Wanting a digital setup

[Jay]

I am very keen on getting a digital playout system as I think it will be so much simpler/easier but I am at a lose end on what to buy. Idealy I would want a player ie denon or cortex, a mixer and a cd player for backout or if someone brings a cd all in one box but I wouldn't know where to start because there are different boxes with different size mixers and such like.

Any help would be most appreciated.

Thanks,
Jay

[Solitaire Events Ltd]

Jay, there are literally hundreds of threads and posts about this. Please use the search function and if you can't find what you are looking for, then post back.

[Jay]

I did look at them but the trouble I am having is finding all the bits and pieces in a single box. I have found loads of bits of kit on various stores but I am unsure if the mixer and player will fit in the box and if there will be room for a twin cd deck etc...thats what I am having trouble with...

[Solitaire Events Ltd]

What kind of 'box' are you talking about and how many 'u' is the mixer etc

[Penfold42]

This old chestnut! :D

Have you tried the search facility......:)

TIN HAT ON!

If you have plenty of income.....try Denon....if not Cortex!
If you want a back up with CD's...try a laptop and sound card...then you may want a software DJ package instead...then forget the Denon and go laptop.....confused....you will be!

Know anyone with a digital playout you can have a look at?

Might give you an idea...:)

[Jay]

I have no idea, the player I was looking at was this:

http://www.decks.co.uk/products/mp3players/cortex/hdc3000

the box would be something like this although as I have said i am not totally sure:

http://www.djstore.com/item/cases_equipment/djs242carpetcase.htm

being an IT Technician through day I am reluctant to use a laptop as they do crash, not often but they do crash. I have a behringer bcd2000 with Virtual DJ allready but am quite reluctant to use that as a main playout system..

[Solitaire Events Ltd]

I have no idea, the player I was looking at was this:

http://www.decks.co.uk/products/mp3players/cortex/hdc3000

the box would be something like this although as I have said i am not totally sure:

http://www.djstore.com/item/cases_equipment/djs242carpetcase.htm

being an IT Technician through day I am reluctant to use a laptop as they do crash, not often but they do crash. I have a behringer bcd2000 with Virtual DJ allready but am quite reluctant to use that as a main playout system..

Being an IT technician, you should know that all PCs crash and that also, the Cortex is run on firmware which could also crash. Electrical stuff goes wrong, let's not forget that!

The case you have linked too is not big enough. The Cortex you are looking at looks like a 3U product to me and the case is 2u (top) 4u (mixer) and 2u (CD draws)

You will need a case that starts with 3u.

[Jay]

Yeah i'm aware that anything electrical can and will crash but it is alot less likey to crash as opposed to a laptop.

I have never came across this, "U" measurement before tonight and that will be why I was confused.

[Penfold42]

I have no idea, the player I was looking at was this:

http://www.decks.co.uk/products/mp3players/cortex/hdc3000


Out of interest why this one?

I don't know anyone using the HDC3000....I would have thought the 1000 (http://www.decks.co.uk/products/mp3players/cortex/hdc1000) might have suited your box better and left a bit more cash in your pocket....just a thought....:)

[Jay]

Just thought it might have been worth the extra money, that was only after a very quick look. After looking into it further I quite like the look at the numark d2...I'd like something with a bpm counter and looping facilities etc...

[Solitaire Events Ltd]

Yeah i'm aware that anything electrical can and will crash but it is alot less likey to crash as opposed to a laptop.



So you haven't used a controller yet, but you know that a laptop will crash more often? :confused:

[Penfold42]

Just thought it might have been worth the extra money, that was only after a very quick look. After looking into it further I quite like the look at the numark d2...I'd like something with a bpm counter and looping facilities etc...

Fair comment....:)

Ok i'll tell what I use...
In division 1 - Denon HD2500.....nice, dependable....very good.
In division 2 - Laptop....
In division 3 - Cortex.....

Personally - without getting into a 'Willy waving' contest - .....I would save up a bit more for the Denon.....:)

[Jay]

So you haven't used a controller yet, but you know that a laptop will crash more often?

