Starting Set Up Beginner DJ

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Starting Set Up Beginner DJ
Posted on: 20.07.2011 by Dominque Strosser
I have some beginner skill with a laptop and VDJ7. I'm looking into getting my first Controller and gear. The budget I set to get my controller is $500.

Here is what I'm looking at

Hercules Dj 4set for $250
Midi Fighter no case no top $155
Total $ 405 and the (95 change to handle all shipping I'm using next day)

I'm looking to use this setup at small venues as well

Any other ideas for beginner setups for a $500 budget

Thanks
Tatum Ansaldo
07.08.2011
Originally Posted by DoubleG
see if more info gets released about the twitch
What do you want to know? I believe most of the info is out there in some form now. No mysteries left!
Stephnie Godbole
07.08.2011
Originally Posted by Dj Noriddim
Now my big question is this what is all the hype over cdjs seriously in the next few years cds will be obsolete then what? And about people using controllers I saw Pete Tong use a S4 and x1 in miami, Porter Robinson who uses a S4 and midi fighter at all the festivals he plays and countless others who use x1s in their setup. So can someone tell me why controllers are not more readily embraced as the future of DJing?
and turntables are still being used to this day.... hmmm
Tatum Ansaldo
06.08.2011
Originally Posted by Dj Noriddim
I decided to get the twitch but I don't know when it is going to be released
Originally Posted by Dee88Kay
I believe I saw somewhere that the twitch was officially going to be released on the 2nd of august.
Originally Posted by Dee88Kay
just fyi, you can find the twitch in stock on some sites.
The twitch will be available any day now. For UK peeps the shipment is due to arrive on our shores today, so allow another few days for distribution, and I believe the US shipment was going to arrive slightly before so it should be in distribution. Basically they'll be in stores imminently.
Chasidy Heckenbach
05.08.2011
Originally Posted by MrPopinjay
Well it just sounds like you're describing the pioneer CDJ2000s to me atm :P
yep - you're not far wrong there.... i'd definately buy a pair if i could afford them. the stanton scs.4dj looks cool too - tho i seem to remember reading some bad stuff about it.

using a laptop is the only way i can really mash all my various controllers together tho in the way i like at the moment.

a device like a cdj that only read usb (or could read cd's but probably not important) and that i could customise the firmware on somehow or at least uber custom mappings would be cool. but for that i guess i'm back to a laptop again.

nothing inherently bad with using a laptop i guess... but a small rugged box that was basically a custom pc with some kind of lcd for displaying waveforms and track navigation and no keyboard would be nice... that's just a custom project tho i guess.
Chasidy Heckenbach
05.08.2011
Originally Posted by MrPopinjay
Well what actually makes that different from a CDJ with a usb stick attached?
guess i'd like to be able to use different controllers with some kind of central brain - but that brain not being a laptop. i guess just some custom type pc with a small screen would do it tho whether integrated into a controller or not but at least with the option to connect more over midi or hid. tho maybe cdj's already allow that?

i suspect there's a good chance that i am just spouting bollocks as it's friday evening and i am knackered
Dominque Strosser
08.08.2011		Yea I knew them from a local club I frequent they always have great sets there
Kiyoko Wellisch
08.08.2011		Sounds like a really cool collection of guys.
Dominque Strosser
08.08.2011		OK so last evening I went out to a local beach club to speak to one of our local pros he has done everything from local radio shows to every club on the island. So basically I reached there and what a surprise it was.

One of the DJ's Milox who was opening for him basically allowed me to help set up the sound for them. Then before anyone ever came to the party they basically gave me a chance to use their set ups. The opening dj had a alot of controllers to choose from: xone dx , s4 and denon mc6000 what luck right. So I got a real hands on with each one and he showed me the benefits of each one. I feel in love with the xone dx great sound super build quality and serato 2.0 was super easy to use. The S4 has alot going for it but I felt a little overwhelmed by all the features and I didn't feel that comfortable with it so I can see myself getting one but I need more practice on the unit itself. The mc6000 is a great piece of hardware very versatile and solidly built its just to cluttered for my liking but a nice piece of gear to have.

Then CRX the pro dj brought out his set up for the evening djm900nexus with two cdj 2000's he didn't let me use them but he give me loads of advice on starting out. Basically it went like this stay away from budget controllers and get quality products to start with. He recommended getting the xone dx to start with as they are now 599-799 and are top quality. He then advised me to get some great PA's (QSC K12s) and a subwoofer with krk 8s monitors and told me to practice everyday. He and the other dj give me their cards and told me then when I'm ready they will allow me to play 2 hour sets to open for them and get experience sweet right.

