Starting point......

[DJmissbehaving]

Since i have only done a few small gigs i have been using my friends gear. Looking to get myself some equipment within next few months......

Anyone got any suggestions as to what kinda things i should prioritise and where to get them??x

[BeerFunk]

Well, I'm sure you'll find that Class D are a very popular choice on these forums - I don't use them personally, but it would definitely be on my list if I needed any more PA equipment. As for lighting, well Acme would again be the manufacturer of choice (I use the Dynamos, and they're extremely impressive for the money!)

Decks and mixer? This always throws up mixed results, but I would personally go for Numark if I were starting out.

[Solitaire Events Ltd]

Sound is always a priority over lighting.

Let's start with the basics, are you going to be using vinyl, CD or computer/hard drive reader?

Have you a budget at all?

What kind of functions are you expecting to attend?

[Penfold42]

Sound is always a priority over lighting.

Let's start with the basics, are you going to be using vinyl, CD or computer/hard drive reader?

Have you a budget at all?

What kind of functions are you expecting to attend?

:agree:

Sound is number 1 priority.......

[Excalibur]

Since i have only done a few small gigs i have been using my friends gear. Looking to get myself some equipment within next few months......

Anyone got any suggestions as to what kinda things i should prioritise and where to get them??x

Plenty of sites on t'interweb for everything you need. You may not know where they are, but ask here, or Google and you will find out.
1) Sound. Cheap can be good enough if you get the right stuff. Doesn't have to be huge initially.
2) CD players/ Laptop/ hard drive playout system . The choice is yours.
3) Lighting. Last on your shopping list, basic is fine for a start. Even £30 Vastos make a display.

[DJmissbehaving]

Sound is always a priority over lighting.

Let's start with the basics, are you going to be using vinyl, CD or computer/hard drive reader?

Have you a budget at all?

What kind of functions are you expecting to attend?

Iwill be using laptop with external hard drive which i still have to purchase.

Budget not sure of as i dont really prices of items but being a student n all that my money doesnt stretch too far after the bills are paid......:confused:

functions not sure of either. Its through my friend i get functions. So far i have done two parties so i think it will be along those lines....

[Excalibur]

Iwill be using laptop with external hard drive which i still have to purchase.

Budget not sure of as i dont really prices of items but being a student n all that my money doesnt stretch too far after the bills are paid......:confused:

functions not sure of either. Its through my friend i get functions. So far i have done two parties so i think it will be along those lines....

OK, let's try and give you an idea.
Speakers. £150 ish inc leads
http://cgi.ebay.co.uk/Class-d-CD158-700watt-RMS-speakers-Disco-dj-PA-audio_W0QQitemZ180218900539QQihZ008QQcategoryZ2379 4QQtcZphotoQQcmdZViewItem

Amp £200
http://cgi.ebay.co.uk/KAM-KXR1000-POWER-AMP-DJ-equipment-Band-PA-audio-system_W0QQitemZ180104449577QQihZ008QQcategoryZ682 47QQtcZphotoQQcmdZViewItemQQ_trksidZp1742.m153.l12 62

Mic £50
http://www.electromusic.co.uk/product.php?productid=2263&cat=138&page=1

Lights A couple off here would be a start, or look at Maplins, the T-Max there are cheap.
http://www.ukdj.com/index.asp?PageAction=VIEWCATS&Category=1052

As for laptop etc, not my area. Sorry.:o

[Penfold42]

OK, let's try and give you an idea.
Speakers. £150 ish inc leads
http://cgi.ebay.co.uk/Class-d-CD158-700watt-RMS-speakers-Disco-dj-PA-audio_W0QQitemZ180218900539QQihZ008QQcategoryZ2379 4QQtcZphotoQQcmdZViewItem

Amp £200
http://cgi.ebay.co.uk/KAM-KXR1000-POWER-AMP-DJ-equipment-Band-PA-audio-system_W0QQitemZ180104449577QQihZ008QQcategoryZ682 47QQtcZphotoQQcmdZViewItemQQ_trksidZp1742.m153.l12 62


Do you have shares in Class-D??

*tin hat on*

He's right though....good speakers once you get over the carpet smell......:D
..and you don't get them wet....:eek: :D

[Solitaire Events Ltd]

Nice little mixer here (http://www.decks.co.uk/products/mixers/numark/cm200)

For a cheap, quality mic, go for a Shure PG58 - almost as good as an SM58, but a lot cheaper at around £35.

