DJ equipment
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I have a DDJ 800
If just starting as a hobby go with the 400 it's inexpensive $200
If just starting as a hobby go with the 400 it's inexpensive $200
Where do you live?
Old School or new and what's your budget?
https://djeventgear.com/?gclid=CjwK...q4B68ywH-2nVsGe4H2OqHxDpXrIYokhoCW48QAvD_BwE#
https://www.pioneerdj.com/en-us/
You will have to get tables and a mixer that has serato or traktor. The stand alone controllers dont't have vinyl capability.
You have to figure out if you can live without spinning vinyl. Dj controllers are a dime a dozen now and you can get them cheap around 200-300.
I do recommend going this route if you are just starting, it is a bit more cost effective and if you decide you dont want to or dont like spinning you wont be out a huge chunk of cash. A used pair of 12's gonna hit you for at least a grand or better, and you will still have to get a mixer. Phase controller is another 500.
What kind of laptop are you running? This will make or break your setup regardless of what dj equipment you get. The latest version of Serato now incorporates STEMS which is a huge resource hog. You'll need high end laptop specs to run it properly though you can disable the STEMS feature. After you get your laptop, what @DJ said is very accurate. If you want a controller that feels like vinyl then the Rane One or Pioneer Rev-7 are your best options. I currently have a Rane One now but am upgrading to the Rane Four. Also gonna upgrade my laptop from a 2015 Macbook Pro to at least a 2020 Macbook Pro or better.
You are more than likely gonna have to look for used equipment, and I highly suggest a macbook, it just performs a lot better with Serato.
Dont forget you are going to need some type of self powered set of speakers as well.
This i a nice controller at $300 and should get you started.
I have never been a fan of stand alone controllers but I played with the Rev 7 and it is incredible. The fact that I spin a lot of Chicago house and I have an immense wax collection is the only thing that sways me away from it. I think I will eventually pick one up though, just for the portability and I still book weddings and corporate events. My current set up is MK5's, phase controller (i dont use needles), with a rane 72 and Macbook pro. I have 3 mixers including a Allen & Heath knob mixer, but the 72 in my favorite.
The Rev 7 and Rane One aren't stand alone controllers though. I love the Rane One and its feel but am upgrading to the Rane Four for the on-board STEMS feature, the onboard effects that the Rane One lacks (you have to use Serato effects instead) and it's a lighter overall controller. I also have a Allen & Heath ZED-6 mixer as well that I use for my mic and speaker levels
Yeah definitely suggest getting a Macbook. They just work better with Serato. Used ones can be had as well so you don't have to fully splurge on a new model. Do you plan on eventually going after bookings to do club or private gigs? If so then I'd look for a controller that has XLR ports for speaker connections. Something like a DDJ-SR2 would work as an beginner/intermediate controller. If you want to knock it out the park with a higher end controller that you can eventually level up with as your experience increases then the Pioneer DDJ-SRT1000 is a excellent option. It's still a very popular controller despite being 4 years old.
All in ones that have platters. I just cant get away from vinyl, and I am a bit of a purist.
I thought the Rev 7 had onboard stems.
Nah you have to midi map it on the Rev 7. The only controllers with onboard STEMS are the Rane Four and FLX-10 which both just dropped within the past 2 months.
As for the Rane One & Rev-7, I feel you on being a purist. I learned on vinyl and the Rane One is the closest to being on vinyl for those controllers. I used to have a pair of Audio Technica tables and a DJM S7 mixer but moved on from them in favor of the controller due to space issues. I still have my control viny and a pair of Concord needles. Might even still have a pair of Shure needles too. I might copy a par of Rane Twelves in the future though.
I plan to eventually do private gigs. Nothing to crazy.
Yeah you would just have to get RCA to XLR adapters.
Don't go any lower than 2017 Macbook Pro. 16GB RAM or more is a must and i7 processor at minimum. That will let you run the latest Serato without STEMS. If you are running STEMS then you'll want a 2020 Macbook Pro with a M1 processor. The 2019 Macbook Pros with the i9 processors will work as well but are very prone to overheating. Don't worry about storage. You can run with a portable SSD drive and be good.
Starting out I wouldnt Bumjee Jump off into too much expense. You will have a learning cure and need to get a feel for it. Also...as a starter im not sure why you would want to use vinyl or have the vinyl feel. To each his own but I can assure you Thats mostly an ego thing and wont make you a better or woese DJ. Just remember ... you can either become a DJ not just a cat that plays some music.
