What’s Next?

[DJ Bobcat]

In thinking about what gear I’d need to buy in order to build a table top/Podium style system, I’m gonna have to buy two new computers.[emoji1] I know... CRAZY. But I don’t want to dismantle either of my current systems, so EVERYTHING would have to be new. I’ve thought about using iMacs this time... I still have the one iMac I bought last year when I was reworking my Large System. I ended up using the Nano Computers w/ my old monitors instead. The Nano computers are fine, but they are a very specific shape and size that would be very difficult to replace if one of them failed. I’ve already done the rack-mounted PC’s, but I replaced them because they’re heavy, noisy, and take up too much space. The ALL-In-One Computers (like the one I use in my Small System) are much more practical for (semi) permanent mounting on a DJ system, because they’re similar to a laptop, only larger, and you can mount them so they fold flat on the top of the rack (or in this case, the podium). The non-removable stands of the newer iMacs make folding them flat a bit of a challenge, but it would be easier to do with a podium I’m designing and building myself, than with a molded plastic rack that you buy.

My Small System AIO PC is 23.5”... In all honesty, that’s even LARGE by my standards.[emoji1] I think 20-21.5” is a better size... Larger than a 17” laptop screen, but not monstrous.[emoji1]

So if I’m gonna use iMacs, I’d need one more. I scoped one out on eBay, just to see what they’re selling for now, and the auction for it just ended. It was sitting at $730, but in the last minute, it shot up to $830. I’ll watch a few more to see if buying a pre-owned one even makes sense. The difference between the price of a brand new one and the final bid for the used one I was watching is not significant.

Not sure yet if iMacs are the best choice or not... it’s just a thought at this point. Functionally, I can’t name one feature they’d provide that a similar Windows AIO PC wouldn’t. So do I wanna spend a few hundred dollars more just to improve my image???[emoji1]

 

[DJ Bobcat]

... I’ve thought about using iMacs this time... I still have the one iMac I bought last year when I was reworking my Large System. I ended up using the Nano Computers w/ my old monitors instead...

OK... I misstated.[emoji1]... I bought the iMac when I was thinking about replacing my laptop, and considered using it when I reworked my SMALL System a year or so ago.[emoji1] This is what happens when you get old... All these events just seem to run together. For those of you under 40, this is what you have to look forward to.[emoji1]

 

[steve149]

Why do you NEED 2 computers? Keep a laptop in the car/van and a live tablet for backup .. much smaller. The probability of a system fail is minimal and you'd still have backup going in a minute or so with a tablet.

 

[djtaso]

Why do you NEED 2 computers? Keep a laptop in the car/van and a live tablet for backup .. much smaller. The probability of a system fail is minimal and you'd still have backup going in a minute or so with a tablet.

Actually, having two computers is very beneficial. You may have a backup up in a minute, but I can have it running in less than 5 seconds with it already out and set up, especially on a controller like the sz.

 

[steve149]

Actually, having two computers is very beneficial. You may have a backup up in a minute, but I can have it running in less than 5 seconds with it already out and set up, especially on a controller like the sz.

My iPad can be running in seconds as well (depending on what went - a little longer if the controller died) .. and run long enough to get a 2nd laptop up. A 2nd unit makes sense if you are also running video, or slideshows or DMX, but not as hot standby for MOST mobile situations, IMO.

Nothing wrong with 2, but for space starved folks (like me usually) , the tablet is king.

 

[DJ Bobcat]

Actually, having two computers is very beneficial. You may have a backup up in a minute, but I can have it running in less than 5 seconds with it already out and set up, especially on a controller like the sz.

^^^^ That is EXACTLY why I have two computers in my Large System, and just recently added the Surface Pro to my Small System. However, as @steve149 stated, the probability of a computer failure is pretty low, especially if you have relatively new and well maintained computers. However, my laptop locked up at my very first gig, and had to be rebooted... No backup... almost two minutes of silence. I’ll NEVER let that happen again.[emoji1]


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[djtaso]

My iPad can be running in seconds as well (depending on what went - a little longer if the controller died) .. and run long enough to get a 2nd laptop up. A 2nd unit makes sense if you are also running video, or slideshows or DMX, but not as hot standby for MOST mobile situations, IMO.

Nothing wrong with 2, but for space starved folks (like me usually) , the tablet is king.

I suppose, I guess as someone that's mixing songs within a minute, I need something that's serato ready, as I don't typically have songs playing long enough where I'd be able to have time to get another laptop set up.

