I Need Some " DJ/Producer " Help !

Mapka

Mapka

New member
Hey guys,

I new at this, would not say new actually cause I haven't bought any equipment yet, I've done a little research but still need some help in this area.

Okay, here's the thing, I'm planning on getting, Do recommend me some :

1) " Hercules RMX DJ Console " or " Numark Omni Controller "
2) M-Audio Axiom 25
3) " Audio-Technica ATH-PRO5 Headphones " or " Sony MDR-V6 / V505 "
4) M-Audio AV-30 Studio Monitors ( Much difference from the AV 40s ? ) Or Recommend me some fine Studio Monitors.
5) Pls recommend some laptop stands & some speaker stands.

Okay, So I will be hooking them up to my MacBook Unibody,

Here's some questions ( Some are lame, Mind me ! :D )

- What software should I use to mix ? Traktor ?
- If I we're to use Ableton Live or Logic, Could i mix like Dj's ?
- Does anyone know how's Paul Van Dyk's set-up like ? Please explain it. :)
- How would i make my DJ Controller & my MIDI Keyboard Controller work simultaneously together, In which software ?
- The best way to hook up my monitors ?
- Any other headphones, dj controllers, midi controllers, studio monitors are better but around the same price range.
- How would I do MIDI mapping ?
- Tell me more about the way PVD mixes.

So basiclly, I'm trying to have a work set-up like Paul Van Dyk, A computer based DJ/Producer or whatever you call it. If you have any points please write them down too.

Thank guys !

Will appreciate the replies.
 
Ohh okay, I get it. So other than Logic is there any other good DAWs ?

Yea I do know how to mix, just want to start producing some music.

Btw, What is Serato Live actually ?
 
Mapka,

I think you should spend some time on Ableton before getting yourself excited about hardwares.

From the sound of things, you don't seem to have any experience in either production or deejaying.... so pick one and start practicing first.

I recommend doing production first because thats where originality comes into play. LEarn to use DAWs, sequencing beats/melody what not. Learn about VST, synths, looping, cutting, effects, song structure, song composition, mastering and the list goes on.

I agree with ohiwantoscratch... it's going to take awhile...

Clearly you've done your research. But being a tech whore will not get you started. Hardware and software are just merely tools. Knowledge is the key.
 
I recommend Ableton Live for the production stuff you want to do. It makes working with loops a breeze and you can laptop DJ with it easily. I suggest you pick up the 30 day unlimited demo over at Ableton's website

However, Ableton Live won't give you the ability to emulate a traditional DJ setup as the way you mix in Ableton Live is very different from the traditional method. For the traditional setup, you need something like Traktor - a virtual dj application and Serato Scratch - A method to link analog turntables to dj applications.

Here are some answers to your other questions:

- What software should I use to mix ? Traktor ?
Traktor, Cue, Virtual DJ for traditional DJ kind of mixes. Ableton for non-traditional

- If I we're to use Ableton Live or Logic, Could i mix like Dj's ?
Ableton only. You will mix the Ableton way. Launching clips, using audio effect racks to do transitions, using dummy clips etc

- Does anyone know how's Paul Van Dyk's set-up like ? Please explain it.
No idea

- How would i make my DJ Controller & my MIDI Keyboard Controller work simultaneously together, In which software ?
Both can work at the same time in most software

- The best way to hook up my monitors ?
Depends on what you use them for. Soundcard out to monitors would be one way.

- Any other headphones, dj controllers, midi controllers, studio monitors are better but around the same price range.

MDR7506 for headphones.

Alternative to axiom would be novation remote 25 sl or compact,

How good monitors sound is subjective. Check them out in store or online. Bigger monitors have better low range.


- How would I do MIDI mapping ?

Software dependent.


- Tell me more about the way PVD mixes.

No idea. Post in DJ forums somewhere.
 
Hi,

If you want to DJ, my advise is to get a pair of good 2nd hand Technics 1200s/1210s with Serato (for digital DJing) or a good midi-controller like the Vestax VCI-100 or Faderfox with Traktor Pro software

Having PVD's equipment will not make you a good DJ and will get you nowhere without LOTS of practice..


Ableton is good for producing too.. and it's some sort of complements with Logic.
 
I'm kinda new as well, but heres my take. Don't take it to heart.

1) " Hercules RMX DJ Console " or " Numark Omni Controller "
Click to expand...

They're both pretty similar, but I feel the Hercules is a little weeny bit more popular. I'd rather get a Hercules Steel or Numark Stealth (which I got), because the audio drivers are separate and you can discard (sell to someone) the MIDI controller if you're done with the software and want to upgrade to hardware. The only fuss is that you get more wires.

-----

2) M-Audio Axiom 25
Click to expand...