[Tom]

what about this for a laptop. more then enough power if you want it for dj'ing

http://www.currys.co.uk/martprd/store/cur_page.jsp?BV_SessionID=@@@@1631135894.120423750 6@@@@&BV_EngineID=ccfeadedglffdgecflgceggdhhmdgmi.0&page=Product&fm=1&sm=0&tm=0&sku=068894&category_oid=


you wont need an external hard drive just yet as this comes with 80gb. more than enough to get you started.

[Solitaire Events Ltd]

what about this for a laptop. more then enough power if you want it for dj'ing

http://www.currys.co.uk/martprd/store/cur_page.jsp?BV_SessionID=@@@@1631135894.120423750 6@@@@&BV_EngineID=ccfeadedglffdgecflgceggdhhmdgmi.0&page=Product&fm=1&sm=0&tm=0&sku=068894&category_oid=


you wont need an external hard drive just yet as this comes with 80gb. more than enough to get you started.

I wouldn't go for a Celeron for Djing, or Vista actually!

[Tom]

i use a celeron and have no problems at all.

im not to sure abut vista as i dont use it but then again most laptops and computers come out the factory with vista now.

[Excalibur]

Do you have shares in Class-D??

*tin hat on*

He's right though....good speakers once you get over the carpet smell......:D
..and you don't get them wet....:eek: :D

As a concession to someone on a limited budget I went for them. Otherwise it would have been:-
http://www.class-d.com/Product.aspx?PRO=739

or drool time

http://www.class-d.com/Product.aspx?PRO=847

Or if you have the muscles for this ( young lady not included )
http://cgi.ebay.co.uk/Class-D-CD18215SP-2-3K-speaker-system-DJ-Bands-Install_W0QQitemZ170195117694QQihZ007QQcategoryZ69 967QQtcZphotoQQcmdZViewItem

Or insanity ( And there's a similar one to this which is lovely also )
http://cgi.ebay.co.uk/Class-D-CD18215SP-2-3K-speaker-system-DJ-Bands-Install_W0QQitemZ170195117694QQihZ007QQcategoryZ69 967QQtcZphotoQQcmdZViewItem

[Solitaire Events Ltd]

i use a celeron and have no problems at all.

im not to sure abut vista as i dont use it but then again most laptops and computers come out the factory with vista now.

Yeah, but you can still get XP laptops.

Celeron is usable for DJing but not recommended. Ask anyone who makes the software.

[Excalibur]

Nice little mixer here (http://www.decks.co.uk/products/mixers/numark/cm200)

For a cheap, quality mic, go for a Shure PG58 - almost as good as an SM58, but a lot cheaper at around £35.

Is that different to this one then? :confused: ;) :D :D ( apart from the price)

http://www.electromusic.co.uk/product.php?productid=2263&cat=138&page=1

[Tom]

Yeah, but you can still get XP laptops.

Celeron is usable for DJing but not recommended. Ask anyone who makes the software.

OK. i take your word. I didnt want this to turn into a heated discussion. Only saying.



So in that case go for a laptop with XP and try to avoid Celeron Processors.

[Solitaire Events Ltd]

Is that different to this one then? :confused: ;) :D :D ( apart from the price)

http://www.electromusic.co.uk/product.php?productid=2263&cat=138&page=1

That one is £10 more and comes with a lead. ;) I bought 3 of them on Ebay for £30 and that was delivered. And yes, they are real ones!

OK. i take your word. I didnt want this to turn into a heated discussion. Only saying.





There's nothing heated about it Tom - I'm just giving the benefit of my experience as I've been using computers for 5 years to DJ with.:)

[BeerFunk]

Celeron processors are identical to their relevant counterparts apart from one major drawback...

They have typically half the on-board cache - which is bad news if you're PC suddenly finds itself playing catch up. I've always avoided them for gaming, and would most certainly not use them for DJing! :eek:

They would be OK for general use, where the occassional slowdown or freeze isn't a problem.

[djsteve10]

Why not have a look at the Numark Total control setup that seems to be quite a hot seller down at my Local retailer.... does everything you want it to in one box pretty much.

