Planning to go Digital (DJ)

[DJDon]

a bit of an old schooler here. Started as a bedroom DJ back in 1988 with my dad's sl1200s and a gemini mixer ^_^ Went serious and started playing as a profession in public 2005 and got exposed to CDJS. I've been contemplating in going pure digital (using controllers and my mbp) for a few years already. I know Its less bulk, easier to manage files and prepare playlists.

Any tips from the real digital DJs / producers / PROs? I've tinkered around with Traktor and Serato, but haven't really tried any controllers. Any suggestions? Whats the best way to start?

[travism]

What do you play? For most local Hip Hop and R&B DJs use Serato. Most House and Techno DJs use Traktor... I've been using Traktor since it was still Final Scratch 1. Both are very stable and have their own pros and cons. Traktor is more Midi friendly and has a lot of effects while Serato can be synced with Ableton Live. Traktor's Audio2, 4 and 8 is also a bit more "nicer" sonically as compared to Serato's scratch box. Both are very stable... (I've used Traktor for about 5-6 hours straight...)

It'll all go to which you prefer... Most people using Serato like using the DJ frontline since Serato is a bit dependent on the DJ frontline you have. Traktor is a bit more flexible where you can use it with the frontline and midi controllers. Traktor is more flexible but Serato already integrated video...

The choice is yours... Enjoy.

[zChris]

I tried a midi controller setup for a while but it didn't really suit me. I like using Serato because it's like playing on real decks. Prolem is that setup takes a while and connections to the DJ setup can be distracting to the DJ before you, the customers, and all in all it's just a plain hassle.

Important for me though is a simple library management system that integrates to iTunes. I used torq for a while but I didn't like it.

Why not try an Itch based setup like the Numark or the Vestax. I tried the Numark one in a store and it wasn't that bad.

[pure_performance]

If your looking for a top notch controller, look into the Numark NS7. I also used to spin with turntables, and the NS7 is one of your best alternatives to it. It has a vinyl feel with the rotating platters, serato itch integration and tons of other great features. You should try to demo it out and see for yourself.

[don.szeto]

Traktor is good for me. I have been using the X-session pro with Torq, the setup is simple and cheap too, but it all goes to what you prefer... If you want to stick to the 1200s, Traktor will definitely be great!

[travism]

Traktor and Virtual DJ has iTunes integration... I just finished a 5 hour set at Limbolast night. My new set up now is a pair of CDJ400s with Traktor. No more Audio8... Just 2 USB cables! I like how the software and hardware is evolving to the point where the DJ has more choices and he/she can alter them to fit his/her needs!

[DJDon]

Thanks for the feedbacks guys. Am into House and a little bit of R&B.

@ Travis how is that setup? Wala ng Audio8 to hook up with the 400s?

Found a video tutorial on how to setup what Travis said earlier (CDJ400s w/ Traktor and 2 USB cables only)

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dR4fkbb8nhU

@ Travis - the video said mono lang yung maging channels nya, how was the sound quality sa ganitong setup?

[travism]

@ DJDon: Here's what I looked up... Traktor with 2 Pioneer CDJ 400s. (It works flawlessly...) I actually want to try it with the CDJ 900s and 2000s too.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wHtpIT4EhPI

I'm on Traktor 1.2.6 already and everything works ok... The sound I'm putting out is stereo and sounds good. I use the set up everything I play Limbo.

[DJDon]

Nice. Every fridays ka ba or sat sa Limbo kayo ni Arvin? Will check it out and get some pointers na din if its ok with you? ^_^

@ DJDon: Here's what I looked up... Traktor with 2 Pioneer CDJ 400s. (It works flawlessly...) I actually want to try it with the CDJ 900s and 2000s too.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wHtpIT4EhPI

I'm on Traktor 1.2.6 already and everything works ok... The sound I'm putting out is stereo and sounds good. I use the set up everything I play Limbo.

[travism]

I play Limbo Tuesdays and Satrudays... I sometimes hang with Arvin on his Fridays. Swing by and I'll give you a look see on how I use Traktor.