100 euro
http://www.thomann.de/ie/numark_dj_io_audio_interface.htm

or cheaper option would be this @ 75 which looks rugged
http://www.thomann.de/ie/esi_esu_22.htm

You'll see cheap ones knocking about on adverts.ie all the time as well.

phatnewbeats · 01-04-2009 2:52pm

[FONT=Arial, Arial, Helvetica]www.phatnewbeats.com is based in and round Derry

But for now lets just focus on the task in hand which is actually YOUR task!

If you are (or know any one) making electronic music (we need every genre / style / speed) then this is the place to make it known to IRELAND and the world!

Please take a few minutes of your time to check out the site.

We can also offer our vast knowledge in the world of production / DJ'n

Thanks[/FONT]

jimi_t · 02-04-2009 12:57am

phatnewbeats wrote: »

[FONT=Arial, Arial, Helvetica]www.phatnewbeats.com is based in and round Derry

But for now lets just focus on the task in hand which is actually YOUR task!

If you are (or know any one) making electronic music (we need every genre / style / speed) then this is the place to make it known to IRELAND and the world!

Please take a few minutes of your time to check out the site.

We can also offer our vast knowledge in the world of production / DJ'n

Thanks[/FONT]

FFS... :rolleyes:

franklyshocked · 02-04-2009 8:41am

engrish? wrote: »

How do you find new music? This forum has been great so far but I am craving more and more. Sifting through youtube can give great rewards sometimes as can buying random cd's but is there any obvious ways that I am missing?

Also, how do you organise your music? If you buy and album, how do you remember the tracks you loved and the tracks there were just worthless album filler?

Take Mario Piccatto - Now And Then, this album is mostly filler but the remix of Ibiza Angel is excellent. I listen to music mostly during my commute and in the gym. I might listen to an entire album and find one song I adore. I look at the title and then when I go back to listen to it the next morning I have forgotten it, of course you have to listen to the first 90 seconds if it has a long intro!

Thanks!

I know its been a while since you posted this but here are some other sites you should check out for new tunage:

http://www.essentialmusic.ws/
http://www.0daymusic.org/

Will · 16-04-2009 7:27pm

Just popping in to say hello, only at this about 4 months.
Do warm up DJ'ing, loving it even if the places are relatively empty when i play

franklyshocked · 16-04-2009 7:34pm

Will wrote: »

Just popping in to say hello, only at this about 4 months.
Do warm up DJ'ing, loving it even if the places are relatively empty when i play

Thats how you learn mate so best of luck. Its bloody great crack playing to a packed house, which will happen eventually if you keep it up.
Even the greats started off playing warm-up in empty venues at some stage

Will · 16-04-2009 7:48pm

Ah yeah definetly, once the main guys come on i go into light jock mode.

Love watching the guys work, and the creativity when mixing is impressive. Shame the average punter doesn't realise or appreciate it

When they do get it, it's smiles all around

Hagakure_irl · 26-04-2009 10:27pm

Right lads need a bit of help deciding on what mixer to go for. I've been using Behringer DX626 for about a year and I feel like i've past it.

I'm looking at the DDM 4000. I'm more towards electro and hip hop, with a heavy amount of scratching...and just simply recording my own scratch tracks. My budget is about 450-500, I've also been looking at the DJM 400. Basically I'm just not sure what to do with, I'd love some effects and being able to sample on the DJM 400 is awesome, but again I'm mainly doing scratching!

So any advice is much appreciated! Or even a mixer that you guys would reccommend in that price range as well. I can't really go over 500 cause I'm getting Traktor Scratch Pro as well.

Niceone012002 · 03-05-2009 9:57pm

Hi all, I am new here, and I need help. I am looking for Philips EFP A1/231 12V 100W Bulbs. They are for my lights which are a pair of Magic Gobos. See here. http://www.prosound-dj.com/magic-gobo-pack-p-1112.html

Is there anywhere in Ireland I can buy bulbs for these?

Please help...and thanks in advance.

jimi_t · 05-05-2009 12:09am

Niceone012002 wrote: »

Hi all, I am new here, and I need help. I am looking for Philips EFP A1/231 12V 100W Bulbs. They are for my lights which are a pair of Magic Gobos. See here. http://www.prosound-dj.com/magic-gobo-pack-p-1112.html

Is there anywhere in Ireland I can buy bulbs for these?

Please help...and thanks in advance.

