Laptop -vs- Music Controller

[Big D]

Hey all! I'm new to this forum and am always looking for advice. I've been deejaying for quite a while and started making significant investments about 4 years ago. Initially it was just a hobby and I would do small gigs for friends and block parties but have started getting more and more referrals by word of mouth for weddings, corporate events, school events, etc.. So much so that I decided to get a domain, insurance, create a website (still under construction), etc. I know there are some seasoned veterans out there and I could always use some healthy advice and criticism. I currently use a Dual Digital Music Controller (Cortex HDC-1000) that utilizes external drives. It has been very good for my use up to this point with the exception of it sometimes being sluggish with my search for music because of the sheer size of my library (almost a TB). I see that laptops are a favorite among many and was wondering what type of laptop works for most of you, what software I should get to manage my music, etc. ANY information would be helpful and thank you in advance!

Big D

 

[DJ SVO]

It's all a matter of preferences. I like redundancy and an all in one controller is not my cup of tea so I went old school. Dell laptops running VDJ Pro 7.3, NI Audio 10 sound card to A&H S2R and the other console runs a Rane MP44. For control I use a Denon HC4500 on both consoles as well as a DND4500 CD Player as backup.

 

[ittigger]

I agree with Jacob - it really is a matter of preference. I also believe in redundancy (it is not a question of IF it will fail - it is a question of WHEN it will fail).

An 'all in one' controller is not on my list neither. Having said that, I use Serato Itch with a Vestax VCI-300 on a Macbook Pro and I carry a Pioneer CMX-3000 as backup - all running through a DJM-3000. I am also prepared in the event that a failure does occur.

As for preference, you have to find what you are comfortable using.

 

[TheOlogee]

Welcome Big D. As the others stated its about preference. On piece of advice is to look at the software first before choosing a laptop.

When it comes to controllers go with your style of play. I'm more of a hands on type so having a controller that performed similar to turntables was important to me (Numark NS6). For backup I use a separate laptop with VDJ and no controller. Both systems connect to a compact 12 channel mixer.

Suggest you get trial copies of the following (not a complete list) to play with and see what you like. Then work backwards...controller, laptop based on the features you know youll use/need.

Rockit Pro DJ Software (The owner is a sponsor here)
Virtual DJ
Serato
Traktor
PCDJ

Good luck!

 

[Big D]

Thank you for your responses and I will certainly look into the Serato as I have heard that was one way to go. I'll start gathering up some of the equipment each of you mentioned after I find what works best for me. Thanks again and I'll be posting some pics as well with where I am currently and my progress.

Big D

 

[ittigger]

Serato has multiple paths, as well as some of the others. Please follow the advice and review each product and see what YOU like. I like Serato - but you may not like it as much as I (or others) do. Some like VDJ better, some Traktor, etc, etc. Look and see what YOU like. There's nothing like shelling out a bunch of money on a product you're ultimately not happy with.

 

[Ron]

Welcome, and as others have said it is preference. ittigger brought up a good point. Make sure you test drive the software before putting the money out. for straight DJ'ing I prefer RockIt, but use a separate program for Karaoke gigs. Best of Luck... this place is a wealth of information.

 

[MIXMASTERMACHOM]

What i use is VDJ with the Denon DN MC 6000 and HP laptop. Everything works great. Great price too from KPODJ.COM on the Denon. $600.00 with no tax. I'm in love with my setup!

 

[Ausumm]

I love the simplicity of a media player (I use the Numark D2)
but I also carry a laptop with VDJ (and no controller) for backup and for ceremonies.

Add me to the "it's your personal preference" list....