Quote:
Originally Posted by Blackraven  2) Some DJs/sound producers (most of them are from the Digitally Imported Radio forums) mentioned that if one wants to practice and learn the basics of becoming a DJ, then it would be best to start out with Pioneer Pro DJ products. |
I may seem like Im jumping the gun here, but from what it seems, you aren't sure about where to start, or where to go for that matter. So, let me explain my thoughts on starting out:
"Computer Software or Analog"
Even though I personally refuse to use mixing software, mixing software is a definite force to reckon with given to the right person. I just can't accurately mix with just a mouse and keyboard. With my mixer, I can grab, manipulate, and move whatever I want, whenever I feel like it, without having to grab a mouse and look at a computer screen. Essentially I don't like seeing everything on a computer screen, since it can only have so much space.
That will be your personal decision
There are however, alternatives. Yesterday I was discussing with a friend of mine his current setup, which consists of a laptop with Digital DJ, a USB mixer, 2x vinyl turntables, and a pair of encoded vinyl. With this, he spins as if it were vinyl, but the computer is where the music is coming from, along with any FX. Think of it like a hybrid of both worlds.
I've used the setup before, and while I think its really cool and a step forward, the cables and connections involved are very cumbersome. The mixer alone has 8 RCA cables coming out of it (4 to the turntables, 4 to the audio interface/laptop). Setting up cables doesn't sound like a problem, but it is for me, since I work at different venues, and not only is it a pain to carry all that, but most of the venues do not even have the room to fit a setup like that.
For you though, this is something you may want to consider, since you are probably not playing at venues for a while. Who cares about cables if you aren't going to disconnect and move them anytime soon? haha
2
Numark TT1600MKII's Rane Serato Scratch Live M-Audio Studiophile DX4 Powered Monitors
Mixer (Explained below)
Buy all this, and you will have a pretty sick bedroom dj setup.
"What Should I Buy?"
I already gave you my personal recommendations in this thread, but reading back, I should make it clear that you do not have to buy CDJ's or DVJ's to learn how to dj and become a good mixer. As a matter of fact, there are very few "bad" dj products out there, and chances are, even the cheapos you may find will satisfy your needs (At least, while you are a beginner). Just do not expect them to have the bells and whistles of their expensive counterparts (and don't expect them to last long outside your bedroom). I learned to mix on two used-as-hell Stanton STR8-80's and a Vestax two-channel mixer that was missing a crossfader cap. A lot of people will tell you they started on similar setups as well.
I will give you the same recommendations I gave to another friend who is learning how to dj:
CD Turntables:
Numark Axis-9
Don't let the price and size fool you, these turntables are beasts. Very accurate jog dials, very compact, and a very easy to read screen make it the perfect CD turntable for beginners, and for that price, any dj who is on a budget. This also has a manual pitch adjust, which essentially lets you change the pitch/key of a song without manipulating the BPM, which is something I've yet to see in any other turntable (including those DVJ's). You may not appreciate it now, but if you get better you will realize how awesome it is to not be limited to a song's key and BPM anymore. The only complaint I have is that it uses a CD-Tray, which makes it more susceptible to physical damage, since trays are really flimsy, but as long as you do not abuse them (like pushing them in instead of pressing Eject), they will last you a long time.
Monitors:
M-Audio Studiophile DX4 Powered Monitors
A lot of people forget that mixing involves not just hearing things in your headphones, but hearing what is playing outside of your headphones. I learned on these monitors, and I still highly recommend them for beginner dj's. They do not have the most accurate bass in the world, but for your purposes, they are perfect. Hell, I still use these monitors as speakers for my bedroom PC to play games and music with.
Mixers: Any!
It really does not matter what mixer you use, so long as it has at least 2-channels, a crossfader, PFL (Preview For Listen, CRUCIAL for mixing), and EQ knobs (at least highs, mids, lows). You can find cheap mixers for less than 200 dollars easily, and they will suit your needs.
Many beginners looking for mixers tend to automatically look for ones with:
Sampling Effects (Like recording/looping a part of a track)
Kill switches (Switches that automatically turn off certain EQ parameters),
2000 channels (Not really 2000, but six, eight, etc)
The fact is, you do not need any of that. Since learning how to just MIX two tracks is infinitely more important, you won't have to bother with sampling for a while, not to mention, if you do get to the point where you want to sample, you will most likely upgrade from your axis-9's, and any mid to high end CD turntable will have built in samplers.
As for kill switches, you will not find many serious DJ's who even touch kill switches. The best way to manipulate EQ is by using the knobs on the mixer, and not just switching the kill switches. This way, you have much more control over what sound is coming out, and you can smoothly bring it in or bring it out without killing your ears (or your audience's ears). And there is NO reason to have more than three channels in your mixer for just mixing music, and even then, all you REALLY need is two channels (for both your turntables). Most people use the other channel for FX processors, like a kaoss pad, but again, you should only get into the neats things after you learn the nitty gritty, such as beatmatching and basic transitions.
Hope I helped, and please, don't spend your life savings if you don't have to
Thoughts on Pioneer Pro DJ products 
(along with the rest of the series except the shitty 100 dollar SMX-211)
