Do you use a controller+DJ software for DJing?

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A wise move Wiz. I started on CD because I already amassed a collection. I still get to beatmatch just like the vinyl setups, so I'm happy on that front.

If you are on lappy, stay on lappy no doubt!

Again, waiting for my big boy pants so I can get a couple laptops. Just to have a backup etc.
 
The Wizard Of OZ said:
Went to Youtube and looked at some videos of the Denon HC4500 being used. I don't think it's for me at this stage of my development. It looks a little complicated and I need simple and uncomplicated.

I think I'm going to go back and concentrate on working with software and see if I can get what I want just using the keyboard and mouse. If so then I don't need a controller. I was curious to find out if it could enhance the mixing process for me, that was why I was asking about using a controller. I can see that just like anything else, it may not be for everyone.
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Based on what yer saying, I would agree -- a controller is probably overkill for you at this point in time. Perhaps down the road, you might find them more beneficial...

A controller will only mimic what you can do with a mouse and keyboard (or, vice versa) -- so I would concentrate on learning whatever software you plan to use first -- then worry about the controllers later...


BTW, in as far as the vinyl -- I would not recommend you use that for a gig these days. But, it is always good to know how to work a pair of turntables (since most software is based upon that concept). Turntables get you into good habits (being fast, cueing, etc.), that work as well with CD players, and software -- the opposite is not always true though... ;) :)

I understand you have a specific goal, but the methodology used for teaching DJs, usually revolves around turntables and vinyl, because it can be carried over to any other media easily...
 
At the event at my health club Thursday I used a media player that has auto crossfading, my newly ripped high bit rate mp3 files, my newish or new to me Peavey amp and my relatively new, barely used EV speakers and subs. The sound was really, really good and I was proud and excited hearing my system pumping and thumping. It got me excited about doing more DJ work. It's a lot different than when I do my singing shows because I get to turn the volume up a lot higher. I never get to crank my system when I do my singing shows. Even at the health club I can't crank it up, it's just a lot louder than what I usually get to do.

Since people are exercising literally right in front of me I chose all fast, up beat songs and it was great, I had a ball. It got my DJ juices flowing and I want more of that rush! But I want great transitions between songs that sound professional especially at high volume levels where a mistake or poorly done crossfade can really stick out. I want my DJ show to be high quality like my singing show has shaped up to be. I even had a guy come up while I was singing and take my card and ask me if I do any recording. I'm not sure what he meant, but I took it as a complement. If I sucked I don't think he would have approached me at all. Once I get the DJ skills down pat I will take my website live and start full scale marketing. I'm getting close . . .
 
I use MegaSeg which is a strictly Mac program. The autofade feature is good and it's easy to change the overall settings. You can also set up cue points to fade in and out of individual songs. I would imagine most programs would have this feature, if you don't like the auto fade then you just manually fade.
I started out with cds but had no formal training how to work my decks so I set up in my basement and practiced until my fades were smooth. All I can offer is the old adage of practice makes perfect (or at least passable).

young...
 
I have limited experience with the Denon 4500, and I like it. It's $500, and you need a mixer to feed it into.


I've played with the Numark NS7 at trade shows and think it's really nice. It's around $1250, but it's an all-in-one unit, with mixer and software.

Need I tell you what I like and use? If so, I would be happy to.


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It's $350. The Hercules RMX is an all-in-one: mixer, soundcard, controller, and bundled with the LE version of Virtual D.J.
 
LE does stand for Limited Edition. But LE is not a "trial" version (VDJ Pro has a time-limited trial version). It will work for as long as you'd like it to (won't expire in 30 days or something like that), and it doesn't do anything odd like: only let you play 45 seconds of a song, or play some "announcement" that "this is a trial version" over your audio. Here are the limits of VDJ LE:

1) LE will do audio files, but not video or karaoke (cd+g) files. If this isn't part of what you intend to do, you won't miss it.

2) LE is "locked" to the RMX, so if you try to use the software without the controller, or a different controller, you won't be able to.

3) You cannot access the configuration menu. The RMX comes configured just fine for VDJ LE (disc is in the box), but many cool features and all skin changes are acessed by the config menu, which you won't have. The LE is designed to be simple, plug and play, which I think might be ideal for someone "just getting into it".

