Starting to DJ
Discussion
After listening to a few mixes on here, think BigDub and Don1, I have decided that I would quite like to try it myself.
Of course, being a student I don't have much money and I wouldn't want to spend much anyway as it may just be a passing thing.
This would only be a hobby so I would make mixes for me and friends to listen to.
Is modern DJing mostly computer based, you see new dance artists with a computer in front of them or are decks still heavily used.
Just looking for advice really on how to try it without bancrupting yourself.
Cheers,
Bob
Of course, being a student I don't have much money and I wouldn't want to spend much anyway as it may just be a passing thing.
This would only be a hobby so I would make mixes for me and friends to listen to.
Is modern DJing mostly computer based, you see new dance artists with a computer in front of them or are decks still heavily used.
Just looking for advice really on how to try it without bancrupting yourself.
Cheers,
Bob
Most modern DJing is in fact done on a laptop, although to get the most out of the software most people run midi controllers, these are basically dj mixers which plug into your latop and control the software. these are available for a few hundred pounds. If youve got an iphone or ipad i would strongly reccomend downloading the djay app, its only a couple of pounds but has the same functionality as any of the proper dj software. me and a few mates were driving to london from leeds for a club night, and my mate sat in the back and did a 2 hour mix on the way down on this app.
A lot of purists will say start with vinyl and learn the old way. However, who is likely to do that in this age. Laptop or ipad with a controller is pretty much the norm for a home setup. The DJay app as mentioned for the iphone/ipad is about the cheapest way to start. Controllers start at about £80 to use with the app.
Virtual DJ is the beginers choice for the PC, but is pretty Mickey Mouse in its reputation. Serato or Traktor are much much better. Both of which have a more advanced way of interacting with them via controllers, decks or CDJs.
Start off small and cheap, build it up from there. Also appreciate the difference between a home setup and what you get in a club. The above stuff is a pretty much mixing by numbers kind of set up. Fine for a mess around at home.
Virtual DJ is the beginers choice for the PC, but is pretty Mickey Mouse in its reputation. Serato or Traktor are much much better. Both of which have a more advanced way of interacting with them via controllers, decks or CDJs.
Start off small and cheap, build it up from there. Also appreciate the difference between a home setup and what you get in a club. The above stuff is a pretty much mixing by numbers kind of set up. Fine for a mess around at home.
Edited by djboast on Thursday 13th September 23:37
I'd echo what djboast says.
You can pick up a decent controller for not much wedge at all these days, and most will come with at least a 'lite' version of one of the main software choices.
A controller is definatley the way to go rather than just using a laptop- certainly gives you a far greater level of interaction.
With regards to the best way to learn, it very much depends what you want to get out of it. For playing a few parties at home, and sticking the odd mix together you won't go far wrong with a laptop & controller.
Learning on vinyl, or some basic CD decks will take longer as there isn't a short-cut to get around the beatmatching element- you will have to learn this through repeated practice. However, this is extremely rewarding if you want to really want to learn the craft and understand how DJing used to be done and how it has evolved.
I went this route (having learned in the days before software!) and now use 2 Pioneer CD decks plus an old vinyl turntable connected to a 4 channel mixer and I flippin' love it. I do also have a cheapy controller with Traktor LE that I played around with for a while, but I found it a bit too 'click & mix'. I guess I just like the challenge of furiously trying to keep a very worn vinyl record in tempo on an old turntable- and I'm only 27!
So yes, bottom line is pick up a cheapy controller that ships with a version of Traktor/Virtual DJ etc (I'd personally recommend Traktor) as this will give you a great taster of what it's all about without investing big sums of money in a more traditional setup. Then if you get hooked and decide you want to try a more traditional setup later on you can do so knowing it's something your serious about.
Good luck and most importantly enjoy!
You can pick up a decent controller for not much wedge at all these days, and most will come with at least a 'lite' version of one of the main software choices.
