Re pc dj'ing

[mike8863]

http://www.mobilediscodirectory.co.uk/forums/showthread.php?t=7110&page=2

Re the above thread, £'s are restricted at the moment so it will be a pc set up, as opposed to cortex / denon type hd player.

1. Is a rackmount unit comparable on price to a desktop type tower?

2. If i have a pc / desktop set up like that on the above thread, am I ok to run this through a 4 channel mixer?.
That means 2 channels for the pc, deck 1 and 2 on whichever software i use, and the other 2 channels for my cd decks.

3. And I'm assuming there is no problem using the desktop and cd decks as playout at the same time?.

4. And for this type of set up is there a particular software package more suited to it, or do I search the threads on this iste and make a choice from there?

Thanks
Mike

[Dillmiester]

http://www.mobilediscodirectory.co.uk/forums/showthread.php?t=7110&page=2

Re the above thread, £'s are restricted at the moment so it will be a pc set up, as opposed to cortex / denon type hd player.

1. Is a rackmount unit comparable on price to a desktop type tower?

2. If i have a pc / desktop set up like that on the above thread, am I ok to run this through a 4 channel mixer?.
That means 2 channels for the pc, deck 1 and 2 on whichever software i use, and the other 2 channels for my cd decks.

3. And I'm assuming there is no problem using the desktop and cd decks as playout at the same time?.

4. And for this type of set up is there a particular software package more suited to it, or do I search the threads on this iste and make a choice from there?

Thanks
Mike
Do you mean like this?
3686
Before I went Laptop I used this which is a normal PC inside a desktop case. They fit inside 19" rack as you can see. I sourced two brackets from Teralec to secure it.

[Danno13]

I think he means something like this -

http://www.avrio.co.uk/acatalog/copy_of_DS27200.html

Expensive, but they're brilliant!

[mike8863]

yeah thats the sort of thing, can you help me with the techy questions re mixer too, and yes danno thats what i meant and yes it's expensive if i have to kit it out...!!

[Dillmiester]

I spose it depends on how long you intend to use as to if its worth the expence.
Mine cost the parts from on old computer, the case £30 and the brackets £4. I had decided a laptop is far better interms of size but needed to save some £££'s first.
But if you intend to stick with that solution the more expensive option certainly looks better.

[ppentertainments]

To be honest I would suggest go for cheapest option as I think in time computer dj'ing will be almost completely replaced by HD controllers. I would personally reccomend a laptop then it is a compact useful backup for when you do get a hd controller.

[mike8863]

To be honest I would suggest go for cheapest option as I think in time computer dj'ing will be almost completely replaced by HD controllers. I would personally reccomend a laptop then it is a compact useful backup for when you do get a hd controller.

cheers for that, can you enlighten me with my basic understanding as to what goes where as in original post, concerning mixer etc.

thanks
Mike

[ppentertainments]

Very basic system is to connect your headphone socket to your mixer input - would not reccomend though as sounds rubbish.

Far better is to use a external soundcard. The maya 44 has had great reports on here. I use a behringer one which is cheaper and am not upgrading due to buying a HD controller.

I only use 1 mixer channel for my laptop (as I don't use headphones, nut please, no more about that). But to be honest the 'proper' way to do it is through 2 mixer channels to allow headphone use - how - I don't know ???

There is no problem using cd decks and computer at the same time. I often jump to cd's for a while now and then for a bit of a change and also to keep my hand in !

Hope this helps.

[CRAZY K]

http://www.mobilediscodirectory.co.uk/forums/showthread.php?t=7110&page=2

Re the above thread, £'s are restricted at the moment so it will be a pc set up, as opposed to cortex / denon type hd player.

1. Is a rackmount unit comparable on price to a desktop type tower?

2. If i have a pc / desktop set up like that on the above thread, am I ok to run this through a 4 channel mixer?.
That means 2 channels for the pc, deck 1 and 2 on whichever software i use, and the other 2 channels for my cd decks.