Ring SLC (Stage Lighting Centre - its in Brunswick place IIRC) or Cine-Electric and ask them if they've them in stock or if they can order them. Google for the numbers

Mau5 · 05-05-2009 6:51pm

alrite everyone,

im planning on getting 2cdjs and a decent mixer to start off with.
havent done any djing at all before, just wondering if i would be ok using a monitor as a speaker? its just for my bedroom probably get something better if i take to it or get any good!

any websites i could check out also would be great

cheers

Maldini2706 · 16-05-2009 6:36pm

Hi guys, just bought the Numark Total Control (as part of the total computer DJ in a box package) I've no experience of DJing at all and I'm just wondering if anyone knows of any decent online tutorials that would teach me the basics. I'm not really looking to do anything professionally, just the odd party playing indie, soul or the odd dance track. Thanks

Nationalist · 17-05-2009 4:51pm

Im considering getting the Behringer BCD 3000 to start of some mixing. Will i need a second sound card in my laptop?

jimi_t · 17-05-2009 6:16pm

Nationalist wrote: »

Im considering getting the Behringer BCD 3000 to start of some mixing. Will i need a second sound card in my laptop?

No

franklyshocked · 17-05-2009 7:04pm

Nationalist wrote: »

Im considering getting the Behringer BCD 3000 to start of some mixing. Will i need a second sound card in my laptop?

Your laptop has one already and there's one in the BCD, which is one of its selling points I believe so you'll be able to monitor and mix

heybaby · 26-05-2009 11:19am

Hi lads I need some help, I want to use my laptop to dj, and to be safe have cd'd as a back up, this cd player / mixer http://www.thomann.de/ie/numark_cdmix_ii.ht would seem to fit the bill as it acts as a mixer too, there is another version http://www.thomann.de/ie/numark_cdmix_iii.htm which is dearer but plays mp3's , Im not sure first of all can I run my laptop through this mixer and whether I need to opt for the second version which plays mp3's, my intention is to rely on the laptop to play what mp3's I have and then run it thru this cd/mixer. Any ideas folks ?

cheers

VinylJunkie · 26-05-2009 11:34am

heybaby wrote: »

Hi lads I need some help, I want to use my laptop to dj, and to be safe have cd'd as a back up, this cd player / mixer http://www.thomann.de/ie/numark_cdmix_ii.ht would seem to fit the bill as it acts as a mixer too, there is another version http://www.thomann.de/ie/numark_cdmix_iii.htm which is dearer but plays mp3's , Im not sure first of all can I run my laptop through this mixer and whether I need to opt for the second version which plays mp3's, my intention is to rely on the laptop to play what mp3's I have and then run it thru this cd/mixer. Any ideas folks ?

cheers

Neither would be of any use IMO, having the cd-mixer combo would mean you cant upgrade individually.
For the laptop you will need an external soundcard in order to cue up a track in the headphones. You will not need cd's for back up, have you looked into controllers with a soundcard similar to this
Xponent
With the xponent all you will need is a usb port in you lpaptop and away you go. Check it out on youtube.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xUIi1u5OJF4

franklyshocked · 26-05-2009 11:43am

heybaby wrote: »

Hi lads I need some help, I want to use my laptop to dj, and to be safe have cd'd as a back up, this cd player / mixer http://www.thomann.de/ie/numark_cdmix_ii.ht would seem to fit the bill as it acts as a mixer too, there is another version http://www.thomann.de/ie/numark_cdmix_iii.htm which is dearer but plays mp3's , Im not sure first of all can I run my laptop through this mixer and whether I need to opt for the second version which plays mp3's, my intention is to rely on the laptop to play what mp3's I have and then run it thru this cd/mixer. Any ideas folks ?

cheers

As a cheap starter pack and to answer your questions, yes that set up will accept the output from a laptop. There are 2 external inputs on those units so you'd need a line to phono lead from the laptop to plug into the back of the mixer.
As vinyljunkie points out though, there are no options on this sort of a rig to upgrade at a later date and also if any part of it goes down you're going to lose the whole thing.
In the long run its better to get a simple 2 channel mixer and 2 cheap CD decks if you want something to standby if your laptop glitches, which does happen to the best of them at the worst possible time.

Even a simple set up like this:
http://www.dv247.com/invt/29985/

Would be better than an all in one unit. You could upgrade either the mixer of an individual CD deck without having to buy everything at the same time.

SteveDon · 26-05-2009 12:07pm

heybaby wrote: »

Hi lads I need some help, I want to use my laptop to dj, and to be safe have cd'd as a back up, this cd player / mixer http://www.thomann.de/ie/numark_cdmix_ii.ht would seem to fit the bill as it acts as a mixer too, there is another version http://www.thomann.de/ie/numark_cdmix_iii.htm which is dearer but plays mp3's , Im not sure first of all can I run my laptop through this mixer and whether I need to opt for the second version which plays mp3's, my intention is to rely on the laptop to play what mp3's I have and then run it thru this cd/mixer. Any ideas folks ?

cheers

Yeah man thats no use really considering it doesnt have midi, you would be able to use it as an external mixer but its far from ideal.

