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Topic: Need guidance on what to do next

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Hey guys, i am just getting into djing and trying to read everything and learn.

I have ordered the following setup to get started:

Peavey pv25 speakers
QSC GX5 amp
Numark Mixdeck with traktor

I plan on hooking this all up to my macbook pro (its an older version from around 2009). My first question is will this computer work for the time being? It has version 10.5.8 with 2 gb of memory and A 2 GHZ intel core 2 duo.

My next question is do i need any type of sound card for this setup to work? I have read where people have them but i have no idea if i need one as i have never used one before.

I really have no idea how to DJ, i have been around music since i was about 13, my dad owns a car stereo shop so i have all kinds of knowledge regarding sound quality, Spl, etc. in music but this is my first venture into mixing. So any guidance or books to read or anything would help and also just the 2 questions i had.

Thanks, justin
 
Posted Thu 20 Oct 11 @ 8:27 pm
The Mixdeck has the sound card built in so you are good there. You can even DJ with the Mixdeck without a computer as long as you are using real vinyl or CD's, or USB sticks, or an Ipod - the darn thing is a swiss army knife for DJs

If you are going to use a MIDI software like Traktor or VDJ with your Mixdeck the setup is relatively simple. The Mixdeck connects to the laptop with a USB cable. The Mixdeck outputs will use XLR cables to feed into the QSC amplifier, and the amplifier will send its signal on 1/4" or Speak-on connections to your speakers.

The only version of VDJ that will work with your Mixdeck is Pro since it came with Traktor. You may want to look into advice from the Traktor forums for using that software ;)

The Mac book you have should be plenty capable of running either software package.
 
 
Thanks for the help guys.

I also ordered the xlr cables so i think i should be set on having everything to hook it up.

Is virtual Dj easier to use than traktor? I got the Mixdeck for 545.00 brand new thats why i didnt complain about the software, but i definitely dont mind spending money to buy virtual DJ if its easier (and if im able to use VDJ with the mixdec)

Im under the impression, that regardless of what program i use (Traktor or vdj) i import my music from computer, in my case i have everything in Itunes? I have a relative idea of what to do, and im sure i will understand a lot better when i have everything in my possesion to play with. Right now i just feel overwhelmed with everything im reading and kinda worried i wont be able to figure all this out, but its something i have always wanted to learn so i figured if i buy the equipment ill be forced to learn haha.
 
You can learn how to use VDJ by downloading the Home version for free - you can use it to learn the interface and see how it works. It will allow you to manipulate the program with your keyboard and mouse indefinitely. It will also allow you to test it with your Mixdeck for up to ten minutes at a time.

Getting VDJ to recognize your music is very simple. There is an explorer pane within VDJ. It will list all of the folders on your laptop. navigate to where you keep you music, or just select the entire hard drive, and select "add to database" - might be slightly different on a Mac I use a PC and VDJ will find all of the music in that location. I t will also update itself every time it opens and add any new music in that location to the database.

You can also create filters and virtual folders to organize your music in ways different form the physical organization on your hard drive. VDJ will also recognize playlists but only with the Pro version.
 
Huey and I both use Mixdecks and really like them. I was in your boat - mine came with Traktor - I think I have used it twice - VDJ just seemed more intuitive to me.
 
Thanks again for the replies.

I just downloaded the home version of VDJ and am starting to play around with. Awhile back i messed around with mash ups and when i did that i had to have one track with just the beat and one track with acapello so i could mash them. Do i need to download music like this to mix?

I know djs mix a lot of techno music and stuff like that without lyrics but all the music i have right now is mostly rap and rock and country so since there not just beats i cant really mix them together unless i transition from one song into another but i cant have them playing at the same time cause it sounds horrible.

Like i said im sure ill get better with time and practice but right now im trying to get over that learning curve.
 
There are many kinds of DJs - while beat-matching and looping, overdubbing and effects manipulation are great skills to have they take time to develop. Don't rush yourself. Depending on where you play and what events you DJ at those skills will come with experience and practice. Just as important as those technical skills will be people skills. The ability to pick the right music for your crowd, and cycle the dance floor so that the entire crowd has a good time while giving some people a chance to breath or drink now and then. Some would say that picking the right music is much more important than being able to slice and dice it. It just depends on where you are playing. Listen to the music you have, learn how to transition smoothly from one song to another by picking the proper complimentary songs. Your ear will develop and mix points or transition points will start showing up in songs you never realized were there. but just listen to your music and give yourself time to listen critically. It is a different kind of listening than listening for pleasure. Try to focus on the beats and the structure of the music more. But it will come in time.

Don't get frustrated, it takes time, patience and practice. Be mindful of the people skills, do not lose track of the fact in most situations you are there to keep the customers happy.
 
Yeah i think im just over thinking things and trying to read and learn when i dont have the gear actually in front of me. My first "gig" will be next weekend at a halloween party. Its for my fraternity so im not to worried about trying to read the crowd because i know mainly what everyone who will be there listens to plus they will all be drinking heavily, . Going to be about 200-300 people and where im from majority of people listen to rap and r&b/ hip hop. I plan on playing some techno and electric music every now and then. But since its not a paid gig or anything it will be some good experience.

I think since its so soon, maybe i should practice transitioning my music properly and try not to beat match 2 songs at once and make effects for it? If i could just transition everything and maybe just beatmatch the end and begining of songs in the transition i think that would be cool and i wouldnt have to worry so much about screwing something up.

Is there a certain website i could find some good music to maybe purchase or just listen to some mixes. I have worn youtube out watching the different mixes on there haha.
 
One thing I didnt understand when I started was that DJ's most ofen simply PLAY the tunes and MIX them....DJS also do mashups etc. but

then you are getting into more of the production side of things. Creating GOOD mashups is a skill rarely done on the fly, unless THOROUGHLY

practiced. To really mashup, if thats what ur into, explore Ableton, Fruity Loops or some of the free programs like Sony Acid, Audacity, etc.

These programs let u slice up the music and rearrange it creating a CLEAN mashup...Very difficult in a club setting. Most of the Djs Ive talked

with would create the mashup in a Editing software like I mentioned THEN play that track and mix into out of it on the decks at the club.

Creating something so complex that sounds flawless is much more difficult than it sounds.....Sure Biggie over a dope hip hop beats may sound

cool for a bar or so, but a REAL sick mashup takes TIME!...One more piece of advice...If ur into mashups, use a software program to tag all of

your tunes with the KEY that they are in. Matched keys sound MUCH better when mashed up....GOOD LUCK!!!!!!.....
 


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