A controller is definatley the way to go rather than just using a laptop- certainly gives you a far greater level of interaction.
With regards to the best way to learn, it very much depends what you want to get out of it. For playing a few parties at home, and sticking the odd mix together you won't go far wrong with a laptop & controller.
Learning on vinyl, or some basic CD decks will take longer as there isn't a short-cut to get around the beatmatching element- you will have to learn this through repeated practice. However, this is extremely rewarding if you want to really want to learn the craft and understand how DJing used to be done and how it has evolved.
I went this route (having learned in the days before software!) and now use 2 Pioneer CD decks plus an old vinyl turntable connected to a 4 channel mixer and I flippin' love it. I do also have a cheapy controller with Traktor LE that I played around with for a while, but I found it a bit too 'click & mix'. I guess I just like the challenge of furiously trying to keep a very worn vinyl record in tempo on an old turntable- and I'm only 27!
So yes, bottom line is pick up a cheapy controller that ships with a version of Traktor/Virtual DJ etc (I'd personally recommend Traktor) as this will give you a great taster of what it's all about without investing big sums of money in a more traditional setup. Then if you get hooked and decide you want to try a more traditional setup later on you can do so knowing it's something your serious about.
Good luck and most importantly enjoy!
i 'used to dj' 10 years back, when i wanted to get back in i made some awesome mixed using virtual dj.
i wud really recomend u get that, all u need to buy is a 1.99 usb sound card for pre-mixing. i.e setting the bpm etc.
but virtual dj will analyize ur files for you let u know the BPM of all your songs so u know that 87bpm will got with 87bpm for sure or u can slow down a 89 or 90 or speed up a 85 just press sync and it will reduce or increase the speed for you,,, if u know what i mean? this will cost u max of 1.99 u can record on virtual dj too.
now ive got a full set up of cdjs with serato which i only just bought 2-3 weeks back. but loved mixing with virtual dj.
everyone would recomend different things to you, my advice is before you spend any cash is to go to the above route and see if u really do enjoy the frustation of learning to dj. it really isnt hard, look up lots of you tube videos etc.
i wud really recomend u get that, all u need to buy is a 1.99 usb sound card for pre-mixing. i.e setting the bpm etc.
but virtual dj will analyize ur files for you let u know the BPM of all your songs so u know that 87bpm will got with 87bpm for sure or u can slow down a 89 or 90 or speed up a 85 just press sync and it will reduce or increase the speed for you,,, if u know what i mean? this will cost u max of 1.99 u can record on virtual dj too.
now ive got a full set up of cdjs with serato which i only just bought 2-3 weeks back. but loved mixing with virtual dj.
everyone would recomend different things to you, my advice is before you spend any cash is to go to the above route and see if u really do enjoy the frustation of learning to dj. it really isnt hard, look up lots of you tube videos etc.
The Numark mix track pro is a pretty good starting controller set up, can be had for well under £200.
You'll obviously need a laptop and an amp and some decent monitor type speakers.
I started out with vinyl around 10 years ago, then to serato scratch live (using vinyl or latter purchased cdjs with timecode vinyl / discs for playing mp3), then onto a serato midi controller (VCI-300) and now dabble between that to my plan my mixes and for home use and cdj900s when gigging or last preparations for a gig.
For home use I'd stick with a controller, cheaper and easier to pick up, although it would pay to learn how to beat match properly as it gives you that understanding of seamlessly (or not so at first) meshing tunes together, how tunes are composed of beats and bars etc.
You'll obviously need a laptop and an amp and some decent monitor type speakers.
I started out with vinyl around 10 years ago, then to serato scratch live (using vinyl or latter purchased cdjs with timecode vinyl / discs for playing mp3), then onto a serato midi controller (VCI-300) and now dabble between that to my plan my mixes and for home use and cdj900s when gigging or last preparations for a gig.
For home use I'd stick with a controller, cheaper and easier to pick up, although it would pay to learn how to beat match properly as it gives you that understanding of seamlessly (or not so at first) meshing tunes together, how tunes are composed of beats and bars etc.