3. And I'm assuming there is no problem using the desktop and cd decks as playout at the same time?.

4. And for this type of set up is there a particular software package more suited to it, or do I search the threads on this iste and make a choice from there?

Thanks
Mike

Excuse me making this suggestion but for the few extra pounds involved a USB reader like Cortex or D2 would be a better investment because of the portability.

Lugging a PC tower type unit around and setting it up is going to be a pain.

USB readers are a dream to set up and transport.

Also they are of course totally dedicated to music only.

Something to think about maybe?

CRAZY K

[Jiggles]

a PC set up will cost more than what a cortex will!

[Danno13]

Excuse me making this suggestion but for the few extra pounds involved a USB reader like Cortex or D2 would be a better investment because of the portability.

Lugging a PC tower type unit around and setting it up is going to be a pain.


Not at all, my rackmount PC is in the same came as my mixer, with HC4500 for control and a keyboard and mouse too. No usb drives to plug in, or any connections to make to the mixer. The only thing I attach is a monitor which has trailing leads for power and signal, which just plug into a panel on the back of my rack.

[501damian501]

easy as init mate, how much is a cortex because i know you can build a dj pc for just over £250 with all the bells and whistles for djing,I have been thinking about starting a website selling custom made pc's for djs which will fit inside an 4u 19inch case, reguards damian

[Danno13]

I would say 4U is too big really.. it makes the flightcase too big and unmanagable, once you've added a mixer and controller.

And yeah, PC parts are so cheap these days.. £100 for decent spec motherboard and cpu, £50 on RAM.. and then as much as you want on hard drive, graphics cards (if you're doing video).. depending on the size and quality you want.

[501damian501]

and why is 4u too big, i dont think many people care about their insides to their computers and hard drives, yeah small and compacted might be the best, but what about air circulation within the case, yes i you could use smaller cases, but when uve got hard drives, and motherboards buzzing about you need good air, even if u have 6000fans, why do you think most small external harddrives play up, because they get to hot and start going wild?, think about it if u was a motherboard,harddrive,ram ect ect would you like to be rammed inside a small case... reguards damian

[Solitaire Events Ltd]

and why is 4u too big, i dont think many people care about their insides to their computers and hard drives, yeah small and compacted might be the best, but what about air circulation within the case, yes i you could use smaller cases, but when uve got hard drives, and motherboards buzzing about you need good air, even if u have 6000fans, why do you think most small external harddrives play up, because they get to hot and start going wild?, think about it if u was a motherboard,harddrive,ram ect ect would you like to be rammed inside a small case... reguards damian

Please don't use text talk on the forum. Thanks.

[Tom]

I think at the end of the day if you are happy with what you are using then don't change it.


Some of us prefer to use a dedicated controller, some prefer to use a pc/laptop and some like to use cd or vinyl.

To be honest who cares what us djs use. We are here to play music and make people have a good time and enjoy themselves. I don't really care is Dan uses a pc/laptop or is Tony uses his dedicated controller. We are all here to do the same job, by choice. If we all did the same thing then life would be very boring.


And relax......(sips glass of fruit juice)

[flatliners]

try this http://www.cybernetman.com/Default.cfm?DocID=9000

[Solitaire Events Ltd]

I think at the end of the day if you are happy with what you are using then don't change it.


Some of us prefer to use a dedicated controller, some prefer to use a pc/laptop and some like to use cd or vinyl.

To be honest who cares what us djs use. We are here to play music and make people have a good time and enjoy themselves. I don't really care is Dan uses a pc/laptop or is Tony uses his dedicated controller. We are all here to do the same job, by choice. If we all did the same thing then life would be very boring.


And relax......(sips glass of fruit juice)

All very well and good Tom, but people post stuff like this frequently and the point is that us DJs are here on this DJ forum to discuss these matters.

We all know that the client doesn't care.

