Back to Backups

For some reason I have this obsession with backup systems. I don’t have any clue WHY... it’s just part of the craziness. I’ve NEVER had to use ANY piece of backup gear, and yet I continue to take backup PA speakers, controllers, computers, and even entire systems. Most remain in the minivan, but lately I’ve been on this kick of having live, simultaneous music playing capabilities; not just having the ability to swap out a failed component.

On my Large System, I’ve always had two computers up and running concurrently, but the second computer was mainly for DMX light control and some video capability. To use it as a backup music source, I had a music library/player application with a full copy of my music library, and all my playlists/crates. If my main computer crashed, I could play tracks, but it had extremely limited mixing capabilities. The backup computer line out simply plugs into my Denon DN-410X, but does not go through a professional sound card. This system was mostly just for filling some time until I could get my main system functioning again, but what happens if I can’t???

When I rebuilt my Small System, I added a backup computer, which it previously lacked. Originally, my backup plan for my Small System was to play from a Laptop computer using the same music library/player application I use on my Large System’s backup computer. The laptop was kept in a bag beside me in the Booth because there wasn’t room on my 30”x30” table to have it setup. Thank goodness I never had to use it, because it would have taken a few minutes to get it setup and actually playing music. It has all the same music and playlists as my other DJ computers. However, one thing I did differently when I added the backup computer (Surface Pro) to my Small System, is I also added Traktor and a small controller (DDJ-WEGO3)...

... and now I can pretty much do anything on the backup computer that I can do on the main computer, and I set it up so it’s up and running concurrently with my main DJ computer. The down side is it’s no longer a very small system and it takes slightly longer to setup, but I LOVE having a REAL backup solution I could be comfortable using if it ever became necessary.

So here’s my dilemma... My Large System does NOT have the same backup system capabilities as my Small System, and it’s constantly on my mind. I need to fix it.[emoji1] Now there is a somewhat easy fix. I could simply put a bracket on my Large System rack case (to mount the robotic arm), and use the Surface Pro/WeGO3 System I use with my Small System. That would be pretty easy, but I already have a backup computer and large monitor built into the system. I suppose I could simply use the WeGO3 platform without the Surface Pro and plug it into the backup computer... that would work. OR... I could do something different.

Keeping in mind that my objective is to have a functional backup system that I COULD use for mixing for an entire event if my main computer failed, which means running a DJ application without some kind of hardware controller would not work for me. I don’t care for touchscreen systems, and using a mouse to move virtual knobs, sliders, and cross-faders won’t cut it. So here’s what I’m looking at now...

... ^^^^ That’s a NI Traktor Kontrol Z1. I’m not necessarily stuck on the Z1, as it has some drawbacks, but based on what I’ve seen, I think I could mix with it at a very primitive level. Are there similar alternatives? Is anyone using the Traktor Kontrol Z1 or anything like it?

rickryan.com said:

... I think it's just basic good sense to build in redundancy into your rig and be ready to switch out at any time.

Click to expand...

I agree with you. And even though I haven’t had to deal with a gear failure such as you described yet, I think there’s like a Murphy’s Law that applies; The ONE piece of gear for which you DON’T have a backup WILL FAIL!!![emoji1]

Like I said in my OP, I was looking at the Traktor Kontrol Z1 ...



... as a possible backup mixer/midi controller for my Large System in lieu of a WeGO or DJ2GO type of device, but there are a few things about it I don’t care for. However, it seems that the Akai AMX has everything I need, and it’s less expensive...



... I know it’s made for Serato, but there’s a fully functional Traktor map for it on DJTechTools.

I’ve had Akai products in the past, but never any DJ gear like this. Has anybody ever used an Akai sound card, mixer or other DJ product???... Just wondering if their products are any good???

Maybe a Reloop Mixtour???...