I told him I wanted to go pro and stay digital what would he recommend I use. Same advice use top quality products that are digital and invest in a great digital mixer djm900 or xone db4 and build my set up around those. He advised me to get a budget mixer the dj tech x10(he says the quality versus the price is great and its very versatile basically its a usb hub 2 channel mixer and 4x4 sound card for 300 bucks) I could use that with a x1 as a good budget set up for house parties when I wanted to use traktor.

So to cut the long story short I ordered my xone dx today and my monitors as well as the x1 to get the traktor pro upgrade. Thanks guys for all your help I'm well on my way
Tatum Ansaldo
07.08.2011
Originally Posted by DoubleG
see if more info gets released about the twitch
What do you want to know? I believe most of the info is out there in some form now. No mysteries left!
Stephnie Godbole
07.08.2011
Originally Posted by Dj Noriddim
Now my big question is this what is all the hype over cdjs seriously in the next few years cds will be obsolete then what? And about people using controllers I saw Pete Tong use a S4 and x1 in miami, Porter Robinson who uses a S4 and midi fighter at all the festivals he plays and countless others who use x1s in their setup. So can someone tell me why controllers are not more readily embraced as the future of DJing?
and turntables are still being used to this day.... hmmm
Deanna Holbrooks
07.08.2011		in a similair situation as you and finally after grueling searches i have finally decided that the twitch might be the one for me. along with the twitch i may also get the x1 (with free traktor pro 2) so that it will be easier to put in effects and probly open up more space on the twitch for other stuff like samples hopefully :S i believe you can use the x1 with the twitch's soundcard which mean all your spending is round $750 though it's bit over your 500 limit, i believe the investment will be good as this set up doesn't seem too cheap & toyish and at the same time not too expensive etheir Hopefully everything works out well for the both of us i would wait just bit longer to see if more info gets released about the twitch and then decide properly
Tatum Ansaldo
06.08.2011
Originally Posted by Dj Noriddim
I decided to get the twitch but I don't know when it is going to be released
Originally Posted by Dee88Kay
I believe I saw somewhere that the twitch was officially going to be released on the 2nd of august.
Originally Posted by Dee88Kay
just fyi, you can find the twitch in stock on some sites.
The twitch will be available any day now. For UK peeps the shipment is due to arrive on our shores today, so allow another few days for distribution, and I believe the US shipment was going to arrive slightly before so it should be in distribution. Basically they'll be in stores imminently.
Neta Schlaefli
06.08.2011		Ive learned in my experience that its better to invest a bit more and get a quality product instead off getting anything cheap. Id say the novation is probably the best bet. I want to get one myself. The double midifighters would be a fun setup as well, with its possibilities of customization. You could also build some stuff..
Chasidy Heckenbach
05.08.2011
Originally Posted by MrPopinjay
Well it just sounds like you're describing the pioneer CDJ2000s to me atm :P
yep - you're not far wrong there.... i'd definately buy a pair if i could afford them. the stanton scs.4dj looks cool too - tho i seem to remember reading some bad stuff about it.

using a laptop is the only way i can really mash all my various controllers together tho in the way i like at the moment.

a device like a cdj that only read usb (or could read cd's but probably not important) and that i could customise the firmware on somehow or at least uber custom mappings would be cool. but for that i guess i'm back to a laptop again.

nothing inherently bad with using a laptop i guess... but a small rugged box that was basically a custom pc with some kind of lcd for displaying waveforms and track navigation and no keyboard would be nice... that's just a custom project tho i guess.
Kiyoko Wellisch
05.08.2011		Well it just sounds like you're describing the pioneer CDJ2000s to me atm :P
Chasidy Heckenbach
05.08.2011
Originally Posted by MrPopinjay
Well what actually makes that different from a CDJ with a usb stick attached?
guess i'd like to be able to use different controllers with some kind of central brain - but that brain not being a laptop. i guess just some custom type pc with a small screen would do it tho whether integrated into a controller or not but at least with the option to connect more over midi or hid. tho maybe cdj's already allow that?

i suspect there's a good chance that i am just spouting bollocks as it's friday evening and i am knackered
Kiyoko Wellisch
05.08.2011		Well what actually makes that different from a CDJ with a usb stick attached?
Chasidy Heckenbach
05.08.2011		personally i do believe controllers are the future - tho ideally not with a laptop attached. i'm sure we'll see more hybrid systems coming out - or hope so anyway.