The speakers that were reccomended are mroe than enough to fill most venues with sound...
Lighting i wouldn't worry about too much as it is music that matters.

By the way Excalibur.... i might go down the insanity route :D

[Excalibur]

That one is £10 more and comes with a lead. ;) I bought 3 of them on Ebay for £30 and that was delivered. And yes, they are real ones!




So a simple link might have been more useful? And I never said that was the cheapest, simply that it was a guide. Somebody always comes up with a cheaper link.;) :D

Edit; I reckon a lead might be useful for a corded mic, eh? ;) :D

[Tom]

But then again if all your using your laptop is to run dj software then whats the problem???

I can understand if you are running video from it aswell then yeah it would need to be a better laptop itself (more ram, better cpu, good gpu) ect ect

[djsteve10]

It all comes down to what software he is going to using on the laptop too Tom... Numark Cue/Virtual Dj needs more CPU useage and Ram to what OTS DJ does so we would be better finding out what software he is going to be using and then find the right laptop for him based around the system requirements of the software.

[BeerFunk]

Well there may never be a problem Tom, if the system is clean and set up well, and the specs of the machine are high enough. However, should the PC for any reason find itself with a lot to do all of a sudden - that's where the danger lies. The processor cache is basically it's buffer, and if that empties - slowdown, or a freeze or crash are very likely.

[Solitaire Events Ltd]

Go to most of the usual suspects for software and I'd be surprised if any recommended a Celeron processor.

[dmckaraoke]

It all comes down to what software he is going to using on the laptop too Tom... Numark Cue/Virtual Dj needs more CPU useage and Ram to what OTS DJ does so we would be better finding out what software he is going to be using and then find the right laptop for him based around the system requirements of the software.


the he is a she if you look at the post correcttly......

but yes you are right it all come down to software......

[Tom]

If it helps i use traktor 3 le. uses hardly any cpu at all. the only time you may see it move a bit is when your searching for songs but then again its only something silly like 5 or 6% cpu being used.

[rob1963]

Well, I'm sure you'll find that Class D are a very popular choice on these forums

To be honest, they seem to be like Marmite...

...you either love them or hate them.

[DazzyD]

Hi all.

Just thought I'd like to offer my advice here as it seems to be turning in to a battle of the processor.

Having used laptops for some time now, I do see where the argument is coming from. However, due to my Dell Inspiron (Centrino) dying on me last year, I bought a new Toshiba Satellite with a Celeron to see me over until the insurance paid up. I've found absolutely no difference when using BPM (from Alcatec) to play the disco music and I've also used it to play karaoke using Virtual DJ. I'd recommend that nothing else is running including anti-virus software (safe because you should be using tried and tested software and audio files). Also, Vista works perfectly well with BPM and Virtual DJ so long as you run the install files in Windows XP Compatibility mode. I'd also recommend increasing RAM to as much as you can afford and use a dedicated sound card to take away some of the strain on the processor in the first place. On a sour note, I had major problems running the Vista version of Windows Media Player with the crossfade function on. It made the music skip like a badly scratched record and I could never recommend it being used in a DJ environment.

As for other equipment, I got a good deal (£300) on a Soundlab 1200w powered mixer (bulky but has a reasonable sound) and had it fitted with two extra high powered but quiet internal fans to expel the hot air quicker. Connected it to a couple of 300w 15in Prolight speakers (£250 the pair) with high grade oxygen-free copper cables with Speakon connectors and got the basis of a good sounding system. Added this to a couple of sets of Acme Gobo lights, a set of Par 56 cans with S2L controller and a few other light effects (total cost about £600) and it's a complete sound reinforcement and light system for around £1200. This might sound a lot but it's a hell of lot cheaper than the total cost of my music library over the years! I also use the PG58 mics from Shure for disco as well as a mega-bargain mic from KAM (really cheap at about £15 but it sounds good and doesn't seem to suffer from feedback). For karaoke shows, I use Shure and Seinheiser mics but need to be on the ball with the mixer as they can suffer from feedback.

Anyway, I hope this helps. This system described above is really a budget one when you consider a multi-cabinet speaker rig from the likes of HK Audio can cost in excess of £10,000. The only real way to see if a system works is to put it together and try it. If you don't do that, you'll never know!