You say you don't care what others use and yet you asked a lot of questions when you were deciding what to buy. Let's not be hypercritical!

[kilmeedyman]

The thing about a computer case is the design with regard to airflow.

With an overlarge case it can be hard to get so much air moving into, through and out of the computer. With a tighter case, its easier to achieve.

Generally computer cases are no larger than they have to be for that very reason.


and why is 4u too big, i dont think many people care about their insides to their computers and hard drives, yeah small and compacted might be the best, but what about air circulation within the case, yes i you could use smaller cases, but when uve got hard drives, and motherboards buzzing about you need good air, even if u have 6000fans, why do you think most small external harddrives play up, because they get to hot and start going wild?, think about it if u was a motherboard,harddrive,ram ect ect would you like to be rammed inside a small case... reguards damian

[Danno13]

and why is 4u too big, i dont think many people care about their insides to their computers and hard drives, yeah small and compacted might be the best, but what about air circulation within the case, yes i you could use smaller cases, but when uve got hard drives, and motherboards buzzing about you need good air, even if u have 6000fans, why do you think most small external harddrives play up, because they get to hot and start going wild?, think about it if u was a motherboard,harddrive,ram ect ect would you like to be rammed inside a small case... reguards damian

I'm speaking from experience.. I used a KamKase 11U x 4U for a while and it was far too big and bulky, not to mention heavey. This was with a 2U PC and 1U keyboard tray and 1U spare at the front.. now imagine if all that space was filled with a bigger PC case - that would add even more weight!

Also, why bother wasting an extra 2u space when you can use one of the avrio cases, which stay perfectly cool, and there's space to add more fans if need be. It just works.. and has continued to work week in, week out for over a year now.

[CRAZY K]

easy as init mate, how much is a cortex because i know you can build a dj pc for just over £250 with all the bells and whistles for djing,I have been thinking about starting a website selling custom made pc's for djs which will fit inside an 4u 19inch case, reguards damian

£199

http://www.decks.co.uk/products/mp3players/cortex/hdc1000

CRAZY K

[mike8863]

wow, that'll do for me, thankyou crazy K

[sleah]

a PC set up will cost more than what a cortex will!
Exactly what I was thinking!:D


easy as init mate, how much is a cortex because i know you can build a dj pc for just over £250 with all the bells and whistles for djing,I have been thinking about starting a website selling custom made pc's for djs which will fit inside an 4u 19inch case, reguards damian

Mmm.. when you say "bells and whistles" does that include the DJing software? Also does that include a sound card that outputs 2 independant stereo channels, such as the Maya44, not soumething that 'tweaks' with 5.1 surround?

I ask 'cause £250 will just buy you a Maya44 soundcard and a mid-range version of PCDJ.

There's actually very very few soundcards around that are truely designed and are of sufficient quality to be used in a DJ environment. Similarly, there are supprisingly few software packages that are entirely suitable to a live DJ environment, there are several that do mixing and production, but as a professional live playout system the choice is limited.

One of my personal pet hates is being promised 'the earth' 'bells & whistles' 'all dancing all singing' and getting little more than bog standard or worse still, cheap and nasty.

I'm just struggling to see how you can sell a PC with everything needed to go out and DJ that really delivers for £250:confused:

[rob1963]

wow, that'll do for me, thankyou crazy K

Mike,

£199 is the standard retail price for the Cortex HDC1000 now.

Have a look on a certain auction site, and you'll see about 10 on there...all for exactly the same price.

:D

[CRAZY K]

Mike,

£199 is the standard retail price for the Cortex HDC1000 now.

Have a look on a certain auction site, and you'll see about 10 on there...all for exactly the same price.

:D

Mike diidnt know that until I pointed it out

:D :D :D :D :D :D :D :D :D :D :D :D :D :D :D :D :D

CRAZY K

[Excalibur]

Mike,

£199 is the standard retail price for the Cortex HDC1000 now.

