Serato DJ Pro General Discussion

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 Serato DJ Pro General Discussion
Specific Laptop for Serato DJ Pro
Talk about Serato DJ Pro, expansion packs and supported hardware

Specific Laptop for Serato DJ Pro

SamE15049 12:35 AM - 13 July, 2019
Hello all, I'm new to the forums and Serato.

I am currently looking for a Laptop to run Serato DJ Pro comfortably with a controller, I have had a look at some blogs, forums etc online but completely stuck wondering what to get.

I know i5 processor minimum would be minimum with as meny cores and as much RAM as possiblem, but I am unfortunately on a bit of a budget.

Price Range £500-£1100

I am currently looking between two laptops but wonder if either should be enough or even better if there are any other laptops you could recommend in the price range... The two I'm looking at are

MacBook Pro 2017 (13.3 inch)

- MacOS
- Intel® Core™ i5 Processor
- Graphics: Intel® Iris™
- Retina display
- RAM: 8 GB
- Storage: 128 GB SSD

AND

Lenovo IdeaPad 330S (15.6 Inch)

- Intel Core i5 8250U processor.
- Quad core processor.
- 1.6GHz processor speed.
- Graphics: Integrated graphics Graphics 620 graphics card.
- 8GB RAM DDR4.
- 256GB SSD storage.

If anyone has some input on this, I'd be extremely greatful.

Thanks

Sam
DjSyndic8 1:40 AM - 13 July, 2019
Mac bro
DJ Marv the Maverick 5:10 AM - 13 July, 2019
Quote:


MacBook Pro 2017 (13.3 inch)

- MacOS
- Intel® Core™ i5 Processor
- Graphics: Intel® Iris™
- Retina display
- RAM: 8 GB
- Storage: 128 GB SSD



£1100 Hmmmm. Have you checked Apple refurbished and Amazon warehouse? You may be in luck to score an i7.
SamE15049 9:43 AM - 13 July, 2019
Quote:
Quote:
MacBook Pro 2017 (13.3 inch)

- MacOS
- Intel® Core™ i5 Processor
- Graphics: Intel® Iris™
- Retina display
- RAM: 8 GB
- Storage: 128 GB SSD
£1100 Hmmmm. Have you checked Apple refurbished and Amazon warehouse? You may be in luck to score an i7.


Appreciate the input, unfortunately the cheapest i7 that is refurbished costs £1,949.00 which is a bit out of my price range, will this i5 (2017 MBP) run the software ok? I will be using the Numark NVII controller with a couple of independent CDJ's?
SamE15049 10:17 AM - 13 July, 2019
Quote:
Mac bro

Ok thanks DjSyndic8, will the i5 be powerful enough as it's only dual core?
DjSyndic8 2:18 PM - 13 July, 2019
Quote:
Quote:
Mac bro

Ok thanks DjSyndic8, will the i5 be powerful enough as it's only dual core?


I don't know what the clock speed is on your mac but the clock speed on the windows laptop is 1.6 thats too low I.M.O
DJ Tecniq 6:04 PM - 13 July, 2019
Great deal👍🏼 You’re welcome😉
www.apple.com
DJ Tecniq 6:33 PM - 13 July, 2019
Or pay just a lil over $1000 on Ebay for a 2014/2015 model in great condition. Ebay is where you need to look.
www.ebay.com
SamE15049 3:46 AM - 14 July, 2019
Quote:
Quote:
Quote:
Mac bro

Ok thanks DjSyndic8, will the i5 be powerful enough as it's only dual core?


I don't know what the clock speed is on your mac but the clock speed on the windows laptop is 1.6 thats too low I.M.O


The mac would be:
- Intel® Core™ i5 Processor
- Dual-core
- 2.3 GHz / 3.6 GHz (Turbo Boost)

Appreciate the input DjSyndic8, there's so many options out there it's a bit overwhelming, also I think the 128GB SSD may fill up quick so may use an external SSD if I go for the MBP.

Thanks
SamE15049 3:52 AM - 14 July, 2019
Quote:
Great deal👍🏼 You’re welcome😉
www.apple.com


Wow! Thanks DJ Tecniq, that's an incredible deal. I wouldn't need to worry with those specs and having the larger screen is a bonus. I always worry about reconditioned units, but as these are Apple approved and guaranteed, this sounds like a good route to go down, the only thing is that they've run out of stock now, but will be keeping an eye on this page for when they get any back in!

Appreciate the tip off bro
SamE15049 3:57 AM - 14 July, 2019
Quote:
Quote:
MacBook Pro 2017 (13.3 inch)

- MacOS
- Intel® Core™ i5 Processor
- Graphics: Intel® Iris™
- Retina display
- RAM: 8 GB
- Storage: 128 GB SSD
£1100 Hmmmm. Have you checked Apple refurbished and Amazon warehouse? You may be in luck to score an i7.