 

[steve149]

I suppose, I guess as someone that's mixing songs within a minute, I need something that's serato ready, as I don't typically have songs playing long enough where I'd be able to have time to get another laptop set up.

Yes .. your needs are probably better served with 2 laptops. Most mobile jocks aren't hammering the system as much ..

 

[DJ Bobcat]

I suppose, I guess as someone that's mixing songs within a minute, I need something that's serato ready, as I don't typically have songs playing long enough where I'd be able to have time to get another laptop set up.

That’s one reason I’m looking at the Denon MC7000... dual USB, so I can hook up two computers. But I’m curious... What’s your contingency plan for a controller failure?[emoji4]


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[djtaso]

That’s one reason I’m looking at the Denon MC7000... dual USB, so I can hook up two computers. But I’m curious... What’s your contingency plan for a controller failure?[emoji4]


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I do have another controller with me at all times... same one.

 

[DJ Bobcat]

I do have another controller with me at all times... same one.

Good plan. Still takes a little time to swap out a controller, but not as much as when they’re mounted in a rack. I was carrying my second MC6000MK2 with my Small System for a short time, until I mounted it in my new Large System. I didn’t have a controller backup at my last gig, but it really would not be very difficult to pull the one from whichever system I’m NOT using. Both systems usually go with me anyway, and one stays in the minivan. Might be smarter to just to carry the spare controller and leave one system behind.[emoji1]


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[steve149]

There's too many points of failure to have a hot standby for everything. Keep backups close and something to fill the time needed to change a part out is about the best you can do without running 2 full systems simultaneously.

 

[DJ Bobcat]

... A 2nd unit makes sense if you are also running video, or slideshows or DMX, but not as hot standby for MOST mobile situations, IMO.

With my current Large System, the second computer DOES control my DMX, and it has a second video output so I can hook up my projector for slideshows or music visualizations. It’s also hooked up to my secondary mixer for playing music if something happens to my main computer or controller. Finally, I can switch the USB cable on the patch panel to connect my controller to the backup computer. Never had to do any of that, but it’s a plan, and I’ve practiced doing it.

 

[DJ Bobcat]

There's too many points of failure to have a hot standby for everything...

You’re right, no doubt. Doesn’t keep me from trying.[emoji1] I have my controllers and backup computers connected to a secondary mixer in both systems now. However, I have no backups for either of the secondary mixers. I can bypass the secondary mixers pretty quickly, but not instantly. Wireless mics are going through the secondary mixer too, which is why MY mic and one spare wired mic are connected to the controller. Contingencies can boggle your mind for sure.[emoji1]


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[djcrazychris]

i have 7 hrs of premixed dance sets...15 to 20 minutes each i keep loaded on both my laptop (only carry one as a backup due to my controller being an all in one) and on my phone... if the rx2 ever fails on me... the phone plugs straight in to my soundboard .... bout 10 seconds... a mix plays for 15 minutes while i trouble shoot/reboot the rx2 while at the same time bringing up the computer...

hope this never happens...but atleast theres a safety net

i definitely recommend premixing atleast one amazing dance set and having it as your first available resource while converting to plan b

cc

 

[DJ Bobcat]

Why do you NEED 2 computers? Keep a laptop in the car/van and a live tablet for backup .. much smaller. The probability of a system fail is minimal and you'd still have backup going in a minute or so with a tablet.

If I'm building something, I could have a lid on the top with two AIO computers mounted in it. Kinda like this...


... Something 21.5 inches or maybe as small as 20 inches would be fine.

 

[SEDJ]

I right there with you Bob, but with something like this

 

[DJ Bobcat]

So what do WE think about this look... the light bar over the DJ Booth???...

... I currently use a single light tree with 4 wash lights and 2 Mini Kintas. Is this look out of style???

 

[steve149]

I try to keep lights away from me and angled in to floor. This might be a bit too close. The benefit is no tripod for anchoring .. which is nice.

 

[DJ Bobcat]

I try to keep lights away from me and angled in to floor. This might be a bit too close. The benefit is no tripod for anchoring .. which is nice.

I mostly set my light tree up off to one side. I HAVE set it up behind me when space is tight, but I don’t care for having it behind me because it casts too much light on my monitors. Never had lights directly over top (or barely in front). It could work OK, just not sure I like the look of it.

If Could figure out a good way to easily and quickly set up movers on totems, I would. But totems are large and bulky compared to a light stand, and setting them up and putting on scrims takes time to setup, and I’m all about minimizing setup time.


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