Have a look on a certain auction site, and you'll see about 10 on there...all for exactly the same price.

:D

Indeed it is, but sadly you will need at a minimum a keyboard and a HD which could add between £70 and £130 depending on what you choose. Some of us have had no trouble spending way more than that! :( :( :(

[CRAZY K]

Indeed it is, but sadly you will need at a minimum a keyboard and a HD which could add between £70 and £130 depending on what you choose. Some of us have had no trouble spending way more than that! :( :( :(

How much????????????

Try a couple of these ---

http://http://www.amazon.co.uk/gp/product/B000NZOBYS/ref=amb_link_67055765_1?pf_rd_m=A3P5ROKL5A1OLE&pf_rd_s=top-1&pf_rd_r=1F11810B6P6PDHBY88HK&pf_rd_t=101&pf_rd_p=196047291&pf_rd_i=10391531 (http://www.amazon.co.uk/gp/product/B000NZOBYS/ref=amb_link_67055765_1?pf_rd_m=A3P5ROKL5A1OLE&pf_rd_s=top-1&pf_rd_r=1F11810B6P6PDHBY88HK&pf_rd_t=101&pf_rd_p=196047291&pf_rd_i=10391531)

CRAZY K

[Excalibur]

How much????????????

Try a couple of these ---

http://http://www.amazon.co.uk/gp/product/B000NZOBYS/ref=amb_link_67055765_1?pf_rd_m=A3P5ROKL5A1OLE&pf_rd_s=top-1&pf_rd_r=1F11810B6P6PDHBY88HK&pf_rd_t=101&pf_rd_p=196047291&pf_rd_i=10391531 (http://www.amazon.co.uk/gp/product/B000NZOBYS/ref=amb_link_67055765_1?pf_rd_m=A3P5ROKL5A1OLE&pf_rd_s=top-1&pf_rd_r=1F11810B6P6PDHBY88HK&pf_rd_t=101&pf_rd_p=196047291&pf_rd_i=10391531)

CRAZY K

I paid less than that for the ones I got, but my keyboard cost £30 ( It's a nice dinky one. :D ) and I also got hub, cable,.................................

I reckon my figures are accurate, £70 minimum spend won't give you a lot of latitude, and if you wish you can spend a lot lot more ( particularly if you follow the Vectis back up strategy. :eek:

[mike8863]

So my understanding is i need one hd as gratefully shown, and a keyboard to compliment the cortex and I'm away...????.
That debit card is itching to go.......:D :D :D

[Solitaire Events Ltd]

So my understanding is i need one hd as gratefully shown, and a keyboard to compliment the cortex and I'm away...????.
That debit card is itching to go.......:D :D :D

Step into my office....:p

Yeah, you should be fine with that. :)

[mike8863]

I'll be totally honest with you guys, i really have struggled with this, and i dare say it will be a whhile until i have complete faith in it, so will still use my cd's as secondary back up.
But anyway, thankyou all of you for having the patience to answer what must be getting a little repetitive questions on basics, and for your unbiased reccomendations.
Have a virtual rfeality :beer1: on me.;) ;) :D

[ppentertainments]

£199

http://www.decks.co.uk/products/mp3players/cortex/hdc1000

CRAZY K

With a keyboard and free delivery for only £1 more

http://www.djanddiscostuff.com/prodpage.asp?prodid=2234

[Excalibur]

So my understanding is i need one hd as gratefully shown, and a keyboard to compliment the cortex and I'm away...????.
That debit card is itching to go.......:D :D :D
Other HD's are available. Just get a high RPM ( 7200) 250-Gb capacity goes a long way, I'm using that size on the road, with 500Gb master at home.