Not a fan of M-Audio, 25 keys is great for inputting some melodies in your DAW if you plan to do some producing. Enconders pretty handing in frequency sweeps and such. You might also want to assign MIDI controls in your DJ software and such (it's gonna take time) and bingo, you have another set of controllers for whatever the purpose.

-----

3) " Audio-Technica ATH-PRO5 Headphones " or " Sony MDR-V6 / V505 "
Click to expand...

For DJing, whatever feels good and provides some isolation. Might want some emphasized bass response so beat matching by ear would be easier (softwares aren't on the spot all the time)

For producing, you would want a flat-like frequency response stuff.

Comfort is an important factor, don't disregard it.

I personally like the Audio Technica ATH-M50 I've got, lotsa raving reviews on the net as well.

----

- What software should I use to mix ? Traktor ?
Click to expand...

There are many types of DJ softwares scattered across the net, the popular ones are Traktor, Ableton Live, Serato Live and Virtual DJ. Any software will work, as long as it feels good for you and it suits your purpose.

----

- If I we're to use Ableton Live or Logic, Could i mix like Dj's ?
Click to expand...

For live mixing, you can do it with Ableton Live, but I'm not too sure about logic.

-----

- Does anyone know how's Paul Van Dyk's set-up like ? Please explain it. :)
Click to expand...

Do you want to be a clone, or yourself?

Gear does not really matter most of the time, it's all about how much passion you've got, how much time you spend on, and how much you know your gear in and outs.

-----

- How would i make my DJ Controller & my MIDI Keyboard Controller work simultaneously together, In which software ?
Click to expand...

Most DJ softwares have controller profiles for DJ controllers ready-to-go, read the bloody damn manuals or you can just click mindlessly in the options tab till you've got it set up.

Same for DAWs and their respective controllers meant for DAWs (Axiom, MIDI Mixing console, drum pads), don't expect the DAWs to provide profiles for DJ controllers and vice versa.

-----

- The best way to hook up my monitors ?
Click to expand...

Instruction Manuals.

-----

- How would I do MIDI mapping ?
Click to expand...

Read the manual, its different for every software but the procedures are about the same for most.

1- You find the task you want the button/knob/fader/etc to do, like Record.
2- Then there should be a "learn" button, what this does is that it will hear and 'learn' what MIDI inputs you're pushing/turning/sliding.
2.5- Push/turn/slide the button/knob/slider/etc.
3 - Exit the 'learn' mode.
4 - You've got it, you made the button/knob/fader to learn the command.

It's about there, some mappings are really made easy with for example, with Novation products. You can simply point (with your cursor) to what you want to control and assign it, no need for options.

-----

- Tell me more about the way PVD mixes.
Click to expand...

Wow, you really want to be a clone.

-----

I agree with 3vovie that you should pick one to start practicing first. I had my foot planted in DJing because I don't feel confident enough that I've heard enough electronic dance music.

Just mess around, put one track, mix in another, turn the dials all the way up, find out what works and what doesn't, and go hippy doopy yay. Don't go sad and down because your mix/track didn't sound well, we all learn from mistakes. If you're not having fun with what you're doing, then something must be terribly wrong.

Remember, don't take it to heart because I'm about as new as you, just that I've been doing my research every-so and then for quite a bit longer than you.

Cheers and make sure, you, have fun with what you're doing
Yoricko
 
Last edited:
First of all, I really appreciate the reply's guys!

Yea, I think I wanna just practice producing music, basiclly just messing around with my piano at home and forming some melody's to start a track.

Mainly the reason for me asking about PVD is just that I'm a big fan of his style, but no way do I wanna be a clone, I sure as hell would not make it as a DJ then.

Also wanted to know, Is there anywhere where I can learn the the principles of creating dance music, like the basic structure ?

Thanks guys! :)
Mark
 
How's the Stealth like ? The only difference that it has from the Omni Control is that there's no built in sound-card, so the rest is all the same right ?

Btw, how's your set-up like ? What I/O are you using ?

Cheers,
Mark

Yoricko said:
I'm kinda new as well, but heres my take. Don't take it to heart.



They're both pretty similar, but I feel the Hercules is a little weeny bit more popular. I'd rather get a Hercules Steel or Numark Stealth (which I got), because the audio drivers are separate and you can discard (sell to someone) the MIDI controller if you're done with the software and want to upgrade to hardware. The only fuss is that you get more wires.

-----



Not a fan of M-Audio, 25 keys is great for inputting some melodies in your DAW if you plan to do some producing. Enconders pretty handing in frequency sweeps and such. You might also want to assign MIDI controls in your DJ software and such (it's gonna take time) and bingo, you have another set of controllers for whatever the purpose.

