Hd 2500 New Bit Of Gear

[4zzz 0]

Always been drawn towards buying the hd2500.

Currently using Mixmeister Fusion with dual cd back up.

 

Want to stop lugging cd,s around and thinking about going HD2500 with mixmeister as back up.

 

What are your views chaps from those of you who are using the HD 2500 in a live situation.

 

A bit more fun having traditional style controls to play with rather than laptop.

[Gary 0]

I've been using a DN-HD2500 for almost 18 months now, and I also demonstrat them to othe DJs at DJ trade shows etc - fantastic bit of kit, which I personally would trust the reliability of over and above the laptop idea which you mentioned. Many many DJs have reported quirky laptop problems at gigs over many years along the lines of "got halfway through my gig the other night when my laptop suddenly..." - too many variables, perhaps.

 

 

 

As you say of course, a DN-HD2500 is more "hands on" for DJing than a mouse and a mouse mat - Although the 2500 can be used as a MIDI controller for most good "DJ" programs for lappys.

 

 

 

I use my 2500 with 3 x external hard drives (although it can take 4), and the 2500 has an internal hard drive too, which could store your "core" tunes (incase someone tipped a beer over your external drive, for example). I also have a USB keyboard connected to the 2500 which enables even faster searching for tracks.

 

 

 

Searching is near instant on the 2500. Search by Artist, and instantly all the tracks that you've got by that artist appear, search by YEAR and everything you've got from that year appears. Searching by BPM is just as quikc and very clever, as it allows you to set a "range" of BPMs to be displayed eg: 5bpm above or below the BPM you searched for - as you can obviously use the pitch control to mix in tracks which are a few BPM out.

 

 

 

DJs with larger music collections will especially benefit from the 2500's 2-step search. This allows you to search for tracks where not one, but TWO criteria are met - eg: Tracks from Whitney Houston...BUT ONLY if the BPM is around 120BPM (so it wont bring up all the ballads), or a search perhaps of tunes from 1980, but only if the word "love" was in the title. Partial/String searchs are easily done too eg: All tracks whose titles have got "ARE" in the title, would bring back "cAREless whisper", "Who ARE you", "dARE to dream" etc,etc...

 

 

 

The 2500 will not only play MP3s, but will also let you play uncompressed/uncompromised WAV (wave) files with tag information (eg: Artist, song title, genre, year, BPM etc). As you're probably aware, WAV files can be approx 10 times the size of MP3s but with hard drive prices plummeting, and capacities getting bigger - WAV with tags might be the way to go for you. Another huge bonus with WAV files is that CDs rip so much faster to WAV, than to MP3 (no mp3 encoding taking place) - I can rip both CDs from a double CD compilation, to hard drive with tags in approx 1 minute (using 2 CD-ROM drives on the home PC).

 

 

 

A few 2500 users have had some issues with certain makes/models of external drive - including slow data/playback, which the latest firmware (v1300) has resolved. One or two users (who I'm working with by forum PM) on v1300 have got a remaining issue or two, but - since Denon release new firmware updates free-of-charge, and these are simply downloaded from the Denon website when available and fed into the 2500 via USB - user updates are quick and easy.

 

 

 

The 2500 can store 1000 playlists per drive, with upto 99 tracks per playlist and for things like background music, you can even set up a different playlist on each side of the 2500 and have the 2500 play a track from the left playlist, then a track from the right playlist etc... all crossfading the next track into the ending of the current track etc - I use this feature alot for background music for dinner dances etc - great for when there are several distinct age groups in the audience.

 

 

 

The 2500 also allows (since the last update), searching by Folder (handy for DJs moving over to the 2500 from a Windows laptop), and HOTLIST. Hotlist allows you to store tracks for playing later - a bit like how we used to balance CDs or records half in/half out of the record/CD cases to remind us to play requests or "inspired" (haven't play that for a while) type tracks. Items in the hotlist are freely selectable at any time of the night, and once played, hotlist tracks get a tick displayed by the side of them - handy if you've been rushed off your feet that night and cant remember whether you've played a request or not.

