DJ Equipment for Laptops

curtiss_05

New Member
Hey everyone.

I'm thinking about getting a laptop for dj'ing purposes. I've used turntables for over 2 years now but think it's time to move on. Is this a good idea? Does anyone know any decent software to use for purely mixing and recording?

Any help is appreciated. :)
 
There's lots of software available for DJing with a laptop, depends what type of DJing you want to do;

I have been DJing with computers for nearly 8 years, laptops for over 4 years. I am a self-employed professional and therefore need to have a reliable setup.

For 'general' DJing, i.e. need little preparation of mp3 files, excellent for requests with comprehensive database search facilities,etc.;

Visiosonics PCDJ Red 5.2 (and Blue 5.2) - been using this for 4 years now, rock solid, I also use the DMC-01 Controller with it. It's very similar to using two CD players. Works on any old crappy laptop/desktop (only needs a 500Mhz processor).
Visiosonics PCDJ FX VRM / Blue VRM / Red VRM - The upgrades to the old Red and Blue 5.2, I have FX but it has sound drops on my laptop therefore unusable (needs a processor in excess of 1Ghz).
Alcatech BPM Studio - another good program configured like two CD players, a bit more expensive, their controllers are very expensive.

The above programs DO NOT automatically beatmix

Native Instruments Traktor Studio - another program configured like two CD players, the new version can use four virtual decks, can beatmix automatically.
VirtualDJ - this has two record turntables onscreen and the new version has video too, it can automatically beatmix.

For more specialised DJing i.e. using a mainly pre-prepared set of one type i.e. House or Trance, files need preparation (warping);

Abelton - I also have this, works in a completely different way and blurs the defining lines between DJing, creating and production.

Then there is Final Scratch and a few other similar systems that utilise coded platters on conventional turntables.

............and of course there's loads of others, but, the above are probably the most common systems currently being used.

Phew!!! Sorry for the longish post.

PS Noticed you're in my area, PM me if you want to see my setup in action.
 
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Thanks for the info.

I'm looking about for a laptop, hopefully get 1 this coming week. I've used PCDJ Red before so I'll probably start off with that. So would you say its a good move from the turntables? Obviously I can still connect them up and use them but this seems a more sensible idea for me to start taking my dj'ing to the next level as everyone seems to use them now.
 
Id recommend Traktor 2.6, the new Traktor 3 with 4 decks is good too but too much messing about for me, ive used 2.6 since it was out and once you get used too it then its a great program to use.

You will need a good soundcard if you want to play in a club or party, Indigo DJ soundcard is a good one and it just slots into you laptops card slot.
 
IMO if you want to 'take your djing to the next level', as opposed to just replacing vinyl with a digital setup, you should go for Ableton.
 
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