The cheaper controllers will just send data to the software and have no audio as such.
A soundcard will be required that has 4 stereo outputs. 2 for the L&R speakers and 2 that go to your headphones.
To mix properly you need to be able to preview the track your are mixing in. Relying on the sync function is unadvisable and learning to beat match is what its all about.
If your really doing it on the cheap then there is software available which will let you combine your laptop soundcard with a cheap usb soundcard(with only 2 outputs). Thus enabling you to preview your tracks in the headphones and having the main mix going through your speakers.
A soundcard will be required that has 4 stereo outputs. 2 for the L&R speakers and 2 that go to your headphones.
To mix properly you need to be able to preview the track your are mixing in. Relying on the sync function is unadvisable and learning to beat match is what its all about.
If your really doing it on the cheap then there is software available which will let you combine your laptop soundcard with a cheap usb soundcard(with only 2 outputs). Thus enabling you to preview your tracks in the headphones and having the main mix going through your speakers.
before i start, i'll just be clear that my company is the UK sales agents for Native Instruments (Traktor).
I just happen to like cars too..
If you have an ipad/iphone, then the djay app is very good and pretty decent in terms of cost.
If you want to use a laptop and Traktor, the cheapest way to do it (presuming that you'll be legit) is the Traktor Audio 2 soundcard - this comes with Traktor Pro software, and has two stereo outs, so you could either plug one of each into channel A/B of a mixer, or have your headphones in one out, and the main mix out of the other - this will enable you to cue the track that's not playing while the audience listen to the main mix.
If you want to get a controller with jog wheels, the Numark Mixtrack Pro sells very well at around £180 (I think). Our controllers start with the S2 around £389, and then the S4 at £699ish if you want full 4 deck control. These ones include a soundcard so would plug directly into your hifi or a PA.
The X1 is a great little controller, and lets you control the transport, as well as browsing and loading your tracks, and then controlling the effects, which are becoming a big part of DJ software now, and also hot cues (a way to jump around the track by pressing a button - for example, you could keep jumping back to the start of a chorus, or to a breakdown etc). You would really need a soundcard with this, such as the TA2 above.
On Soundcards - when you research this, you may find people talk about latency - this is basically the delay in the audio system of your computer of you telling it to do something (like starting a track) and the sound coming out of the speakers. If you use a Mac, the onboard sound is actually OK for basic use - if you use a PC, it will either be poor, or you'll have to mess with drivers.
Finally - if you want to use Vinyl or CDJ's, you'll need a DVS - there are two main choices here - Traktor Scratch Pro or Serato Scratch Live - both are very good, and enable you to run timecode vinyls that control the playback of the mp3 files on your computer - if you put your hand on the record, it stops, you can vary the pitch or scratch the track. These start around £250 and include the control Vinyl/CD's, cables to plug in, and the software - you'll need your own mixer/turntables.
You may have already noticed but Technics turntables were discontinued earlier this year - the last new ones sold for £999 each!!
Hope that helps - PM me if you have any questions.
I just happen to like cars too..
If you have an ipad/iphone, then the djay app is very good and pretty decent in terms of cost.
If you want to use a laptop and Traktor, the cheapest way to do it (presuming that you'll be legit) is the Traktor Audio 2 soundcard - this comes with Traktor Pro software, and has two stereo outs, so you could either plug one of each into channel A/B of a mixer, or have your headphones in one out, and the main mix out of the other - this will enable you to cue the track that's not playing while the audience listen to the main mix.
If you want to get a controller with jog wheels, the Numark Mixtrack Pro sells very well at around £180 (I think). Our controllers start with the S2 around £389, and then the S4 at £699ish if you want full 4 deck control. These ones include a soundcard so would plug directly into your hifi or a PA.