i'd rather just be able to use something like a cdj without messing with software and laptop - but then again i love all the possibilities of using controllers... ah well....

the more top dj's use controllers the more they'll be accepted, but hulking around a laptop and relying on software not screwing for most clubs cant be as handy as some hard wired cdj's etc esp as the latest ones can read from usb sticks etc anyway.

top dj's will always be able to use what they want ofc tho...
Kiyoko Wellisch
05.08.2011		CDJs will not be gone from the picture for a hell of a long time due to the fact they are simple, easy to understand, portable and well respected. They have a variety of advantages over controllers.

(i'd like to note I actually prefer controllers, just pointing out their advantages.)
Dominque Strosser
05.08.2011		I just got my first kit setup solution which basically addresses all the areas I wanted

I will be getting the x1 which will now allow me to upgrade to traktor pro 2 basically the software I was going to go with and it now able to control 4 decks with including the loop and samples decks wow great save NI

Second I will be getting the twitch which I can map to traktor and get itch 2.0.

So basically I have the two top softwares and can play with them both to see which one I will stick with in the future.

If I don't like the twitch which I doubt I can sell it and then get the S4 or just save up and get the S4 later

Now my big question is this what is all the hype over cdjs seriously in the next few years cds will be obsolete then what? And about people using controllers I saw Pete Tong use a S4 and x1 in miami, Porter Robinson who uses a S4 and midi fighter at all the festivals he plays and countless others who use x1s in their setup. So can someone tell me why controllers are not more readily embraced as the future of DJing?
Chasidy Heckenbach
05.08.2011
Originally Posted by MrPopinjay
Agreed, zestoi.

On another note I'm not sure what the advantage of having a 1-1 match with gui. I don't look at the screen other than to load tracks and to occasionally look at the wave form while cueing a track. I'd much rather have a controller with a layout featuring dedicated controls for commonly used functions and useful macros.
4 encoders + 4 buttons < dedicated delay knob that has turns on the freeze at the end and other similar controls.
yep - i dont really see any advantage of a controller having a 1-to-1 match with the gui except for learning the basics of the software - which in my mind is an odd reason to buy such an expensive controller - but plenty of people would disagree i guess.

i like looking at the gui for the waveforms and to see where in the track i am and to load tracks ofc. other than that i prefer my controller to give me all the visual cues (odd choice of work maybe ) that i need
Kiyoko Wellisch
05.08.2011		Agreed, zestoi.

On another note I'm not sure what the advantage of having a 1-1 match with gui. I don't look at the screen other than to load tracks and to occasionally look at the wave form while cueing a track. I'd much rather have a controller with a layout featuring dedicated controls for commonly used functions and useful macros.
4 encoders + 4 buttons < dedicated delay knob that has turns on the freeze at the end and other similar controls.
Chasidy Heckenbach
06.08.2011
Originally Posted by Dj Noriddim
Can you help me with the S4 is limited I don't understand what you mean

and seriously if you had 1000 bucks and had to choose between the S4 and the twitch which one would you choose if you wanted to go pro and tour festivals.
the s4 is 'limitted' as far as it reproduces the traktor gui almost exactly but doesnt give u loads of extra buttons and controls you can customise - hence why using a midifighter or something in addition to an S4 makes a good combo.

if i wanted to go pro then i'd be looking at picking up some cdj's and not looking any any type of controller probably - as atm more gigs you play are are more than likely already going to have a cdj setup ready for you to use.

if i wanted to take a controller with me to setup in a dj booth i'd probably choose the twitch over the s4 just down to the size and portability.

but just for a 1-to-1 mapping of controller to traktor for learning the software etc the S4 is a very good choice.

