DJ'n

[Connor_scotland]

I was big into this about 5 year ago but then stopped.

Want to start fresh completly so act as if i know nothing:P

What should i get to begin with

CD decks or Vinyl decks?

Im after a dirt cheap set to begin with then if i properly take to it i will spend some proper mullah on some.

Cheers in advance.

[Ryan]

CDJ's or a mac.

Also IT section.

[Dom]

Vinyl decks.. Alot of my mates use these and you can't create anywhere near as good beats on CD Decks..

1 of my mates uses Virtual DJ program on the computer, its all digital, get quite good mixes from that but still can't beat Vinyls.

[Ryan]

Vinyl decks.. Alot of my mates use these and you can't create anywhere near as good beats on CD Decks..

1 of my mates uses Virtual DJ program on the computer, its all digital, get quite good mixes from that but still can't beat Vinyls.

Industry standard is either MP3, or CD (usually downlaod mp3 from a server and burn to a cd)

Try getting promos on vinyl (depending on genre) most companies dont press vinyl anymore.

Cant create beats? Production creates the beats you dont produce on decks :D

Vinyl has a 'warmer' sound though.

[Ashleyp]

Vinyl decks.. Alot of my mates use these and you can't create anywhere near as good beats on CD Decks..

1 of my mates uses Virtual DJ program on the computer, its all digital, get quite good mixes from that but still can't beat Vinyls.

beats arent made on decks lol..

CDJ's are the way forward, anyone that says different is just an epic pessimist

a lot of clubs now even set the DJ booth up with the turntables on the outside and the CDJ's on the inside closer to the mixer now.

plus, most genre's dont release tracks on vynil now...

MP3's make the "bedroom producer" much more accessable to the DJ's.

only downsides are the tradition of vynil being lost, tracks getting played that arent good enough to get played, and DJ's having to sort through 1000's of tracks.

[Carlvtr88]

right firstly, virtual dj is designed to be used with the vinyl that you can buy which then controlls virtual dj... fair enough then it may be cool to use...just like serato scratch... but if your not looking to spend loads get some cdjs ... vinyl is great but you will forever be buying wax and it gets a bit costly... I have T tables and numark axis 9 cdjs and i love them... there about 235 a peice but there accurate and durable and have effects built in... dont get those american audio ones that are going for cheap at the minute ( used to be called citronics ) there crap.. i used them in oxygen rooms in brum and i hate them with a passion... it may be because there battered but i just reccomend the axis 9s ... AshleyP touched on a good point too... maybe you hear a track you like only to find out its only available on digital download ... thats where your cdjs come in ... i am Not saying vinyl is dead but ... iff you want to get back into it without burning too much cash cdjs are the way forward.

only downsides are the tradition of vynil being lost, tracks getting played that arent good enough to get played, and DJ's having to sort through 1000's of tracks. ***Good point ashley***... the amount of times i hear an amateur production with too much top end or bass etc, being played live is beyond me...

[machevelli7777]

Ow man the years of DJing lol Brings back good memories!!

Used to do parties/weddings and the occasional friday night gig!

Personally id use CD decks, just what i got used to but the Vinyl decks i suppose is hardcore.

Cd decks is easier, no hassle choosing tracks for the correct occasion, plus minute long mixes goes down well ;)

Depends what your going to do mate?

[KrisB]

Time coded vinyl FTW.

[NICK2506]

as said get some CDJ's. pricey but worth it and pretty much industry standard!

[Carlvtr88]

yeah i suppose cdjs can be pricey at first but if u buy decks then u gota spend dosh on vinyl aswell... so its going to cost you more anyway..

[Ryan]

with the release of the Cdj-2000 coming soon the 1000s and lesser models will be available from those upgrading at good ££££

[Carlvtr88]

with the release of the Cdj-2000 coming soon the 1000s and lesser models will be available from those upgrading at good ££££

good point, might have to lay my hands on some haha

[craig180]

Vinyl decks.. Alot of my mates use these and you can't create anywhere near as good beats on CD Decks..

1 of my mates uses Virtual DJ program on the computer, its all digital, get quite good mixes from that but still can't beat Vinyls.

Computer mixing isn't DJing, nor are those decks that beat match and adjuct pitch for you!

I would say CDJ is the way forward. It's all about flexibility. If you have vinyl decks you are stuck to playing vinyl. If you buy CDJ you can play CD's, MP3, AAC, Vinyl recorded to CD etc.

I have CDJ1000 IIs if you want to make me a good offer so I can buy some 2000's ;)

[JamesR]

When teh CDJ1000s go down in price quite a lot i want to invest in a pair :)

[Ryan]

Craig the 2000s apparently can effectively automix for you aswell.

[craig180]

Craig the 2000s apparently can effectively automix for you aswell.

Uber gay.

[rowza]

pioneer cdj's Full stop!

