DJing Just starting out, need advice

[arniepalmer]

I know there is plenty of onfo already on this subject but here is my situation:

Just starting out, gonna pick up a pair of cdj-200s, the KRK V8s, and for the mixer, I'm not sure. It's between the Xone:32, Ecler Nuo3, Urei, and DJM-400. I don't believe the ecler has headphone mixing capabilities (which the gf is insistent upon) but I feel thet any of these would be a great starting point. What are your thoughts?

Also, I had originally been interested in production but after some thought decided the learning curve would be a bit too steep for me. Unfortunately, I went out and bought Live 6 and now have no use for it, box is opened but has not been registered, if interested, let me know, but more important to me is everyone's thoughts on the beginner setup.

Thanks in advance y'all.

[plexor]

Re: Just starting out, need advice

I've been saving money to buy a dj setup. After research I've done, I decided I am going to buy the same Pioneer cdj-200's and a Pioneer DJM-400 mixer.

The Elcer Nuo3 does have a third channel, but lacks effects. Pioneer's are known for their mixers and for basically around the same price ($25 difference) you can get good effects and quality. The DJM-400 also allows headphone mixing capability.

Urei's are good mixers. They offer a lot of club features. The layout is kind of confusing though. Dont know if they allot headphone mixing. There are several models, starting at $500 so they definitely contend with the DJM-400.

In my personal opinion, it would be better to go with the DJM-400 than the others. If you ever mixed on them, you know that they have an overall good feel to them. It's also a great entry level dj mixer to begin with.

[lost_shard]

Re: Just starting out, need advice

Can't say much as far as starting advice (I'm saving up for either a Nuo5 or Evo5 right now, and I'm going to skip decks for the time being - using Traktor), but as far as Ableton goes, don't throw it out. I have a friend who uses it as a third deck. It works like a charm. Absolutely awesome if you want to remix parts of oldies, where the tempo changes a lot (I've been wanting to redo "Black Betty"), and it lets you skip around a song ridiculously easy (moves on-beat too) - great if you need to prolong that last verse while you cue in your next track, or shorten it when you see people getting bored. It also has a load of plugins you can get for it (that friend of mine's psyched about the left-side chain compressor).

As for the learning curve, just do it 'cause you love it. You'll learn soon enough, even if you have to take a break and come back to it later.

[ShawnD64]

Re: Just starting out, need advice

do you already have the v8's? cause they are more for production (i have them) so not really worth your money to get them as they are accurate flat response monitors, which you would not really need... believe me they are awesome, but for the money, if they are just for djing id go with something else.

oh and fuck the learning curve dont let anything stop you from doing what you want

[jeffrey collins]

Re: Just starting out, need advice

^^^i've got a friend who has a pair of V8's and the way he has them set up. I don't know how flat they are, but in his room they do have one heck of a bottom end.


And when it comes to learning programs...hell just head over to youtube and check out all the wonderful videos about anything.

[Jayson]

Re: Just starting out, need advice

Allen & Heath all the way for Mixers, Pioneer for CDJs and Technics for Turntables.

Follow these three rules and you really can't go wrong.

[arniepalmer]

Re: Just starting out, need advice

Thanks everyone, much appreciated. I am starting to lean towards the cd 200s and the djm-400, seems like the rest best route. As far as the monitors, I don't have them yet, I don't mind paying for quality, I want some that sound tight, any suggestions other than the KRKs?

[jeffrey collins]

Re: Just starting out, need advice

Yeah try the M-Audio monitors. Good quality. BX-8 or BX-5 are really nice. And a bit cheaper than the KRK.

Go looking on www.musiciansfriend.com

[arniepalmer]

Re: Just starting out, need advice

Alright then, it's all complete.

2 cdj-200s
1 djm-400
2 Tannoy Reveal 5As
Sony mdr-7506
100 count blank cdr spindle

Good to go. Thanks for your help all, much appreciated. Benn practicing a bit already, and man, this shit is tough! Makes you truly appreciate what a greadt dj is.

[jeffrey collins]

Re: Just starting out, need advice

just remember Arnie...It's all Math bro.

[lilsensa]

Re: Just starting out, need advice

If you are just starting out, here is my advice.

Go with the cdj's or techs. Dont skimp on shitty decks. Get the best as far as that goes..As far as a mixer goes, don't over do it on that. Get a decent one, get good, save some money, then get a better one. The better the mixer, does not mean that you are going to be any better mixing on it. Start off with one that isn't so expensive. As far as speakers..this is what I did...I stole my dads home stereo speakers..Cerwin Vegas....Way old school..but they made sound come out of them..I also used a Sony home theater amp..nothing too special..
I guess what Im saying is, make sure that you enjoy mixing and are able to learn how to do it before investing a shit load of money on top dollar equipment.. Good luck man

[jeffrey collins]

Re: Just starting out, need advice

he apparently already got his equiptment, And pretty good stuff if I do say so myself. Those Tannoy monitors probably sound pretty damn good. Especially for the price of them. I'd use them more for your productions though. You don't wanna blow speakers like that just dj'ing.

[gatrell]

Re: Just starting out, need advice

starting my self soon after i get back from afghan and i always use the exression buy cheap buy twice. so im just going all out and geting myself the CDJ1000mk3 and the DJM700. friends have this kit and im sure they will teach me all the various things that this kit can do. also buying it so i can start djing for family and friends to start out. dont want to rush and try and get in clubs within a few months, going to take my time learning playing for the fam and then move on to mobile dj'ing which is what i want to do really but i will need alot of practise befor i start this. i already know a mobile dj who is going to start taking me to his velues so i can watch what he does, get some practise infrount of a crowd and so he can give me some tips. will have aroujnd 5.5-6k to get myself set up. so if anyone has any advice on PA speakers (i think i will be going for active as its just somthing less to lug around) should i have 2 or 4 speakers. i heard that really i should have 2 speakers on the floor and 2 on stands... what is the best dort of lighting to get myself and so on. all tips apriciated.

[thornpicker]

Re: Just starting out, need advice

Ya know, I kinda went round and round thinking about CDJ 1000's or 800's and after screwing around with them in the store, I decided to save a ton of money and buy the 800's. Now I am going to take the extra money and buy a better mixer...I think
The price difference is huge--and what are we really using it for anyhow, unless you are actually playing to a crowd?

[bobjuice]

Re: Just starting out, need advice

I think with things as they are these days, I wouldn't go overboard on equipment and practising your technique but a fanny and a pair of decent tits would be a good investment.