The X1 is a great little controller, and lets you control the transport, as well as browsing and loading your tracks, and then controlling the effects, which are becoming a big part of DJ software now, and also hot cues (a way to jump around the track by pressing a button - for example, you could keep jumping back to the start of a chorus, or to a breakdown etc). You would really need a soundcard with this, such as the TA2 above.
On Soundcards - when you research this, you may find people talk about latency - this is basically the delay in the audio system of your computer of you telling it to do something (like starting a track) and the sound coming out of the speakers. If you use a Mac, the onboard sound is actually OK for basic use - if you use a PC, it will either be poor, or you'll have to mess with drivers.
Finally - if you want to use Vinyl or CDJ's, you'll need a DVS - there are two main choices here - Traktor Scratch Pro or Serato Scratch Live - both are very good, and enable you to run timecode vinyls that control the playback of the mp3 files on your computer - if you put your hand on the record, it stops, you can vary the pitch or scratch the track. These start around £250 and include the control Vinyl/CD's, cables to plug in, and the software - you'll need your own mixer/turntables.
You may have already noticed but Technics turntables were discontinued earlier this year - the last new ones sold for £999 each!!
Hope that helps - PM me if you have any questions.
Well I finally took the plunge! Birthday money from my Grandmother came through and decided to do it. Not what she expected to get me for my birthday!
Mixtrack Pro and some headphones. Excellent.
All I'm waiting on now is an adaptor so I can run my speakers through it.
This should be fun!
Mixtrack Pro and some headphones. Excellent.
All I'm waiting on now is an adaptor so I can run my speakers through it.
This should be fun!
The main thing is to enjoy yourself. Well done on the purchase...
(There is a but...)
DJ'ing is more than just mixing tracks. Beat matching, building a set, DJ etiquette to name a few. If you can find someone around who has real decks, vinyl as well as CDJ, become really friendly, and mix. Mix, mix, mix. I had a housemate living with me when I had my first few paid gigs. The decks would go on Friday 7pm and go off Monday 4am. All of my mixes are live - nothing goes through a PC.
Go out and mix. Have fun. Learn what goes together. What a crowd will respond to. Only do it for fun, nothing else. And I look forward to hearing your mixes!
(There is a but...)
DJ'ing is more than just mixing tracks. Beat matching, building a set, DJ etiquette to name a few. If you can find someone around who has real decks, vinyl as well as CDJ, become really friendly, and mix. Mix, mix, mix. I had a housemate living with me when I had my first few paid gigs. The decks would go on Friday 7pm and go off Monday 4am. All of my mixes are live - nothing goes through a PC.
Go out and mix. Have fun. Learn what goes together. What a crowd will respond to. Only do it for fun, nothing else. And I look forward to hearing your mixes!
Don1 said:
The main thing is to enjoy yourself. Well done on the purchase...
(There is a but...)
DJ'ing is more than just mixing tracks. Beat matching, building a set, DJ etiquette to name a few. If you can find someone around who has real decks, vinyl as well as CDJ, become really friendly, and mix. Mix, mix, mix. I had a housemate living with me when I had my first few paid gigs. The decks would go on Friday 7pm and go off Monday 4am. All of my mixes are live - nothing goes through a PC.
Go out and mix. Have fun. Learn what goes together. What a crowd will respond to. Only do it for fun, nothing else. And I look forward to hearing your mixes!
^^^This!!^^^(There is a but...)
DJ'ing is more than just mixing tracks. Beat matching, building a set, DJ etiquette to name a few. If you can find someone around who has real decks, vinyl as well as CDJ, become really friendly, and mix. Mix, mix, mix. I had a housemate living with me when I had my first few paid gigs. The decks would go on Friday 7pm and go off Monday 4am. All of my mixes are live - nothing goes through a PC.
Go out and mix. Have fun. Learn what goes together. What a crowd will respond to. Only do it for fun, nothing else. And I look forward to hearing your mixes!
I'm not even close to Don's level of experience, but having spent many many hours on pretty much every format available I have to say it does help no end.