What pc program are you planning on using?

heybaby · 26-05-2009 2:31pm

OP here..aaahh!! im confused. Ok I totally see the point of not buying a combined cd/mixer from the point of view of upgrading and if there is a problem. OK so heres the deal Im totally new to this, I would like to use the laptop to play mp3's simply for weddings , private parties, nothing fancy, no clubbing or making my own music or anything that advanced.Also I just want a basic dj software package, that will enable me to beatmatch songs as i go and thats pretty much it, i dont need fancy special effects or looping etc. Im a little overwhelmed by the complexity of the dj software packages Ive looked at. I realise I need a quality soundcard that will hook up to the mixer but which soundcard and which mixer? For a wedding dj, is a controller a necessity? And final question, if i am using seperate cd desks as back up, do i need a mixer with more than 2 channels? please forgive my ignorance !!!:)

Stevieo · 27-05-2009 10:28pm

Hey guys and gals,

I'm new to this forum and relatively new to DJing itself. I've been using some of my brother's equipment while he's been teaching me what he knows. We're thinking of investing in a beatpad of some description...we've got pretty much the rest of the equipment to mess around with. Has anyone any suggestions? Would be much appreciated...

Cheers!

ED E · 27-05-2009 10:46pm

I'm a newbie too, but Kork Kaoss/ Koassalator Pads seem to be very well reccomended everywhere I've look. The K3 is the latest afaik. Think its around 150 from thomann.de....no...thats the old one...the K3 is 350 (Free shipping) http://www.thomann.de/ie/korg_kaoss_pad_3.htm Bit pricey.

ED E · 27-05-2009 10:57pm

heybaby wrote: »

OP here..aaahh!! im confused. Ok I totally see the point of not buying a combined cd/mixer from the point of view of upgrading and if there is a problem. OK so heres the deal Im totally new to this, I would like to use the laptop to play mp3's simply for weddings , private parties, nothing fancy, no clubbing or making my own music or anything that advanced.Also I just want a basic dj software package, that will enable me to beatmatch songs as i go and thats pretty much it, i dont need fancy special effects or looping etc. Im a little overwhelmed by the complexity of the dj software packages Ive looked at. I realise I need a quality soundcard that will hook up to the mixer but which soundcard and which mixer? For a wedding dj, is a controller a necessity? And final question, if i am using seperate cd desks as back up, do i need a mixer with more than 2 channels? please forgive my ignorance !!!:)

Technically you can do it all via a mouse and keyboard, but you look like a twat(in the eyes of many) and will be all over the shop, even simply changing the master vol will be a chore. If you already have the laptop thats half the investment really. If you get a basic controller(From 100 up), a decent soundcard(PCI Express cards are smaller, but cost around 200, while USB boxes are cheaper and will give you RCA out, which means true stereo on the PA system, not parallel like the PCI will give) and some kind of intuitive software.

Do you have your own PA or are you gonna be using on site ones. If its a really laid back thing the cheapest stuff will do, but if people are expecting something, then you cant dissapoint. Also, many USB soundboxes have a mic in, you could loop a CD deck through that, though you would loose the true stereo again. Also, dont pull that one in or out during a performance, big load crack if you do.

Really, how much are you willing to fork out?

Stevieo · 28-05-2009 2:20am

Lethal_Bullet wrote: »

I'm a newbie too, but Kork Kaoss/ Koassalator Pads seem to be very well reccomended everywhere I've look.

I'm finally glad I'm not hearing an AKAI being recommended...nothing against them, I'm just glad for a bit of diversity.

mango1888 · 02-06-2009 3:47pm

i know this will proper kick up a storm,
i'm selling decks for upgrade.
i'm caught between technics and cdj's.
what'll i do. i dj vinyl only and love it but i'm afraid of being over looked for not havin the newer equiptment for gigs.

advice please my budget is just over a grand

seannash · 02-06-2009 3:49pm

mango1888 wrote: »

i know this will proper kick up a storm,
i'm selling decks for upgrade.
i'm caught between technics and cdj's.
what'll i do. i dj vinyl only and love it but i'm afraid of being over looked for not havin the newer equiptment for gigs.

advice please my budget is just over a grand

serato man,look into it.even if you show up to a gig with it and theres no tts you can still use it with cdjs

mango1888 · 02-06-2009 3:53pm

cheers. i've looked at pure digital and tried it out and its not for me i reckon especially laptops. the serato vinyl thing is ok but i hate djing with computers at all
my mate had ableton and comparitevly when you use your own hands to manipulate the song its hard to get the same control with a mouse, well for me anyway

VinylJunkie · 02-06-2009 4:12pm

mango1888 wrote: »

my mate had ableton and comparitevly when you use your own hands to manipulate the song its hard to get the same control with a mouse, well for me anyway

That is what midi controllers are for.

seannash · 02-06-2009 4:16pm

pioneer cdj mk4 are coming out soon so maybe try and snag a pair of cdj 100 mk2.

theres not alot of difference between them and 3 and i think 4 is only gonna have usb ports on it so again not missing much if your using cds

mango1888 · 02-06-2009 4:44pm

price?

