Laptop DJ

Dra

This is a stretch for this forum, but lots of smart guys hang out here.

I currently use MPS discs on an MD810 player. The OLD laptop that I used for controlling my Driverack 260 died and I need another laptop. I would like to go ahead and streamline my system and go 100% laptop.

This is what I know.
I have to use a 32-bit system for the Driverack.
I need DJ software. (I have downloaded a few demos and thought... how do I listen to the non-playing side?)
I HAVE to be able to cue and monitor the waiting song or to verify that the song cued is actually the song that I want.

What, from a hardware point (or software), do I need to make the transition.

Thanks,

Gadget

Just so happens That we have been 100% computer for ...holy cow! Well a LONG time.. My son was actually in on the development of the karaoke based computer systems as well so we actually are integrated with both. Currently we are using OTS DJ for DJ work and Show presenter for our Karaoke gigs. We are currently integrating a new program that will do both.

This weekend we're installing a new 1.5 terabit drive in the dedicated DJ, and I''ll set up my system controller laptop as a backup/second system with an external 500 gig drive. Karaoke takes up a LOT more space than mp3's so that's why we have all the storage. These programs mostly play and recognize MP3's and other compressed formats, otherwise the storage files would be massive.

Use the VBR (variable bit ratio) or FLAC conversion and the program will catalog all the songs and organize that for you. You will have search and multiple playlist capability. You will have lots of neat features where you can set fade times and affect BPM and such. Do you typically beat match or some other format where you need to actually listen to the songs before you play them?

Let me know exactly you intend or want to do and we'll hook you up.

Gadget

Dra

I don't beat match, but the demos that I've tried have it and it seems like a cool thing to have. Typically though I just crossfade from one song to the next.
The cue monitor / preview is soley to verify that the song on the "next deck" is the song that I want or see if the song is as good as I think, or "How does that song go?", etc.
I would like to be able to have a dedicated output to a mixer channel for the main mix and a dedicated output for headphones (also to the mixer, but different channel, I guess). I want to avoid the "midi controller mixer".

DRA

dmenace

You need a soundcard with 4 outputs.
Left and Right for 2 channels..

If you're using the internal mixer in the software you need to route the pfl/cue signal to 2 of the channels and the master to the other 2 channels.

If you're using an external mixer you just route each deck to a pair of outputs on the soundcard and connect
to the mixer and use the mixers pfl.

Cheers

Dra

I suppose I could go either way (and would try both). I have not seen any laptops with anything other than the typical Line out, Mic in, and Phones. ???

DRA

dmenace

Dra wrote:

I suppose I could go either way (and would try both). I have not seen any laptops with anything other than the typical Line out, Mic in, and Phones. ???

DRA

Here's a great card for your needs as long as you're only mixing with 2 tracks.
http://www.djstore.com/item/nataudio4dj.htm


Laptop soundcards are not really made for pro audio applications.. Lots of latency, no routing and bad sound..

Dra

So you recommend an external usb sound card with at least 2 pair of outputs? Any DJ software should be able to "assign" what goes where, correct?

Gadget, you still working on this too?

DRA

dmenace

I dont know about all the softwares, but most of them should be able to do the routing in the preferences. I only have experience from Traktor Scratch and Ableton Live, and i know its possible in theese two atleast. (i prefer traktor)

What you could try, (this sucks but should work) is to split the left and right channel, that way you could have your master on for example the right channel and the pfl on the left.

I still recommend an external usb soundcard.

Gadget

As dmenace says the only way to get cue is with a soundcard...internal or external..no real workarounds here in my opinion.. I wouldn't run mono ...
G

twinspindj

Dra...I have just begun using Laptop for DJ (about 6 months) and am also using OTSAV. The cost is pretty high and it is for only one License. You can buy and additional license for less.

I do primarily Weddings, but also do a few Sweet 16 and Anniversary parties.

I have an External Sound Card, Gigaport AG. USB connects to Laptop and the other end has 4 sets of (R/W) RCA jacks. I run 1/2 jacks (R/W) to my Mixer Auxillary Line Input (Channel 3). Put the Ch 3 Fader to -0- and your all set.

:idea: Within OTSAV you have Deck A and Deck B on your laptop screen, along with two areas (Play Area) and (Library Area) for terms that I am using for explanation. You can search the Library Area which is broken into two category, either Song or Artist. You can search Song Title and then either click on "Play Now" or "Set As Next" (which takes it automatically to the "Play Area." When the song that is presently playing, for instance on Deck A, nears the end of the song, the "Next Song" on your list will automatically load and start to play from fade out of Deck A. Cool. Just like the radio.

This is an over simplification, but you get the idea. Also, you can create "Play Lists" for future use...and Save the List of the songs that actually played during the event...BEFORE exiting the OTSAV program.

Glad I could help. You guys have been passing along tidbits of information and taking my "ignorant" abuse for too long. I'm beginning to catch on to the Tech side of using the DRPA, but still a long way to go. :roll:

Dra

Thanks

djaminhi

Good day gentlemen;

this is my first post to this forum; i am a DR-260 user, and i am finding the info very useful. Thank you all for the info; i have lots to ask, but i digress ......

i have been using software to dj for the last ten years; and i have never looked back; although i still dust off the 1210's once in a while.

i started off with PCDJ; and then migrated to Virtual DJ by ATOMIX.

