Computer DJing

[spinner 0]

I'm getting tired of lugging round 5 or 6 cases of CDs, just in case someone asks for a track I haven't played for ages, and I'm considering the PC route.

 

As a complete novice in this area I'm not entirely sure what I need so I'm hoping those with more experience can advise me.

 

I'm assuming I'll need a controller ( such as Alcatech or the PCDJ DAC-3 ), a cpu

( possibly rackmount but not sure where to get an appropriate one ), an operating system ( e.g. Windows XP ) a decent soundcard ( possibly Maya USB ) and software ( BPM Studio seems quite good ) plus a decent mixer. I want a package that will remain permanently connected rather than having to plug/unplug for each gig. Is anyone operating a system like this?

 

I'm not sure about using a laptop because of the heat most of them generate although their lightweight is appealing and the possibility of, perhaps, adding an external hard drive sounds good.

 

The 00DJ looks very good but I'm trying to avoid that much expenditure. The Numark HDCD1 is less expensive but also relatively untried at the moment.

 

Comments please!!

[Gary 0]

QUOTE (spinner @ Jul 4 2006, 03:10 PM)

The Numark HDCD1 is less expensive but also relatively untried at the moment.

Never mind the HD-CD1

 

Check out Numarks Director D2. (pron: D-Squared)

 

http://www.discostudio.co.uk/images/shopimages/4818.jpg

 

Just under £500 - give it a seperate harddrive, or pen drive full of you fav tunes and off yer go...

 

Made by a real disco equipment manufacturer, not just a domestic PC/laptop being pushed into DJ use, and no blinking MS Windows or heat to have to explain to the bride. http://www.dj-forum.co.uk/html//emoticons/biggrin.gif

Edited July 4, 2006 by Gary

[DJ Marky Marc 0]

laptop is the easy route...

 

or how about a MAC with tractor and a Allen and heath Xone:3D

 

the Xone:3D is your mixer, sound cards and controler all in one unit and the mac with tractor is bomb prof (well almost)

 

 

[FDDJ 0]

QUOTE (Gary @ Jul 4 2006, 03:25 PM)

Made by a real disco equipment manufacturer, not just a domestic PC/laptop being pushed into DJ use, and no blinking MS Windows or heat to have to explain to the bride.

Has anyone actually had these problems?

 

I have never come across an OtsDJ user who has, be it on a laptop or a rackmount PC and I know guys that have been using it 3 nights a week for six years.

 

Laptop heat can be kept to a minimum by using a cool pad such as this:

 

http://www.maplin.co.uk/images/300/29973i0.jpg

 

And as long as you keep the laptop clean and only use it for DJ work (don't install loads of other programmes) Windows XP is very stable.

 

Check out MusicXP.net for info on tuning XP to use it for professional audio applications.

 

Edited To Add:

 

I think OtsDJ is the key word here because I do know of two people who have had problems with PCDJ, so I am probably biased.

Edited July 4, 2006 by StevJam

[Gary 0]

QUOTE (StevJam @ Jul 4 2006, 03:39 PM)

QUOTE (Gary @ Jul 4 2006, 03:25 PM) Made by a real disco equipment manufacturer, not just a domestic PC/laptop being pushed into DJ use, and no blinking MS Windows or heat to have to explain to the bride. Has anyone actually had these problems? Oh most definately.   There have been some members on here who have mentioned either Heat, or Windows or both mucking up things, giving database error messages 20 minutes before gig start etc - but also at the DJ exhibitions, I speak with several DJs each Exhib day who thought they could get away with using a lap/pc, but then end up getting a dual CD-deck as a reliable way of playing CDs, for when the (un?) expected happens.   With this glorious plethoria of hot weather we're having now, and I suspect more DJs playing in non-air conditioned venues, than air conditioned ones, I'm expecting to hear even more tales of heat-induced window woe at DJ Show North this year, than last year. We're promised that we will actually be able to hear more of everything (and less speaker rigs) this year.   The other thing to be aware of is that the Under-laptop fan cooler pads, as shown in your post Steve, can, in some case actually make the problem worse, by fighting against the lappys own underside fan - eg: If the pad is pushing cold air up to the underside of he laptop, and the laptop is one that pushes its exhaust air down out of its underside.   Different applications, eg: Can use different amounts of CPU/memory and graphic card resources, and obviously the more resources used, the more heat is generated. EG: A humble Notepad/text editor Versus a high resolution, graphics intensive screen saver etc. But, in two similar types of software, I would suspect both to work the resources by a similar amount.   Even things like bitrates can change things though. Lower bitrates eg: 128kbps require less decoding (less CPU usage) than say a 320kbps file - and less CPU/memory work means less heat.

