Advice: don't start on virtual DJ that's a set up for failure

so wat would you recommended?

records/cds then go digital

just dipping your toe into DJing by giving it a go via a computer program would be doing a disservice to yourself. doing your homework is one thing but if you really want to be a dj, you have to invest in real gear and give it a shot. if it doesn't take, hopefully you bought some good stuff so you can sell it easily.

hmmmm, thanks

that was stated to me be for but i thought i would start with beat mixing firts

what about if i start off with an Ns7?

thats a costly investment to start with and as a beginner it will be too easy to just cheat off the waveforms or use itch's auto sync... if you dont want to invest in tts or cd players, befriend a dj who already has them and see if you can practice with them. going straight for a midi controller will only hurt you as a dj with no experience

since you got dj friends i suggest you should go to their gigs as a free roadie and watch them carefully what they use and how they use it, that would help you choose your gear, i have some friends who want to learn but when they come with me they are more concerned if the hottest chick is interested in them, i get so mad cause I TAKE CARE OF THE HOT CHICKS!! lol but seriously, you cant become a good dj with just a computer, this is an expensive game, so if you want to get your feet wet,expect to spend some dough!! good luck bro!

thanks for all the info!!!! im soaking it up like a sponge. Is there any good CHEAP equipments i can use under 500 bucks to get started? and where can i buy? Mixer and CD player that can play MP3s because CDs are expensive(not to sound cheap).

Definitely don't start with virtualDJ, you'll bore yourself to death when it's just clicking around on a screen.
Most decent CD players will read CD-R anyway so it shouldn't matter too much anyway.

As important as the gear though is your music, you want to get it from legit sources or you'll just end up with a messy collection of suspect quality tracks.

thanks for all your info. i have taken all you info like a sponge and have made my decision to stay away from VJ. However, i have looked in to these two, Numark Mixdeck and Numark iCDMIX 3.

Watchwww.youtube.com
djshelpline.com

I really like the Numark Mixdeck because it offer best of both worlds. it can be used with or without a computer.

let me know what you guys think.

In my opinion, it doesn't matter if you use itch, sl, traktor or even vj. No matter what, your gonna have to learn from your ear. If you use the auto sync, your just hurting yourself. However, auto sync could be a learning tool in beat matching, some people take forever to learn that, most people who mix look down on auto sync because it takes skill to do it. You just need to use it as a teaching tool vice becoming dependent because you might just suck and keep train wrecking. If you plan to learn to spin, your best bet is your ears.

Close your eyes and study your music is a start without even owning a set. Find your breaks, discover how you will drop a mix in or even blend. It's not about being a DJ, it's about being a Mixmaster.

This is all in my own point of view. I've been spinning for 20 years now. I absorb all critics and listen to advice, but in my bedroom, it's all about me and the babies.

Just have a good time.

btw. I remember when DJs were trippin when BPMs where showing up on the machines.

you said you have a couple friends who DJ. Perhaps you can ask to spin with them sometime to see if its something you like. I def recommend using something that doesn't make you dependent on watching beats, but that's at your discretion as it could really screw you up down the road.

I don't think using a MIDI controller or VDJ is a bad thing on its own. If you decide to "cheat" but using autosync then you are doing yourself a BIG diservice. Here are a couple of things to consider.
1 Are you a scratch DJ or do you want to learn to scratch? If so, get yourself some TT's or CD players (Numark V7 is 399 at PPSL after rebate) you only need one to control 2 decks.
2 Are you a mix DJ? If so, get yourself an inexpensive MIDI controller to learn and practice the basics at home. Practice and only practice will teach you how to mix.
3 Whatever you decide, record and listen to your sets. I can't stress this enough. secondly, DO NOT use autosync regularly. Learn to beat match by using your ears. The best way to do this is take 2 of the same records and start the pitch in different areas and force yourself to get them on beat to get the "airplane" effect. Once you get the mastered move on to songs with similar BPMs and repeat. Good luch and most importantly, HAVE FUN!!.

I own SSL and a Traktor S4. I think if used the autosync button twice just to see how well it works. I love mixing live even if it's not perfect. I don't see the purpose of wanting to DJ using autosync (unless you are mixing 4 decks and working with effects) even then I would keep that to a minimum.

You can check craigslist for cheap DJ stuff. but heres my opinion on the topic.


You can skip out, and save money on a mixer, but if your planning on doing ANY gigs at all, You will benefit from professional equipment. I spent 900 on my setup on my first go around, and got 2 1200 MK5s a numark M3 mixer. and Traktor scratch duo.

What i learned is, Technics are the best turntables out there. If your buying turntables, buy technics. Reason being, is if you are DJing on somebody elses setup, or a club that has them installed. Its going to feel the same, and everything will be simular.

DO NOT, under any circumstances buy anything NUMARK( In my opinion) I've had two numark mixers, and both have lasted me a whopping TWO weeks.

Serato is the best DVS in my opinion. I started on VDJ. when you start using it, you think its great, but no. You'll get so much more out of using serato or traktor.

The reason i like serato is that the interface is clean. its not extremely complex. Its chill. Just like you should be when your Djing.

