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

joker77 · 04-06-2009 4:49pm

Vestax VCI 100 SE (Special Edition - the black one) is about the same price as the M-Audio Torq Xponent. Got the Vestax last month, really like it - hooks up brilliantly with Traktor (It comes with the LE version, haven't used it as I had the Pro one already).

You'll need an external sound card for headphones, unlike the M-Audio which has it builtin

dianababyddori · 05-06-2009 1:09am

Heya. just looking for abit of advice..
Ive also wanted ta get into djing but never got into it cos ive no experience what so ever with decks..
always wanted to do course or something cos always wanted to learn but was just abit embarresed applying cause everyone seems to have experience and me been a stupid girl dont have a clue. haha
any help would be brill;)

happy_acid_face · 05-06-2009 2:46am

First things first, djing is an expensive hobby but if you are willing to part with the cash it can be some of the best fun you can have.

There are courses available in Dublin (see below) but to be honest I think it would be an awful lot cheaper to have a look at this guy first

http://www.djtutor.com/ellaskins/index.php

He basically thought me the ropes of djing when I started out. Just flick through the catagories on the top left under his screen name Ellaskins. You can learn the basics at home then when you feel like you need to expand your knowledge you can do a course like this.

http://www.soundtraining.com/coursedetail.php?id=21

Executive Steve · 05-06-2009 10:45am

Your best bet is to talk to someone you know who has the equipment and get them to show you the basics...

There's a chap who posts on here who runs regular DJ clinics where a bunch of heads all gather in his gaff with records and take it in turns to do a short mix and then discuss it, once you have the basics sorted that's a really good way to get feedback and advice from others...

Another tip is to make sure you buy a wide selection of records when you're starting out; every single genre of dance music demands different things from a dj, and the more of them you tackle the more you learn about the way you like to mix and the way you like to use the equipment - i'd never have been so confident with EQ sweeps if i hadn't borrowed a stack of techno records off a mate years ago, nor would i have felt so confident about slip-cueing and quick mixing if i hadn't had an interest in hip hop

superglue · 06-06-2009 6:22pm

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?

Hi there,

If you want to DJ using just an iPod it might be worth your while checking out the Numark IDJ2. I don't know much about this product but could be worth a google.

thee glitz · 07-06-2009 10:14am

hi guys,
i've been looking for a mashup of push - strange world vs cece peniston - finally. i had this years ago (cant remember but
probably mp3) and there may have been a 3rd tune in there too. it's a long-shot but where could i track this down?

VinylJunkie · 07-06-2009 10:56am

superglue wrote: »

Hi there,

If you want to DJ using just an iPod it might be worth your while checking out the Numark IDJ2. I don't know much about this product but could be worth a google.

Don't bother its only a Fisher Price toy! Faders on that are useless!

zainabc · 20-06-2009 10:45am

i really wanting to get into djing even in my bedroom 4 now em just want simple twin cd decks and mixer how much would it cost and wats the diffrnce between al of them

Hagakure_irl · 20-06-2009 10:46am

Right lads need a bit of helping deciding between Live and Logic.

From what I've read and what I need its right done the centre between the 2. However as I'll be getting Traktor Scratch Pro as well, I won't be using Live for DJing, this is simply for music production, what do you think?

seannash · 20-06-2009 11:14am

Hagakure_irl wrote: »

Right lads need a bit of helping deciding between Live and Logic.

From what I've read and what I need its right done the centre between the 2. However as I'll be getting Traktor Scratch Pro as well, I won't be using Live for DJing, this is simply for music production, what do you think?

definitely logic

VinylJunkie · 21-06-2009 2:10pm

zainabc wrote: »

i really wanting to get into djing even in my bedroom 4 now em just want simple twin cd decks and mixer how much would it cost and wats the diffrnce between al of them

Mate read this thread, also check http://www.thomann.de

ED E · 24-06-2009 12:37am

Finally, Lethal is happy

And surprised.

I have been having problems with noise on my external soundcard. Random and sometimes regular cracks and pops. Couldnt for the life of me find the source, untill reading a thread today on techsupportforums.

If you have a Dell laptop, and are experiencing cracks an pops, turn off your Wi-Fi(Fn+F2), see if that solves it.

Just a tip to remember for troubleshooting with new hardware. I really wouldnt have guessed it

Mull3T · 26-06-2009 12:41pm

Force Of Gravity (Orjan Nilsen Remix)

get you going.:pac:

HouseHippo · 26-06-2009 5:29pm

Hey guys

If i'm using burned CD's on CD-Js do i ahve to convert the files to wav or can I use MP3. Someone told me CD-Js wont play burned cd's that are Mp3?????