In vaguely related news (but mainly cos I'm flippin' over the moon) last night I managed to pick up an immaculate Technics 1210 M3D for an extremely good price!
It will give me a pure vinyl setup in the bedroom of 2 Vestax PDX2000mk2s, a Technics 1210, and a Gemini SA600mk2, with my CDJ setup downstairs in our lounge 'DJ booth'!
My girlfriend reckons I may have a problem!
Hang on a minute...there's a BIG difference between mixing a few tracks in you're bedroom and actually DJ'ing...i.e playing music to real people, maybe even getting paid 
to do so!
DJ'ing is about having the skill and ability to read a crowd, not perfectly beat sync two house tracks in your bedroom but actually get people to dance, on a dancefloor in a club, warehouse, barn, school gym, field etc. Its also not about mixing, some of the best & respected DJ's I've met couldn't mix for s
t!
Having DJ'd for 25 years in pretty much every location you could think of to 8 to 80 year olds and full time on the radio I wish you all the best with your quest but Im afraid you cant call yourself a DJ unless you've got an audience. Good Luck!
to do so!DJ'ing is about having the skill and ability to read a crowd, not perfectly beat sync two house tracks in your bedroom but actually get people to dance, on a dancefloor in a club, warehouse, barn, school gym, field etc. Its also not about mixing, some of the best & respected DJ's I've met couldn't mix for s
t!Having DJ'd for 25 years in pretty much every location you could think of to 8 to 80 year olds and full time on the radio I wish you all the best with your quest but Im afraid you cant call yourself a DJ unless you've got an audience. Good Luck!
Lordbenny said:
Hang on a minute...there's a BIG difference between mixing a few tracks in you're bedroom and actually DJ'ing...i.e playing music to real people, maybe even getting paid to do so!
DJ'ing is about having the skill and ability to read a crowd, not perfectly beat sync two house tracks in your bedroom but actually get people to dance, on a dancefloor in a club, warehouse, barn, school gym, field etc. Its also not about mixing, some of the best & respected DJ's I've met couldn't mix for st!
Having DJ'd for 25 years in pretty much every location you could think of to 8 to 80 year olds and full time on the radio I wish you all the best with your quest but Im afraid you cant call yourself a DJ unless you've got an audience. Good Luck!
I quite agree- DJing in front of people is a very different proposition to messing around on your decks in private. I've been lucky enough to play at public events a few times now and I DJ in front of mates & friends of friends all the time- and its a very different experience to when you know nobody is listening! to do so!DJ'ing is about having the skill and ability to read a crowd, not perfectly beat sync two house tracks in your bedroom but actually get people to dance, on a dancefloor in a club, warehouse, barn, school gym, field etc. Its also not about mixing, some of the best & respected DJ's I've met couldn't mix for s
t!Having DJ'd for 25 years in pretty much every location you could think of to 8 to 80 year olds and full time on the radio I wish you all the best with your quest but Im afraid you cant call yourself a DJ unless you've got an audience. Good Luck!
But it's horses for courses- I have great respect for those who can play a gig banging out classic party hits without any mixing what-so-ever, afterall it's all about the songs. But having been asked to do it at a couple of parties myself I had a laugh but ultimately felt like little more than a glorlified juke-box so it's not for me. So yes, DJing isn't all about mixing, but for almost every other type of DJing mixing is a very large & important part of it- along with learning song selection/structure, compatability etc, and the bedroom is where pretty much everyone learns this stuff!
We all have to start somewhere!
Lordbenny said:
Hang on a minute...there's a BIG difference between mixing a few tracks in you're bedroom and actually DJ'ing...i.e playing music to real people, maybe even getting paid to do so!
DJ'ing is about having the skill and ability to read a crowd, not perfectly beat sync two house tracks in your bedroom but actually get people to dance, on a dancefloor in a club, warehouse, barn, school gym, field etc. Its also not about mixing, some of the best & respected DJ's I've met couldn't mix for st!
