New to DJing and need help

[ChronixPsyc]

Hi all,

First time on this forum and I'm looking for some help.

My birthday is coming up and I'm looking at getting some cdjs that I can hook up to my computer/iPod/iPad for use with program's such as virtual dj and traktor.

I have found some online that I like the look of but thought it would be worth getting a more of an expert opinion on them.

The first ones I looked at we're Numark cdj in a box and the cheapest price I found was £295. I thought this would be the best option seeing as it is pretty much everything I need apart from speakers (AFAIK?) http://www.numark.com/product/cddjinabox

The second one I looked at was the numark mixdeck or the mixdeck express. The only issue I have with getting either one of these is I don't know what else I need to buy and seeing as my computer is an Alienware laptop, I don't know if it would even be compatible.
http://www.numark.com/product/mixdeck
http://www.numark.com/product/mixdeckexpress


If anyone could recommend anything else or let me know what I actually need to buy that would be great.

P.S. I am not looking to actually become a DJ, I am just wanting to take it up as a hobby (a very expensive hobby)

Thanks in advance,
Charlie

[DJ Matt]

its down to choice really

when i started it was also a hobby not many people know they will actually start working as a DJ from the off

i started with turntables because those were the only option, but that turned out to be a good choice to make, the difference between crappy equipment and good equipment can affect your love for DJing itself and weather or not you actually enjoy it enough to move on to better things.

if you want to get into scratching and such you need to get yourself turntables, theres no way around that. but if you just want to mix then you have a multitude of options.

most people would recommend you start out with something like "hercules RMX" controller or indeed "mixtrack" controller to get the feel for it, and you could even do some parties and even some gigs in a bar with those controllers

however you seem happy to use CDs , perhaps you already have a good quantity of CDs?
in that case i would say the numark mixdeck is not a bad choice here since it gives you plenty of possibilities, and also the possibility to hook it up as a controller to your computer and take things that direction
but dont expect it do be really great quality, but then nothing will be fantastic at that price range.

i dont know what an alienware laptop is LOL but you shouldnt need anything else to hook them up , just a cable into your hi-fi system and some music would help :)

[ChronixPsyc]

Thanks for replying. I'm probably gonna go with the mixdeck express after looking at a review of it on YouTube.

One more question, could you recommend any good starter speakers and headphones that I can start off with?

[KLH]

Welcome to DJF, ChronixPsyc. When you're starting out, you can use PC speakers and "regular" headphones.

As you exit your bedroom and perform for others you'll want a set of PA speakers for gigs. As for headphones, when you get gigs, start looking at headphones that start to isolate the sound inside from what's going on outside the headphones.

-KLH

[DJ Matt]

behringer do good headphones for 20 bucks give or take, not great for a club or a very loud bar, but fine otherwise.


hard to give you a definite answer on the speakers

but for home use only any decent hi fi will get you started, and by decent i mean strong mid and high end aswell as bass.

if you want something portable or for doing parties, its getting more complicated, but the option to rent equipment is always there.

[ChronixPsyc]

Thanks for both your replies.

I've now researched a little bit more and realised that if I am going to just plug my computer into the CDJs and play music that way, I am better off just getting a controller (is that correct?)

I have looked at getting the DDJ-ERGO now as it seems to be highly recommended from loads of pages i've read online so I am trying to put together a list of items that I need to actually start DJing.

Here goes, if I miss anything out, please let me know as I am a complete novice at this but really really want to get in to it!

Pioneer DDJ Ergo DJ Controller: http://www.amazon.co.uk/DDJ-ERGO-PIONEER/dp/B005TE7OE2/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1334944849&sr=8-1

Behringer HPX4000 DJ Headphones: http://www.amazon.co.uk/Electrovision-HPX4000-Behringer-DJ-Headphones/dp/B000CZ0RMY/ref=sr_1_3?s=musical-instruments&ie=UTF8&qid=1334944958&sr=1-3

I am not too sure but if I plug these speakers into my computer, will they work?: http://www.amazon.co.uk/Logitech-Multimedia-Theatre-Speaker-System/dp/B0006LCMK4/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1334945288&sr=8-1

Any more advice or links to sites that can help me out would be fantastic, so far you guys have helped me out and hoping you can go one step further :)

Thanks!

[KLH]

^ All that will be fine to start with and learn the basics. The speakers support 5.1 sound, but the controller will only output a left and right (via RCA). You might have to lookup how to connect a stereo source to those PC speakers.

-KLH

[ChronixPsyc]

^ All that will be fine to start with and learn the basics. The speakers support 5.1 sound, but the controller will only output a left and right (via RCA). You might have to lookup how to connect a stereo source to those PC speakers.

-KLH

Do you mean an adapter like this? Or the opposite way round?

http://www.google.co.uk/products/catalog?hl=en&safe=off&q=stereo+to+3.5mm+adapter&bav=on.2,or.r_gc.r_pw.r_cp.r_qf.,cf.osb&um=1&ie=UTF-8&tbm=shop&cid=14533357305496369445&sa=X&ei=BrqRT8K2BqLO0QWKkYnlAQ&ved=0CHAQ8wIwAA

[Celestial]

Do you mean an adapter like this? Or the opposite way round?

http://www.google.co.uk/products/catalog?hl=en&safe=off&q=stereo+to+3.5mm+adapter&bav=on.2,or.r_gc.r_pw.r_cp.r_qf.,cf.osb&um=1&ie=UTF-8&tbm=shop&cid=14533357305496369445&sa=X&ei=BrqRT8K2BqLO0QWKkYnlAQ&ved=0CHAQ8wIwAA

yeah but that would go to your mic (line in) jack on your pc and to speakers from a pc obviously

[ChronixPsyc]

I've just watched this video: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NaSPl-z8Rqo

It seems that all he has done is plugged the controller into his computer and the sound goes through the computer and out the speakers that are plugged in to the computer. My laptop has a 5.1 sound card built in so this will work then correct? Also, do use headphones with this for cueing(?) will i need to purchase a USB sound card also?