Edited July 4, 2006 by Gary

[Kingy 0]

I don't do this at present. If (or should I say when) I go down this route I will almost definatley use a tower based system all fully flight-cased and exclusively used for the job. Nothing else would be on there.

 

I don't know anything at all about the different programmes available. For my type of gig, which would be best and why?

 

I don't need samplers etc (despite having them on my Denon units) and don't do any form of mixing.

 

Over to the Compu Guys....... http://www.dj-forum.co.uk/html//emoticons/scared.gif

[spinner 0]

Thanks to everyone for the various responses.

 

I've just viewed a video of the Numark D2 and that looks favourite.

 

It's available for as little as £425 and stand alone high capacity hard drives are not expensive.

 

I can couple the D2 to either my DJM600 or DJM500, add one or two of my Pioneer decks and have an initial belt and braces set up.

 

Much less expensive than I was expecting.

[BigBen 0]

Not looked into the D² ( http://www.dj-forum.co.uk/html//emoticons/rolleyes.gif ) as yet. I have been using a laptop for the last five years in parallel with my twin cd - they back each other up effectively. I use both WinAmp and OtsDJ and have never had any problems (touch as much wood as I can!). It is a Win98 system, cut down to the bare minimum as suggested. No speacial heat removal devices or anything out of the ordinary...just a basic laptop.

[buskersball 0]

Instead of a lap top, why not look at one of the mini pc's. I've got a Chyang Fun (or something like that) and have a decent souncard to go with it. Have a look at Scan Computers website under barebones systems!

They are easier to install memory, CPU and CD/DVD and have more space inside for air circulation. Mine comes with a handle on top for carrying around, and you can even install a couple of blue leds and transparent sides so it looks super cool on your dj stand.

For backup, I take a minidisc MP3 walkman with a few pre mixed discs...never needed it, but its comforting to have. I also have a 300gb hard disc which I keep at home with all the tunes on just in case the pc ever walks.

Laptops do get hot which is worrying (although mine never crashed) but you can guarantee if a laptop ever does, it will be towards the end of the night when you least need it to (everybody slap bang in a party mood)

The mini PCs are much less prone to heating up, and you can even install a CPU monitor in the spare floppy slot, which gived you a readout of the CPU temperature, enabling you to incease fan speed or at least be aware something is going wrong.

You should have no problems with a laptop, however if it is a worry, then get a mini PC (or mini Mac even)

[transeurope 0]

I know of no one having hardware problems with laptops at the moment.

 

It was a factor some years ago. It is still theoretically possible, however some of the issues that affect laptops also affect CD players and turntables. They can overheat also.

 

One neat thing about all computers, especially non-laptop computers is that they are soooo easy to repair/get repaired. If it is a regular PC no waiting for 6 weeks for some allegedly exotic part to come back. Pop into Maplins, get part, bung it in/pay neighbourhood teenage computer whiz 20 quid and you're back in action in a day.

 

If you are a play/pause rather than dance DJ, you can do something even neater, which is being done in the US.

 

As the demands of the punters to find songs/load them quickly get more intense, some conservative play/pause DJs who were reluctant to change over are using 2 PCs routed into regular mixer.

 

You can pick up quite a competent lappie for something like 400 notes. Two of them is a far far more reliable setup than having two DJ CD players, many of which cost that money anyway.

 

Not the route I'd go, but I can see its advantages.

 

I don't think the D2 is out yet.