I would be willing to put alot of money on a bet that says a laptop will crash a hell of a lot more that any controller over a years use. Theres no operating system as such in a controller, just the firmware

[Excalibur]

Out of interest why this one?

I don't know anyone using the HDC3000....I would have thought the 1000 (http://www.decks.co.uk/products/mp3players/cortex/hdc1000) might have suited your box better and left a bit more cash in your pocket....just a thought....:)

I have seen people on here in the know who recommend the Numark D2 over the Cortex3000, as since the price differential is so small, they rate the Numark.

A U is a Unit (Geddit? ) of measurement used in Disco kit. Match the size of the kit to the size of the box, and away you go.

Right.
Denon plus dedicated CD trays is £1000 give or take. All in one box, top name, industry standard, it's just "reassuringly expensive". ;)

Numark DDS 80, player, HD mount ( though I'm not sure how that bit works connection wise)one CD tray. £650 ish, again all in one box, good name, and if I ever upgrade it's top of my list to have a good look at. ( And probably reluctantly dismiss as too expensive )
Numark D2/Cortex HDC3000. Controllers only, reviews suggest the Numark is higher quality. Plenty of happy D2 users on here, don't think many have got a 3000, they usually go for:
Cortex HDC1000. Cheap and cheerful, now apparently bulletproof, after a dodgy inception, plenty of happy users on here, self just below Crazy K in the Testimonial department. ;) :D :D
If you want a CD facility, stick an external drive onto a hub on any of the last three, and Robert's your Mum's Brother. I honestly wouldn't stick a dedicated CD player in a box if you're trying to get away from humping boxes of CD's about. My probable next change will probably be a 1000 or D2 with said drive as CD player. ( I think you could use DVD's with MP3's on in this, if you wanted a backup, but don't quote me on this )
Of course, you can use the laptop as a backup system, rather than a frontline, which is what I sort of do. Saves carrying CD's, and of course it will also play CD's.
Hope this helps.


So you haven't used a controller yet, but you know that a laptop will crash more often? :confused:
Of course. He's read Crazy's views on the subject!:sofa:
Actually, haven't folk said much the same thing on here before? :confused:

[Solitaire Events Ltd]

I would be willing to put alot of money on a bet that says a laptop will crash a hell of a lot more that any controller over a years use. Theres no operating system as such in a controller, just the firmware

And that can't go wrong or freeze?

If you haven't used a laptop for DJing, I'm not sure where you are getting the comparison from?

I've probably had software crash on a laptop about half a dozen times in the last 5 years. These are optimised for music playback with everything taken off except essential services.

[Jay]

I have the same setup, a laptop with nothing on except the dj software and updates for system stability. and have done countless private house parties and beleive me, it has crashed enough times for me to look like an idiot. Firmware is much more reliable than software there is no denying that, thats all I am saying. I just wanted a bit of advice on which controller to use thats all.

[Excalibur]

Fair comment....:)

Ok i'll tell what I use...
In division 1 - Denon HD2500.....nice, dependable....very good.
In division 2 - Laptop....
In division 3 - Cortex.....

Personally - without getting into a 'Willy waving' contest - .....I would save up a bit more for the Denon.....:)

And I'll give you a a start. £30, can't say fairer.;) :D :D


And that can't go wrong or freeze?

If you haven't used a laptop for DJing, I'm not sure where you are getting the comparison from?

I've probably had software crash on a laptop about half a dozen times in the last 5 years. These are optimised for music playback with everything taken off except essential services.
Which sensible move is not of course undertaken by everyone, hence a higher incidence of problems, mayhap? :confused:

[Jay]

I have the same setup, a laptop with nothing on except the dj software and updates for system stability. and have done countless private house parties and beleive me, it has crashed enough times for me to look like an idiot. Firmware is much more reliable than software there is no denying that, thats all I am saying. I just wanted a bit of advice on which controller to use thats all.


Denon plus dedicated CD trays is £1000 give or take. All in one box, top name, industry standard, it's just "reassuringly expensive".