The analogy I make for people is: if you buy a Pioneer DVD burner, it comes bundled with Nero brand software to burn DVDs and CDs with. These are two separate companies. Once you've installed your Pioneer burner, you can use the Nero software that comes with it to burn DVDs, no problem. And it will last for the life of that drive. But... Nero will hit you up to see if you'd like to "upgrade" to the "deluxe" version of their software.

In the same fashion, Virtual D.J. would love to see you upgrade from the LE version that comes with the RMX. VDJ Pro sells, every day from their website for $300. If you register your LE version, and upgrade from it, it's $150, saving you a full 50%. I would think that you can start with the LE version, and possibly upgrade later, as you get more confident and experienced with your usage.

Anything else I might help answer?
 
Steve, I went to Youtube and viewed a bunch of videos that you and other people made about the Hercules DJconsole RMX and I liked what I saw.

One thing I like is that it's a controller AND a mixer in one. In reality, for what I do, I would need to plug another small mixer into it to get more mic inputs if I used it all the time for everything I do which I probably wouldn't do. For straight DJ events it looks very good though and it's priced in the mid range, not the high end.

It also seems relatively simple to use and learn which is very important to me. Now if VDJ+the Hercules can do really good autocrossfading of a playlist and simple, easy, playlist building in VDJ, I would be even more interested.

I'm not doing video yet and may not for a long time if ever. I don't scratch and don't know if I ever will-probably not.

Simple, smooth, seamless transitions between songs is my big priority. After starting this thread and reading about the controllers and viewing Youtube videos, I'm not 100% convinced that I need a controller. Software may do everything I want, it just won't have that tactile element of turning knobs, pushing buttons, crossfading with a real fader with my fingers rather than a fader on a compter screen.

It warrants more thought and investigation IMO. As I go along I no doubt will change my mind and my opinion several times. That's how I conduct my personal learning process.
 
Been using a RMX since it came to Toronto. The sound card is quite good and it has inputs for turn tables or cdj's. So if you plan on getting into DVS you wont have to buy a new sound interfaace jest get the proper timecode.
 
The Wizard Of OZ said:
Now if VDJ+the Hercules can do really good autocrossfading of a playlist and simple, easy, playlist building in VDJ, I would be even more interested.
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While VDJ used to be lacking in this area a couple years ago, I find it to be quite useable now.

The Wizard Of OZ said:
I'm not doing video yet and may not for a long time if ever. I don't scratch and don't know if I ever will-probably not.
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The wheels can be used for scratch, or to emulate the idea of physically dragging or pushing a "record" slower or faster to match the beats one with the other.

The Wizard Of OZ said:
It warrants more thought and investigation IMO. As I go along I no doubt will change my mind and my opinion several times. That's how I conduct my personal learning process.
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If I can answer questions or assist you along the way, let me know.
 
call me old fashioned (or a total slacker)
but I was SO comfortable with my dual CD player
that I wanted something that was as simple as possible
and as close to the CD control as possible
I got the Numark D2 director, and LOVE it.
I have all the basic control and functions I had with CD's...
with no extra equipment like midi and such.
(okay, you gotta buy a hard drive)
I have never been 100% confident with ANY computer I have used
(home computer, etc)
so I personally like the idea of keeping it simple.
there is less chance of me having software glitches, computer crashes, or mixing mistakes.
 
Ausumm, I totally agree. I was probably the last DJ in my small beach town to go Laptop because for 1, I was comfortable with my CDs, and 2, I wanted the same level of control as my CDs. I switched after I saw the Denon DN-HC4500. I was able to connect and use the CD decks from my backup unit (the d4500) in case of laptop emergency, and control my mp3's with the same accuracy for cue points and beat matching. For software i use PCDJ DEX. I'm not a scratcher or effect user for transitions, just use common sense, crowd watching and beat matching to keep my parties going. I still use an external mixer too, the Denon DN-x500, but so I don't use the automixing often in DEX, but have played with it for when I am making sure my wedding parties are lined up properly, and with just a little tweaking at home in about 10 minutes, got it to a point that it's usually a very quick and smooth transition while I'm away from my table.
 
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