PC Djing

[Stephen_N.I.]

Ok folks,

After trawling absolute hours on the net and some help from some members (mainly vectis :beer1:) I think I've worked it out.

I'm a complete PC DJ virgin but have been on decks/cd's for years.

I like the look and feel of OTS-DJ turntables pro, is it available as a hard-copy (cd) rather than download?

The reason I ask is because it will be installed on a different pc than the one I'm currently using and there's no point downloading to this one.

OTS does everything I need, which is being able to set cue points, monitor on a separate channel than the main, and auto-dj. Maybe they all do this, I'm not sure.

Now, connection wise. I'm thinking : |laptop| - |usb external soundcard| - |my current mixer (numark cd mix)|. Will this work? I'm thinking of connecting with a usb soundcard with 2 rca outputs. Assign 1 output as my main out to channel 1 on mixer and the other as cue to channel 2 on mixer.

Above all, can all this be done. Please give me your suggestions and opinions.

I've got a budget of £400 to test the water, (2nd hand laptop, software and soundcard.)

Oh, and give me suggestions for suitable sound-cards and laptops.

Thank-you

[Danno13]

All sounded fine, up until this part...


Assign 1 output as my main out to channel 1 on mixer and the other as cue to channel 2 on mixer.

Personally I wouldn't do it like that, I'd send each "deck" on your software, to a seperate channel on the mixer, its just a much more logical method and you can then mix with proper faders on the mixer, rather than trying to use the mouse which you can only be clicking one thing at a time with so will be very fiddly!

[franczola]

Hi,

Im in the same situation as you at the moment, thinking of converting to PC. If you search the forums with the title "laptop" or "soundcards" you should find everything you need, as I did.

These threads may be able to help you...

http://www.mobilediscodirectory.co.uk/forums/showthread.php?t=9223&highlight=laptop

http://www.mobilediscodirectory.co.uk/forums/showthread.php?t=10248

There was also another thread i found that had a handy diagram of how to connect all your gear up, but I cant find it now. Maybe have a look through?

Hope this helps, and let me know how you are getting on, because im at the same stage as you.

PS - be careful about getting a second hand laptop, especially if it is going to be your primary sound out.

Good luck,
Franc'

[JAMdisco]

I went down this route farly recently (using Vurtual DJ after serious deliberating) I think they all do pretty much the same. I bought a Numark DM950 USB Mixer - brand new for around £80 (with P&P). You get 2 USB cables with it and it has seperate soundcards built in for each channel.

It's only 2 channel but by using the USB cables you can also hook up a cd player (as a back up) to the line in on the back and change over at the flip of a switch - ideal! I used this on NYE as I had OLS on minidisk and used that in the line in. Worked really well.

Make sure you get a Ground Loop Isolator (around £10 from Maplin) as this will ensure you have crystal clear sound. I use a GLI and 2 phono to male XLR adaptors for connection to my Mackies. If you use an amp you may not need the adaptors if your amp has phono-in connectors.

[JAMdisco]

I think the image referred to above may have been one of mine. I have updated it with my current set up - hope this helps.