Topic: DJ Controller ? (Read 14925 times)

John Livings · « **on:** October 29, 2011, 03:30:17 PM »

Hi All,

Non DJ looking for DJ advice.

I am thinking about putting together a "Small" DJ type rig to allow Myself and Students to do a quasi DJ show.

Our thought was to use our existing gear (Speakers, Amps, Mixer...) and get a "Simple" software Controller to use with a MAC laptop. (If something like that exists)

Our goal is to do some simple DJ tricks (whatever that means) and limit any extra hardware.
like turn-tables, vinyl, CDs ...

Are there any recommended books or tutorials on going digital for DJs?

We will be grateful for any suggestions.

Regards, John

Randy Pence · « **Reply #1 on:** October 30, 2011, 06:43:05 PM »

Quote from: John Livings on October 29, 2011, 03:30:17 PM

Hi All,

Non DJ looking for DJ advice.

I am thinking about putting together a "Small" DJ type rig to allow Myself and Students to do a quasi DJ show.

Our thought was to use our existing gear (Speakers, Amps, Mixer...) and get a "Simple" software Controller to use with a MAC laptop. (If something like that exists)

Our goal is to do some simple DJ tricks (whatever that means) and limit any extra hardware.
like turn-tables, vinyl, CDs ...

Are there any recommended books or tutorials on going digital for DJs?

We will be grateful for any suggestions.

Regards, John

rane serato and native instruments traktor software packages are hte industry standards for what you want to do.

research them and you will find the various hardware manufacturers developing solutions for your situation. Native, numark, stanton, etc all make integrated hardware units for controlling said software.

John Livings · « **Reply #2 on:** October 31, 2011, 04:45:08 PM »

Hi Randy,

I checked out your suggestions, Thanks.

We were actually wondering if there was anything that operated using only
a computer and mouse and software?

For break music and Theater Shows we use a Laptop and iTunes, our goal is to do some basic DJ tricks (Mixes,Loops,Effects...) using Just the Laptop, Mouse, Keyboard and Software.

I guess it may be called "Virtual DJing".

We do use a Full size Keyboard and a 5-Button Mouse with the laptop now.

Again, thanks for the suggestions.

Regards, John

Steve Kendrick · « **Reply #3 on:** October 31, 2011, 05:40:47 PM »

Quote from: John Livings on October 31, 2011, 04:45:08 PM

Hi Randy,

I checked out your suggestions, Thanks.

We were actually wondering if there was anything that operated using only
a computer and mouse and software?

For break music and Theater Shows we use a Laptop and iTunes, our goal is to do some basic DJ tricks (Mixes,Loops,Effects...) using Just the Laptop, Mouse, Keyboard and Software.

I guess it may be called "Virtual DJing".

We do use a Full size Keyboard and a 5-Button Mouse with the laptop now.

Again, thanks for the suggestions.

Regards, John

Have a look at RPM by Gizmolabs or maybe Ableton, both can be controlled by keyboard and mouse.

http://gizmolabs.net/

http://www.ableton.com/live-8

Steve

Randy Pence · « **Reply #4 on:** October 31, 2011, 09:26:25 PM »

Quote from: John Livings on October 31, 2011, 04:45:08 PM

Hi Randy,

I checked out your suggestions, Thanks.

We were actually wondering if there was anything that operated using only
a computer and mouse and software?

For break music and Theater Shows we use a Laptop and iTunes, our goal is to do some basic DJ tricks (Mixes,Loops,Effects...) using Just the Laptop, Mouse, Keyboard and Software.

I guess it may be called "Virtual DJing".

We do use a Full size Keyboard and a 5-Button Mouse with the laptop now.

Again, thanks for the suggestions.

Regards, John

ive never used either, but imagine that you can control them with a traditional computer setup.

I have ableton live, but its really not as comfortable for djing, as its library searching is clumsy (id3 tags and stuff). You can cut and paste songs from itunes/mediamonkey/foobar/etc, but serato and traktor have well developed library search functions built in. However, if you already know what you might be playing, you can certainly use ableton.

one thing to consider is that ableton converts any mp3s to a wav or aiff for internal processing and this performance may or may not be as smooth as with serato and traktor.

John Livings · « **Reply #5 on:** October 31, 2011, 10:09:03 PM »

Hi Randy and Steve,

I will check out the suggestions.

I also found this;

http://www.algoriddim.com/djay-mac/specs

Or if I had an ipad or the G-4 iPhone.

Unbelievable that it seems like you could do basic DJing with a newer iPhone or even a newer iPod or iPad

Regards, John

Dave Scarlett · « **Reply #6 on:** November 01, 2011, 09:15:47 AM »

I have an older copy of "MixMeister" that works great, and can make you sound close to a pro with little or no effort. I see there's a number of newer versions as well:

http://www.mixmeister.com/

John Livings · « **Reply #7 on:** November 01, 2011, 10:05:50 PM »

Hi All,

Just to update, I found out that I actually have an 4S iphone (I thought mine was much older) I did have to update the ios from 4.02 to 5.0 and downloaded this App.for the special price of .99 cents.

http://itunes.apple.com/app/djay-for-iphone-ipod-touch/id424492403?ign-mpt=uo%3D4

Way Cool, we will try this out tomorrow using 2 Peavey QW-4s

We used this app. "djay" today for about an hour plugged into a Bose X-10, everyone had fun.

