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Hello from Alaska, USA.

 

I'm 21 and for my 22nd birthday I decided to buy myself two Technic SL-1200's as a gift. I have absolutly no experience DJing but have always enjoyed it and decided that it would be a fun hobby to pick up. Plus I got them with 12 month zero intrest financing, so what the heck.

 

I now need to pick up carts, a mixer and some music. The impression I have gotten from a few people is that I really just need a basic mixer to get started.

 

Can anyone make any recomendations in regards to a mixer. The extremes would be prefered, the cheapest decent way to go and the best long term value.

 

Thanks, Ryan. (Hopefully soon to be known as JD Dyslexic)

 

"We have considered producing a large amount of gecko tape, sufficient amounts to enable a student to hang out of the window of a tall building," it said. "However it would cost too much money, and would not benefit us scientifically."

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Welcome to the board Ryan, have a look around and post away to your hearts content.......... PLEASE read forum rules before posting lest you fall in the mire, and I'm sure Chris will be along to advise you mixer wise.

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Hi, Welcome to the forum.

 

With regards to a Suitable Mixer, then you may find that either a Gemini, American D.J or Vestax is suitable for your requirements, all of the above offer a variety of mixers, the features of each are reflected in the price!. You may find that a basic three or four channel is all that you require for Home & Mobile use.

 

Try to avoid, the very low priced two channel mixers, since it gives you no flexibility to expand (To allow the additional connection of MD Players, Additional CD / Turntables, pc soundcard etc).

 

I would recommend going for a basic four channel mixer, which has EQ (Bass, Treble control) and a fairly decent Mic input. The Gemini PMX-1400 would be a good one to consider.

 

I don't ship beyond the UK, unfortunately, so I am unable to offer you a quote directly. However, Rob from Gemini may be able to supply you the contact details by P.M or Email of a dealer local to you in the U.S, Rob?

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Thanks for the info. I am going to check out the two local places that I can buy mixers at and see what kind of deal they can make. Thanks for the tips on staying away from the two channel.

 

In regards to Carts, any tips on those.

 

I tried to read your DJ Starting guide, but the link is broken.

 

Thanks,

 

Ryan

"We have considered producing a large amount of gecko tape, sufficient amounts to enable a student to hang out of the window of a tall building," it said. "However it would cost too much money, and would not benefit us scientifically."

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Awww heck Ryan................ now you've told him a link is broken he'll be under the desk pulling out wires and rearranging things ................ what have you started http://www.dj-forum.co.uk/html/emoticons/unsure.gif

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Hiya Ryan http://www.dj-forum.co.uk/html/emoticons/042.gif

i'm Thinking of taking up a bit of http://www.dj-forum.co.uk/html/emoticons/dj.gif too for a hobbie http://www.dj-forum.co.uk/html/emoticons/biggrin.gif

 

Just thought i'd say hello http://www.dj-forum.co.uk/html/emoticons/tongue.gif

 

KiMMiE http://www.dj-forum.co.uk/html/emoticons/071.gif

QUOTE
Evil just happens to be my middle name! "mwuahahaha"
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QUOTE
I tried to read your DJ Starting guide, but the link is broken.

 

Damn, something else to fix!, and last night I found that beer...ahem I mean Coffee doesn't agree to well with keyboards when the two are introduced http://www.dj-forum.co.uk/html/emoticons/tongue.gif

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Quote:- "i'm Thinking of taking up a bit of  http://www.dj-forum.co.uk/html/emoticons/dj.gif"

 

Oops, I can almost sense Spin about to type a smutty comment. http://www.dj-forum.co.uk/html/emoticons/censored.gif - at the ready.....

 

QUOTE
In regards to Carts, any tips on those.

 

You can't go too far wrong with anything with Stanton printed on them!. Some turntables have these fitted as standard, but if not then don't spend $100's on them - the inexpensive Stantons, are perfectly okay. Also, if you are buying Technics then ask your dealer for a deal including the Stantons - his dealer price for them is very little, so it won't cost him much if he wants your business.

 

 

 

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hi there Ryan,

 

i can't beleive it a youngster that knows what vinyl is.

 

welcome aboard

http://www.dj-forum.co.uk/html/emoticons/notworthy.gif

Member of The Musicians Union

 

 

"Opportunity is missed by most people because it is dressed in overalls and looks like hard work."

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QUOTE (Ryan @ May 14 2003, 10:31 AM)
Can anyone make any recomendations in regards to a mixer.

Hello Ryan in Alaska!

 

Mmmm? If you're only going to use the wheels of steel, then perhaps just a 2 channel mixer is the answer - short term.

 

Depends really on how quick you want to expand your setup. A 3rd channel is great for adding CD or Mini Disc, etc.

 

Are you going to be MC'ing as well in the future? (An additional mic connector)

 

Chris (Admin) has a range of equipment to peruse on his web site - might be a good indicator to help you decide!!!

http://www.dj-forum.co.uk/html/emoticons/042.gif

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WELCOME RYAN! FINALLY. SOMEONE LIVING CLOSE TO ME! http://www.dj-forum.co.uk/html/emoticons/biggrin.gif http://www.dj-forum.co.uk/html/emoticons/laugh.gif i'm from BC, Canada! I suggest the Numark battle-pak-DJ or the stanton platnium pak!

<font color="#008000">laterzzzzz :blink:</font>

 

<font color="#0000ff">DJ_CROOKS

</font>

mobile_dj_crooks@hotmail.com

 

<marquee behavior="alternate"><font color="#008080">Heh, I was a moderator :S</marquee>

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Welcome to the forum... sorry, in advance if we ever spell color wrong... http://www.dj-forum.co.uk/html/emoticons/biggrin.gif, but its good to have you on board.