[Carlvtr88]

The guy did say something not too expensive... i know cdj1000s are going to be cheaper but a pair of those brand new is still going to be around the 1500 mark... where as the numark axis 9s can be bought for less that 500 ... i know there not as feature packed but cerainly will do the job if he jus wants to get back into it and buy some better ones later...

[craig180]

Should be able to pick up a pair of cdj200s and pioneer mixer for less than a grand.

I personally wouldn't use anything other than pioneer.

I've done a few clubs with demon and numark and nothing compares. It's like going from using 1210s to some belt driven soundlab decks lol

[Carlvtr88]

Should be able to pick up a pair of cdj200s and pioneer mixer for less than a grand.

I personally wouldn't use anything other than pioneer.

I've done a few clubs with demon and numark and nothing compares. It's like going from using 1210s to some belt driven soundlab decks lol

LOL I disagree with your last statement... about anything other than pioneers is like going from 1210s to belt driven lol... thats a tad extreme pal.. i've played on pioneers all around brimingham in the clubs and although.. yeah they are the solid reliable industry standard cd-deck .. one time we did a set at a club on some axis 9s cause someone didnt arrange equipment properly.. needlesss to say the axis 9s performed magically all night .. was a good night too.

im just trying to keep on the guys level who asked the question, as he stated he didnt want to blow too much cash ....

just to add u are entitled to your opinion im not saying your wrong i just think that for what the guys after there are a couple ( not all ) of cheaper cd deck packages that would do the job he is after ..

[JamesR]

I have a 5 channel mixer and was wondering how i could connect my PC to use virtual DJ aswell as my CDJs?

I want left CDJ on first channel
Second CDJ on second channel
Left PC track on channel third channel
And right PC track on channel 4

And i have a ipod in channel 5, just wondering how i can connect the laptop? I am having a play around now btw

[djmartin]

what gear is it you have?

if the gear does not have usb or Midi then im affraid it aint goin to happen.

only way around it is to go out and buy serato final scratch.

which you put the cds (provided) into the Cdj's and there isa box connected to your mixer with audio inputs and outputs. which then connects to your pc and the software which is usally traktor. reads the audio signals and you are some how able to control all the sofwares functions via your cdj.

rather funky and clever technology tbh!

[JamesR]

I was thinking of getting 2 phonos for channel 2 and 3 then putting them into a mini jack into a PC?

[Carlvtr88]

martins right mate.. there is a small box interface which tells the pc mixing software what your doing with your equipment...

[dannyboy2005]

Time coded vinyl's ftw, using a Mac.

[dannyboy2005]

right firstly, virtual dj is designed to be used with the vinyl that you can buy which then controlls virtual dj... fair enough then it may be cool to use...just like serato scratch... but if your not looking to spend loads get some cdjs ... vinyl is great but you will forever be buying wax and it gets a bit costly... I have T tables and numark axis 9 cdjs and i love them... there about 235 a peice but there accurate and durable and have effects built in... dont get those american audio ones that are going for cheap at the minute ( used to be called citronics ) there crap.. i used them in oxygen rooms in brum and i hate them with a passion... it may be because there battered but i just reccomend the axis 9s ... AshleyP touched on a good point too... maybe you hear a track you like only to find out its only available on digital download ... thats where your cdjs come in ... i am Not saying vinyl is dead but ... iff you want to get back into it without burning too much cash cdjs are the way forward.

only downsides are the tradition of vynil being lost, tracks getting played that arent good enough to get played, and DJ's having to sort through 1000's of tracks. ***Good point ashley***... the amount of times i hear an amateur production with too much top end or bass etc, being played live is beyond me...


Virtual Dj isn't only designed for Vinyls, n00b.

As for a matter of fact, even CDJ's work perfectly fine with it.

I've bought the programme and bought a controller (Hercules RMX) and i can say, mixing/ scratching and remixing is sooo fun. I'm saving up for a Numark N97 :panic:

You can buy time coded vinyl's. Its basically a controller but you spin a vinyl. The vinyl is time coded so you never have to change the vinyl, its just one big controller you plug into your USB port :D

[Carlvtr88]

Noob ?.. Mate i been Djing for years and i am aware that you can use other control sources.. im not stupid, i was merely pointing out one of the things, while stil trying to help the guy who started the thread as he said he is after something cheap and serato scratch is not cheap really .. and if your going to use cdjs to control it then it becomes even more expensive cause he has to buy cjds too.

[Ryyy]

CDJ's or a mac.

Also IT section.

He's after dirt cheap stuff is he not?

CDJ's are renowned for being WAAAAAYYY over-priced. Although they are ACE for what they are!

I feel CDJ / CD Turntables flatter the DJ too much with onboard effects, pitch bend (which you will start leaning on), and all the other shizzle you just dont get in a club on a pair of Techies.

Ive got some 1210's and Im never gonan sell 'em, because when I DJ somewhere else, what do I use? Yes, Technics!

Get yourself some Second Hand 1210/1200's off Ebay / Local Newspaper.

Then you might not find the need to upgrade.

