Really don't NEED the SVM but as long as you use it as a "regular mixer" it would be simpler IMO. you need to find out what kind of video connection you need to "hook up" to there system first. Second you need to purchase a mini display port to adapt to that connection. If it is RCA a video you will need a scan converter and a mini display port to VGA. hope this isn't confusing...

What city you in?

Also you need some sort of Rane hardware and some CDJ's or Turntables. With the Rane mixers you will be able to crossfade videos, so I would get a Rane 68 or a Rane TTM 57.

I think you can map the SVM 1000 crossfader to VSL. If so you wouldn't need to replace your mixer.

I believe the system is HDMI. I have seen people map the crossfader to serato. I just got the SVM so do I need to buy Rane hadware too?
I am located in West Palm Beach Florida

I have the midi display port adapter to DVI

I was more curious as to how I can use Serato without turntables or CDJ's. Can I use my Traktor S4? Should I buy a new midi controller? Can I use the SVM 1000?
I think the issue Id have with not having two CDJ's is there is no Cue/play or pitch controls on the SVM mixer.

if the SVM (i have had little experience with it) is midi mappable you will be able to use it with video SL...not sure about the cables or what not you might need tho...

compare.ebay.com
www.google.com

you can use these to hook up to hdmi..but the second one is probably the one you will need...

Again I am wondering how you control the Serato Software. Do I need CDj's or Turntables? What baout my S4?
Yes the SVM is midi mappable but there arent many buttons to use.

Your S4 will be redundant as you can't map the jog wheels to SL.

You'll definitely need CDJs or turntables.

You won't be able to use any of the video fx or transitions on the SVM unless you feed 2 seperate outputs from VSL to the mixer using Matrox Triplehead 2 Gos. It's a HASSLE.

Is the mixer yours, or the venue's?

If its yours I'd sell it, it's out of date tech. Get a DJM-900 or 2000 instead.

Your S4 will be redundant as you can't map the jog wheels to SL.

You'll definitely need CDJs or turntables.

You won't be able to use any of the video fx or transitions on the SVM unless you feed 2 seperate outputs from VSL to the mixer using Matrox Triplehead 2 Gos. It's a HASSLE.

Is the mixer yours, or the venue's?

If its yours I'd sell it, it's out of date tech. Get a DJM-900 or 2000 instead.

Sorry for the double post!

Should point out that if you get another Pioneer mixer you'll need a Rane SL box too.

So confusing. Ya its the clubs and they just paid $3500 for it. So you will definitely need cdj's huh?

I just text the owner asking if he can return it. They just ordered it this week and they dont even have it yet. maybe they can return it.

The SVM is only useful if you are just playing DVDs with the Pioneer DVJs, which is why I say it's outdated.

It's a properly COOL bit of kit, but from a different age (2 years ago, lol).

You're definitely going to need CDJs if you go the VSL route.

One suggestion... Don't go buying anything yet. NAMM is next week and we don't know what's coming from Serato and their partners.

But get rid of that SVM!

They just replied and THERE ARE NO RETURNS ON IT. Oh well I guess that will teach em not to do there homework. What should I do now? I guess I ave to talk them into CDJ's? Can they use regular CDJ 1000's or do they have to get DVJ's or CDJ 2000's???

No way to just use a midi controller huh?

+1

and your s4 is useless to you. Keep it for backup or for other gigs where you dont need video, but it will do you no god with serato.
Have the club return the SVM, then have them buy a DJM900 or DJM2000, and a pair of CDJ 2000's.

CDJ2000'S are midi controllers also, and you should use them as such to control serato. you will need 2 of them

DONT buy the DVJ's, again old tech and will do you no good. CDJ 1000's will work if you wanna got he timecode route, but its much better to buy CDJ2000's.

On a side note. Tell the club THEY MUST buy CDJ's no matter what. you need then to control serato. either kind will work but they would be silly to buy 1000's.
but you can still use the SVM as your mixer and if your tech savoy you can do some cool things with it and serato.

Heres the cool bit. got buy (for yourself) a Matrox DualHead2Go (www.matrox.com) also go and buy Mix Emergency, (ME is a 3rd party program to run videos with serato). Use the DualHead2Go to give your self 2 monitor outs. Run those Video outputs into the video inputs on the SVM then you can set ME to output both decks videos on each screen and you are essetually feeding the SVM video from each deck. at that point you can do your video mixing on the SVM and not require another midi controller for video EFX and mixing.

also you said you have some videos already. Well VDJ is great cause it will play any file you throw at it. Serato (VSL and ME) both suck in that category, if your videos are not MP4's your f'ed. you need to convert them to MP4's.



If your really stuck on useing your S4 this is not the forum for you. Head over to the VDJ forum and see if theres a VDJ mapping for the S4. Buy a full copy of VDJ and use your S4 with VDJ todo video mixing. downside is you own a mac, and VDJ runs much better on a PC. I would install bootcamp and run windows on the mac if i was you and you where planning to go the VDJ route.

If you want to go the virtual dj route instead of serato.

Ok options, options. I like the idea of serato with the cdj's I guess ill see if they will bite the bullet. They are not able to return the SVM so we are stuck with it. I do have windows on my macbook but I dont think virtual Dj is good for mixing video on beat. I know it sucks with mp3s so I can just imagine. ya most of my older videos are Divx.

I used VDJ in night clubs for years and beat matched everything both videos and mp3's at the same time.... I was using midi controllers and time codes on CDJ's so i think you comment is unfounded about not being able to beatmatch. Dont rely on any software to auto sink for you, i know traktor has auto sync but serato does not so i really hope you dont use it or your in for a rude awaking.

your older videos will be a problem. you should sign up for smashvidz. and get a ton of back catalog stuff from them. they are more than worth the price.

Yes you can beatmatch with VDJ but the interface is so basic and so lacking compared to Traktor. Not to mention VDJ has been so unstable in the past for me. I think they might have come a long way in that department but man it used to crash a few times a night on me.
I can beatmix fine but why spend the whole time matching beats when you can be looking for songs, using effects or the loop recorder or any of the features the other programs have. I dunno I dont want to be tied to just beatmixing and I feel with VDJ thats all you really get to do when you use it.

Not my experience at all. But ok.

So you should look at getting serato and ME.

I highly doubt the club is going to invest in a system for you to do video. they might just find someone thats already setup to do it. that has all the stuff ready. like TT, Cdj's, 57, 68 etc. also you would have to learn serato and vsl to. its not just get it and play. you have to have tons of video, they have to be coded right. your mac has to be right. most of us that do video went thru a lot to get to where we are in the video game. its also more expensive and has to be something your getting paid from to invest this kinda money.

just curious how long does it takes you to beatmatch songs you already know the bpm for?

HaHaHa...
I know the question wasn't directed at me but usually about 15 seconds.

Ok I can see this is getting to be a lets see whos is bigger thread. Thanks for all the help. Im glad you guys who have dedicated your life to video feel its wrong for me to walk in and take a video gig but its gonna happen. There are literally 2 guys in my town who play video and one works in a strip club and I trained him. The other guy doesn't have his own gear and hes terrible.
I got the gig because I have good taste in music (thats my issue with video). I have lots of friends, im friends with the owners, I have been playing in this town for 13 years, ive been a DJ for 23 years, ive opened for over 50 world famous DJs Roger Sanchez, Boris, Robbie Rivera, Bad Boy Bill etc etc.
I just had a few questions about video hardware. Im gonna dip out now. Thanks for the advice.