VinylJunkie · 02-06-2009 5:02pm

Well the 1000mk4 will have a usb port similar to the cdj400.

cdj-1000mk4 - 1450e each (approx as its not put yet and might not be out till the end of the year or next year as Pioneer said they are working on the dvj series.

cdj-400 - 739e each (I got mine when they came out first and they where much cheaper 550 or something so shop around)

From http://www.thomann.de
Also check out adverts.ie

mango1888 · 02-06-2009 5:07pm

cheers for the help.

so scrap the vinyl yeah?

VinylJunkie · 02-06-2009 5:15pm

mango1888 wrote: »

cheers for the help.

so scrap the vinyl yeah?

Up to you its personal preference really, are you sure about not wanting a laptop? It is the way the industry is going IMO + you can be much more creative with a laptop!

mango1888 · 02-06-2009 5:23pm

to be honest right, whenever i go out its not about how the dj mashes or splices up the music. cause its the last thing on me mind when i'm out.
Even though i know when it happens compared to a typical punter on the lash.
the most important thing for me is crowd control and makin people dance not being some riton digital extrodinaire. its more for me anyway the record you play and a bit on how you play it. i suppose its why i spin alot of classic house amd anthems.

just the cdj's thing is just for ease when i'm doin a gig,
my head says cds my heart says vinyl

VinylJunkie · 02-06-2009 6:36pm

If your playing in a club they will have the equipment set up already and 99 times out of 100 they will have cdj's or cdj's and technics.

mango1888 · 02-06-2009 7:33pm

cheers bud

dmcg90 · 04-06-2009 3:06pm

Hi, looking to start dj'ing need a bit of advice though

Want to start dj-ing for house parties etc so would be playing chart, indie, electro, and dance. Have an ipod full of music so would like to use that, what equipment would be best for me starting off?

VinylJunkie · 04-06-2009 3:13pm

dmcg90 wrote: »

Hi, looking to start dj'ing need a bit of advice though

Want to start dj-ing for house parties etc so would be playing chart, indie, electro, and dance. Have an ipod full of music so would like to use that, what equipment would be best for me starting off?

Ipod's are no use for DJing as you have no way to manipulate the track.

Have you got a laptop? If so download some software such as Tracktor to try as a Demo. If you still want to get into it after playing around buy a software package with a external soundcard and some sort of Mixer.

dmcg90 · 04-06-2009 3:16pm

VinylJunkie wrote: »

Ipod's are no use for DJing as you have no way to manipulate the track.

Have you got a laptop? If so download some software such as Tracktor to try as a Demo. If you still want to get into it after playing around buy a software package with a external soundcard and some sort of Mixer.

I've already tried Virtual DJ and want to get into it further, so wheres best to buy the external soundcard and mixer?

VinylJunkie · 04-06-2009 3:41pm

http://www.thomann.de

dmcg90 · 04-06-2009 3:56pm

http://images7.thomann.de/pics/expert/0135_rane_serato.jpg

Think this would be the best set up for me, what equipment would you recommend? Whats cheapest

franklyshocked · 04-06-2009 4:00pm

VinylJunkie wrote: »

http://www.thomann.de

compare the prices at www.dv247.com as well. based in the UK so the sterling prices is really helping. good alternative to thomann

VinylJunkie · 04-06-2009 4:01pm

dmcg90 wrote: »

http://images7.thomann.de/pics/expert/0135_rane_serato.jpg

Think this would be the best set up for me, what equipment would you recommend? Whats cheapest

I have something similar but I use Torq software which in my opinion is better and half the price of serato.
If your buying turntables, Buy Technics you can fing them second hand on adverts.ie or buyandsell.ie .
If cdj's Pioneer cdj's are the best IMO I have a Pioneer cdj-400 and it is excellent but expensive.

Have a look and the M-Audio xponent all you have to do is plug it into a laptop. Zascar on this forum uses one.

dmcg90 · 04-06-2009 4:11pm

VinylJunkie wrote: »

Have a look and the M-Audio xponent all you have to do is plug it into a laptop. Zascar on this forum uses one.

Yeah that looks like the one for me, is there any other brands of this? Something entry-level and cheap (sub 150)

VinylJunkie · 04-06-2009 4:33pm

dmcg90 wrote: »

Yeah that looks like the one for me, is there any other brands of this? Something entry-level and cheap (sub 150)

Look on youtube for the Vestax VCI range there is a 100 and a 300 not sure of the prices tough.
Search for "ean golden"

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

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