Sign In:     

Forum: General Discussion

Topic: Beginner wishing to make a mixtape

This topic is old and might contain outdated or incorrect information.

Hi All,

Whilst this is my first time using Virtual DJ, I have used other DJ software before so have an understanding of how they're supposed to work and the theory behind using them to mix songs. What I am wanting to do, however, is simply use it to create some mixtapes rather than play out anywhere - at least initially.

I have purchased a Numark Mixtrack Pro 2 controller and will upgrade to the Pro version of VDJ. However, I would appreciate some guidance on how to have my set up so that I am using my MacBook Pro speakers rather than having to connect an external pair, using my headphones to cue and all the while recording my mixes.

All suggestions gratefully received.

Thanks.
 
Posted Tue 25 Aug 15 @ 3:55 pm
Hm I only use windows laptops. I'd assume it was approx. the same. If you connect headphones to a laptop the onboard speakers are switched off.
OK use USB headphones to solve that problem.

Start VDJ8
Go to settings.

In AUDIO set:
Source_________Sound Card___________________Channel
master_________onboard soundcard__________chan 1 & 2
headphones___USB headphones_____________chan 3 & 4

Staying in settings and go to RECORD
Assign a filename to your mix, choose a folder where your recordings are to be stored, and then select a sound format. I'd suggest a lossless format such as FLAC, or WAV.
Now just press the "START RECORDING" button.

It should now work fine.

I don't do this kind of thing but the application of a compressor to your recorded mix is desirable.

Note: I cannot check the settings hence minor modifications may be needed.
 
I would very strongly advise against using the onboard laptop speakers for monitoring your recording.

Laptop speakers have universally terrible sound quality. Even a cheap pair of external ones would be better.

If you're mixing, surely you need to hear the bass end of the music - which simply won't get reproduced by a laptop. You also need to judge EQ and have at least some idea of what the sound will be like on "average" speakers. Listening on a laptop won't allow you to do that.

For best results (if you're serious) buy some powered monitor speakers. They needn't cost a fortune.
 
It sounds like he''s planning to do a few mixes on the move??????
I wonder..
 
Split cue on headphones then, or even two pairs and swap them as you're working!
 
 
Thanks for the advice everyone. I found this on the FAQ page. It sounds like the sort of thing I'm trying to achieve:

VirtualDJ LE, VirtualDJ Console Edition and VirtualDJ Lite is limited software and does not support outputting sound directly through your computer's own built-in sound card with headphone pre-listening. It is designed to work with the sound card built into the console/MIDI controller only. For more flexible sound configuration options and much, much more, you will need to upgrade to the full VirtualDJ Professional at a discount.

Alternatively, connect a suitable cable (2x RCA to 3.5" headphone jack) from the master output of the console to the line input of your computer. The sound will then come out through the computer's speakers (If not, go to your sound card's mixer/control panel and ensure that the line input is not muted and the volume is set to an appropriate level.)
 
"3.5" headphone jack" that's a big one !

"and will upgrade to the Pro version of VDJ" ????
 


(Old topics and forums are automatically closed)