Thanks DJ Marv the Maverick, just checking the Apple refurbished site now. Around 1k tops yes, did look at Windows 10 but have heard about possible instabilities but a always found MacOS a lot smoother running and straight forward.
SamE15049 4:18 AM - 14 July, 2019
Quote:
Quote:
Quote:
Mac bro

Ok thanks DjSyndic8, will the i5 be powerful enough as it's only dual core?


I don't know what the clock speed is on your mac but the clock speed on the windows laptop is 1.6 thats too low I.M.O


Ok, I have an Intel i3 (2.40Ghz) processor with 4GB RAM, but isn't as fast as it used to be and one of the partitioned drives is nearly full, may try it out on that first? Would feel more comfortable having a backup laptop though as I am moving away from CD racks and CDJ's
SamE15049 4:20 AM - 14 July, 2019
Quote:
Quote:
Quote:
Quote:
Mac bro

Ok thanks DjSyndic8, will the i5 be powerful enough as it's only dual core?


I don't know what the clock speed is on your mac but the clock speed on the windows laptop is 1.6 thats too low I.M.O


Ok, I have an Intel i3 (2.40Ghz) processor with 4GB RAM, but isn't as fast as it used to be and one of the partitioned drives is nearly full, may try it out on that first? Would feel more comfortable having a backup laptop though as I am moving away from CD racks and CDJ's



Oh the MBP I am looking at has an i5 processor running at 2.3Ghz
DJ Tecniq 8:11 AM - 14 July, 2019
Quote:
Quote:
Great deal👍🏼 You’re welcome😉
www.apple.com


Wow! Thanks DJ Tecniq, that's an incredible deal. I wouldn't need to worry with those specs and having the larger screen is a bonus. I always worry about reconditioned units, but as these are Apple approved and guaranteed, this sounds like a good route to go down, the only thing is that they've run out of stock now, but will be keeping an eye on this page for when they get any back in!

Appreciate the tip off bro
It was available i bet another DJ just snagged it that was a damn good deal.
DJ Tecniq 8:20 AM - 14 July, 2019
You need to look in the right place. Best Buy always has killer deals on refurbished Macs in your price range. You’re welcome 👍🏼
www.bestbuy.com
SamE15049 3:17 PM - 15 July, 2019
Been wondering as my processor is an Intel i3 (2.40Ghz) processor with 4GB RAM, that for the time being that I might be able to add more RAM and install a large SSD just to get me going, think I will eventually go for a MBP and just use my current laptop as a back up. What are your thoughts on this?
SamE15049 3:18 PM - 15 July, 2019
It's an i3-7100U processor
DJ Tecniq 7:10 PM - 15 July, 2019
Quote:
It's an i3-7100U processor
It’s the bare minimum go for an i5 or i7. You will be able to analyze more files than what you can now.
John Calipari 8:16 PM - 15 July, 2019
MBP 15" 2014 2.8GHZ w/Core i7 Quad Core Part#MGXG2LL/A

They can be had for $800 on eBay, was over $2K when they were introduced in 2014.
DJ Tecniq 9:25 PM - 15 July, 2019
Quote:
MBP 15" 2014 2.8GHZ w/Core i7 Quad Core Part#MGXG2LL/A

They can be had for $800 on eBay, was over $2K when they were introduced in 2014.
Correct i paid $2400 for my Mid 2014 it’s still a beast.
SamE15049 10:47 PM - 15 July, 2019
Quote:
Quote:
It's an i3-7100U processor
It’s the bare minimum go for an i5 or i7. You will be able to analyze more files than what you can now.


Ok great. I have been researching more since my last post, and have found some alternatives...

LENOVO 620S Intel® Core

Intel® Core™ i7-7700T Processor
- Processor: Quad-core 2.9 GHz / 3.8 GHz - 8 MB cache
- RAM: 8 GB DDR4 (2400 MHz)
- Hard Drive: 2 TB HDD (7200 rpm)
Intel Optane - 16 GB

iMac 5K

- Intel® Core™ i5 processor
- Quad-core - 3.4 GHz / 3.8 GHz (Turbo Boost)
RAM: 8 GB DDR4
Graphics card: AMD Radeon Pro 570
Storage: 1 TB HDD, Fusion drive

I know they are towers but is a slightly cheaper option and not too big to carry around to gigs. Would I be right in thinking that a faster i5 is better than a slower i7?

So will either be one of these two or...