Will · 04-07-2009 12:49pm

CDj 1000 mk 3's will play MP3's, cdj mk2 and below will only play audio cd's so be sure to burn them as audio cds

woozle · 24-07-2009 11:11am

Hi-i thought my musical knowledge was quite good, but i went into a record shop and only knew the Kitsune label. I love all their stuff and those on their label, i like Digitalism, the Bugged out cds, Justice, old Chemical bro's, old Prodigy-but like the new one too, and just discovered Evil Nine. any recommendations for music that is similar to these styles that i might like? i know asking is cheating, but i'm hitting all sources in the quest to expand my record collection past Kitsune

woozle · 24-07-2009 11:43am

Hi-i thought my musical knowledge was quite good, but i went into a record shop and only knew the Kitsune label. I love all their stuff and those on their label, i like Digitalism, the Bugged out cds, Justice, old Chemical bro's, old Prodigy-but like the new one too, and just discovered Evil Nine. any recommendations for music that is similar to these styles that i might like? i know asking is cheating, but i'm hitting all sources in the quest to expand my record collection past Kitsune

acman · 24-07-2009 12:30pm

woozle wrote: »

Hi-i thought my musical knowledge was quite good, but i went into a record shop and only knew the Kitsune label. I love all their stuff and those on their label, i like Digitalism, the Bugged out cds, Justice, old Chemical bro's, old Prodigy-but like the new one too, and just discovered Evil Nine. any recommendations for music that is similar to these styles that i might like? i know asking is cheating, but i'm hitting all sources in the quest to expand my record collection past Kitsune

I have always liked Kitsune as well, they have supported some good artists over the years and always acted as a good music label should: A **** Music Filter

Some of my fav labels at the moment would be:

Get Physical

DIM MAK Records

Rekids

Cocoon Recordings

woozle · 24-07-2009 12:44pm

Cheers Acman-i'll check them out! -yeah Kitsune have some wicked stuff, you know you cant' go wrong buying a record under that label-but i need to take a few risks and spread my musical wings!

langer123 · 31-07-2009 2:12pm

Hi All

I'm considering purchasing a DJ controller than I can hook my laptop and ipods up to.
The Vestax VCI-300 looks fairly good from what I can see and have been told by a mate. Is this easy enought to get to grips with for a beginner i.e. the software bundled with it at this link (Rane):
http://www.thomann.de/ie/vestax_vci300.htm?sid=606369d9c1d262ee7b7abb96dc1133b0

http://ci.vestax.com/en/products/vci300_03.html

Also, and ideas on a sound system to hook up to it? I dont need anything too powerfull. Was looking at the following:
http://www.komplett.ie/k/ki.aspx?sku=340414

All thoughts welcome.

franklyshocked · 31-07-2009 2:39pm

Just some thoughts on the sound system rather than the DJing equipment.
Don't waste your cash on a 5.1 system
The sudio you're playing with is standard stereo. Its meant to be played back on a stereo system. If you push the money you were going to spend on all those extra (but useless and pointless) speakers, into some quality stereo speakers and a decent amp, you'll get a far better sound.
Those 5.1 systems are for home cinema not for stereo audio. You won't get a balanced sound when you play stereo audio through them. More is not better in this case.

woozle · 05-08-2009 4:36pm

any ideas which is the best record shop in Dublin for electro, etc?

langer123 · 06-08-2009 2:02pm

Thanks franklyshocked.

Any suggestions as to good online sites to purchase speakers?...and any ideas to a good set to get for around 200-300?..including amp.

Thanks

kingaaa · 06-08-2009 4:52pm

Hi. Im not really a dj but got rid of all my old stereo gear and bought a p.a. system, mainly because its handier with all the inputs. My gear is :

Behringer PMP1000 500watt powered mixer
2x Gemsound 450watt (peak) full range speakers on stands

my inputs are :
2 laptops using clubdjpro
cd player
vox tonelab se
prosound wireless mics
Takamine electro/acoustic

its all used at home and at mates houses for parties, karaoke etc..etc...

This is what I'm trying to find out:
The bass could be better with the speakers,would the fact theyre up on stands affect this? if I were to add a subwoofer of some kind, how can I do it? my mixer only has 2 speaker outputs
there are 2 jack sockets on the back of my speakers (the bloke at the shop told me it was for "adding more speakers to the setup"), but I get sound from either of them (no difference in levels), is this right?

cheers

G1987 · 20-08-2009 1:16am

Hey guys, I am myself a DJ and a member of a very active worldwide DJ community.
If any of you guys want any help call in Pioneer Pro DJ forums at www.pioneerprodjforums.com

I have included a section where I wrote a piece on developing a music library and where to get quality tracks at reasonable prices.

