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thinking about djing
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| Omega_Blue |
After a few months of lurking around the boards here, I've finally decided to post... so here's the deal.
I've used a couple dj programs (DSS DJ, Traktor, etc) and found that mixing seems ridiculously easy. Not even pressing that "sync" button, which seems like cheating. Is that all there is to mixing? just beatmatching and crossfading? or is there other techniques that I don't know about?
So I was thinking about getting turntables... I figured if I can do it on the computer no prob, then using turntables should be about the same process, maybe even easier (I figure you would get more control using real pitch knobs than with a program)
I know it's been asked a billion times, but what tables (OTHER than the technic1200's) should I get? I say other than the technic1200's because they are WAAAY out of the price range. Sure, I understand they're nice and the industry standard and everything, But I was hoping there could be a type of table that's a bit cheaper and still somewhat functional. I've seen some cheapass dj packs in magazines and (for about $200-300). Yeah, I know they're terrible, but if all there is to mixing is just beatmatching, then really couldn't you use just about any tables? And why exactly are those $300 packs so terrible? Do the belts not have enough torque or something? Do they not start as fast as nicer ones? Are the pitch knobs not exact?(i figured those are the only reasons not to get cheap ones)
I guess in sum I'm wondering if there are any decent tables for about $150-200 each, or some sort of pack (tables, mixer) that would get me started on the beatmatching/mixing business. I don't want to spend a ton of money- I'm looking for more of an economy-type package. I'll get nice ones later...
...oh, and I'm looking for some good trance or house that isn't overplayed or cheesy... any suggestions? It just seems like all I hear nowadays seems friggin cheesy (for example klea-tic toc, rhythm gangstar-the crowd song, darude-(anything), the list goes on and on).
thanks for the help.
...oh, and am I wrong on the assumption that the only dj's that get real publicity also produce too? You know, everyone says PvD, ferry, etc. are all great dj's, but don't you think that because they're producers is why they're so popular? |
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| dartman |
there is more to djing than just beatmatching two songs and moving the crossfader. if that was all that was important all it would take to be great would be mixing ability. more important than mixing is knowing what songs to play when. programming is alot more important than mixing imho. creating a mood, building up energy, controlling the crowd, making them want more........ etc. i could go on and on about this but i am at work and pressed for time.
as far as cheap decks....... just buy technics. i've heard good things about numark tt-200s, and the tt-500s look even better. alot of people have stanton st/ str8-80s, 90s, 100s. i've heard both good and bad things about them. |
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| Omega_Blue |
Thanks for the info.
"more important than mixing is knowing what songs to play when. programming is alot more important than mixing imho. creating a mood, building up energy, controlling the crowd, making them want more........ etc."
...so all i have to do is beatmatch, crossfade, and know when to play what tracks? still sounds a little easy.
what do you think of these? Gemini Direct drive tables (PT-2100) with a Gemini platnium plus mixer (ps-525 plus). |
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| stupidisco |
| quote: | Originally posted by Omega_Blue
So what do you think of these? Gemini Direct drive tables (PT-2100) with a Gemini platnium plus mixer (ps-525 plus). |
and .
im sorry buddy, just get tech 12s.
theres no way around it. |
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| dj_Vendetta |
| ok hot shot, let me hear a 1 hour mix down of ur first set, and I want to hear how easy it is for u. It is easy for me after a few years but it wasn't at the start. |
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| Omega_Blue |
whoa now I ain't talking . I just think that I could seriously, without any previous real turntable experience, just sit here and mix two songs together, no problem. give me half an hour to get myself acquainted and I think i could do it. but I'm not gonna sit here and brag about something I've never done before though... I could be very, very wrong (which i probably am)
...and if you wanna hear one of my sets with my limited supply of singles, I could bust one out for you. But it's with a dj program, which everyone on the board thinks is ty and cheating (i agree) |
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| jwear2004 |
| quote: | Originally posted by dj_Vendetta
ok hot shot, let me hear a 1 hour mix down of ur first set, and I want to hear how easy it is for u... it wasn't at the start. |
Agreed! Except that I still sometimes have a tough time after about eight months. |
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| Boomer187 |
your trying to make it more simple than it actually is.
nobody worries about beatmatching, its a given that you will learn it, so who cares.
track selection is so key here, how you setup the audience n such, also eqin when you mix is important. Sometimes you slowly work in a bassline, sometimes you drop it in quick, depends on the mood and the songs.
not to mention effects during songs for buildups.
the best djs make it sound simple so you have no clue whats going on. It takes practice.
but please, record some early sets, I would like to know if you are in fact a great dj.
hehe, I always think of this one kid in middle school years ago. I used to be good at guitar and he said to me, "I am pretty good at air guitar, do you think I'll be good at eral guitar?"
i don't know why I said that story but it was in my head.
good luyck. |
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| Omega_Blue |
"track selection is so key here, how you setup the audience n such, also eqin when you mix is important. Sometimes you slowly work in a bassline, sometimes you drop it in quick, depends on the mood and the songs.
not to mention effects during songs for buildups.
the best djs make it sound simple so you have no clue whats going on. It takes practice."
okay. that makes much more sense. Now I understand a bit more.
"but please, record some early sets, I would like to know if you are in fact a great dj."
what, are you being sarcastic here? I've recorded a couple sets, I've busted them out with my buddies but they have no respect whatsoever for electronic music. But if you're serious, I'll send some out. They're just simple beatmatching though... I did no thoughts about what the crowd is like when I did this . I did however try to keep the songs in close to the same key.
"hehe, I always think of this one kid in middle school years ago. I used to be good at guitar and he said to me, "I am pretty good at air guitar, do you think I'll be good at eral guitar?"
Interesting, I'm a guitarist foremost. Half the reason I'm on this board today stems from previous guitar experience. |
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| Boomer187 |
| computer mixes are easy. I was talking about when you get your decks. |
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| Omega_Blue |
so why is computer mixing so much easier than dj mixing? same concept, right? If i'm not busting out the sync button and straight up cheating, am i not still using my own ears to match the two tracks together? I don't know, correct me if i'm wrong here.
....oh and hopefully I'll have decks in a month or so (but I'm straight broke). I'll tell you what- to attempt to prove my point that beatmatching ain't so bad, the day I get my decks and five vinyls I'll get on the boards and tell you guys about it. Then I'll sit there the first day and practice for a week and by the end of the week, I'll have a set, fully beatmatched, for you guys to pick and prod at. ...either that or I'll eat my words. |
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| Boomer187 |
| quote: | Originally posted by Omega_Blue
so why is computer mixing so much easier than dj mixing? same concept, right? If i'm not busting out the sync button and straight up cheating, am i not still using my own ears to match the two tracks together? I don't know, correct me if i'm wrong here.
....oh and hopefully I'll have decks in a month or so (but I'm straight broke). I'll tell you what- to attempt to prove my point that beatmatching ain't so bad, the day I get my decks and five vinyls I'll get on the boards and tell you guys about it. Then I'll sit there the first day and practice for a week and by the end of the week, I'll have a set, fully beatmatched, for you guys to pick and prod at. ...either that or I'll eat my words. |
its great to set challenging goals, but no one likes a cocky dj. |
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