 

 

[Gary 0]

QUOTE (spinner @ Jul 4 2006, 06:03 PM)

Thanks to everyone for the various responses. I've just viewed a video of the Numark D2 and that looks favourite. It's available for as little as £425 and stand alone high capacity hard drives are not expensive. I can couple the D2 to either my DJM600 or DJM500, add one or two of my Pioneer decks and have an initial belt and braces set up. Much less expensive than I was expecting.

I too think that the D² is one of the best of the new options and certainly supercedes the previous methods of getting music from a harddrive to an audience.

 

After all, on a laptop, almost everyone is agreed that you shouldn't put any software or hardware onboard that you don't need eg: Dont install games, other music software, internet browsers, auto-updates etc, etc. All those other, potentially conflicting drivers and background processes can cause problems. A pure virgin install, as it were.

 

With the D², and other similar DJ devices, it will always be pure. At the same price, or in some cases £better than a well-spec'd laptop, and with potentially, none of the issues, I think that the D² is a surefire winner, and one of the first true solutions to reliable hard drive DJing, with considerably less drawbacks than domestic "solutions".

Edited July 5, 2006 by Gary

[UKHero 0]

Hi Big Ben is that a licenced version of OtsDJ as the current version wont work on Win98 http://www.dj-forum.co.uk/html//emoticons/huh.gif Naught boy lol. http://www.dj-forum.co.uk/html//emoticons/biggrin.gif

 

I have used OtsDJ for many years and have found it to be fantastic.

 

Tried BPM Studio before that was good untill I used ots I down loaded the demo and with in 20 mins had paid my money for the full version and never looked back.

 

As to laptops well I started Digital DJing with an old P2 133 Tower and 15" monitor then went to an old Dell Latitude then an IBM Thinkpad and have just moved to a Dell XPS and touch wood have never had a problem with any of them.

 

 

As to heat and non Air Con the IBM now comes with me when I am lorry Driving (Yes something else I do HGV Class 1 if you need a driver) sits on the dash in blazing hot sunlight very hot to the touch and still works like a dream. If this is not a test of how hot a Laptop can get and still work I dont know what is.

 

Nik

 

[BigBen 0]

QUOTE (UKHero @ Jul 5 2006, 08:24 AM)

Hi Big Ben is that a licenced version of OtsDJ as the current version wont work on Win98

Bloody is licensed you cheeky sod! http://www.dj-forum.co.uk/html//emoticons/tongue.gif

 

The version I use on the laptop is one I installed when I first got the software a year or two ago...not sure of the version number. However, I took advantage of their recent price reduction to upgrade to version 1.15 Pro - meaning I get all updates to version 2...when it is finally released..http://www.dj-forum.co.uk/html//emoticons/sad.gif

[EdBray 0]

QUOTE (UKHero @ Jul 5 2006, 08:24 AM)

Hi Big Ben is that a licenced version of OtsDJ as the current version wont work on Win98 http://www.dj-forum.co.uk/html//emoticons/huh.gif Naught boy lol. http://www.dj-forum.co.uk/html//emoticons/biggrin.gif

Nik,

 

Think you've got your facts wrong there, see http://otsdj.com/faqs.html for system requirements.

 

Q. What are the minimum system requirements to run this program?

- A Pentium II/III is ideal, though the program will run fine on a Pentium 233MHz and above.

 

- Cyrix chips do not feature too well, due to their relatively weak floating point capabilities. You can use a Cyrix CPU, but it will have to be fairly high-end, ie. a P300 or above.

 

- OtsDJ will run on Windows 95, 98, ME, 2000 or XP.

 

Eddie.

 

[UKHero 0]

Well Ed dont know about the FAQ but I once tried to install latest version on Win98 and it did not want to know.

 

But it might have been something I did so fair comment.