Step into my office....:p

Yeah, you should be fine with that. :)

That wasn't what you said when I asked if you could get one! :p :D


With a keyboard and free delivery for only £1 more

http://www.djanddiscostuff.com/prodpage.asp?prodid=2234

Indeed, but there are keyboards and keyboards. ;) ;) I could have got one for a fiver, but it would be as clumsy and clunky as the one I'm using now. :(

[ppentertainments]

Indeed, but there are keyboards and keyboards. ;) ;) I could have got one for a fiver, but it would be as clumsy and clunky as the one I'm using now. :(

Very true, but I was in the Phase One shop the other day and it was a good quality keyboard. For the sake of £1 would do as a spare if nothing else.

[Excalibur]

Very true, but I was in the Phase One shop the other day and it was a good quality keyboard. For the sake of £1 would do as a spare if nothing else.

You have the advantage Sir of having seen one. ;) As for a spare, a valid point which I had not even considered. ;) :D Another convert to the Vectis School Of Ample Backup. :D :D

[Vectis]

Another convert to the Vectis School Of Ample Backup. :D :D

Oy! :D :p ;)

I don't even use a keyboard...

[CRAZY K]

You have the advantage Sir of having seen one. ;) As for a spare, a valid point which I had not even considered. ;) :D Another convert to the Vectis School Of Ample Backup. :D :D

Without it Peter,your up the proverbial digital creek without a paddle!

I take a Maplins full size cheapo as back up:D :D :D

CRAZY K

[CRAZY K]

So my understanding is i need one hd as gratefully shown, and a keyboard to compliment the cortex and I'm away...????.
That debit card is itching to go.......:D :D :D

NOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Two Hard Drives ( in case you do a Spirits:eek: ) and a back up for Cortex, also spare cheapo keyboard.

Maybe take some CDs and a player to start with.

Belt and braces or dont leave home in case your trousers fall down;)

:D :D :D

CRAZY K

[Excalibur]

Oy! :D :p ;)

I don't even use a keyboard...
What do you do then? Shout at it? :confused: :D :D


Without it Peter,your up the proverbial digital creek without a paddle!

I take a Maplins full size cheapo as back up:D :D :D

CRAZY K
Strewth, bang goes another fiver! :eek: :bang: :bang: :bang:
No Leffe this week. :( :( :(

[Excalibur]

So my understanding is i need one hd as gratefully shown, and a keyboard to compliment the cortex and I'm away...????.
That debit card is itching to go.......:D :D :D


NOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Two Hard Drives ( in case you do a Spirits:eek: ) and a back up for Cortex, also spare cheapo keyboard.

Maybe take some CDs and a player to start with.

Belt and braces or dont leave home in case your trousers fall down;)

:D :D :D

CRAZY K

And now Mike, you are beginning to learn the pitfalls of The Digital Way. You need backup for your backup, which is itself a backup for your main rig. Then you need a backup system which is independent of the main, and then you need a backup backup system which can be anything at all from a ghetto blaster to an accordion! While you're at it, don't get rid of the CD decks, and it would be wise to have a Minidisc just in case. The only thing you can be assured of is that it will cost way more than just a Cortex and a HD! :( :( :(
Serious note. While it is possible to drive a Cortex without a keyboard, it's a lot like driving everywhere in first gear.

[Tom]

You say you don't care what others use and yet you asked a lot of questions when you were deciding what to buy. Let's not be hypercritical!

I agree with that but as far as I know this has only been questions regarding digital media players like the Denon, Cortex and a few others, not reappy pc or CD based.

[mike8863]

And now Mike, you are beginning to learn the pitfalls of The Digital Way. You need backup for your backup, which is itself a backup for your main rig. Then you need a backup system which is independent of the main, and then you need a backup backup system which can be anything at all from a ghetto blaster to an accordion! While you're at it, don't get rid of the CD decks, and it would be wise to have a Minidisc just in case. The only thing you can be assured of is that it will cost way more than just a Cortex and a HD! :( :( :(
Serious note. While it is possible to drive a Cortex without a keyboard, it's a lot like driving everywhere in first gear.

