(Part 3) Top products from r/DJs

No worries at all, sir noob. To explain I'll start at the beginning. Back before the invention of the sync button, records with different beats per minute (bpm) were physically sped up or down on their respective turntables to match one another. For example, if the record on deck A is spinning at 130 bpm and deck B has a 128 bpm track going 'round, we want to increase the speed of the 128 deck by sliding that pitch/tempo fader on the side. On real turntables, this makes the motor spin the turntable and the vinyl faster. At the same time, the beats of the two tracks won't always be right on during this process; if they start out at different speeds, they'll fall out of sync in the time it takes to adjust the pitch faders accordingly. This is where "nudging" comes in, which is when we touch the outside of the spinning table to slow down or speed up the record. We nudge the record, with the goal of keeping the beats from the track on deck B matched with those of deck A, all the while adjusting that pitch fader, until we no longer have to nudge the redorc to keep the beats synced. Sorry if that explanation doesn't make sense, if your still a little fuzzy check out this wiki article on beatmatching for a more formal explanation.

The essence of this method is carried over to pretty much all dj programs, Virtual DJ included. The main difference is that we have the sync button. Even the most precise vinyl turntablist can't always get their records match and synced 100%; they can get very close, but it is near impossible, with analog equipment, to sync two tracks perfectly. With digital mixing however, it's not only possible, but only a mouse click away with the sync button. Sync matches two track perfectly, as long as their beatmapping is correct. But if you want to use the pitch sliders, you can do it exactly the same way as with vinyl; just manually slide the fader of the 128 bpm track on deck B until it is as close to the 130 bpms of the track on deck A. Again, you can get it pretty close, but until you hit that sync button, its unlikely to get it perfectly beatmatched. But that's that's ok, because we can nudge in VDJ as well. Next time you play a track in Virtual, use your left/right arrow keys on you keyboard. You will hear the track slow down or speed up, then return to normal when you take your finger off. This is nudging. To answer your second question, this is the tool you use when the beats of two tracks with identical bpms are not synced. You temporarily slow down or speed up one of them until the beats of both tracks hit at the same time. You can adjust the pitch sliders to do so if you'd like, but you'll likely lose the benefit of having both tracks set at exactly 128, unless you press sync again.

The pitch sliders can also be used during a track to speed up or slow it down for dramatic effect, or if you are trying to move from 130 bpm house to 140 bpm dubstep, for example.

In my opinion, beatmatching is a fundamental skill that should be understood by all DJs. In my experience on the other hand, manually matching beats takes up a lot of time, time which could be spent looking for another track, manipulating effects, inserting samples, or anything else that comes up. In the end it's your choice how you match your tunes.


And those headphones look pretty solid, I'd look up reviews. 123DJ.com is a god place to look at headphones, HeadFi.org has good reviews of all kinds of headphones. Personally, I'd recommend the Behringer HPX2000s if your starting out; they're inexpensive but sound great for the price, they're loud, and they look like "real" DJ headphones if that's a selling point for you.

Hope all that blahblahblah helped, feel free to ask any other questions.

I originally started producing, barely haha. Downloaded some music software, and learned the ins and outs of it. Wasn't the best software by no means. But you soon get a handle of how music is supposed to be structured. Got introduced to people like Deadmau5, Adventure Club, Avicii, Daft Punk, Nero, and Flux Pavilion at somewhat of an early age. though it was 2007 when I found out about this music, it was basically still underground from where I live. Then around junior year of high school I was bored and looked up apps on my phone. Turned out there was a DJ app, go figure. Now don't hate people, I only used it to keep me entertained. For some reason though I had a big urge to do my own research. Then I would constantly look up stuff music related. Watch documentaries, YouTube videos, tutorials, you name it. I went head first into the culture and loved every bit of it. DJing fascinates me because there is so much potential for skill in it. The complete unknowing always believe that its just a big iTunes playlist equipment, but there is far more to it.
After that I bought my first set of turntables.

Then I got better headphones, to adding stuff like this bad boy! Also this too!

Being used to controllers and on a budget, I upgraded to this I personally wouldn't recommend it because it lags, and makes my computer run terrible at times. Keep in mind that I do have a solid laptop.

And now I've saved up and will be adding this to my collection.

It's all how you want to get started. Keep in mind with my first turntables I was able to easily do house parties and keep it simple with it. With my second one I soon started doing bigger house parties as well as doing events, and using speakers that only used XLR cables made me have to upgrade. Now the newest one is basically one of the best before going full CDJs. I get several events now and having the amount of stuff those turntables have is something that I need. Keep in mind I love to mix live, and play fully house, dubstep, and trap.

So it's up to you man, if you love music, love remixing it, and love the culture, I would say go for it. Now don't go full blast just yet. Always good to start small then work your way up.