if you know you'll have plenty of space to setup at places u want to play out then the S4 is still a good choice ofc - even adding something like a launchpad or lpd8 etc is a cheap way of adding extra controls.
Dominque Strosser
05.08.2011		Can you help me with the S4 is limited I don't understand what you mean

and seriously if you had 1000 bucks and had to choose between the S4 and the twitch which one would you choose if you wanted to go pro and tour festivals.
Samatha Henigman
04.08.2011		just fyi, you can find the twitch in stock on some sites.
Chasidy Heckenbach
04.08.2011		the S4 does have the advantage of basically mirroring the traktor gui which is probably easier for a beginner but at the same time probably limitting long term. swings and roundabouts i guess. personally i would buy a cheaper controller if just starting out - but if you have the cash to burn it's not a bad choice.
Nick Kingsley
04.08.2011
Originally Posted by michaeldunne109
I havent read the whole thread but didnt you say that your a beginner? Two midifighters and DN Mc6000? I personally would buy one and learn how to use it properly then add to it when you get better and your skills are more advanced.
I'd agree, you don't need a million buttons just starting out. I'd still recommend a s4 to start, it would be easier to understand.
Chasidy Heckenbach
04.08.2011		i guess it was easier back in the day... the only decision was whether you could afford 12x0's and how much you could drop on a mixer and headphones

if i was starting out today i'd definately go for the twitch anyway...
Maryanne Weatherill
04.08.2011
Originally Posted by Dj Noriddim
I decided to get the twitch but I don't know when it is going to be released and I don't know how to use serato and I heard it is low on effects.

So I've decided to save up more money and get either the S4 or the DN Mc6000
I leaning more towards the denon with two midi fighters to handle the effects, sample and loop decks.

Or the S4 and a midi fighter
Cheaping out doesn't make sense

So what are your thoughts guys
I havent read the whole thread but didnt you say that your a beginner? Two midifighters and DN Mc6000? I personally would buy one and learn how to use it properly then add to it when you get better and your skills are more advanced.
Nick Kingsley
04.08.2011		Thumps and an s4 will definitely get you going.
Kenya Joesten
04.08.2011		basically you dont want your monitors at parties because they re delicate.
In a club youre gonna find a more or less nice soundsystem anyways and on a private party the hoster is responcible for the soundsystem.
Monitors are giving a really unique sound which is not "colorized" like for example a HiFi soundsystem. Still there is difference between all the different monitors and you should really get ur favourite mp3s, head into the store and test everything available.

If you really wanna get pro with DJing i d recommend you practice on a pioneer station since youre mostly gonna find that in every club. For portable DJing you might get that S4 since its a good allinone solution, which u can always plug into your laptop and rock a party
Dominque Strosser
04.08.2011		I have a nice collection from years of mp3 hunting. My question now is that I want something I can practice on and go pro I see a lot of ppl talk about monitors can someone tell me what is the point of these as I want to Dj at clubs and parties and will need PA's like mackie thumps. Are they for practicing at home. Pro audio star has a great deal with the S4 which allows me to get some a pair of krk's the flight case, and some tmas. But then I read that you should not do parties with monitors can someone clarify that for me.
Kenya Joesten
04.08.2011		I have also just started with DJing but i have already done some producing before.
Still the very first thing to invest money in is the soundcard and the monitors.
I ve spend a little less than 400
Samatha Henigman
01.08.2011		I believe I saw somewhere that the twitch was officially going to be released on the 2nd of august.
Dominque Strosser
31.07.2011		I didn't believe the twitch was cheaping out it just don't know when it is coming out and I believe its great and would still get it if it released today

As its for 500 which was my original budget
Kiyoko Wellisch
31.07.2011		You don't need to know how to use serato, they are all pretty interchangeable and can be picked up in a few hours. Besides, there's no complex mapping or messing about with settings like in traktor, it's all plug and play.

The Twitch isn't "cheaping out"

And anyway, you know you can use it with traktor, right? You only cited reasons not to use Serato Itch rather than Twitch itself.
Dominque Strosser
31.07.2011		I decided to get the twitch but I don't know when it is going to be released and I don't know how to use serato and I heard it is low on effects.

So I've decided to save up more money and get either the S4 or the DN Mc6000
I leaning more towards the denon with two midi fighters to handle the effects, sample and loop decks.

Or the S4 and a midi fighter
Cheaping out doesn't make sense

So what are your thoughts guys
Delmar Hungler
25.07.2011		Id advise against the hercules option as they tend not to have the right build quality etc however i may be wrong with the new 4 set. However i don't know how they can call it a 4 deck solution when it only has faders and eq for 2 channels which means youll be constantly shifting between them. Also the korg nano series i have personally owned and they broke within a few months. This seems to be a common theme and korgs costumer support don't want to help.

You get what you pay for.
Caryn Regina
25.07.2011		if i were u... i'll take an audio 2 dj that give in bundle Traktor LE 2... so with 69
Tatum Ansaldo
22.07.2011		I love my VCI, but right now for a beginner it just doesn't make sense financially or otherwise.

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