If anyone wishes to do some live broadcasting check out www.mixaddicts.com (we also have an IRC channel if anyone wishes to pop in for a chat)

Hope I can be of assistance to you guys (and girls).

VinylJunkie · 20-08-2009 9:48am

Why go there when there is a wealth of knowledge and experience here. Plus we are not all Pioneer Fanboy's so we can give an honest unbiased opinion!

G1987 · 20-08-2009 5:38pm

I am not a fanboy but I do have exceptional experience and knowledge of Pioneer gear and I spend most of time helping out there.

I figured if there was some question you had difficulty with there you could ask me there.
And if wanted to do some live streaming for a worldwide audience I could sort you out for that too.
I've always given honest and frank opinions of everything I do, even in my own business.

But I'm obviously not a real DJ because I don't spin vinyl. Only real DJs spin vinyl.

VinylJunkie · 20-08-2009 8:20pm

G1987 wrote: »

But I'm obviously not a real DJ because I don't spin vinyl. Only real DJs spin vinyl.

Funny you say that I haven't touched a record in months! :rolleyes:

lee_blaze · 23-08-2009 1:52pm

im sellin a full dj kit for a good price m8 http://www.adverts.ie/showcat.php?cat=500&ppuser=257131

g5fd6ow0hseima · 27-09-2009 8:57pm

Hi, just a quick query.

If I was to buy a 4 channel mixer and a soundcard from the likes of thomann, would I need to also buy all the necessary cables, or do they come with USB / MIDI cables etc?

cheers,

VinylJunkie · 27-09-2009 9:40pm

What are you buying, more than likely the soundcard will come with a usb lead thats it

lee_blaze · 27-09-2009 11:09pm

what would you need the sound card for , or are you on bout gettin a usb mixer?

g5fd6ow0hseima · 28-09-2009 6:50pm

If i get a midi mixer, lets say the behringer ddm 4000, and a soundcard on top of that. What cables will I need to buy in order to route the sound from the soundcard to the mixer etc...

lee_blaze · 28-09-2009 6:53pm

ah sory m8 dnt know nethin bou computer djin stuf

Daroxtar · 28-09-2009 7:11pm

lee_blaze wrote: »

ah sory m8 dnt know nethin bou computer djin stuf

You don't know how to spell or use a keyboard either

lee_blaze · 28-09-2009 7:13pm

serious? wow

Leinster7 · 03-10-2009 11:05am

langer123 wrote: »

Thanks franklyshocked.

Any suggestions as to good online sites to purchase speakers?...and any ideas to a good set to get for around 200-300?..including amp.

Thanks

Well Thomann.de is a good site but get yourelf a good pair of monitors and place them preferably above your decks/laptop setup left and right of your table top, on an isolated shelf or stand is best. Don't get that 5.1.
I can recommend KRK Rokits for a low budget and extremely good quality.
Depending on your mixer/amp setup check whether you need powered (with amp) or unpowered and get xlr leads to your mixer for best quality.

Regarding the controller, there is a reason why you don;t see any professionals using these things. It is fine if you want to have a bit of fun but they are pretty poor for control and feel in my experience and the mixer quality on these is very poor compared to a pro mixer or even a fun mixer like a pioneer djm400. Build quality is important if your going to be mixing a lot. In my opinion you'd be better off getting some cdj800s or technics 1210s, something like a pioneer djm400 (I say pioneer cos I think they are the most fun although I have a xone92

and Rane Serato Sl3 or NI's Traktor, which are becoming the standard for professional dj's these days (Serato is my preference due to its simplicity and ease of use) or you could just get Ableton live to program your mix sets but is that really djing (Richie Hawtin)?

So probably you need to spend much more money if you want to mix like a professional, but then if you're serious it'll be worth it. And remember.....practice practice practice

Peas

ED E · 03-10-2009 2:33pm

If you're just starting off for a hobby then you dont need to splash major amounts of money, would suck if after a week you got bored like.

I use a laptop, controller and soundcard. When practicing I just use my sony hi-fi. Its a decent enough system and does fine for the small room. I have a big shelving unit above my desk which its built into. A pair of RCAs down to the soundcard on the desk and function on the remote, job done.