Mixer wise, I have a Denon DNX1500, similar to a DJM600, Go for Pioneer, A&H, Denon, Rane, Vestax etc

Avoid Gemini, Numark, Stanton, Reloop etc.

[djmartin]

if its cheapness your after then go for stanton c314's

do MP3 aswell
http://www.dolphinmusic.co.uk/shop_image/uploads/Image/Mackie/Stanton_c314_2.jpg

mixer wise as your a noob just get a pioneer djm300
http://www.colorproduction.com.hk/images/products/mixer/pioneer_djm-300.jpg

FX you cna use on the cd decks so you in a sence have a djm600 set up :) due to the cd decks havea built in sampler aswell.

so your getting the same amount of power for a fraction of the price!!!!!!!


you could if you wanted put two sound cards in your computer. let one card read one side of the software and the other of course read the other player. :)

[JamesR]

For club use Vinyl is dead imo

What DJ wants to cart around hundreds of Vinyl when he could have truck loads worth on one memory stick / SD card?

[Ashleyp]

For club use Vinyl is dead imo

What DJ wants to cart around hundreds of Vinyl when he could have truck loads worth on one memory stick / SD card?

you dont go to many clubs do you?

[Ryan]

For club use Vinyl is dead imo

What DJ wants to cart around hundreds of Vinyl when he could have truck loads worth on one memory stick / SD card?

you dont go to many clubs do you?

I do though and tend to agree, although the use of vinyl is very genre specific now.

There are genres where its still got a stronger following but i can probably count on one hand the amount of times ive seen 1210s used this year over the mac/cdj.

Dnb/dubstep and some of the more eclectic people in the house scene are really where it seems to get any use now.

[Ashleyp]

theres quite a lot of variables imo

older Dj's often use vynil

CD's are more used for unreleased tracks, although becomming more avaliable and widley used

i see a large mixture of vynil and CD when out and about in "proper" clubs and events

seems a lot more small time DJ's prefer to use CD's being cheaper. having said that, big names often use CD's for various reasons.

i'd say "dying" is a more fitting term, as opposed to "dead"

[Ryan]

theres quite a lot of variables imo

older Dj's often use vynil

CD's are more used for unreleased tracks, although becomming more avaliable and widley used

i see a large mixture of vynil and CD when out and about in "proper" clubs and events

seems a lot more small time DJ's prefer to use CD's being cheaper. having said that, big names often use CD's for various reasons.

i'd say "dying" is a more fitting term, as opposed to "dead"

Older djs? Nah dont agree, if anything most of the older djs seem more ahead of everyone else with new technology.

Like i said, its more genre specific, and the fashion which follows. Certain scenes its still seen as far far cooler to be on vinyl than anything else.

[Ashleyp]

fair point, guess it's a personal choice

i agree with the traditionalist view of it being "cooler to use vynil"

and too many people say, "your not doing it properly if on CD's" allthough imo not true.

[Ryan]

fair point, guess it's a personal choice

i agree with the traditionalist view of it being "cooler to use vynil"

and too many people say, "your not doing it properly if on CD's" allthough imo not true.

again its more genre and fashion specific. Certain fashion and trend followers will all bang on about vinyl still. Often theyre the people you will see wearing 'different' forms of outfits or are just mellow lol.

Most have adopted and embraced the change and realise the benifits from other formats.

[Ashleyp]

again its more genre and fashion specific. Certain fashion and trend followers will all bang on about vinyl still. Often theyre the people you will see wearing 'different' forms of outfits or are just mellow lol.

Most have adopted and embraced the change and realise the benifits from other formats.

reading my previous comment back doesnt sound right lol

i meant i agree with the point you made regarding it beeing seen to be cooler, although it's really down to the DJ's preferance

[Ryan]

He's after dirt cheap stuff is he not?

Ive got some 1210's and Im never gonan sell 'em, because when I DJ somewhere else, what do I use? Yes, Technics!

Get yourself some Second Hand 1210/1200's off Ebay / Local Newspaper.


And I forgot to reply, an initial start up cost isnt allways the cheapest option, with the price and availability of vinyl the 1210s are not allways a good choice for alot of people. As per posts with ashley its more genre specific as to which labels still run a large enough print run on 12" at a decent price, but in reality most people dowloading music a laptop or CD based medium is far more economical. My initial CDJ comment was more as a tarring all forms of CD based turntable with the same term as the pioneers.

And thats coming from someone who still has a collection of plastic....

[djmartin]

if you want to be really specific and learn the skills well. buy a mixture.

i.e 1 cdj and 1 turntable and a mixer.

or if you like cdjs get 2 cdjs and one turntable.


either way you will progress your skill level and get comfortable with both formats.
buying records is pritty easy still. EBAY! you will be amazed what sells on there.

for example you could spend £200 and have one of the sickest trance collections of classics and upto date stuff. yeh you have to take pot luck and pray the seller looked after them but thats part of ebay I suppose lol.