Set Up Question (confused!)

[Adam F]

What is the standard set up for a computer DJ? I was on another forum talking about mixers and MIDI controllers.

I mentioned the AH Xone: 22 and I was told that you can't solely mix with that on your laptop? If I were to purchase that, what else would I need?

Intended use: I'm a student at Penn State University and look to DJ at Fraternities and hopefully some of the clubs in town. Down the road I'd like to eventually earn a club residency in whatever city I'm closest to in the future and DJ there.

I was looking at MIDI controllers too such as the Hercules RMX and the Numark Omni Control. I was also suggested the American Audio VMS4.*

I thought I knew what I was talking about... but apparently everything's a little more complex that I originally thought.

 

[DJ SVO]

There are many options to setup the system You can use different sound cards, different controllers, mixers, etc.

For example one of my systems is the following:
Laptop --> Denon HC4500 #1 --> Rane MP-44 --> Processing --> Amps --> Speakers/Subs
Backup System
Laptop --> Denon HC4500 (Waiting for it to come in)/M- Audio Fast Track Pro --> Behringer DX-1000 --> Processing --> Amps --> Speakers/Subs

DAC-3 -->Desktop --> M-Audio Fast Track Ultra --> Processing --> Amps --> Monitors

So there are multiple ways to connect a system and how much money you want to spend.

 

[ahoustondj]

Here are some configurations that I use.
Mixing within the Laptop:
Laptop & Soundcard----->(2 pair L & R Outputs, one pair for left & Right deck and one pair for headphone monitors)----> Mixer-----> to EQ ---->2 or 3 way Crossover------ 2 or 3 stereo amps ---Speakers.
Bass Signal coming from Crossover can be summed to a Bridged/Mono amp.
Mixing externally from Laptop:
Laptop & Soundcard----->(3 pairs L & R Outputs, one pair for left deck, one pair for right deck and one pair for headphone monitors)----> Mixer-----> to EQ ---->2 or 3 way Crossover------ 2 or 3 stereo amps ---Speakers.
Bass Signal coming from Crossover can be summed to a Bridged/Mono amp.
If you are using a Controller of Interface Software device that will go between the laptops output and Mixer or integrated within the Laptop via a USB cable.

 

[DJ Jynxx]

Adam, if you had a time code converter like Serato Scratch Live SSL at AgiProDJ.com you can use just your laptop and a mixer, or if you wanted, you could use just your laptop.
There are other programs that let you JUST use your laptop, like Virtual DJ http://www.virtualdj.com, but you will need either a good built in sound card (like an Audigy or something along those lines) ir a good EXTERNAL sound card. Also you can use VDJ with Serato Scratch Live instead of the included software.
Keep in mind that both of those systems I mentioned can use either CD or Vinyl timecodes, so you can use CD players or Turntables with them.

I picked up a great pair of TTX-50 turntables for my studio on Ebay for $50 a piece, and it really is worth it to have a food "hands on" controller that you can use instead of moving your mouse all over to play songs. And there is always something to be said for a turntable setup when you DJ at fraternities and house parties. People instantly know you as "The DJ", and you just get a better response for people (in my own experience).
I DJ'd for Omega Psi Phi (The Q-Dogs) for many years, as well as some other frats that I didn't know the full Greek names of, other than the Alpha's, the Beta's and the Sorority named the Delta's. Trust me when I say there was a HUGE difference when I used turntables, even as opposed to CD decks.

I am also not saying that the ways I described are the BEST ways to do anything either. Keep in mind that there are a ton of great computer controlled DJ apps. Heck, I know some guys who use two copies of Winamp and use a crossfader or fade or fade out plugin to just go back and forth, and they do just fine at parties and even some larger events.

Do some research, and find out what you think may be best for you as far as price, availability, and what you want to accomplish as a DJ

And... good luck!

 

[djsarge]

If your just starting out and learning, I would recommend the RMX. It has a built in sound card and is also a 2 channel mixer. It comes with a version of VDJ that you can upgrade later. You can learn beatmixing, looping etc on it then progress to other hardware as needed or can afford. The RMX is also a proven piece of hardware. The VMS4 is fairly new and may have some bugs to work out.

To be even more simple, you can purchase a Turtle Beach USB Sound Card Dongle. This can be used many ways under VDJ but you could run the sound from this into channel one of your mixer and the internal sound card jack into channel 2. This allows you to do simple mixing with just your laptop and mixer. Maybe not the best way to do it, but it works for me as a mobile.

PS: I also have the RMX I use on a second laptop.