What computer do I use for mobile DJ service. I want to upgrade to a laptop instead of a mixer and CD players. I think I will be using Virtual DJ software or is Traktor better? Does my computer need 2 sound cards? Does the laptop have two outputs that go directly into the amp? What do you recommend?
What Computer do I use?
- Thread starter LPete
- Start date
i'm thinking these 2 threads are similar or am i wrong?
I need advise! - Our DJ Talk - DJ Help and Resources Chat!
I need advise! - Our DJ Talk - DJ Help and Resources Chat!
You're going to need two sounds cards, one will more than likely be external (plugged in via USB) as laptops don't have that much space inside for two sound cards. I think most of the computer guys use 1 external sound card with two outputs, it's a 2 in 1 deal. More experienced folks can name brands and prices for you.
For just music playback I'd recommend:
A mid range dual core processor at least 1.6Ghz; No Celeron or Athelon processors and 2 GB of RAM.
Hard drive space doesn't matter because you're going to be storing your music on an external drive. I'd get at least 120 GB though so you have room for your programs and about 200 songs should your externals go down for some reason.
3 External Hard Drives: Make two the largest that you can afford: 1 for your Music and 1 to back up your music. The third external should be roughly the size of your laptop's hard drive so you can place system images on it and in the event of a computer failure restore the system to a working state crazy fast.
As for brand, they're all pretty much the same all the brand represents now-a-days is build quality as all the components are the same. I'd shy away from Toshiba though, our resident computer DJ guru and programmer Our DJ Talk - DJ Help and Resources Chat! - View Profile: SoftJock Rick@@AMEPARAM@@View Profile: SoftJock Rick</title>@@AMEPARAM@@SoftJock Rick says some models have sound driver issues.
Of course aside from that you're going to need an amp and speakers for anyone to actually hear it.
Now are ready for some sticker shock? Take all that and double it. Buy 2 laptops, 2 amps, 2 sets of speakers so that you have a full working backup should one laptop crash or one amp go down and what have you. Personally I'd buy identical systems but if you're tight for money as most new business owners are you can always buy the backup stuff second hand just so you have something in case of failure then replace as your business grows.
For just music playback I'd recommend:
A mid range dual core processor at least 1.6Ghz; No Celeron or Athelon processors and 2 GB of RAM.
Hard drive space doesn't matter because you're going to be storing your music on an external drive. I'd get at least 120 GB though so you have room for your programs and about 200 songs should your externals go down for some reason.
3 External Hard Drives: Make two the largest that you can afford: 1 for your Music and 1 to back up your music. The third external should be roughly the size of your laptop's hard drive so you can place system images on it and in the event of a computer failure restore the system to a working state crazy fast.
As for brand, they're all pretty much the same all the brand represents now-a-days is build quality as all the components are the same. I'd shy away from Toshiba though, our resident computer DJ guru and programmer Our DJ Talk - DJ Help and Resources Chat! - View Profile: SoftJock Rick@@AMEPARAM@@View Profile: SoftJock Rick</title>@@AMEPARAM@@SoftJock Rick says some models have sound driver issues.
Of course aside from that you're going to need an amp and speakers for anyone to actually hear it.
Now are ready for some sticker shock? Take all that and double it. Buy 2 laptops, 2 amps, 2 sets of speakers so that you have a full working backup should one laptop crash or one amp go down and what have you. Personally I'd buy identical systems but if you're tight for money as most new business owners are you can always buy the backup stuff second hand just so you have something in case of failure then replace as your business grows.
Celeron and Athelon processors tend not to run as fast or as stable as advertised. That being said I've used them both before with no issues but I was running the machine lean also
Sure thing. If you had a mixer in line (which I'd recommend just for expandability purposes) you could use a mini-jack (headphone plug) to RCA cord to run the iPod through the system. I've done this many times at gigs when someone *just has to* hear a song they have on their iPod. The mini-plug to RCA cords cost about $10 at Wal-Mart.
I forgot to mention one thing, I'd also look into some kind of cooling mat or stand for the laptop just to keep things cool. Heat is a computer's worst enemy. The simplest cooling mats can be had from Wal-Mart @ $20 all the way up to $2/300 for all the bells and whistles.
And one more thing.. You're going to wants as many USB ports as possible, hubs generally don't play well with external hard drives (bandwidth issues). You want at least 4 USB ports on the computer.
What he said plus they're generally craptastic at actually processing.
I imagine Rockit or vDJ would take quite a while longer updating it's libraries and track lists, etc on a celeron than even a single core Pentium 3. Luckily you only see the celeron and athelon processors in the low-low budget laptops which wouldn't be adequate for DJing anyhow.
I have 5 USB, plus firewire, plus eSATA, plus HDMI, Plus VGA... do you think I have enough ports? Oh and a SDHC card slot to.
Everyone has their favorites but the Gigaport sound card has been working great for me now for a few years. You'll get 8 RCA channels out with this puppy. 4 USB ports is a good idea. I use all four of mine on my Dell. The one place I use a USB hub is between my laptop and my Denon HD 2500. The 2500 only comes with one USB so in order to plug in multiple sources I must use a hub.
I'll also second the second laptop. Even if it's a cheaper stripped down model it would be a better back up for sound. MP3's don't use a lot of resources so if you strip all the junk out you'll be fine. Just make sure it's a reliable brand.
I'll also second the second laptop. Even if it's a cheaper stripped down model it would be a better back up for sound. MP3's don't use a lot of resources so if you strip all the junk out you'll be fine. Just make sure it's a reliable brand.
pete
what is your budget? as for me i use a denon hc 4500 controller and the denon 4500 cd players for back up. i also have a dell Inspiron 1525 running vdj. i was cd based for a long time and just started using my laptop to dj and all i got to say is its easy on my back from carrying all them cd books. i just take one book of cds to my gigs for back up.
what is your budget? as for me i use a denon hc 4500 controller and the denon 4500 cd players for back up. i also have a dell Inspiron 1525 running vdj. i was cd based for a long time and just started using my laptop to dj and all i got to say is its easy on my back from carrying all them cd books. i just take one book of cds to my gigs for back up.
G
Guest
Guest
Pete,
As far as what computer to get i always look at the ones that work first!
I am in one of "those" Moods lately!
As far as what computer to get i always look at the ones that work first!
I am in one of "those" Moods lately!
The mention of the HD2500 made me think to mention this...
The Denon HD2500 makes a helluva backup for a laptop based DJ, and is a bit easier to function with, than an ipod. The internal HD, external HDs, or an ipod for that matter can feed it with the necessary tunes. It can also double as a MIDI controller for your software.
Some might think it's overkill, but many will swear by it. Better safe than sorry, I say.
Alternately, some people initially looking to go laptop, will opt to use a Digital Media Player setup as option in the end.
Still others who start out with a laptop as they're main, and a HD2500 as they're backup end up flipping that around and start using the HD2500 as the main. It all comes down to what you get most comfortable with.
The Denon HD2500 makes a helluva backup for a laptop based DJ, and is a bit easier to function with, than an ipod. The internal HD, external HDs, or an ipod for that matter can feed it with the necessary tunes. It can also double as a MIDI controller for your software.
Some might think it's overkill, but many will swear by it. Better safe than sorry, I say.
Alternately, some people initially looking to go laptop, will opt to use a Digital Media Player setup as option in the end.
Still others who start out with a laptop as they're main, and a HD2500 as they're backup end up flipping that around and start using the HD2500 as the main. It all comes down to what you get most comfortable with.