[JAMdisco]

I use a laptop running Virtual DJ on Vista and it's fine, runs like a dream. It is for DJing ONLY and NEVER goes near the internet. I upgraded the RAM to 2GB and it's a dual processor. I too wouldn't use Celeron for professional applications.

Back to the original question, I reckon you'll be looking at a total budget of around £1,000 for the main stuff including some budget lighting. Then around £250,000 for music (joke).

Just a note on music (and I know it's been covered a million times) - make sure you have proof of ownership i.e. Original CD or proof of purchase if electronic. I know of someone who got a hefty fine and lost his residency from using copied CD's.

[UltraBeat Entertainment]

I personally wouldn't use Vista not until it gets a few more patches and a few more programs that run on the O/S. Well that's my opinion anyway:p

I would say any cheap mic would do for starting up just try and get hold of a good quality mixer and amp.

[Excalibur]

I would say any cheap mic would do for starting up just try and get hold of a good quality mixer and amp.

No. Go for a name brand. Darren and I have both suggested a quality mic at a sensible price, don't skimp on the mic, it really is a false economy!

[JAMdisco]

I personally wouldn't use Vista not until it gets a few more patches and a few more programs that run on the O/S. Well that's my opinion anyway:p

Fair enough, you're welcome to your opinion but I've been using it for about 5 months now ona regular basis and I wouldn't go back to XP now.

[Solitaire Events Ltd]

No. Go for a name brand. Darren and I have both suggested a quality mic at a sensible price, don't skimp on the mic, it really is a false economy!

I absolutely agree and when you can get a decent sounding mic for less than £50, there's no arguement. The mic is such an important piece of kit, even if you only use it a couple of times a night.

[Corabar Steve]

To be honest, they seem to be like Marmite...

...you either love them or hate them.

Thing is, most who say they don't like them haven't even heard them.

[rob1963]

To be honest, they seem to be like Marmite...

...you either love them or hate them.


Thing is, most who say they don't like them haven't even heard them.

That may or may not be true, (although why would people who have never heard them say they don't like them?) but I based my Marmite comment on one of my old threads asking for advice on which new speakers to get.

Several people liked Class D enough to recommend them on the forum, but several people also disliked them enough to PM me advising against getting them, and that's never happened before.

[Corabar Steve]

Largely on account that some models have piezos & they are a fairly budget brand & are perceived as a similar level as the "red cabs" .

If it's a budget brand don't touch it, I haven't actually heard it myself, but it's cheap so it can't be any good.

All the complaints I've heard about Class D have been about the plastic cabs. Most of the recommendations are for the "wooden" ones.

[Solitaire Events Ltd]

If it's a budget brand don't touch it, I haven't actually heard it myself, but it's cheap so it can't be any good.



Strange thing to say. Love them or hate them, Class D are a budget brand.

[Corabar Steve]

Indeed they are & that's my point. People who haven't heard them & assume that because they are, then they must sound pants.

[Excalibur]

All the complaints I've heard about Class D have been about the plastic cabs. Most of the recommendations are for the "wooden" ones.

Pssst! Don't tell anybody, but some of the Class -D folk don't like the plastic ones too much. :eek:

[rob1963]

Pssst! Don't tell anybody, but some of the Class -D folk don't like the plastic ones too much. :eek:

Excalibur...put that spoon away NOW!

:rolleyes: :D :D

[DJmissbehaving]

It all comes down to what software he is going to using on the laptop too Tom... Numark Cue/Virtual Dj needs more CPU useage and Ram to what OTS DJ does so we would be better finding out what software he is going to be using and then find the right laptop for him based around the system requirements of the software.

Yes i am a she. Well since last time i checked anyways(5 mins ago).

I have my own laptop with XP and both virtual DJ and numark cue. Planning on using mastermix discs. Was just looking for some ideas. THanx folks xx

[Solitaire Events Ltd]

Why have you got VDJ and Numark Cue? They are the same software, but re-named!

[DJmissbehaving]

Why have you got VDJ and Numark Cue? They are the same software, but re-named!

http://www.decks.co.uk/products/video_jockey/numark/nu_vj This is what i have and it came with numark cue. I dont use it yet though. VDJ was just a demo.

[flatliners]

well if you are getting your own stuff my advice is spend 70% of your budget on ya sound system ( speakers amps cd or laptop ect ) and 30% on lighting