13 replies to this topic

[Motoko.]

I know close to nothing about being a DJ but I'd like to make trance and electronic music, what kind of equipment would I need to begin my journey?

[+Fus10n]

I DJ.. A LOT.. lol If you want just a controller to get started use Numark NS6. I would stay away from anything Virtual DJ/ Tracktor. I would stick with the Serato Itch Controlers unless you already have cd players/ turntables and use Serato Scratch Live

Here is one mix I made using with Scratch Live.

hxxp://hypeattack.com/music/Fusion--February_2012.mp3 change the xx's to p's


If you are more into producing then mixing live or doing a live show you can use Ableton Live which you don't need a controller (you can use one if you are mixing live or using Bridge with Itch/SL). There are A L O T of youtube videos that will get you going with that..

My only advice is to LEARN how to count BPMs, beats, and don't rely on software to do it for you.. If you hear a DJ using SL and one using VDJ you can tell a HUGE difference who knows what they are doing.

[Motoko.]

I DJ.. A LOT.. lol If you want just a controller to get started use Numark NS6. I would stay away from anything Virtual DJ/ Tracktor. I would stick with the Serato Itch Controlers unless you already have cd players/ turntables and use Serato Scratch Live

Here is one mix I made using with Scratch Live. http://hypeattack.com/music/Fusion--February_2012.mp3

hxxp://hypeattack.com/music/Fusion--February_2012.mp3 change the xx's to p's


If you are more into producing then mixing live or doing a live show you can use Ableton Live which you don't need a controller (you can use one if you are mixing live or using Bridge with Itch/SL). There are A L O T of youtube videos that will get you going with that..

My only advice is to LEARN how to count BPMs, beats, and don't rely on software to do it for you.. If you hear a DJ using SL and one using VDJ you can tell a HUGE difference who knows what they are doing.

That' sounds incredible!, I actually was looking at the NS6 to purchase

ah man I'm excited thx for the help I really was wondering how to tell the amateurs between the pros

[+Fus10n]

I had the NS6 for a while and it is a great controller.. I sold it thought because I wasn't using it as much as I wanted.. I love the feel of Vinyl and the kick back from it.. That's why I love Scratch Live so much

[Motoko.]

I had the NS6 for a while and it is a great controller.. I sold it thought because I wasn't using it as much as I wanted.. I love the feel of Vinyl and the kick back from it.. That's why I love Scratch Live so much

Is there any other necessary equipment?

[+Fus10n]

For the NS6 or for Scratch Live?

NS6, is an all in one controller. You can controller 4 decks with it in Itch. Also has a four channel mixer built in if you wanted to hook up cd players/turntables and use as passthough.. will not pass to Scratch Live or Itch though, it will just act as a basic mixer that sounds good.

However, man if you are serious I would get two turntables, mixer, and scratch live. There is just something magical about turntables. If you are playing at a club/bar where people on the dance floor can see you they are always excited to see turntables. People love to see them.

Here is everything you need to get going if you wanted to use SL,
http://www.zzounds.com/item--RNESL2 --SL Controller - This lets you use turntables with your music on your laptop
http://www.zzounds.com/item--NUMX5 -- Higher end mixer with low cost. A lot of people don't like numark because they used to make just crap. However, they have really stepped up their game.. I used a RANE mixer for the longest but it died and I wanted to try something new so I gave this a try. The crossfader is a lot smoother. This mixer doesn't feature all the bells and whistles as some of the other ones (effects, beat counters) but it will sound amazing...
http://www.zzounds.com/item--BEHNOX303 -- If you didn't want to spend THAT much on one I would get this one..
http://www.guitarcen...390-i2275359.gc -- These seem to be getting discontinued.. I would jump on these fast. I use technics and these. These actually have BETTER torq than the technics. These are very cheap and very good. YOU CAN'T have crappy turntables especially on SL.
http://www.zzounds.c...em--DENDNHC1000 -- This is a nice controller to use with SL. It makes loading songs, loops, effects, samples A LOT easier!!

The good thing about zzsounds, they will split your payments into four so you don't have to shell out all that cash up front. Its there pay as you play program.

If you wanted to do controllers,
http://www.zzounds.com/item--NUMNS6 - This is the NS6
http://www.zzounds.com/item--PNRDDJS1 This is the Pioneer DDJS1 which is also a Itch controller. The jog wheels feel just like CDJ1000s. However, the rest of this feels like cheap plastic. I would recommend the numark NS6 over this one but wanted to give you options.

[Motoko.]

I don't understand how turntables work except for scratching. If all my music is on computer, I would basically use the turn table for scratching right?>

[+Fus10n]

With SL, it puts what ever song you want like if it was on the Vinyl.. Like if you had bought that record and dropped the needle on it. You move the record, it moves it on the computer. you use that for cueing, finding where you want to fade in and yes, scratching..

[+nik louch]

My only advice is to LEARN how to count BPMs, beats, and don't rely on software to do it for you

Cannot agree enough!

[+Fus10n]

This guy explains what scratch live does great.

[Motoko.]

Wow this is really great, just to clarify if I chose the NS6, would I still need the SL bundle for $500 or could I just use the NS6 with SL since it already has 2 turntables for scratching.

[+Fus10n]

If you get the NS6, that is all you need. You do not need anything else. It comes with Itch which is SL for controllers. NS6 is an ALL IN ONE solution.

Itch = Controllers
Scratch Live(SL) = Turntables\CD Players

[+Fus10n]

And those aren't called "turntables" on the NS6. They are called a Jog Wheels used for getting you music lined up to where you want it and yes scratching Just like real turntables, you don't move the vinyl just for scratching, you use it to move the song to where you want it.

[Motoko.]

And those aren't called "turntables" on the NS6. They are called a Jog Wheels used for getting you music lined up to where you want it and yes scratching Just like real turntables, you don't move the vinyl just for scratching, you use it to move the song to where you want it.

woah I completely forgot about that. Is the NS6 used for making custom bgm(s)?