Again, thanks for the suggestions, If I find anything else I will post it, Please feel
free to do the same.

Regards, John

Tracy Garner · « **Reply #8 on:** November 03, 2011, 07:13:58 PM »

Quote from: John Livings on October 29, 2011, 03:30:17 PM

Hi All,

Non DJ looking for DJ advice.

I am thinking about putting together a "Small" DJ type rig to allow Myself and Students to do a quasi DJ show.

Our thought was to use our existing gear (Speakers, Amps, Mixer...) and get a "Simple" software Controller to use with a MAC laptop. (If something like that exists)

Our goal is to do some simple DJ tricks (whatever that means) and limit any extra hardware.
like turn-tables, vinyl, CDs ...

Are there any recommended books or tutorials on going digital for DJs?

We will be grateful for any suggestions.

Regards, John

if you want the industry standard, go with Serato Scratch live. If you just want a controller, look for controllers that come bundled with Serato Itch - both made by Rane.

John Livings · « **Reply #9 on:** November 05, 2011, 03:54:20 PM »

Quote from: Tracy Garner on November 03, 2011, 07:13:58 PM

if you want the industry standard, go with Serato Scratch live. If you just want a controller, look for controllers that come bundled with Serato Itch - both made by Rane.

Thanks Tracy,

I did have a look at "Serato", however at this time it looks to be much
more advanced than anyone (Including myself) can handle.

Maybe with a lot more practice we can move up the ladder.

At this point we are doing the most basic things, learning to DJ.

For the students that want to take the quantum leap, I will suggest looking into this.

Is the trend going to a "Minimal" approach as far as using ipads or in our case an iphone with a software controller (djay)?

Regards, John

Stu McDoniel · « **Reply #10 on:** November 07, 2011, 04:56:16 PM »

Quote from: John Livings on October 29, 2011, 03:30:17 PM

Hi All,

Non DJ looking for DJ advice.

I am thinking about putting together a "Small" DJ type rig to allow Myself and Students to do a quasi DJ show.

Our thought was to use our existing gear (Speakers, Amps, Mixer...) and get a "Simple" software Controller to use with a MAC laptop. (If something like that exists)

Our goal is to do some simple DJ tricks (whatever that means) and limit any extra hardware.
like turn-tables, vinyl, CDs ...

Are there any recommended books or tutorials on going digital for DJs?

We will be grateful for any suggestions.

Regards, John

You can use Itunes to DJ with if you want simple. Here is a link for free DJ downloads
Just go to HELP in itunes and type in DJ. You can set songs so they overlapp DJ like

http://download.cnet.com/mac/dj-software/3150-18502_4-0.html

Tracy Garner · « **Reply #11 on:** November 07, 2011, 07:21:25 PM »

Quote from: John Livings on November 05, 2011, 03:54:20 PM

Thanks Tracy,

I did have a look at "Serato", however at this time it looks to be much
more advanced than anyone (Including myself) can handle.

Maybe with a lot more practice we can move up the ladder.

At this point we are doing the most basic things, learning to DJ.

For the students that want to take the quantum leap, I will suggest looking into this.

Is the trend going to a "Minimal" approach as far as using ipads or in our case an iphone with a software controller (djay)?

Regards, John

ok even simpler: PCDJ. They have different flavors and I think they will also run on Mac.

Sasha Marine · « **Reply #12 on:** November 12, 2011, 11:20:25 PM »

Why dont you just use "Virtual DJ" its simple, has automix features and its free.

Surprised nobody has mentioned it yet....

John Livings · « **Reply #13 on:** November 18, 2011, 10:45:52 PM »

Hi All,

Thanks for the suggestions.

Found this DJ on You Tube; "DJ Brian S. Redd".

Great stuff for a neophyte like myself.

Regards, John

John Livings · « **Reply #14 on:** December 06, 2011, 06:21:42 PM »

Hi All,

Ready to think about a turntable to go with "Djay" ( A app from the Apple Store).

WE have looked at the Vestax VCI 300 or the 300 MK-II.

Or any other other suggestions. (to be used by students).

Regards, John

john sanders · « **Reply #15 on:** December 06, 2011, 07:53:03 PM »

Quote from: Alex Marine on November 12, 2011, 11:20:25 PM

Why dont you just use "Virtual DJ" its simple, has automix features and its free.

Surprised nobody has mentioned it yet....

Another thumbs up for Virtual DJ.

John Livings · « **Reply #16 on:** December 07, 2011, 12:59:13 AM »

Quote from: john sanders on December 06, 2011, 07:53:03 PM

Another thumbs up for Virtual DJ.

We did check into Virtual DJ and is it not just free software that requires expensive hardware?

