Just bought a Mac laptop for the first time

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DJChas

New DJ
Aug 27, 2007
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After 12 years of playing CD's, I caved in and bought a Macbook Pro laptop.

3 big questions: Should I buy a new controller like the Pioneer DDJ-SX? or....

I have an old DJM 3000 mixer and CMX 3000 Dual CD and controller that I have used over the years. Can I connect the Mac to this old unit or is it just too old? And If I can, how do you do it?

Someome told me use the headphone jack out to my laptop and put it into the In-line of my mixer? Is this correct? I don't need anymore cables? My mixer has Digital outs as well, should I use those?

I also want to start recording my mixes into my laptop. Do I need software to do that? How do I do the hookups for that?

Sorry for so many questions. I want to keep up with the DJ game, and I felt that CD's are kinda old now...haha I'm just having trouble figuring out how this stuff works. Any help would be much appreciated!! Thank you!
 
DJ Chas get a controller it will make your life easier. CD's although durable is a dying medium. If you wish to still buy Cd's do just that and rip them to digital files. This way you still have a hard copy of your music. With a controller like the Pioneer it has its own sound card so it will be what you hook up to your system, another mixer is not needed (but can come along as a spare). Most of the dj software out there lets you record your mix.
 
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DJChas said:
After 12 years of playing CD's, I caved in and bought a Macbook Pro laptop.
Click to expand...


Another one went to the Dark side.

Did Darth Vader give you keys to the Death Star as well...? :rolleyes:
 
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DJChas said:
After 12 years of playing CD's, I caved in and bought a Macbook Pro laptop.

3 big questions: Should I buy a new controller like the Pioneer DDJ-SX? or....

I have an old DJM 3000 mixer and CMX 3000 Dual CD and controller that I have used over the years. Can I connect the Mac to this old unit or is it just too old? And If I can, how do you do it?

Someome told me use the headphone jack out to my laptop and put it into the In-line of my mixer? Is this correct? I don't need anymore cables? My mixer has Digital outs as well, should I use those?

I also want to start recording my mixes into my laptop. Do I need software to do that? How do I do the hookups for that?

Sorry for so many questions. I want to keep up with the DJ game, and I felt that CD's are kinda old now...haha I'm just having trouble figuring out how this stuff works. Any help would be much appreciated!! Thank you!
Click to expand...

You really want to go out of the MBPro into a soundcard (or into a mixer with one) instead of the headphone jack. You will have less issues with noise and the frequency response will be better. A multi-channel soundcard will also allow you to have cue mixes separate from the main mix, something you can't do with the headphone jack unless you go mono.
 
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Steve is correct, you can get a MAC compatible sound card or a controller with an integrated card. I'm PC based bit run an NI Audio 10 to a Rane MP-44 or an A&H S2R. As backup I can use the Denon's sound card (HC-4500). Just look for something you are comfortable with.
 
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Now what you can also do is use your same setup. You'll need though an external sound card. Along with a software program and you'll need to disc to put into each deck so the computer will be able to pick up the 2 CD decks. Without the disc you can't use the computer to DJ with that way. Now with a controller there will be no need for a external sound card. They build them into the unit. I have the Denon DN MC 6000 and I love it! It has lots of great features and is built like a tank. I would just get the case with a built in laptop stand and the 6000. Now you choose what you like best. I use VDJ and it works great for me too.
 
NickC said:
Check out the Focusrite Scarlett 2i4. It provides channels 1-2 to your main output and channels 3-4 to your cueing. I also have a Presonus Audiobox USB. Both have incredible sound quality.
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While the Presonus Audiobox has great sound quality (I have one), it is only 1 stereo pair out, so no cue monitoring (the phones monitor the inputs, not a second output pair). They do have a 44VSL which does. The Focusrite would be a good pick.
 
DjSoulrebel said:
Pioneer DDJ-SX is the best controller out!!!!
Click to expand...
That is a good controller and the best that Pioneer makes but I think this controller (pictured below) is much more like playing a traditional vinyl setup.

DSC00716.jpg
 
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DjSoulrebel said:
Pioneer DDJ-SX is the best controller out!!!!
Click to expand...
That is a great controller but the best? It's really what you like and how well you can use it. The one that Numark just made was made to compete with the one Pioneer just made. I just wonder how heavy it is and not everyone cares for the vinyl feel. I asked that question about weight because my partner bought the NS7 with the case and you need 2 people to move it. It weighs a ton! We probably used it twice before he gave it to his son.

Personally they make all the controllers they want. I'll stick with my Denon DN MC 6000. It works great for me and I can carry it myself with the case.
 
Motorized Platters is what usually adds to the weight. Think about it, a Technics SL 1200 Mk II is not light, so when you put two in one unit it becomes even heavier, Add a Mixer to it and there you go, more weight. The Numark had two motorized platters larger case and then Mixer. Yes they are heavy.
 
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MIXMASTERMACHOM said:
John just asking why you vowed to stay away from a controller?
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Mix I was never a big fan of keeping all of my eggs in one basket when it comes to DJ work. I love having multiple separate decks. I also love the feel of spinning on my turntables. The controller just feels too toyish to me. It's just a personal preference for me.
 
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tables 1.jpg tables 2.jpg Here is a shot of my 2 "controllers" :fat: The Vestax in the background was brought in for the groom to do a special mix set on. I was the dj of choice for this grooms/dj's big day.
 
DJ JohnThe1 said:
Mix I was never a big fan of keeping all of my eggs in one basket when it comes to DJ work. I love having multiple separate decks. I also love the feel of spinning on my turntables. The controller just feels too toyish to me. It's just a personal preference for me.
Click to expand...
I asked that question because first it's about what you're comfortable with. I was never going to become a computer DJ and certainly never was going to buy a controller. My partner finally talked me into using a computer to DJ with and I'm so happy he did. I sold my 2 CDJ 800's I had left when I bought the controller I still have and use now. It works great! The only problem I've ever had with it is when it wouldn't come on. The problem was the cord wasn't pushed all the way in. I love my setup I have now and will not be returning to CD's or the Pioneer CD players. All I needed to do was get used to playing on my controller and I'm now a wiz!
 
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