DJing Buying a laptop for dJing, need advice

[XxxstaticxxX]

So, after getting tired of using my mouse and VirtualdJ on my desktop, I am opting for a portable solution to dJing. I know I want to be able to use some kind of software and some kind of external controller to hook up to the laptop.

My question is what kind of software is out there that you can do house parties and gigs at clubs? What kind of performance and specs do you look for in a laptop to be able to successfully dJ.

I'm gonna by my gear hopefully by the end of the summer and I want to be informed when I make my purchase in the end.

So, what do you guys know about laptop dJing? Throw it out there!

[unkownartist]

Re: Buying a laptop for dJing, need advice

i just got a indigo dj pcmcia sound card today but havnt tried it with a good dj program yet but they aint so bad sounding tbh, i,m going to be trying a range of different programs over the next couple of weeks to see how they perform in a live dj situation type thing, i,ve been using ableton recently but up untill now i havnt had a sound card with more then one out so i,m looking forward to seing how if any this helps

[jeffrey collins]

Re: Buying a laptop for dJing, need advice

DOM why in the hell did you buy a PCMCIA card? Those things are dinosaurs. USB 2.0 or Firewire are the only ways to go nowadays.

[Caley Martin]

Re: Buying a laptop for dJing, need advice

the only advantage I can think of is that its space saving, instead of carrying something external around...

[Ultra Vibe]

Re: Buying a laptop for dJing, need advice

are you wanting to dj strictly off the laptop?

as far as programs i think abelton will suit you nicely.

and as far as specs for your comp.. put it this way you dont want your shit to skip in the middle of your set.. so a badass sound card with as much ram as you can fit in there plus a really high end processor would prob do the trick

[unkownartist]

Re: Buying a laptop for dJing, need advice

DOM why in the hell did you buy a PCMCIA card? Those things are dinosaurs. USB 2.0 or Firewire are the only ways to go nowadays.

1: usb cards are unreliable and there performance aint so good especially if they are bus powered

2: this laptop doesnt have firewire so i would have to buy a pcmcia firewire card anyway lol

3: i,m not using the card for anything serious its just for having a half decent output for audio on the laptop which this card is more than suitable for

my laptops my online computer only

[lilsensa]

Re: Buying a laptop for dJing, need advice


and this...

[jeffrey collins]

Re: Buying a laptop for dJing, need advice

yeah my laptop is my only computer too. but i've got a tascam 144USB 2.0 and it's really nice. Got MIDI and two XLR ins. I had to figure a few things out when I first got it. But now I am loving it. Its even made my production work at late night times better, as my headphones sound better coming out of this thing than that computer soundcard...EEEK.

[Jayson]

Re: Buying a laptop for dJing, need advice

and this...

Trade Serato for the new Traktor Scratch and you're in business.

[unkownartist]

Re: Buying a laptop for dJing, need advice

a serial bus aint really good for audio ur better off with firewire its more reliable and it doesnt get clogged up with data as much

[lilsensa]

Re: Buying a laptop for dJing, need advice

Trade Serato for the new Traktor Scratch and you're in business.

What are the reviews like on that thing?? I don't think I would ever sway from Serato, cause I love it so much, but whats the deal with Traktor Scratch?? Pros/Cons vs. Serato, if you happen to know off hand. If not, it's cool...

[jeffrey collins]

Re: Buying a laptop for dJing, need advice

i don't think i'd ever be into serato. I'd rather not carry a 1-2k computer into a local gig just to play a one hour set with all the stuff I have to hook up...cause it'll be a while until i'm a globe trotting dj who MIGHT want something like Serato. Rather just go for using cd's.

[Caley Martin]

Re: Buying a laptop for dJing, need advice

I am debating between Serato and Traktor myself... it's a tough fucking choice to make. Everything I hear about Traktor is that it is next generation shit, better time code algorithms etc... but Serato has time and stability behind, not to mention much LOWER system requirements to run decently...

[Jayson]

Re: Buying a laptop for dJing, need advice

Get Traktor Scratch. You won't be disappointed.

[Caley Martin]

Re: Buying a laptop for dJing, need advice

yeah? any thoughts as to why, I am curious...