 

Nik

 

[UKHero 0]

QUOTE (BigBen @ Jul 5 2006, 09:37 AM)

QUOTE (UKHero @ Jul 5 2006, 08:24 AM) Hi Big Ben is that a licenced version of OtsDJ as the current version wont work on Win98 Bloody is licensed you cheeky sod! http://www.dj-forum.co.uk/html//emoticons/tongue.gif   The version I use on the laptop is one I installed when I first got the software a year or two ago...not sure of the version number. However, I took advantage of their recent price reduction to upgrade to version 1.15 Pro - meaning I get all updates to version 2...when it is finally released..http://www.dj-forum.co.uk/html//emoticons/sad.gif Yes it has been nearly 2 years now since last upgrade release. I did think that Ots had gone bust at one time but looks like things are moving again now. Not to sure how much use the auto BPM mixing will be for me but will be interesting to have a play with.   Nik     PS sorry to cast aspertions http://www.dj-forum.co.uk/html//emoticons/sadwalk.gif

[spinner 0]

QUOTE (Gary @ Jul 5 2006, 08:21 AM)

QUOTE (spinner @ Jul 4 2006, 06:03 PM) Thanks to everyone for the various responses. I've just viewed a video of the Numark D2 and that looks favourite. It's available for as little as £425 and stand alone high capacity hard drives are not expensive. I can couple the D2 to either my DJM600 or DJM500, add one or two of my Pioneer decks and have an initial belt and braces set up. Much less expensive than I was expecting. I too think that the D² is one of the best of the new options and certainly supercedes the previous methods of getting music from a harddrive to an audience.   After all, on a laptop, almost everyone is agreed that you shouldn't put any software or hardware onboard that you don't need eg: Dont install games, other music software, internet browsers, auto-updates etc, etc. All those other, potentially conflicting drivers and background processes can cause problems. A pure virgin install, as it were.   With the D², and other similar DJ devices, it will always be pure. At the same price, or in some cases £better than a well-spec'd laptop, and with potentially, none of the issues, I think that the D² is a surefire winner, and one of the first true solutions to reliable hard drive DJing, with considerably less drawbacks than domestic "solutions". Due out in September and I have one on order.

[Gary 0]

QUOTE (spinner @ Jul 5 2006, 04:35 PM)

QUOTE (Gary @ Jul 5 2006, 08:21 AM) QUOTE (spinner @ Jul 4 2006, 06:03 PM) Thanks to everyone for the various responses. I've just viewed a video of the Numark D2 and that looks favourite. It's available for as little as £425 and stand alone high capacity hard drives are not expensive. I can couple the D2 to either my DJM600 or DJM500, add one or two of my Pioneer decks and have an initial belt and braces set up. Much less expensive than I was expecting. I too think that the D² is one of the best of the new options and certainly supercedes the previous methods of getting music from a harddrive to an audience.   After all, on a laptop, almost everyone is agreed that you shouldn't put any software or hardware onboard that you don't need eg: Dont install games, other music software, internet browsers, auto-updates etc, etc. All those other, potentially conflicting drivers and background processes can cause problems. A pure virgin install, as it were.   With the D², and other similar DJ devices, it will always be pure. At the same price, or in some cases £better than a well-spec'd laptop, and with potentially, none of the issues, I think that the D² is a surefire winner, and one of the first true solutions to reliable hard drive DJing, with considerably less drawbacks than domestic "solutions". Due out in September and I have one on order. Superb. Did you do much shopping around on price? If so...£what and where from?

[D.X 0]

If the D2 is everything Numark says it is then that will surely be my next purchase. Been looking at it for a while and it looks superb for mobile DJ's. No windows, no software, no overheating laptops etc etc. Really does look like a top class piece of kit.

[spinner 0]

QUOTE (Gary @ Jul 5 2006, 03:48 PM)