Ive tried a lot of controllers and CDJs ... Back in the day I played around with turntables. Ill never have a desire to haul gcrates of music ...for any reason ever again. You will need to find one that feels good to you ... go to a local Guitar Center or similar and play around with what they have to see whats good for you.
I personally love the way the New Traktor feels but hate the setup and the software.
Speaking of software you will also have to decide which program is going to be best for you .
They all mostly do the same things however my preferance is Virtual DJ.
It allows you to play almost and Music file where Serato will not. Traktor is the worst but I know DJs who swear by it.
I havent tried Rekordbox so i have no comment about it ... But I never plan to use it either.
RANE is cool but I prefer Pioneer and have several modles and what I love about them is that the setup oin all of them is basically the same except for the new REV's ... Not a Fan.
The Numarks are ok.....but its like the Ford Vs. Chevy arguement. Its going to be a preferance.
Denoon is not bad either.... one of my partners just got one and He is in love with it.
No Computer necessary as is the case with Some Numarks. (Less EXPENSE) Just plug in the usb and go !
The Built in screen and ability to play straight from the controller is kinda fly. Pioneer also makes a few models with the same option.
I just sold my DDJ-FLX6 yesterday ... It was collecting dust but is considered a good entry level 4 channel unit.
As far as computers ... They told you right ... get the most you can for your budget so it will run smoothly without crashes. Nothing worse than a crash in the middle of a set. Been there done that.
Anyway ...Good luck, I hope I helped to give you some things to consider.
Ive tried a lot of controllers and CDJs ... Back in the day I played around with turntables. Ill never have a desire to haul gcrates of music ...for any reason ever again. You will need to find one that feels good to you ... go to a local Guitar Center or similar and play around with what they have to see whats good for you.
I personally love the way the New Traktor feels but hate the setup and the software.
Speaking of software you will also have to decide which program is going to be best for you .
They all mostly do the same things however my preferance is Virtual DJ.
It allows you to play almost and Music file where Serato will not. Traktor is the worst but I know DJs who swear by it.
I havent tried Rekordbox so i have no comment about it ... But I never plan to use it either.
RANE is cool but I prefer Pioneer and have several modles and what I love about them is that the setup oin all of them is basically the same except for the new REV's ... Not a Fan.
The Numarks are ok.....but its like the Ford Vs. Chevy arguement. Its going to be a preferance.
Denoon is not bad either.... one of my partners just got one and He is in love with it.
No Computer necessary as is the case with Some Numarks. (Less EXPENSE) Just plug in the usb and go !
The Built in screen and ability to play straight from the controller is kinda fly. Pioneer also makes a few models with the same option.
I just sold my DDJ-FLX6 yesterday ... It was collecting dust but is considered a good entry level 4 channel unit.
As far as computers ... They told you right ... get the most you can for your budget so it will run smoothly without crashes. Nothing worse than a crash in the middle of a set. Been there done that.
Anyway ...Good luck, I hope I helped to give you some things to consider.
I stopped upgrading my audio systems because I lost the passion in it.
I was remixing tracks and blending but after about 2013, Soundcloud and some places became unfriendly to indy DJs.
I still have my 1200s and a mixer and Traktor. Old school at it's finest. Can record to cassette tape if I wanted to. I might treat myself to a set of Phase Bluetooth joints if I get the feeling again.
I was remixing tracks and blending but after about 2013, Soundcloud and some places became unfriendly to indy DJs.
I still have my 1200s and a mixer and Traktor. Old school at it's finest. Can record to cassette tape if I wanted to. I might treat myself to a set of Phase Bluetooth joints if I get the feeling again.
When it comes to powered speakers, I highly recommend Electro Voice ZLX series speakers. That's their entry level series but it performs closer to a mid-tier quality speaker. If you go with 12" tops, then recognize that you'll probably need to eventually invest in a subwoofer to give you legit bass while letting the tops handle your mids and highs. 15" tops will give you a broader range where you can get away with not having a subwoofer but is also gonna be bigger and heavier overall.
www.zzounds.com will be your best friend when it comes to purchasing the actual equipment. They offer payment plan options without interest. The funds get pulled from the debit or credit card you opt to use monthly but you get the equipment after the 1st payment. Makes it easier to buy if you can't afford the full lump sum amount off the rip.
What would something like this cost with OG Technics 1200s
PLX-1000 turntables/DJM-S11 mixer/DDJ-XP2 Sub controller/ Serato DJ Pro or rekordbox
Technics mk7's are 1k +.
Mixer with tractor or serato gonna be another 1k
MacBook pro 2k
Pioneer delivers!!
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