[Molbster]

No. The Ergo has a built in Audio Interface. Only thing you plug from controller to computer is your USB cable that sends controls to VDJ. The sound will come straight out from the Ergo to whatever speaker setup you have.


EDIT: If you plan on using those Creative speakers as your main computer speakers as well, you'll probably need a RCA splitter jack. Since the sound will come directly from the Ergo, there's no reason to route it back through your computer only to have to go out to those speakers. With a splitter, when you're not using the controller, you can still have sound for your computer.

Also, have you looked into the Native Instruments S2 or S4 that comes with Traktor Pro 2? I think it's a viable alternative and cheaper option (depending on where you look).

[ChronixPsyc]

I've had a look at the s4 and it's £200 more than the ddj-ergo but the s2 is £100 less and comes with full traktor pro 2 rather than vdj le.

I'm getting really confused with everything now lol. I'm still gonna get the speakers and headphones I linked on the first page but now choosing between traktor s2 and the ddj-ergo.

[DJNR]

I have used the Ergo in person, and I would take an S2 over it any day. The ergo feels really cheap.

[ChronixPsyc]

The main reason I was gonna get the ergo was the pulse mode or w.e it's called so that I can learn to beat match easier.

The s2 does look sturdier and is cheaper AND there is a deal online for £400 for a stand included.

Gonna have a little think about it before I finalise my product purchasing...

I still am unable to wrap my head around what adapter I would need when connecting my speakers directly to the controller lol. I might just head to a DJ shop today and ask to have a look/play if possible

[DJNR]

Edit:
Saw you wanted to use some Logitech computer speakers, in which case you would need one of these (you may need a female 1/8 for the speaker set):

http://ecx.images-amazon.com/images/I/11aKIZ64zIL._SL500_AA300_.jpg

Buy here (http://www.amazon.com/3-5mm-Mini-Plug-Computer-Stereo/dp/B000LMFS7M)

[DJ Matt]

Thanks for both your replies.

I've now researched a little bit more and realised that if I am going to just plug my computer into the CDJs and play music that way, I am better off just getting a controller (is that correct?)

I have looked at getting the DDJ-ERGO now as it seems to be highly recommended from loads of pages i've read online so I am trying to put together a list of items that I need to actually start DJing.

Here goes, if I miss anything out, please let me know as I am a complete novice at this but really really want to get in to it!

Pioneer DDJ Ergo DJ Controller: http://www.amazon.co.uk/DDJ-ERGO-PIONEER/dp/B005TE7OE2/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1334944849&sr=8-1

Behringer HPX4000 DJ Headphones: http://www.amazon.co.uk/Electrovision-HPX4000-Behringer-DJ-Headphones/dp/B000CZ0RMY/ref=sr_1_3?s=musical-instruments&ie=UTF8&qid=1334944958&sr=1-3

I am not too sure but if I plug these speakers into my computer, will they work?: http://www.amazon.co.uk/Logitech-Multimedia-Theatre-Speaker-System/dp/B0006LCMK4/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1334945288&sr=8-1

Any more advice or links to sites that can help me out would be fantastic, so far you guys have helped me out and hoping you can go one step further :)

Thanks!
The speakers will work but if you ask me I say avoid them
Go for a system which uses the classic 2 speaker set up

Sorry I can't be more specific because I'm typing from my phone
So it hard to browse lol

[ChronixPsyc]

The speakers will work but if you ask me I say avoid them
Go for a system which uses the classic 2 speaker set up

Sorry I can't be more specific because I'm typing from my phone

No problem, I've finally come to a decision on what I am getting!

Traktor Kontrol S2: http://www.google.co.uk/products/catalog?hl=en&q=traktor+kontrol+s2&um=1&ie=UTF-8&tbm=shop&cid=16063286315555558159&sa=X&ei=342ST8zoCunO0QXZzcHwAQ&ved=0CF8Q8wIwAA

Behringer HPX4000 DJ Headphones: http://www.amazon.co.uk/Electrovision-HPX4000-Behringer-DJ-Headphones/dp/B000CZ0RMY/ref=sr_1_1?s=musical-instruments&ie=UTF8&qid=1335004712&sr=1-1

HERCULES XPS 2.0 80 DJ Monitor Speakers: http://www.amazon.co.uk/HERCULES-Monitor-Speakers-YEARS-WARRANTY/dp/B0064SABHE/ref=sr_1_3?s=musical-instruments&ie=UTF8&qid=1335004871&sr=1-3

Hopefully I am now sorted with what I need to buy. Any additional cabling required or anything?

[DJ Matt]

Good choice my man!

[Molbster]

Hopefully I am now sorted with what I need to buy. Any additional cabling required or anything?

RCA to RCA cable and also a 3.5mm to RCA cable and a dual RCA splitter (if you're using the speakers to be you main computer speakers as well)

Also, for the Hercules monitors, I got approx $150US as the price. Is that for a pair or just one? if it's only one and thus have to end up spending nearly $300US for a pair, I'd recommend the KRK Rokit 5's.

[ChronixPsyc]

RCA to RCA cable and also a 3.5mm to RCA cable and a dual RCA splitter (if you're using the speakers to be you main computer speakers as well)

Also, for the Hercules monitors, I got approx $150US as the price. Is that for a pair or just one? if it's only one and thus have to end up spending nearly $300US for a pair, I'd recommend the KRK Rokit 5's.

I think its for both because in the name it says Speakers instead of Speaker. I will check out the ones you've recommended though.

Thanks