Hi guys,

I have been producing for several years and now want to do some DJing. I had a few DJ gigs years ago, but nothing big and haven`t done it since than.
I am now looking for a good way to DJ - I have looked around and I saw that there are two ways to do it.

1) Using two (or more) hardware cd players and a hardware mixer
2) Using a dj software like Traktor with a controller

Which way would you recommend and which Software?

Would appreciate you help!

Thanks

 

Hi,

I think it's preferable to play with cd decks instead of a laptop. First, less schlepping. Second, you face your audience more. Being absorbed by a screen is a mood killer. Third, it's uncomplicated. Anywhere you go, there are at least two cd decks and a mixer. Grab your cds and you're good to go. Space in the booth is limited, you know that. Imagine the two scenarios:

- You get in the booth for your gig. Shit. There's only space for the two cdjs and the mixer. Where am I going to place my laptop? And my controller? The only space available is occupied by the guy before me. Ok, I'll place my laptop on the left cd-play...shit, he's using that one. Hm. Okay, I'll start with plugging my interface into the mixer. Excuse me mr. Dj, would you mind me fondling with the cables whilst you're spinning? Will I make it till the end of his (or hers, of course) last track? How am I going to beatmatch using this laptop? And so on...
Or:
- You get in the booth for your gig. High five the DJ who plays before you. You take over the decks. You get going. You're the man.

What scenario shall it be?

But actually, I would only consider this as a starting point. With todays means, just playing records and effecterizing everything (yes, I'm talking to you dave clarke) wouldn't be enough for me to keep me motivated for the long haul.

The "how I play" videos on DJ Tech Tools' Youtube channel are a great inspiration
Have fun!

oops, forgot the link
https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PL7E9F6E5B08F5534E

 

As a DJ who's used all formats (Virtual DJ, Traktor, RekordBox 'CDJs', and Serato), I can only tell you that all these platforms offer different strengths and weaknesses. You must ask yourself where you plan to play (home or in clubs), what type of musical crowd (turntable scratch rap or house), how serious you plan to be with it, and your budget (main thing).
If you have the money without a doubt the best option is pioneer's new XDJ1000 (pioneerdj.com/english/products/player/xdj-1000.html) Its the most future proof as it will get you prepared for almost 95% of club equipment (and you often cannot bring your controller to a club) as out the box it gives you the ability to control USBs and Serato (and probably soon Traktor). But to step your foot in the game if you invest the time to learn traktor you will greatly appreciate it because it will make you overprepared to learn any other software. I've thrown parties with a simple Novation Launchpad Mapping.
Again if I can get your budget I could more than likely easily steer you in the right direction.

 

Oops, I was under the impression Ceja wanted input on an approach how to play at gigs.
But I guess you're more on it Careless Wreck

 

Whatever happened to a pair of 1200 decks and a good mixer??. All this digital stuff sickens me

 

I see your point. How much clubs have you seen in the last 5 years that still have a pair of 1210s there? And besides that, I have been a finalscratch user for 10 years or so and I was extremely happy not to have to carry 15 kg of vinyl around anymore. And if you're touring it's even worse.

In the end all that is important is what your audience appreciates. If you rock the party it's absolutely irreleveant wether you use vinyl or usb sticks, wether you beatmatch manually or use the sync button. The truth is: the vast majority just does not care. Your job is to get them going and how you do that doesn't matter as long as you succeed. In a way sad, but nonetheless true.

 

Hi guys,

thanks a lot for your answers, this was really helpfull.
I had a quick look at Traktor at it seems really nice. But what you said in regard of the laptop with stability, place, speed of setup and so on - I tend more to a solution like with something like the Pioneer players.
I don`t know how serious this all will be in the end, but to make money with it besides producing would be a definite goal (I know it is a hard business and so on )
My budget is quite limited, so what would you recommmend to start without buying total crap?

 

If your budget is limited buy traktor pro for home use (or just download it, even more budget friendly). It's a good software and it gets you started with djing with mp3s.
If you are booked and have your first gig, go to a company that rents out party equipment and grab yourself a 2xcd 1xmixer set for a couple of days so you don't go unprepared to your gig. If you have been djing in the past that should be enough to familiarize yourself with this type of setup. It's really not that hard.
Have fun!

 

Okay, thanks a lot.
This was acutally my initial plan, I was just curious if it would make sense to buy a controller for Traktor, like a interim solution.
But maybe it is better to directly go to cds players and mixer than laptop and controller.