Went to "Djay" as it works on a Mac, itunes, iphone and ipad nothing else on the input side.

The ipad has grown "old" and the students want more of a tactile feel.

The next time I go downtown, (L.A.) I will stop into a DJ store and see what they have.

Virtual DJ did look a little deep for us, maybe not.

Regards, John

duane massey · « **Reply #17 on:** December 23, 2011, 06:41:36 AM »

http://www.americanaudio.us/ProductDetails.aspx?ItemNumber=1447&MainId=1&Category=Mixers

Street price is under $500.00

Steve (Stevie Ray) Kalbach · « **Reply #18 on:** December 23, 2011, 07:52:11 AM »

Quote from: duane massey on December 23, 2011, 06:41:36 AM

http://www.americanaudio.us/ProductDetails.aspx?ItemNumber=1447&MainId=1&Category=Mixers

Street price is under $500.00

Stay away from the VMS4 get the VMS 4.1

Colin Brown · « **Reply #19 on:** January 24, 2012, 09:52:35 AM »

Quote from: John Livings on December 07, 2011, 12:59:13 AM

We did check into Virtual DJ and is it not just free software that requires expensive hardware?

Went to "Djay" as it works on a Mac, itunes, iphone and ipad nothing else on the input side.

The ipad has grown "old" and the students want more of a tactile feel.

The next time I go downtown, (L.A.) I will stop into a DJ store and see what they have.

Virtual DJ did look a little deep for us, maybe not.

Regards, John

Your best bet is probably to buy a dj controller that comes with bundled software (Virtual DJ is often included).

A friend recently asked me for similar advice, this is the mini guide I sent him (he needed a mic input so there may be other options out there if you don't need this):

Here's a mega guide to 64 different controllers:

http://www.digitaldjtips.com/2011/12/dj-midi-controllers-buyers-guide-2012/

These are my picks, all include a built in sound card (so you can connect both headphones and speakers) and mic input.

Entry level:

* Numark Mixtrack Pro (£169) - "Light" edition of Virtual DJ included
* Vestax Typhoon (£199) - "Light" edition of Virtual DJ included (Vestax Version)

Good mid price options

* Novation Twitch (£399) - no jog wheels but well designed and has some unique features, one of the most popular controllers to come out in 2011. Serato Itch included.
* Pioneer DDJ-ERGO-V (£429). "Light" edition of Virtual DJ included

Up a level in price & build quality:

* Denon DJ MC3000 (£499). "Light" edition of Traktor included (upgrade to Pro 2 version about £100); can also be used as a standalone mixer (e.g. you can plug turntables into it as well), so you are getting a lot for your money here
* Native Instruments Kontrol S2 (£489). Traktor Pro 2 included (makes this quite a good deal)

Left field suggestion (designed for and comes with less popular but still good MixVibes Cross DJ software)

* MixVibes U-Mix Control Pro (£249)

Tracy Garner · « **Reply #20 on:** January 24, 2012, 07:30:36 PM »

Quote from: John Livings on December 06, 2011, 06:21:42 PM

Hi All,

Ready to think about a turntable to go with "Djay" ( A app from the Apple Store).

WE have looked at the Vestax VCI 300 or the 300 MK-II.

Or any other other suggestions. (to be used by students).

Regards, John

,,many many many DJs are using the Vestax VCI 300 because they can use their Serato library software. Basically, it is a decent controller with the basic Serato software.

Hercules makes an inexpensive controller as well.

John Livings · « **Reply #21 on:** January 27, 2012, 02:48:45 PM »

Thanks for the suggestions,

Still trying to keep it simple enough for the students (and myself) so everyone is having fun and hopefully learning a little.

Again thanks, John

Sergei Shapoval · « **Reply #22 on:** February 24, 2012, 06:47:50 PM »

John

Why not just download Virtual DJ? The home edition is free, and if you are just looking for the basics, it would be perfect. The mapping system is fairly straightforward, so you can actually map the keys to start/stop, cue points, loop control, pitch control, etc.

You can also download a demo of Traktor Pro. But it shuts down every 30 minutes. The mapping is also less intuitive - but very powerful if you can learn it. I've put together solid sets using just my keyboard before.

They're both free... give both a shot before making up your mind.

John Livings · « **Reply #23 on:** February 24, 2012, 08:00:23 PM »

Quote from: Sergei Shapoval on February 24, 2012, 06:47:50 PM

John

Why not just download Virtual DJ? The home edition is free, and if you are just looking for the basics, it would be perfect. The mapping system is fairly straightforward, so you can actually map the keys to start/stop, cue points, loop control, pitch control, etc.

You can also download a demo of Traktor Pro. But it shuts down every 30 minutes. The mapping is also less intuitive - but very powerful if you can learn it. I've put together solid sets using just my keyboard before.

They're both free... give both a shot before making up your mind.

Thanks Sergei,

I am playing around with Virtual DJ, we will see how that goes,

Again thanks to all for the suggestions.

Regards, John

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Author Topic: DJ Controller ? (Read 14925 times)

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