Ipad 2 or another laptop

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bizzyb53

DJ Extraordinaire
Jul 20, 2008
455
62
68
Pittsburgh,Pa.
I am wondering if I should try an ipad2 or another lappy.Anyone know how to implement an ipad2 for our use behind the console? Mt back up is shot.
 
iPad is best used as either a DJ assistant (notes, diagrams, contracts, etc.), a fixed playlist player (cocktail or ceremony system), or as an emergency backup. The storage is limited, so you have to plan what you load, and it's tough to mix on a 9" screen.

I love mine, have used it in all 3 scenarios, and recommend it highly, but I also carry a 2nd laptop as a backup to the main one.
 
I use an iPad as a backup, but I have several things in place to help with that. First, I don't scratch or beatmix, so the extremely simple, affordable, and reliable djay app is what I use. It works seamlessly with the iPad. Second, although I only have 64GB of storage on the iPad, I use iCloud, which let's me instantly download anything that I have in iTunes, but that is not currently on my iPad. I keep my playlists sync'ed, so most of the music I would use during a reception is there already.

Having said all of that, it would be a tiring evening if I had to do 4-5 hours on the iPad alone. I sure wouldn't plan on doing it that way. I Love my Mac, but the damned thing is expensive, and thus I don't carry two of them. If you use PC's, then I would definitely stick with a backup laptop.

Good Luck!!
 
Sorry. To answer your question, I use an Alesis IO Dock to power my iPad during gigs. It offers TRS outputs that I run into my main mixer. However, there are many different options that are becoming available to interface an iPad with control decks. One example is the Pioneer DDJWEGO, that employs a special cable to interface directly with the iPad.

http://www.pioneerelectronics.com/P...f+iPad+with+DDJ-WeGO+and+DDJ-ERGO+Controllers
 
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Very much agree with steve. I love my iPad and it could work as an emergency back up. But if I had to choose between a laptop and a laptop for back up, the laptop wins.

My iPad has become so useful at gigs that I now have a back up of that too, so now I have my back up iPad plugged in, ready for instant music until my back up laptop was ready.

I simply use an 1/8 inch to 1/4" plug on my mixer to go from iPad headphone jack to mixer.
 
I have deejay 2, traktor for iPad, and Play My Q.

Play my q is a very simple program that makes it very easy to load a play list, then add, subtract, or move songs around in that list, which makes it great for cocktail hour.
 
The only tablets I recommend for dj use is any of the windows 8 (.1) pro tablets. They run a full version of windows, they allow you to add more memory or a hard drive. Most if not all have a usb port so your controllers dmx lighht dongles and the such will work. Since your favorite dj software will work it will be a true backup plan and you will not have to use a stripped down or limited dj app.
 
I have deejay 2, traktor for iPad, and Play My Q.

Play my q is a very simple program that makes it very easy to load a play list, then add, subtract, or move songs around in that list, which makes it great for cocktail hour.
I'll have to check it out.
 
The only tablets I recommend for dj use is any of the windows 8 (.1) pro tablets. They run a full version of windows, they allow you to add more memory or a hard drive. Most if not all have a usb port so your controllers dmx lighht dongles and the such will work. Since your favorite dj software will work it will be a true backup plan and you will not have to use a stripped down or limited dj app.

We differ here .. I won't recommend anything running Windows 8 .. just too darn complicated .. and I'm a Computer Engineer.
 
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The only tablets I recommend for dj use is any of the windows 8 (.1) pro tablets. They run a full version of windows, they allow you to add more memory or a hard drive. Most if not all have a usb port so your controllers dmx lighht dongles and the such will work. Since your favorite dj software will work it will be a true backup plan and you will not have to use a stripped down or limited dj app.

Well, to each their own. If you are going to do all that, why not just invest in another laptop? It would probably be cheaper.
 
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I have used an iPad mini as my main at an event just to see how well it worked. I was using DJAY from Algoriddim.... $5 at the iTunes store. It kicks butt. Even beat matches. Doesn't crash, and I would say that every Mac owner should have this program for $5. ( $5 is the sale price, it is usually $10 ). Still with all that, I really prefer working with my HD-Mix. I have OtsAV, Rockit, and Virtual DJ. Out of all of those, I like DJAY the best, but it is ONLY for iOS.
 
I have both Traktor DJ and DJ Dex for the iPad, but find iTunes on the iPad to be just as good for the things I use it for.
 
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The only tablets I recommend for dj use is any of the windows 8 (.1) pro tablets. They run a full version of windows, they allow you to add more memory or a hard drive. Most if not all have a usb port so your controllers dmx lighht dongles and the such will work. Since your favorite dj software will work it will be a true backup plan and you will not have to use a stripped down or limited dj app.

I've never used a windows tablet. Has anyone used a full dj software program on it? No crashes or stalls?
 
I've never used a windows tablet. Has anyone used a full dj software program on it? No crashes or stalls?

I have a friend that does his gigs on a surface pro with a Hercules controller and VDJ. The surface pro is basically an ultrabook with a detachable keyboard
 
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