... about the same price as the Traktor Kontrol Z1, but with none of the obvious shortcomings. Also found the Midi map for it on DJTechTools.

logisticalstyles said:

I use the Akai AMX. It's currently my backup device, but for about a year it was my primary Serato mixer for when I used my turntables. I replaced it with the Pioneer S3 mixer for my turntables, and for most of my mobile gigs I usually just use my Pioneer SR2 but I still bring the Akai AMX along for backup purposes. I love it because it's a controller and it doesn't require turntables or CDJs to work. I can mix through a gig with just the AMX and my laptop if I ever had to. I've had the AMX for several years now. I originally bought the AFX to go along with it but I didn't like it and sold it.

Click to expand...

The thing I like about the Akai (compared to the Traktor Z1 or the Reloop) is the cross fader and volume sliders seem to have a longer throw, which allows for a little more precision. The thing I don’t like about all three is there’s no pitch control. I guess you just have to use the sync function, but only the Akai has a Sync button????

logisticalstyles said:

When using the AMX with Serato, the pitch is controlled by using the Shift button on the AMX and the Gain knobs. I'm not sure if the Traktor mapping has the same feature.

Click to expand...

Yep... I’m not sure how the Traktor map does it because there’s no documentation I can find on it. I’m gonna assume it does it the same way, but who knows. If it doesn’t, I suppose I could add that feature myself.

Ausumm said:

And THAT, my friend, is why you never had anything fail...

Click to expand...

THAT... and I don’t abuse my gear, nor do I try to make it do more than it was designed to do.[emoji4] Buying good gear contributes to low failure rates, but even if you use something like, say... Alto speakers, if you use them according to the guidelines, you’re gonna have higher reliability rates.[emoji4]

Handinon said:

... To date it has been dead nuts reliable, but now having bragged about this, I will be fully prepared for smoke at Saturday's gig (a private Birthday Party with about 100 people, mostly Latin).

Click to expand...

Yep... that’s another MURPHY, be prepared.[emoji1] While I once thought running Windows 7 was preferable to Windows 10, my experience with my Windows 7 bedroom computer was an eye-opener. The OS on it got corrupted after I shut off the UPS it was plugged into after the power went out in the house. I should have shut it down properly, which is why I have it plugged into a UPS to start with. Stupid move on my part. But now it’s on Windows 10, which is MUCH more forgiving in a power failure. If you use a laptop, the battery will allow your Windows 7 machine to be properly shut down. I don’t use laptops, so a power failure could be devastating if I was still using Windows 7. It doesn’t always corrupt the OS, but it could.

I’m gettin’ ready for my first gig of the year this Saturday too... house (birthday) party for a wealthy client I met at a fund-raiser I DJ’d for about two years ago. This one should be easy... No dance floor per se, no lights to setup, and no MCing. No sit-down dinner either... catered Bar-BQ and less than 120 guests, but there may be a few kids. Four hours (maybe 5) of non-stop music.

I’m gonna take the top rack section of my Large System, but just use a single 19” monitor (instead of my dual 22” monitor setup). I’ll have a second monitor available as a backup.

My Large System has two identical computers built in, but since I won’t need the light control PC, I’ll just have it ready as a backup, and I’ll simply switch the monitor cable on my patch panel if I need to switch computers. I’ll also switch the USB cable for the controller. I know that means I may have a minute of dead air if I have to make the switch, so I’ll have my iPad ready to play a track or two while I move cables. Don’t know if I’m gonna take a spare controller, but probably will if I can locate the case for it.[emoji1]

I may be using all three EVOX8’s (2 inside and one on the covered patio). I might be able to tie into the home’s audio system for playing outside (instead of using my EXOX8), but won’t know for sure until I setup. One EVOX8 inside would likely be fine, but I like having my safety net. The good news is; I can set up very early, so I have plenty of time to see what works best.

In my Large System, both computers have Windows 10, but are on the latest update, and the update schedules are set for 4:00AM. Only the Light Control PC will have Internet access, and I’ll disconnect it if it ends up being needed after a main PC failure. I know some are leery of Windows 10, but it has been very solid for me so far.

I think I have all my contingencies covered, but I still have a couple of failure points without backups... my second mixer and wireless mic system. I have work-arounds for both in case of failure.[emoji4]