MacBook Pro 2017 (13.3 inch)

- MacOS
- Intel® Core™ i5 Processor (2.3Ghz)
- Graphics: Intel® Iris™
- Retina display
- RAM: 8 GB
- Storage: 128 GB SSD
John Calipari 8:11 PM - 16 July, 2019
Quote:
Quote:
Quote:
It's an i3-7100U processor
It’s the bare minimum go for an i5 or i7. You will be able to analyze more files than what you can now.


Ok great. I have been researching more since my last post, and have found some alternatives...

LENOVO 620S Intel® Core

Intel® Core™ i7-7700T Processor
- Processor: Quad-core 2.9 GHz / 3.8 GHz - 8 MB cache
- RAM: 8 GB DDR4 (2400 MHz)
- Hard Drive: 2 TB HDD (7200 rpm)
Intel Optane - 16 GB

iMac 5K

- Intel® Core™ i5 processor
- Quad-core - 3.4 GHz / 3.8 GHz (Turbo Boost)
RAM: 8 GB DDR4
Graphics card: AMD Radeon Pro 570
Storage: 1 TB HDD, Fusion drive

I know they are towers but is a slightly cheaper option and not too big to carry around to gigs. Would I be right in thinking that a faster i5 is better than a slower i7?

So will either be one of these two or...

MacBook Pro 2017 (13.3 inch)

- MacOS
- Intel® Core™ i5 Processor (2.3Ghz)
- Graphics: Intel® Iris™
- Retina display
- RAM: 8 GB
- Storage: 128 GB SSD


Your really confining yourself to the worst, albeit compliant scenarios each platform has to offer. Mac with it's superior Core-Audio Drivers but saddled with an i5 processor and 8gb Ram that is barely compliant. vs a PC with it's terrible drivers yet capable i7 and 16gb. But on paper, either will work. Best of luck
DJ JulioYEG 8:30 PM - 16 July, 2019
never buy a windows dont let these mobile djs fool you. There isnt no club djing pullin up to the booth with a pc.
SamE15049 4:42 PM - 17 July, 2019
I'm not sure now I think I may have to do a bit of saving and try and be patient while keeping an eye out on the Refurbs, we had huge retail sales here and I was flapping trying to bag a bargin but will have to wait I think.

Need to make sure that I get something very reliable and high calibre but obviously comes with a price tag to match.

Kind of regretting getting the Numark NV2 now as I have heard some reviews saying that it can be unreliable at times, anybody have one of these? This controller will only be temporary until I get some Pioneers so hopefully it stays reliable.

Thanks for the input guys, really appreciate it. Fingers crossed something comes up soon.

Sam
DJ Tecniq 5:55 PM - 17 July, 2019
Just an FYI I’ve been using a Pioneer DDJSR2 with great luck. It’s a $500 unit but you could easily get 10-15% off most online retailers. Just ask for the best deal they’ll hook you up.
SamE15049 10:55 PM - 17 July, 2019
Quote:
Just an FYI I’ve been using a Pioneer DDJSR2 with great luck. It’s a $500 unit but you could easily get 10-15% off most online retailers. Just ask for the best deal they’ll hook you up.


Thanks DJ Tecniq, will have a look into that, definately need something that's failsafe to a degree, (stand alone) in case the worst happens, I saw a Pioneer XDJ-700 Touch Screen Digital Player going for the equivalent of $740 odd recently, think it's mapped for Rekordbox though :(

I think If I have to do gigs sooner rather than later I'll go for a Macbook Pro, am set on it, also will be getting another iphone so I suppose it would make sence to stay within the "ecosystem" so to speak.
Bornd Fono 10:58 PM - 17 July, 2019
If you want a mach:

Watchwww.youtube.com
Bornd Fono 10:58 PM - 17 July, 2019
*mac
SamE15049 1:56 PM - 27 July, 2019
Still deciding on this one, a whole new batch of sales are on, with macs and PC's...Unsure about all this benchmark business, but i've seen something going half the price as a MBP, it's running an...

Intel® Core™ i7-7500U Processor
- Dual-core
- 2.7 GHz / 3.5 GHz
- 4 MB cache, dual core, 8GB ram

It's a HP 14-ck0501sa 14" Intel® Core™ i7 Laptop - 256 GB SSD, Silver

Any thoughts on this? I have heard that a lot of people are having issues with the keyboard and crashes with the MBP 2017. Cannot stretch to buy the 2019 model but heard that it still has the butterfly keyboard? Just need to make sure that I make a wise investment.

Thanks

Sam
DJ JulioYEG 8:57 PM - 29 July, 2019
just get a mac....
SamE15049 10:45 PM - 1 August, 2019
Well everyone...I took the plunge for a MBP, what adapters, or multiadapters do you all use? I have seen some people velcro their external adapter and SSD on the back. I've got 256GB of on board storage but am going to get 3 or 4 1TB external SSD's to store music and have backup's etc but there is only 2 ports.