 

 

 

One quick extra hint: Dont buy an imported 2500 - there are a few emailshots and spam forum postings (not on here - DJU does a superb job of filtering spam, which some other forums dont) offering tempting prices for alledgedly UK-spec kit...but dont. Imported units tend to have their serial numbers scratched off by the exporter, so that the exporter cant be traced. No serial number means no way of registering for updates, and no UK warranty as standard. "Saving" £ by importing could cost you loads down the line.

 

 

 

If you've got any specific questions feel free to post them here, or PM me.

 

 

[aaadisco 0]

I've been using the Denon for about 4 months now and I absolutely love it!

 

It is like mixing with Denon CDJ's only you are using MP3s.

 

I would recommend getting one!!!

Edited June 16, 2008 by aaadisco

[DJ Marky Marc 0]

i use mine on the road every week and i love it ....

 

so easy to find the requests and have things ready to play in seconds...

 

 

[stardust 0]

I will give you my point of view (from someone who is not an expert and only been DJ'ng for a few years),

 

It is the best piece of kit i have bought and i really cannot praise it enough,

 

I love Laptops, have my own IT business and have used laptops for the last 10 years for everything!

I started playing with Traktor and Ableton Live around 5 years ago and the things you can do with these types of software is amazing (however somewhat cheating a few people would say!),

 

So yes, i am very Pro Laptop, but the reasons why i have moved over are the following -

 

Less consumables (sound card, laptop, controller, lots of cables, microphone input problems)

(All which cannot really be bundled together in a rack case for example)

Now all i have is the ND2500, numark mixer (with usb) all contained in a 19" rack case.

 

Ater using the hd2500 at the gigs i have done, i feel like a new man! i feel much more involved and more in control (sounds a bit soppy i know!!),

I do remember how in the past i did spend a lot of time leaning over my laptop clicking my mouse button trying to find tracks!

I won;t go on and bore you with the great features (which is the other reason why i have moved over) because they are mentioned enough.

 

The beauty of having a mixer with a USB connection is that you can take your laptop with you to gigs and use it as a backup (Instead of taking a backup media player or CD player) by plugging it into the mixer if the hd2500 ever failed!

 

I still use the laptop to create mashups and mixes (with Ableton live), record them as mp3's or Wav's and then whack them on the Denon.

[4zzz 0]

Thanks for the great replys guys.

 

The Denon is on the shopping list.

What Denon mixer would you reccommend.

Need 4 channels

2 mics

Need rackmont

 

Your passion for this product shows in your posts

[eazy 0]

Thanks for the great replys guys.

 

The Denon is on the shopping list.

What Denon mixer would you reccommend.

Need 4 channels

2 mics

Need rackmont

 

Your passion for this product shows in your posts

 

mixer depends i went for the x500 cheapest lol but reason being and i may stand corrected it was x 500 or x900 for a denon 19" rack mount and the only difference i could find was built in effects and obviously price

 

and as you will find the hd2500 has loads of great effects anyway without mixer effects

 

as i said only my opinion and i'm sure somebody will correct me if i'm wrong

 

needless to say i also love my hd2500 dont think i could live without it now is so simple to use and its versatility is endless

 

just another wee note so no-one gets the wrong idea , you dont need one to be a good or proper dj its purely self indulgence but in my opinion makes the job really handy as well as very enjoyable

[Dukesy 0]

Might consider a MkII if it has dedicated features more to my needs but yes, owners do seem happy.

Told today that cheaper dedicated systems (i.e. for VJing with files) are better choice than the 2500.

[Gary 0]

Might consider a MkII if it has dedicated features more to my needs but yes, owners do seem happy.

 

 

 

What sort of extra features did you have in mind Dan? I'm all ears, and certainly a feature which was suggested by a member of DJU has previously been implimented by Denon DJ on a Denon DN-HD2500 and their other professional media controllers in the range. The idea went from DJU member to units Worldwide, free, in a matter of a few months.

 

 

 

As for the mixers, both the DN-X500 and DN-X900 are instantly 19inch rack mount mixers, both offering 4 channels and 2 mic inputs.