I own these headphones, and personally I love them. I wouldn't recommend them for people with bigger heads, as I'm not sure how the supraaural would feel for them. I also have a pair of AKG K81DJs that are also supraural and are too tight so I know how uncomfortable headphones like these can be if they don't fit properly.

However, if they do fit, I would posit that they are extremely comfortable cans. Not only do I find them to sit extremely well, but they are also about half the weight of any other pair of DJ headphones, which is something you definitely notice after a few hours of performing. Isolation is awesome, sound quality is beyond good, and I find that the seem to "bring out" the kicks and snares a bit more when beatmatching, making it a bit easier to beatmatch on muddied rhythms.

The ohter ones I have heard lots of good reviews for and almost purchased for myself are the Ultrasone DJ1 Pro

Hey, not to threadjack, but does anyone know where (if) you can get colored replacement ear/head pads for the HD-25s, like the ones on these Originals

Ah I see, I noticed that the first time I DJ'd for a party. My friend had a set of wires that worked as a mixer, but no mixing controller like this. I have kept an ipod ready, because crashing and malfunctions happens far too often without a legit setup, but never considered having it ready in a separate channel, so that's awesome.

So most speakers have cords which go into mixers? if not what kind of wire setups do they have, and do most speakers need separate adapters to plug into a laptop?

and Do mixers have their own separate programs which connect straight to the computer/laptop?

I've seen preview buttons on some programs, now I can see how they are useless without having two audio outputs. I've always wanted to mix with Ableton-esque programs, so I can make legitimate remixes, rather than just looping sound and adding in samples :)

My problem is, when I watch most DJ's with professional controllers and equipment, I hardly ever see them doing any work. Many times I have seen DJ's be working on the mixing (the previews) and nothing looks live (For example, I often see a DJ scratching and changing EQ traits, while the current song is playing and never hear an alteration later). I'll definitely try out some equipment at next opportunity, unfortunately, I'm in Northern Japan for the summer and access to a good store is distant.

Thanks for the links!! I'll do some research!

I think the godj looks like a fun bit of kit, I'd love one to muck about with on my desk.

They make a smaller one also, https://www.amazon.com/Monster-Portable-Digital-Turntable-Screen/dp/B00GY1LVBQ

End of the day, it really does not matter what you use, if it sounds good, and works for you, roll with it.

Edit; video of the monster go https://m.youtube.com/?#/watch?v=FnUwi0sy6vE

Do you need all-in-one bag? It's usually pain in the ass, as it's big and heavy.

I bought Magma's CTRL case, made for DDJ-SX. It fits only the controller and nothing else, so it is super easy to carry. I put my laptop into a backpack or camera bag instead, makes carrying stuff much easier.

I have Magma's flight case too, mostly because it has a laptop stand built in it. Works better for mobile gigs and places with no dedicated DJ booth. Super heavy.

Thank you for the reply. I might go with this one:

http://www.amazon.com/Magma-CTRL-Case-DDJ-SX-Controller/dp/B00CD9G604

that another user posted because it's much cheaper than the original soft bag I posted and the hard case. He said it also protects the knobs, levels, etc... what do you think? If I can't decide I guess I'll default and go w the hard case to save the back.

Haha yeah that is uncomfortable. I usually have one ear on and one ear on my forehead or back of head

It's harsh but it's true, you need to put more brute time into reading articles and random stuff on the internet. There are so many possibilities for setups, and your interests sound somewhat unique, that it's impossible to give you a solid recommendation. DJing is 1/2 discovery and 1/2 some other stuff.

Plus, there are around three posts per day that are almost exactly like yours, and it gets incredibly tiresome because people don't come here to guide people to basic starter gear decisions, they come here to discuss finer points of DJing. (whether that actually happens changes depending on who you talk to)

HOWEVER:

More on the production side?

Have a fucking ton of money? (One of these + a handful of the above)
>|


More on the traditional DJ side?

Have a fucking ton of money? (Two-four of these + One of these)

Need a starter audio interface?

Learn how to properly roll cables over-under. This especially applies to long cables like AC extension cords, XLR cables, etc. Doing this type of wrapping in the OP will fuck up your cables pretty quickly if you use them a lot - again, especially when it comes to things like long power cords. Here's a quick demo video.

Also these velcro cable ties are great. Put them on everything you wrap and unwrap frequently.

Numark makes junk for the most part.


I forgot about this mixer, its supposed to be great

www.amazon.com/gp/aw/d/B00BQMOJK8?pc_redir=1413520028&robot_redir=1


Secondly, you simply will not be able to scratch with those turntables. Those are made for mixing, not scratching. There has to be an enough torque or the record wont spin when you need it to. If all you want to do is scratch, ine turntable is all you need. I personally only use technic 1200s and i would advise looking on craigslist until you find one. Should be about 200-300, dont pay more than that.