QUOTE (spinner @ Jul 5 2006, 04:35 PM) QUOTE (Gary @ Jul 5 2006, 08:21 AM) QUOTE (spinner @ Jul 4 2006, 06:03 PM) Thanks to everyone for the various responses. I've just viewed a video of the Numark D2 and that looks favourite. It's available for as little as £425 and stand alone high capacity hard drives are not expensive. I can couple the D2 to either my DJM600 or DJM500, add one or two of my Pioneer decks and have an initial belt and braces set up. Much less expensive than I was expecting. I too think that the D² is one of the best of the new options and certainly supercedes the previous methods of getting music from a harddrive to an audience.   After all, on a laptop, almost everyone is agreed that you shouldn't put any software or hardware onboard that you don't need eg: Dont install games, other music software, internet browsers, auto-updates etc, etc. All those other, potentially conflicting drivers and background processes can cause problems. A pure virgin install, as it were.   With the D², and other similar DJ devices, it will always be pure. At the same price, or in some cases £better than a well-spec'd laptop, and with potentially, none of the issues, I think that the D² is a surefire winner, and one of the first true solutions to reliable hard drive DJing, with considerably less drawbacks than domestic "solutions". Due out in September and I have one on order. Superb. Did you do much shopping around on price? If so...£what and where from? A Google search produced DJ Store, DJ Superstore, Dolphin Music, Disco Studio, JBs, and West End DJ all at £479 plus EBDJ at £999 (!!!) and DJ Empire at £CALL.   DJ Bargains advertised price is £425 and that's where I've placed my order.

[brianmole 0]

QUOTE (DJ Marky Marc @ Jul 4 2006, 03:26 PM)

laptop is the easy route... or how about a MAC with tractor and a Allen and heath Xone:3D the Xone:3D is your mixer, sound cards and controler all in one unit and the mac with tractor is bomb prof (well almost)

Good call, Traktor DJ is far more flexible than OTS IMO. I tried OTS, found it a little too automated and it does seem to look like someone at Lego wrote the front end http://www.dj-forum.co.uk/html//emoticons/tongue.gif

 

Another problem with OTS is that it will only run on a PC, and I don't trust PCs. Please note that those of you who use OTS are very happy with it, and I see it is a very good product - just not for me!

 

Native Instruments who make Traktor are celebrating 10 years in the business, and they are offering a whopping 60% off the price for a few weeks. I think it's selling for 100 euros!

 

Now that is what I call a bargain for a premium product. I am getting a copy, may be able to dem it at the next SEDA meeting hopefully.

[Jimbo55 0]

Demoing it right now Brian.

 

Jimbo

[lateandlive 0]

To be honest, i'm looking at a totally over the top idea, but one that I think would work fairly well?!?!

 

I do Hospital Radio too, and i'm thinking of buying a 'bare bones' PC (or lappie, not fussed which!) which I want to LOAD with memory, and install a program called Myriad by P Squared onto.

 

SCREENSHOT

KEYBOARD CONTROL

 

It basically presents you with an audiowall of your music, and 4 virtual cart machines at the bottom...drag and drop then press play on your keyboard! It IS an ultimate luxury, and probably totally OTT, but it eliminates all the need for CD's, however I think i'd still end up taking one player and a few CD's with me incase! All i'd need was the PC, mixer amp and speakers.....I dunno.....maybe i'm going mad?!?! http://www.dj-forum.co.uk/html//emoticons/stupid.gif

[analyst 0]

QUOTE

.I dunno.....maybe i'm going mad?!?!

No Comment - Have you seen the price of a Myriad system? http://www.dj-forum.co.uk/html//emoticons/fear.gif

I've used Myriad extensively for radio broadcasting but never heard of anyone wanting to use it for private use.

 

And even for broadcasting, I don't think that its all that its cracked up to be http://www.dj-forum.co.uk/html//emoticons/sad.gif

 

If you really want a radio station playout system I'd recommend looking carefully at Radio Server Player 2 free to trial and not expensive to buy.

 

It's certainly a lot more pocket-friendly, does the job very well and is under constant development. You can suggest new ideas to Chris M and he will act on them very quickly if they are worthy. That's something you'd never get from P².

 

 

[spinner 0]

QUOTE (brianmole @ Jul 5 2006, 05:23 PM)

Good call, Traktor DJ is far more flexible than OTS IMO. I tried OTS, found it a little too automated and it does seem to look like someone at Lego wrote the front end http://www.dj-forum.co.uk/html//emoticons/tongue.gif

I've only ever used OTS at radio stations - isn't that what it was designed for?