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[Stu McDoniel]

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]

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.

[Alex Marine]

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

Surprised nobody has mentioned it yet....

[John Livings]

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]

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]

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]

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]

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

Street price is under $500.00

[Steve (Stevie Ray) Kalbach]

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]

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)

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