Then, instead of having a super shitty setup that you hate using and are constantly upgrading and fixing you will have basically the best you cam buy and youll never outgrow it.


And another thing to consider is resale: when you buy quality used gear you can sell it for what you paid. With the equipment you originally picked it would be a challenge to sell at all and if you do itll be a third of what you paid, while a technic turntable is ALWAYS going to be worth at least 200-300$.

you need to get a line level converter. There was a great article on DJ tech tools about this awhile back. I've been using one connected to the Booth Out on my DDJ-RX, this gives me some gain control. I then run my booth monitors and the mains off the 2 main outputs.

Here's the line level converter I've been using to run audio into my iphone.

https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00OAW85ZG/ref=oh_aui_detailpage_o03_s01?ie=UTF8&psc=1

The (expensive) hardware solution with Serato: Get a Rane SL 2,3 or 4 interface. That will allow you use the CDJ2000s like some bigger sized DDJ platters/controllers with Serato.

The (free, but maybe time intensive) software solution with Rekordbox: Download Rekordbox, reorganize your library in Rekordbox (this might help) and either

• get a switch and some network cables to connect your laptop to the players
  
  
• get some USB/SD drives and export your audio files to them via the rekordbox aplication.
  

If you are just learning to DJ your best bet is to spend 100 to 200 dollars.

I started DJing for 120 dollars not including my computer with a Hercules MP3 E2, a set of Behringer headphones, and a cheap external soundcard.

Starting cheaply will allow you to learn the basics and will give you a feel for what you should really spend your money on. Plus if you don't enjoy DJing you only wasted a few bucks (You can pawn the stuff to a friend or on CL).

After you have learned some of the basics and determine that you want to continue doing it then look at the deck and go, "What am I missing here?". Do you want bigger and better platters? More buttons? More knobs? A certain layout? After using something that has just the basics you will be able to determine what you really need.

Links below to the gear I started with.

Deck

http://www.amazon.com/Hercules-DJ-Control-MP3-E2/dp/B002HH9TO2

Headphones (I still use these but plan on getting some new ones)

http://www.amazon.com/Behringer-HPX2000-Headphones-High-Definition-DJ/dp/B000IKWBC2/ref=sr_1_1?s=musical-instruments&ie=UTF8&qid=1334877900&sr=1-1

USB Soundcard

http://www.amazon.com/External-Audio-Sound-Card-Adapter/dp/B004D3UFL4/ref=sr_1_8?s=musical-instruments&ie=UTF8&qid=1334877931&sr=1-8

Total comes out to ~$130 plus shipping.

Also just so you know I currently use a Hercules DJ 4-Mx and the previously mentioned headphones.

so here's the setup starting with the mixer plug the rca end of [this] (http://www.amazon.com/Hosa-CPR201-Dual-Cable-3-25/dp/B000068O16) into the tape out of the mixer the 2 quarter inch ends go into the center of each of the xlr inputs on this (they double as quarter inch inputs) make sure left and right don't get mixed up of course. That interface is then linked to my computer using a usb cable i set the input on an audio track in ableton for the focusrite in's and record away. Hope this helps!

I keep getting the 30% off Edifier powered speakers coming up in my prime day feed. No idea if they are any good. This ones 50% off. Canadian Amazon so May be different for you.

Edifier R1010BT - 4" Creative Reference Multimedia Monitors - Studio Monitor Speaker (Pair) 24 Watts RMS - Black https://www.amazon.ca/dp/B071YV97LK/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_i_fQHlDbEPY16DJ

Here try this. I apologize for my earlier comment. I didn't mean to come off as mean but after reading it I realized it was a little blunt. Anyways, this is what I started on and it was a good little controller that you can learn a lot on.

I'm aware they won't last long. I can't afford to shell out more than $350 right now for this: https://www.amazon.com/Electro-Voice-ZLX-12P-2-Way-Powered-Loudspeaker/dp/B00CE0VLXO

Is one of these worth it for the parties I'm doing?

http://www.amazon.co.uk/gp/aw/d/B000VO8PR0 I use these, adjustable depending on what you are doing and key chain for easy access.

You think these could also be okay?

https://www.amazon.ca/Edifier-R1010BT-Creative-Reference-Multimedia/dp/B071YV97LK/ref=sr_1_5?crid=16YCX6Q3CKVCC&keywords=dj+speakers&qid=1562533427&s=gateway&sprefix=dj+speakers%2Caps%2C-1&sr=8-5

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https://www.amazon.ca/Mackie-CR3-3-Inch-Creative-Reference-Multimedia/dp/B00KVEIY4E/ref=sr_1_6?crid=16YCX6Q3CKVCC&keywords=dj+speakers&qid=1562533427&s=gateway&sprefix=dj+speakers%2Caps%2C-1&sr=8-6

Well, i have always wanted to try these ones, they have interchangeable filters if need be anyway (I'm a musician myself). I can't try them tho, cause it's hard to reach amazon stuff from my country.