Hope ya gained some type of knowledge from my post.

Thanks again i'm loving all the inputs that everyone is posting up. As far as the numark thing, at the moment that's all i can afford.

my close friend uses VDJ, a laptop and he is better than most Dj's that use CD decks.

at the moment i think i might most likely be into mixing/blending and scratching will come later after i understand the process of putting music together.

DJ metaphor, thanks for your input about not just start Djing but just listen and understand the beat because at the moment that's all i do. i have reggae Riddims and just process them in my head so that wen i get some equipment i have an understanding what should be down

Just remember your phrasing! and if you ever need any help on ANYTHING. feel free to message me. I'm an open book of knowledge

check out one more set up:

NUMARK NDX 400 CDjs and an X5 Mixer?

I will stay away from the software aspect of Djing now and just use ears to start off to get an understanding. If i decide to move up i will just get 2 V7's and keep the X5 as a mixer.

other than the equipment what should i focus on and what are some does and don't s? things to look out for?

feed me with knowledge.

thanks

thanks again

thanks bro! In like a week or two i will keep this forum updated with my final decision after i make my purchase.

I will surly message you in the future.

If i was you i would buy an sl1 from craigslist for around 300-350 then by thw time youve learn the program and mastered it mixing in internal you had already saved another 100-150 bucks plus the150-200 you had left you can buy a technics 1200 and mix using instand doubles .....in case u dont know its a fearure in ssl where you can have one track in internal mode,for example you have playing track a on channel 1 in internal mode (no turntable) and you mix in track b on channel 2 once you mix track b you can send track b to channel 1 and load track c on channel 2 etc etc... :)

Dude, my answer is the SAME EXACT answer as to the SAME EXACT QUESTION you posted on the other Message Board....



^^^This right here.... AT MINIMUM LEVEL, You have to invest in some turntables and a mixer.

If you try to learn any other way, you'll miss the basics that you need.

On top of that, you won't be considered "DJ'ING", you'll be considered as "Just Playing Records".

understood! so after i get the equipments, wats nxt

also, where is a good place to get new and old Dancehall/regge? i would be greatly appreciated>

Next thing to purchase is a GPS Navigator, so that you can have someone tell you where to go every step of the way.

Dude, research, discover.

and EXPERIMENT!

good info. thanks

LOL! Johnny. I answered this on the other message board too. The best case scenario would be for him to kop TT's or CDJ's with a mixer. But then comes the issue with getting music. Vinyl and CD's are not as readily available as MP3's.

the cd players that play mp3's are more expensive than the cd players that dont play mp3's. u get more respect in the DJ community if you can play with TT's. Anytime I've seen a DJ show up with VDJ, there's always mumbles and smirks directed toward him. If you can play on TT's you can play anything.

any DJ's comes in my place ( a club where im running) with VDJ get a complimentary drop kick off the booth from the security

My advice DJing for the past 30 yrs. Study the music I too is from the island Trinadad. I play all gernes of music. I started by watching and learning the art from other Djs that know what they are doing not Djs that jus play music. Listen to te best and melodys of the music let it run though your mind and feel the tempo and what u can bring in next and the next song.

Also try to have 3 to songs ahead of yourself

Most importantly. Play the music your heart enjoys dont follow trend

+1.

Its also good when your at events and such to have a backup list in your head, when I can't think of anything to play next, or have trouble finding a song. I just throw out one of the songs i keep as back up in my head. if any of that makes since.

thanks it makes perfect sense!!!

This week i am just organizing my music and put some on CD's this week. i know everyone is telling me to start with TTs but that will cost me a tone at the moment. however, im not going digital at all till i get an understanding of the music. i will move to ttl later on when i move on with serto, which will be my last step. i know using turn tables as my last step might seem backwards to most but the cost of records are alot where as i have a tone of music on my hard drive and from my DJ freiend so all i have to do is burn to CDs.



so this is what i will start with, 2 cdjs , a mixer and speakers. that will cost me around $500. i wont be using any computer!!! so no wave form, auto sych and no other gimmicks. i will just be using old fashion way to beat match, mix and so fourth.

I am looking at the Numark NDX400
Here is the Specs
# Rugged, tabletop, slot-loading MP3/CD player
# USB input for performance with flash drives
# Perform with CDs, CD-Rs, and MP3 CDs
# Touch-sensitive scratch and search wheel
# Text display for navigating folders on MP3 CDs and USB flash drives
# Auto BPM with tap override for instant BPM (tempo) analysis
# Start/stop-time adjustment for for vinyl-style braking
# Reverse mode for special effects
# Three hot cues for quick access to key points in the track
# Seamless looping with stutter start for easy loop creation and integration
# Pitch tracks up or down by up to 100%
# Anti-Shock™ buffered skip-protection technology
# Master Tempo maintains key while shifting pitch
# Three fader start settings: Play/Cue, Lock, and Tact

Wat do you guys think?

Sounds good to me. Hope it don't break on u.

Buy serato ASAP! you won't regret it!

Way to resurrect a dead thread just to promote your site. Enjoy being reported.