Having DJ'd for 25 years in pretty much every location you could think of to 8 to 80 year olds and full time on the radio I wish you all the best with your quest but Im afraid you cant call yourself a DJ unless you've got an audience. Good Luck!
Yes, but you know what I mean. to do so!DJ'ing is about having the skill and ability to read a crowd, not perfectly beat sync two house tracks in your bedroom but actually get people to dance, on a dancefloor in a club, warehouse, barn, school gym, field etc. Its also not about mixing, some of the best & respected DJ's I've met couldn't mix for s
t!Having DJ'd for 25 years in pretty much every location you could think of to 8 to 80 year olds and full time on the radio I wish you all the best with your quest but Im afraid you cant call yourself a DJ unless you've got an audience. Good Luck!
Thanks guys, really looking forward to learning this and when I get good enough I will post up a mix or two. I have a couple of friends who use these and do clubs, will maybe ask them for some help.
As for vinyl, That would be very nice but being a student there is a distinct lack of funds, maybe in a few years if I feel I can justify the cost.
lankybob said:
Well I did a set after the rugby on Saturday, I was playing for about 2 hours and it seemed to go down well.
I'm also doing a house party this Saturday too.
I was great fun and hopefully some friends will let me do some more in the future!
Well done Bob...I always remember my 1st gig on a Thames riverboat (Charing Cross to the Thames Barrier and back) was fairly eventful especially when you consider everyone on board (apart from the boat's staff) was DEAF!I'm also doing a house party this Saturday too.
I was great fun and hopefully some friends will let me do some more in the future!
Keep it up and it might actually pay for your first house!
Squirrelofwoe said:
I quite agree- DJing in front of people is a very different proposition to messing around on your decks in private. I've been lucky enough to play at public events a few times now and I DJ in front of mates & friends of friends all the time- and its a very different experience to when you know nobody is listening!
But it's horses for courses- I have great respect for those who can play a gig banging out classic party hits without any mixing what-so-ever, afterall it's all about the songs. But having been asked to do it at a couple of parties myself I had a laugh but ultimately felt like little more than a glorlified juke-box so it's not for me. So yes, DJing isn't all about mixing, but for almost every other type of DJing mixing is a very large & important part of it- along with learning song selection/structure, compatability etc, and the bedroom is where pretty much everyone learns this stuff!
We all have to start somewhere!
Try beat mixing the party tunes, not easy at all, especially with the older stuff that has a real life drummer that will always be ever so slightly changing speed, rather than the newer stuff which is all done by computer!But it's horses for courses- I have great respect for those who can play a gig banging out classic party hits without any mixing what-so-ever, afterall it's all about the songs. But having been asked to do it at a couple of parties myself I had a laugh but ultimately felt like little more than a glorlified juke-box so it's not for me. So yes, DJing isn't all about mixing, but for almost every other type of DJing mixing is a very large & important part of it- along with learning song selection/structure, compatability etc, and the bedroom is where pretty much everyone learns this stuff!
We all have to start somewhere!
Several years ago I used to dj at several venues which would play the music videos with the songs. This was before dvds really took off so we would use a bank of vcrs and a seperate audio and video mixer. Frantically winding through videos trying to find the start of a track, before the one thats playing finishes. Cueing up the new track, geeing up the crowd on the mic, pressing play on the video 3 seconds before you want it to start, fading the old one out and the new one in, fading the mic down and switching the video mixer to the new track. To keep the atmosphere up, we only plaid about a third of most of the songs, it was absolutely exhausting, but i loved it! You kids with your laptops and your fancy sync buttons dont know you're born!
If you do start djing for money remember that you are being paid to get people dancing, not to play what you want to hear all night. Ive seen lots of good djs sacked for not sticking to this basic rule. Give them what they want, save what you want to hear for home. Of course, if you can get a gig that enables you to do both then you're on to a winner..
Gassing Station | Music | Top of Page | What's New | My Stuff