Alpine Hearing Protection MusicSafe PRO Earplugs

They are 29.99 btw.

You need an Ethernet Switch, as well as either a Thunderbolt-Ethernet or USB-Ethernet adapter for your laptop.

The Shure M44-7 has always kind of been the "standard".

Ortofon makes a stylus specifically for Serato, the S120, but that's probably a marketing gimmick and is expensive.

I've been using Ortofon Concorde DigiTracks for about 4 years, and haven't had a problem.

Found these on amazon: https://www.amazon.com/gp/aw/d/B001E1Y5O6

I bought this one....

https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B01A9D33F6/ref=ppx_yo_dt_b_search_asin_title?ie=UTF8&psc=1

You'd probably want the female XLR's instead.

This will work.

Hosa CPR-201 Dual 1/4" TS to Dual RCA Stereo Interconnect Cable, 1 Meter https://www.amazon.com/dp/B000068O16/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_apa_i_UurSCbMWAW3S3

Get that new Qbert tech one

http://www.amazon.com/DJTECH-DIF1S-DJ-Scratch-Mixer/dp/B00BQMOJK8

https://www.amazon.com/Seismic-Audio-SAXFRM-2X3-Patch-Cable/dp/B01A9D33F6/ref=sr_1_3?crid=18785GXBS837T&keywords=rca+to+xlr&qid=1555293659&s=gateway&sprefix=rca+to+%2Caps%2C164&sr=8-3

​

or

​

https://www.amazon.com/GLS-Audio-3-Feet-Patch-Cable/dp/B00M10X9J6/ref=sr_1_10?crid=XPFCW8CO7894&keywords=rca+to+1%2F4&qid=1555293737&s=gateway&sprefix=rca+to%2Caps%2C167&sr=8-10

Do you have one of these ?

Headset Buddy Mic Line-Level 3.5mm Audio Input Adapter Cable for iPhone, iPad, Mac, Android, Soundboards and Mixers (iPhone-Mic-Line) https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00OAW85ZG/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_i_HHbBCbS98DMR0

Without the referral link

Also, it's $1,454.56 and ships in 2-6 months

Have a look at these:

EV ZLX12P

Won't break the budget and will give you the sound I think you may be looking for in your apartment.

PVC Laptop Stand.

Newmark Mixtrack Pro

Microphone.

(Edit): XLR Snake to connect mic and Mixtrack to PA monitors on floor.

http://www.amazon.co.uk/Sennheiser-HD-Adidas-Original-Headphones/dp/B0030T0QBG/ref=sr_1_4?s=electronics&ie=UTF8&qid=1346793976&sr=1-4

my friend has these and they are sick

Hmm that thing you linked to does not look like a DJX7U at all but simply a cheap USB controller. This instead is a DJX7U from what I can tell after some trips to Google Search: https://www.amazon.ca/EMB-Professional-Controller-Software-included/dp/B00JG8DRZM

Aside from that, here's the by far smallest standalone unit I've ever seen: https://www.amazon.com/Monster-GO-DJ-Portable-Turntable/dp/B00GY1LVBQ

edit: They've apparently released (I think) a newer model with built-in speakers and some proper channel faders: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vX4zDgE4naI

Standalone controllers are bulky. As Djbadj wrote, a modern phone or tablet and a small controller for whatever DJ software is your favourite on that phone is probably the cheapest way to get started in a small form-factor.

what's wrong with behringers?

I'm looking at these specifically:

http://www.amazon.com/Behringer-B215D-Eurolive-1-35-Inch-Compression/dp/B002ZX80V6/ref=cm_cr_pr_product_top

I'm def gonna have to get active. Probably at least 400W with decent bass. I won't have $ for a separate sub.

I'm a college student. I sold my xbox to pickup the RMX ;p

So what did you use to practice before buying speakers? Monitors? I need to replace my speakers but i am having a tough time deciding wether i should buy speaker for gigs or just have monitors and rent speakers. Which after your advice im leaning towards.

You are missing something. It can be used as a midi but it can also be used to run off usb or sdcards. Just cos it isn't switched on doesn't mean there aren't any screens that light up :).

See this vid

EDIT oh ye that is my mistake, the U version is the one that does. I presumed they were almost identical. Didn't check since usually the different numbers/iterations are only different in minor ways.

EDIT2: hmm now this is more confusing cos the link here states it does but then it goes through to that one which looks like it doesn't.

Oh also in the question answers on that device it says it does.