I have tried other stuff also, but i am very happy with VDJ. I can do everything a guy with CD Decks can; a lot quicker and can be a lot more creative. not to mention the effects(VST); samples, live recording, video, automation, a playlist is saved automatically after each session or create your own, internet broadcast; etc, etc.....

All my (40,000+) mp3's are on a WD Passport Drive. I dont keep music on the laptop.

There are debates about these programs are used mainly by amatures; but if you look at serato for example they are all pretty much the same. VDJ can be used with external controllers or straight off the keyboard......and you can go FULL MANUAL if you think you are cheating.......

i use a DELL Inspiron Dual core 2 gigs RAM; 2.1Ghz;with NO STABILITY ISSUES


I use mono setup off my laptop. i dont even bother with the cue facilities, i have gotten so used to this program, i write all my (5 cue points per track), so i know where to hot start my tunes; i dont need to pfl.....

But with the mono; as mentioned you can assign one side for main and the other side for headphone; using appropiate splitter jacks......


I am happy to answer any questions; have a nice day.

Dra

External sound cards / interfaces (4 channel) seem to be all over the place ($). I want a good one, but I also want to spend as little as possible. Can you recommend?

DRA

Dra

I had someone suggest the possibility of using a USB capable mixer (yamaha or Peavey, for example) and not needing a sound card. Is that do-able?

DRA

twinspindj

In 2008, Gigaport AG from www.4beatz.com was $125.

Gadget

hmmm I think that would depend on if the software is compatible... you might try a dedicated DJ/KJ forum...Frankly, for the cost of said mixers, and cards.. (expensive) I just carry an MP3 CD player and a few backup discs with my most played music (just in case) and if I have a question about a song I have an older version of winamp running in the background and I check on the songs that way.
G

Dra

The Gigaport was discontinued (at least at 2 places I check).

dmenace

Dra wrote:

I had someone suggest the possibility of using a USB capable mixer (yamaha or Peavey, for example) and not needing a sound card. Is that do-able?

DRA

Im using firewire from my mixer, but its a dj mixer.. Not sure about the yamaha or Peavey.
They have built in soundcards?

Cheers

Gadget

Built in USB and some even firewire ports...

djaminhi

If you are using software, do you really NEED an external controller,......is what you need to ask yourself.

Software live VDJ Traktor etc (not Serato)are a complete package capable of stand alone use.

I HUMBLY submit i dont see the need unless your style is scratch mixing. You could spend loads on external (USB and the likes) devices; unnecessarily.

But in reading your post i assure you; as long as you dont need to scratch mix (at least like a pro) you can get by with your laptop ALONE; going into your desk, or dj mixer. for your application.

regarding your PFL issue, the split mono output from the laptop sound card works JUST FINE. If you insist on stereo out and stereo PFL then........

Dra

But in reading your post i assure you; as long as you dont need to scratch mix (at least like a pro) you can get by with your laptop ALONE; going into your desk, or dj mixer. for your application.

regarding your PFL issue, the split mono output from the laptop sound card works JUST FINE. If you insist on stereo out and stereo PFL then........
....

I have heard that the onboard sound card )laptop) is crap. Do you say otherwise?

So you are saying that I can "headphone right" for main mix and send to mixer channel 1 (mono) and "headphone left" for monitoring preview and send to mixer channel 2 for cueing?

I have decided that I will get Traktor Duo. I can route the main mix and cue inside the software as described?

Thanks.

djaminhi

Crap; is subjective. You give it a try and be the judge.


Yes the routing for the out and phones are configurable via software

Dra

Thanks, I like saving $$.

DRA

Gadget

I use the laptop, and tower headphone outs as well.. the bit rate is FAR more important than the sound card here, and is the weak link.

djaminhi

Gadget wrote:

the bit rate is FAR more important than the sound card here, and is the weak link.

Agreed; Bit rate makes a HUGE difference in sound quality; i aim for 192 minimum, as much as possible.

I find it a good compromise between sound quality vs file (storage) size.

dmenace

traktor duo with the audio4 soundcard is a great choice 8)

Gadget

I like the VBR's best whenever possible.

djaminhi

Gadget wrote:

I like the VBR's best whenever possible.

Unfortunately, not all playback software likes VBR, ive had problems with VBR and Mp3 PRO. Although they both offer great savings on your HD.

Dra

Does everyone recommend an external hard drive for music files? Is there a disadvantage to using the internal?
I'll accept recommendations on HD's also.

DRA

Gadget

Generally the laptops HD is limited in capacity and MUCH more expensive than a comparable full size drive. Music takes up a HUGE amount of storage space. You can then use the laptop, and its internal drive, for other things and not have it crammed full of music, converting it into a DJ machine simply by plugging in the drive. You can use it on any computer that has the software, so if your laptop is down you can put it on another computer. We clone the drives for multiple gigs...

My $.02
G

Dra

Can you recommend a relible, fast drive?

DRA