 

 

 

The main differences are that the x900 offers Digital Inputs (handy as the DN-HD2500 offers Digital Outputs and fantastic ASIO premium quality sound built-in), an effects send/return connection (for using external effects units), and more output options (for running several amps in different rooms - even different channels to different rooms, providing variable sound levels to external sound-to-light devices, recording devices etc)

 

 

 

There is also the DN-X1500 at the top end of the scale, with built-in effects, display etc - but that is 12 inches wide, and would need its RMK-1500 rack mount adaptor to make it rack mountable.

 

 

 

 

[Dukesy 0]

Downloads have been the way forward for a longtime for mp3s. Video content is in demand and will be Downloadable (HQ)! Modern DJ Software includes mp3 AND video manipulation, effects, etc. Go figure!

 

So give me a dedicated encompassing AV unit (pleeeeeeaaaaasssseeeeeeeeeeee!) and I'll never mention the 'P' word again.

 

I'm all ears

Must of had a lot of wax previously then!

 

 

[stardust 0]

What about the DENON DNX 050 ??

 

http://www.htfr.com/more-info/MR249274

 

I have had my eye on this but it doesnt offer many features from what i can see ??

 

[Gary 0]

What about the DENON DNX 050 ??

 

http://www.htfr.com/more-info/MR249274

 

I have had my eye on this but it doesnt offer many features from what i can see ??

 

 

 

Its a good mixer, but only 2 channel, rather than a 4 channel, which was what was requested on the thread.

 

 

 

Quite a few people have mentioned to me, when seeing the DN-X050, that they thing that there is one feature missing But the funny thing is...that one feature is different for each person that's said it. For one person, they'd like a 3rd mic channel, another would have liked to have seen an effects send/return loop etc.

 

 

 

Still its a very desirable mixer...It nearly wandered off all by itself two or three times at the last demo night (tongue in cheek though...the wanderer-off-er, was just playing games.

 

 

[gadget 0]

Had a quick play with the HD2500, its verry nice.. and I'd consider buying one when I do more gigs. Its the all-in-one aspect that can be easily rack-mounted that makes it appealing (as well as its features too!)

 

I'm considering RM mixers first though (and RM flight cases too)

 

David

[4zzz 0]

Just ordered hd 2500 $1295.00 approx 650 pounds. :Thumbup:

 

Hope the wife doesn't read my posts

 

Just need new mixer now and a new case and all sorted.

 

Love buying new toys

 

Thanks for all your help

[bigMCben 0]

Can I make the following suggestion, as it's what I use and find, as with Ronseal, that it does exactly what it say on the tin.

 

Denon HD-2500 (3U)

Denon X500 Mixer (4U)

http://www.sbpcc.pwp.blueyonder.co.uk/Denon.jpg

Blanking Plate (4U)

http://di1.shopping.com/images/di/42/55/33/57642d482d795a4b5257593678393077686151-100x100-0-0.jpg

Trust Neon Blue Illuminated Keyboard

http://ecx.images-amazon.com/images/I/41lVHA2f-XL._SL500_AA280_.jpg

Thomann 12U Tilting Case

http://images4.thomann.de/pics/prod/174298.jpg

 

The blanking plate is fitted upside down at the bottom of the case and the keyboard sits on it, attached by superglue. The cable is fed down at the top of the plate and then the 2500 is fitted, leaving a small gap so as not to trap the cable. Finally the mixer is fitted above the 2500, as in the photo above. The total height of this is 11U, meaning that there's a gap, of about an inch, between the top of the mixer and the case to allow for all the cables connected to the mixer. Add in a powered USB 4 port hub, and that's you ready to rock n'roll.

[4zzz 0]

Thanks for that MC Ben.

 

Didn't really get the bit about the gluing od cable and attaching blanking plate.

Or am I just being really thick?

[stardust 0]

Do you know which DJ site stocks the Thomann 12U Tilting Case ??

 

I am desperate for a case just like this which actually fits the 2500 + Denon mixer, the one i have is a couple of inches to small so i have had to do a custom job to it..

[gadget 0]

Do you know which DJ site stocks the Thomann 12U Tilting Case ??

 

 

 

Err Thomann?

 

http://www.thomann.de/gb/19_inch_table_top_racks.html

 

 

I'm after something similar - 10U tilted on the top bit and 4U underneath at the front (for radio mic/eq/cd drawers)...