You could then spend the money you would spend on monitors on some nice cans/software or some second hand loudspeakers. I got two 350W 3-Ways for 200. They are nothing pro and you can see they usage but by god they do the job. Fingers crossed I'll be pushing them close to the red on the 31st:) The amp and speakons were another 235 so a total of 435 is a little over your budget, but I got the Amp new from Thomann.

kidcisco · 09-10-2009 4:53pm

Hey Guys,

Used to Dj on Vinyl way back in the day...well out of touch at the moment...I've a Macbook (Just a regukar, not pro) would love to find a way of mixing on it from my pretty vast itunes selection....the cheaper the better....also, will i need a soundcard as well?

Thanks a mill!

Cisco!

franklyshocked · 09-10-2009 4:58pm

Loads of PC software out there but I'm a MAC novice myself.

You might be able to get a MAC copy of Virtual DJ or moving up the scale to Traktor to get you started, No need for a soundcard to get started, that said you probably won't be able to DJ properly like you used to unless you cen get a soundcard that has at least 2 seperate outputs, regardless of the platform you use.
I'm sure there are some MAC peeps on here who can help you out though

Leinster7 · 09-10-2009 5:05pm

I can confirm that a regular intel macbook works just fine with Traktor and Serato.

G1987 · 09-10-2009 6:20pm

Something that would be ideal for you is a MIDI controller like a Torq Xponent.
I use one myself and also have a second one for sale if you are interested. It will automatically load up all the files and playlists from iTunes. Its a really cool piece of kit. Mail me if you are interested or I can post the link here if you want.

g5fd6ow0hseima · 10-10-2009 1:53am

hi,

does anyone have experience of using the N.I. Audio 4 DJ running Windows Vista? I cant seem to find solid info of whether the soundcard is compatible with vista before I go and buy one,

cheers,

kidcisco · 13-10-2009 3:50pm

Hey Frankly shcoked, Leinster 7 and G1987!

Thanks for your replies!!i've downloaded a trial of Traktor Pro and am doodling away...G1987 if you could post that link, that would be great,

Take care!

EuskalHerria · 20-11-2009 8:00pm

I finally ordered decks after putting myself off for too long. I am interested in DJ'in as a hobby and take things from there and see where they lead.
So does anyone have any ideas where I should start out on the path to learning the basics of DJ'ing?

lee_blaze · 20-11-2009 8:05pm

EuskalHerria wrote: »

I finally ordered decks after putting myself off for too long. I am interested in DJ'in as a hobby and take things from there and see where they lead.
So does anyone have any ideas where I should start out on the path to learning the basics of DJ'ing?

learn by yourself DJin is just something that you learn from experience i don't believe in getting lessons i see it as a waist of money
best way is to ask can you tag along with some dj in a club/mobile and learn from what he/she does

hope that helped

EuskalHerria · 20-11-2009 8:21pm

lee_blaze wrote: »

best way is to ask can you tag along with some dj in a club/mobile and learn from what he/she does

hope that helped

For fear of looking like thoe idiots that think their cool because they know the dj, I might give that option a miss unless for a while:D Maybe thats a sligo thing though.

I don't want to get lessons,. I think I have a good ear for music in a general sense (I would) so I want to apply it to the music i'd like to play and the music most djs have to play in nightclubs and that. If I cant get it after a while I think i'll reckon i'll give it a miss, go back to being a music appreciator and be glad I tried.
Plan to join the DJ soc in my college next week, be saying ot for a while but need to start learning and how best but with those who are genuinely interested and learning aswell.

In comparison with what other people tend to listen to, my music taste in some sense would be seen as main stream dance music (stuff like the isos series and im a fan of armin, then the likes of Gabriel and dresden, sean tyas, JoC, etc) It isn't restricted to those better known artist but for the most part I admit that I havn't adventured too far within dance so far.
so basically after that rant is there any artist people reccomend? Preferably that would transition me into better artists and not just land me from a-z in a heartbeat. Cheers in advance.

G1987 · 20-11-2009 10:40pm

The best way you will learn is simply by fooling around with the gear yourself.

I posted helpful videos to this site to help all levels of DJs - http://forums.pioneerdj.com/eve/forums/a/tpc/f/4281012904/m/880106872/p/1

EuskalHerria · 20-11-2009 10:57pm

G1987 wrote: »

The best way you will learn is simply by fooling around with the gear yourself.

I posted helpful videos to this site to help all levels of DJs - http://forums.pioneerdj.com/eve/forums/a/tpc/f/4281012904/m/880106872/p/1

Cheers for that.

stereoman · 24-11-2009 7:47pm

Hi guys im a first time user of the site its pretty informative. i was wondering if anyone could tell me where i can get cheap dj lessons or if there wasanything like that workshopsandthe likes!!!

cheers

ste

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

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