Now that is funny...:D

And I have been following your digital experiences with interest on this forum.:D

My intention is to download all my cd's to a hard drive, a second one also if you advise for back up.
I intend to rack mount the cortex and my old cd decks and mixer in amp and spare amp together,(I know heavy), so I have one unit. I'll take a selection of back up cd's in a wallet.
Will the cortex run through a normal mixer with my cd decks or doe's it have to be a digital "friendly" mixer????.
Any other help, pitfalls from your exeprience would be most welcomed. ;) ;)

Cheers
MIke:beer1:

[CRAZY K]

Now that is funny...:D

And I have been following your digital experiences with interest on this forum.:D

My intention is to download all my cd's to a hard drive, a second one also if you advise for back up.
I intend to rack mount the cortex and my old cd decks and mixer in amp and spare amp together,(I know heavy), so I have one unit. I'll take a selection of back up cd's in a wallet.
Will the cortex run through a normal mixer with my cd decks or doe's it have to be a digital "friendly" mixer????.
Any other help, pitfalls from your exeprience would be most welcomed. ;) ;)

Cheers
MIke:beer1:

Any old mixer will do Mike--its phono out of the two channels from the Cortex player. You just need volume control/ fader for each side.

Dont worry---going Digital is simple---eventually invest in a second back up
Cortex--a reliable second hand one would be ok---and mega cheap :D

I have two myself.

CRAZY K

[mike8863]

great, thanks crazy k. I must admit to getting quite excited by it all now i have a "little" knowledge...........!!!.:zip:

[Excalibur]

Now that is funny...:D

And I have been following your digital experiences with interest on this forum.:D

My intention is to download all my cd's to a hard drive, a second one also if you advise for back up.
I intend to rack mount the cortex and my old cd decks and mixer in amp and spare amp together,(I know heavy), so I have one unit. I'll take a selection of back up cd's in a wallet.
Will the cortex run through a normal mixer with my cd decks or doe's it have to be a digital "friendly" mixer????.
Any other help, pitfalls from your exeprience would be most welcomed. ;) ;)

Cheers
MIke:beer1:

Heavy? You'll need a forklift! :eek: :D :D I'm going Cortex/HD/Mixer/Radio Mic in one rack, CD/MD/ HD/ Base for Laptop in another, and amps separately in two others. I'm fit and strong, but there's a limit to everything. :D

As Crazy says, Cortex simply requires two standard mixer inputs, RCA connectors, just like CD decks. Keep us posted. ;) :D

[CRAZY K]

Heavy? You'll need a forklift! :eek: :D :D I'm going Cortex/HD/Mixer/Radio Mic in one rack, CD/MD/ HD/ Base for Laptop in another, and amps separately in two others. I'm fit and strong, but there's a limit to everything. :D

As Crazy says, Cortex simply requires two standard mixer inputs, RCA connectors, just like CD decks. Keep us posted. ;) :D

Just make sure when you buy the Cortex you back test it early doors on a bedroom gig for a few hours to simulate a gig and get familiar with it plus make sure there are no glitches.

Be careful with ripping and tagging correctly.

If you do that youll be like me--looking forward to my Digital Country Disco gig on Sunday and the following Saturday:D :D :D

PETER ARE YOU STILL UP FOR THE 4TH JULY--
:thumbs_up: :thumbs_up: :thumbs_up:

CRAZY K

[Excalibur]

Just make sure when you buy the Cortex you back test it early doors on a bedroom gig for a few hours to simulate a gig and get familiar with it plus make sure there are no glitches.

Be careful with ripping and tagging correctly.

If you do that youll be like me--looking forward to my Digital Country Disco gig on Sunday and the following Saturday:D :D :D

PETER ARE YOU STILL UP FOR THE 4TH JULY--
:thumbs_up: :thumbs_up: :thumbs_up:

CRAZY K

4th July. As we speak, I'm looking forward to it, I'll have a word nearer the time. Barring unforeseen circumstances, I'll get my Visa application in to cross the river. ;) :D