 

 

David

Edited June 25, 2008 by gadget

[stardust 0]

Err cheers for that

Steve

[bigMCben 0]

Thanks for that MC Ben.

 

Didn't really get the bit about the gluing od cable and attaching blanking plate.

Or am I just being really thick?

 

The keyboard isn't 19" wide and doesn't have mounting holes, therefore it can't be fitted directly into the case. This is what the blanking plate is used for. The plate has a lip, to reinforce the plate (if you looked at it side on it looks like an L), and this is normally mounted face down, however if you mount it with the lip facing upwards and at the bottom, the keyboard can then sit on it. It then has to be secured to the plate, and a few spots of superglue to the underside of the keyboard is enough to hold it securely to the blanking plate. You then have to run the cable to the USB hub sitting in the bottom of the case. You could drill a hole in the blanking plate and feed it through, but the hole has to big, in comparison to the thickness of the cable to allow the USB plug to fit through. Again, keeping things simple, I just fed the cable over the top of the blanking plate into the case. When you fit the 2500 above the blanking plate, you have to leave a slight gap between the top of the blanking plate and the bottom of the Denon, otherwise you'll pinch the USB cable, and it could prevent the keyboard from working properly.

 

Does that make sense now??? :hurt:

[stardust 0]

I use this small keyboard from Maplins, very small and even fits into a certain gap in my case so it always remains plugged in.

Maplin keybaord

[4zzz 0]

The keyboard isn't 19" wide and doesn't have mounting holes, therefore it can't be fitted directly into the case. This is what the blanking plate is used for. The plate has a lip, to reinforce the plate (if you looked at it side on it looks like an L), and this is normally mounted face down, however if you mount it with the lip facing upwards and at the bottom, the keyboard can then sit on it. It then has to be secured to the plate, and a few spots of superglue to the underside of the keyboard is enough to hold it securely to the blanking plate. You then have to run the cable to the USB hub sitting in the bottom of the case. You could drill a hole in the blanking plate and feed it through, but the hole has to big, in comparison to the thickness of the cable to allow the USB plug to fit through. Again, keeping things simple, I just fed the cable over the top of the blanking plate into the case. When you fit the 2500 above the blanking plate, you have to leave a slight gap between the top of the blanking plate and the bottom of the Denon, otherwise you'll pinch the USB cable, and it could prevent the keyboard from working properly.

 

Does that make sense now??? :hurt:

 

Cheers.

All clear now.

Thanks a lot for dat info :thanks:

[The Spindoctor 0]

Gary or somebody??? Lol

 

Things they forget in the manual!!

 

As the on off switch is not accesssible once in a flightcase, what is the correct procedure for

powering the HD2500 down?

 

Do I just switch off at the power distributor strip?

 

I would hate to corrupt all my nice new shiny files on the internal H/D lol

 

Thanks in anticipation.

 

The Spindoctor

[Gary 0]

Gary or somebody??? Lol

 

what is the correct procedure for

powering the HD2500 down?

 

Do I just switch off at the power distributor strip?

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

I've tried all sort of abrupt ways of killing the power, short of running over the power cable with a lawnmower...(well, there's always this weekend I s'pose) and the 2500 survived them all.

 

 

 

But, I what I do is simply make sure that the DN-HD2500 is not using the internal drive - eg: Playing or Formating, Creating a Database, or evening Formatiing (did you know that the 2500 will now format external drives in FAT32 format all on its own now? - check the UTIL button)

 

 

 

If you're using any external drives, make sure that they aren't being accessed at the time too - again this isnt an absolute requirement - it just makes sense.

 

 

 

Then...just switch off the wall socket / extention lead etc...

 

 

 

An alternative solution which I've seen is where an owner drilled a pencil sized hole in the side of their flightcase directly adjacent to the power switch - and...you guessed it...inserted a pencil to switch the unit on or off. The reason he did this was to stop venue staff from playing while his gear was there, and he wasn't.

 

 

[bigMCben 0]

If you use the style of flightcase I mentioned earlier, when it's in the up position, the on/off switch is accessible, and I've got big hands, although as Gary said, make sure nothing's playing and just unplug it. (Even when someone accidently cut the power last week whilst in use , it came back on straight away when power was restored and I was playing music within about 8 seconds :Thumbup: )