-----



For DJing, whatever feels good and provides some isolation. Might want some emphasized bass response so beat matching by ear would be easier (softwares aren't on the spot all the time)

For producing, you would want a flat-like frequency response stuff.

Comfort is an important factor, don't disregard it.

I personally like the Audio Technica ATH-M50 I've got, lotsa raving reviews on the net as well.

----



There are many types of DJ softwares scattered across the net, the popular ones are Traktor, Ableton Live, Serato Live and Virtual DJ. Any software will work, as long as it feels good for you and it suits your purpose.

----



For live mixing, you can do it with Ableton Live, but I'm not too sure about logic.

-----



Do you want to be a clone, or yourself?

Gear does not really matter most of the time, it's all about how much passion you've got, how much time you spend on, and how much you know your gear in and outs.

-----



Most DJ softwares have controller profiles for DJ controllers ready-to-go, read the bloody damn manuals or you can just click mindlessly in the options tab till you've got it set up.

Same for DAWs and their respective controllers meant for DAWs (Axiom, MIDI Mixing console, drum pads), don't expect the DAWs to provide profiles for DJ controllers and vice versa.

-----



Instruction Manuals.

-----



Read the manual, its different for every software but the procedures are about the same for most.

1- You find the task you want the button/knob/fader/etc to do, like Record.
2- Then there should be a "learn" button, what this does is that it will hear and 'learn' what MIDI inputs you're pushing/turning/sliding.
2.5- Push/turn/slide the button/knob/slider/etc.
3 - Exit the 'learn' mode.
4 - You've got it, you made the button/knob/fader to learn the command.

It's about there, some mappings are really made easy with for example, with Novation products. You can simply point (with your cursor) to what you want to control and assign it, no need for options.

-----



Wow, you really want to be a clone.

-----

I agree with 3vovie that you should pick one to start practicing first. I had my foot planted in DJing because I don't feel confident enough that I've heard enough electronic dance music.

Just mess around, put one track, mix in another, turn the dials all the way up, find out what works and what doesn't, and go hippy doopy yay. Don't go sad and down because your mix/track didn't sound well, we all learn from mistakes. If you're not having fun with what you're doing, then something must be terribly wrong.

Remember, don't take it to heart because I'm about as new as you, just that I've been doing my research every-so and then for quite a bit longer than you.

Cheers and make sure, you, have fun with what you're doing
Yoricko
Click to expand...
 
Mapka said:
How's the Stealth like ? The only difference that it has from the Omni Control is that there's no built in sound-card, so the rest is all the same right ?

Btw, how's your set-up like ? What I/O are you using ?

Cheers,
Mark
Click to expand...

Yep, the only difference is that the Omni has the audio interface built in.

Just a simple Stealth Control + Audio 2 DJ + Headphones + Keyboard mapped to Hot Cues and Loops + Axiom 25 mapped to effects and such (previously, don't have the 25 anymore)

The only thing I lack is some mini-monitors, I'll get it when decent-enough for people to listen to.
 
How's the Audio DJ 2? Does it have RCA Inputs for my monitors ?

Yoricko said:
Yep, the only difference is that the Omni has the audio interface built in.

Just a simple Stealth Control + Audio 2 DJ + Headphones + Keyboard mapped to Hot Cues and Loops + Axiom 25 mapped to effects and such (previously, don't have the 25 anymore)

The only thing I lack is some mini-monitors, I'll get it when decent-enough for people to listen to.
Click to expand...
 
Mapka said:
How's the Audio DJ 2? Does it have RCA Inputs for my monitors ?
Click to expand...

No inputs, 2x 24bit/96kHz output, 2x 1/4" TRS (to connect to the interface) to RCA cables supplied. Pretty limited, and there are better options out there, but I like it being light so I chug it with my labtop when go stay over at a friends.

That link provided by squarehero is pretty handy, there is another one for DJing at the DJ section of the forums.
 
Ohh okay. One more thing, Where did you buy your stealth ? How much was it ? And how much is a Fast Track Pro or even your Audio DJ 2 ?

Cheers,
Mark

Yoricko said:
No inputs, 2x 24bit/96kHz output, 2x 1/4" TRS (to connect to the interface) to RCA cables supplied. Pretty limited, and there are better options out there, but I like it being light so I chug it with my labtop when go stay over at a friends.

That link provided by squarehero is pretty handy, there is another one for DJing at the DJ section of the forums.
Click to expand...
 
Mapka said:
Ohh okay. One more thing, Where did you buy your stealth ? How much was it ? And how much is a Fast Track Pro or even your Audio DJ 2 ?

Cheers,
Mark
Click to expand...

Anything related to DJing, sells gear, vinyls and they have classes methinks -
Valentines Music Center - Anne Teo 6338 7890

Everything related with M-audio and Numark and some other great stuffs - Sinamex
 
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