 

With regards to mixer choice. The information above is great, and I would only add the following choice making consideration.

 

What sort of music will you be playing?

 

If you're thinking that's a strange question, since all audio gear should be able to handle all sort of frequencies and tones etc...you'd be right, however here's why I think your music style/DJ'ing style should influence your choice of mixer.

 

Firstly, if you'll be scratching then ensuring that the mixer has a user replacable crossfader is essential, as the crossfader can wear out in a matter of just a few weeks of that sort of usage. Some mixers even offer user replacable music faders (up faders), and transformer (Input select) switches.

 

Alternatively, if you'll be mixing mainly dance tracks, then some DJ's find that having a very wide equalisation range on Bass, Midrange and Treble controls (for each channel) is important. EG: The control might let you boost the Bass by +6db BUT reduce/kill the Bass by minus 26db...a much more variable tool than "kill switches" which were all the rage a little while ago...(they allowed you to instantly switch off the Bass, midrange or treble in a track..)

 

Its a fairly common mix effect for a DJ to bring in a track by having one, or more frequencies starting of at minus 26db (effectively switched off), and then slowly rotate the control round to zero, to bring the tune in... you can even play the bass from one tune, over the top of the midrange and treble from the other tune.

 

And definately go for at least 3, if not 4 channels... not only are you covered when you want to buy a couple of CD decks, or effects units etc later , but also, if you're playing out and one of your input channels goes down (heaven forbid), you've got an option that'll let you continue the night.

Edited by Gary

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QUOTE
sorry, in advance if we ever spell color wrong...

is that to me?! http://www.dj-forum.co.uk/html/emoticons/188.gif http://www.dj-forum.co.uk/html/emoticons/tongue.gif

<font color="#008000">laterzzzzz :blink:</font>

 

<font color="#0000ff">DJ_CROOKS

</font>

mobile_dj_crooks@hotmail.com

 

<marquee behavior="alternate"><font color="#008080">Heh, I was a moderator :S</marquee>

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Chris said:

QUOTE
You cant go wrong with anything with Stanton written on them

 

Having used Stanton 680 carts and 680EL styli since I got my Technics (1986 - which means my decks are older than Kimmie http://www.dj-forum.co.uk/html/emoticons/notworthy.gif ), I'd certainly agree with that comment on Stanton. They last for ages before starting to act up, and seem to be a bit more resilient to those moments when you're backcueing a record and let the stylus fall off the edge of the tune, onto the spinning stroboscope dots on the platter, which have broken another make of stylus which my mate used to use.

 

My decks are almost in retirement now, since getting some decent CD-decks, which is handy, as Im no longer spending out "record running costs" of 3 pairs of styli and 1 pair of carts every year... What would that have been costing me Chris?, each year, every year?

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As of now I think I am going to just stick with a cheap 2 channel mixer. Instead of getting a cheap 3 channel now, I will get a cheap 2 channel now, then in a year or so pick up a good 4 channel.

 

Any suggestions on cheap?

 

 

"We have considered producing a large amount of gecko tape, sufficient amounts to enable a student to hang out of the window of a tall building," it said. "However it would cost too much money, and would not benefit us scientifically."

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QUOTE
sorry, in advance if we ever spell color wrong...

 

Ahem excuse me........ LOL Its not us that spells the Queens english wrong, its them !!!! ROFL http://www.dj-forum.co.uk/html/emoticons/363.gif

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hmph....bad spin http://www.dj-forum.co.uk/html/emoticons/fish.gif i'm not the one who invented it...i use color most of the time anyway (born in america, remember?) unless its for english class.... http://www.dj-forum.co.uk/html/emoticons/biggrin.gif http://www.dj-forum.co.uk/html/emoticons/rolleyes.gif

<font color="#008000">laterzzzzz :blink:</font>

 

<font color="#0000ff">DJ_CROOKS

</font>

mobile_dj_crooks@hotmail.com

 

<marquee behavior="alternate"><font color="#008080">Heh, I was a moderator :S</marquee>

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QUOTE (The Spindoctor @ May 16 2003, 02:31 PM)
Ahem excuse me........ LOL Its not us that spells the Queens english wrong, its them !!!! ROFL http://www.dj-forum.co.uk/html/emoticons/363.gif

That whole Queen thing didn't work out to well here in the U.S. , if you want I can lend you a history book and it will explain out to take care of that problem.

"We have considered producing a large amount of gecko tape, sufficient amounts to enable a student to hang out of the window of a tall building," it said. "However it would cost too much money, and would not benefit us scientifically."

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Thats why we set fire to your White House, and you lot had to paint it white after!!! But at least you got the right 'COLOUR'

 

Heh heh heh http://www.dj-forum.co.uk/html/emoticons/042.gif

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QUOTE (The Spindoctor @ May 17 2003, 02:04 AM)
Thats why we set fire to your White House, and you lot had to paint it white after!!! But at least you got the right 'COLOUR'

Heh heh heh http://www.dj-forum.co.uk/html/emoticons/042.gif

Our White House really means nothing to our nation. Our nation is build on ideals, not places or palaces. http://www.dj-forum.co.uk/html/emoticons/smile.gif

"We have considered producing a large amount of gecko tape, sufficient amounts to enable a student to hang out of the window of a tall building," it said. "However it would cost too much money, and would not benefit us scientifically."

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I thought there had been a succesion of "queens" in the white house http://www.dj-forum.co.uk/html/emoticons/laugh.gif http://www.dj-forum.co.uk/html/emoticons/laugh.gif http://www.dj-forum.co.uk/html/emoticons/laugh.gif http://www.dj-forum.co.uk/html/emoticons/laugh.gif

..playing all the hits for you...

....whether you may be....

 

Why can't I see what i going on???

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