Numark DDS 80, player, HD mount ( though I'm not sure how that bit works connection wise)one CD tray. £650 ish, again all in one box, good name, and if I ever upgrade it's top of my list to have a good look at. ( And probably reluctantly dismiss as too expensive )
Numark D2/Cortex HDC3000. Controllers only, reviews suggest the Numark is higher quality. Plenty of happy D2 users on here, don't think many have got a 3000, they usually go for:
Cortex HDC1000. Cheap and cheerful, now apparently bulletproof, after a dodgy inception, plenty of happy users on here, self just below Crazy K in the Testimonial department.
If you want a CD facility, stick an external drive onto a hub on any of the last three, and Robert's your Mum's Brother. I honestly wouldn't stick a dedicated CD player in a box if you're trying to get away from humping boxes of CD's about. My probable next change will probably be a 1000 or D2 with said drive as CD player. ( I think you could use DVD's with MP3's on in this, if you wanted a backup, but don't quote me on this )
Of course, you can use the laptop as a backup system, rather than a frontline, which is what I sort of do. Saves carrying CD's, and of course it will also play CD's.
Hope this helps.

that does help alot, it gives me a good idea of how much i will have to spend

[Solitaire Events Ltd]

I have the same setup, a laptop with nothing on except the dj software and updates for system stability. and have done countless private house parties and beleive me, it has crashed enough times for me to look like an idiot. Firmware is much more reliable than software there is no denying that, thats all I am saying. I just wanted a bit of advice on which controller to use thats all.

In which case, search round the forum for opinions on the main 3. There are plenty of opinions and advice on the Denon, D2 and Cortex.

[Vectis]

I've run a laptop bare-bones XP SP2 with OTS DJ for about 3 years now and not a glitch. The key is to get the OS to a known good state, set up your DJ software how you want it AND THEN LEAVE IT ALONE. Never ever be tempted to update ANYTHING and keep it off networks except a private LAN if using a SAN for instance.

If you're considering an update then either do it on a second laptop or get a second internal HDD and swap them around until you're 100% confident in the new build before switching.

I run a d2 and am more than happy with it.

I use the laptop for background sequences and during the main part of the night use the d2 almost exclusively; the laptop then becomes 'spare' decks but I keep a couple of generic floorfillers cued up in case I do run into trouble with the d2 or (more likely) I get hassled for something whilst trying to cue from outside the crate and run short on time.

[Excalibur]

In which case, search round the forum for opinions on the main 3. There are plenty of opinions and advice on the Denon, D2 and Cortex.
Yes, I have posted a lot on this haven't I? :confused: :D :D Not bad, considering before Christmas, I knew nothing about any of them! :D :D


I've run a laptop bare-bones XP SP2 with OTS DJ for about 3 years now and not a glitch.

The key is to get the OS to a known good state, set up your DJ software how you want it AND THEN LEAVE IT ALONE. Never ever be tempted to update ANYTHING and keep it off networks except a private LAN if using a SAN for instance.

Vectis, you're a lovely lad, and very clever, but I wish you'd post in English! :eek:


the laptop then becomes 'spare' decks but I keep a couple of generic floorfillers cued up in case I do run into trouble with the d2 or (more likely) I get hassled for something whilst trying to cue from outside the crate and run short on time.
Some of us can find requests in time now we've gone over to a Proper player, and use a keyboard. ;) :D And I'd have expected you to have a deckstand by now? :confused: :D :D

( Until Rob comes back on, I'm supplying the facile jokes. )

[Vectis]

Vectis, you're a lovely lad, and very clever, but I wish you'd post in English! :eek:


Oh dear, glossary time :D

XP SP2 = shorthand for Microsoft Windows XP, Service Pack 2

OTS DJ = my particular fave DJing software now superceded by OTS AV

OS = Operating system. ie XP SP2 as previously mentioned

LAN = local area network or ethernet; a communications method used to join computers and associated devices together using wired or wireless methods

SAN = network based storage (Storage Area Network) or more likely at the low-cost end of things a NAS (Network Attached Storage) - a hard disk drive that connects to the network rather than directly to one computer (via USB or firewire for example). If it's attached to the network it can be accessed directly by more than one PC at any time and doesn't rely on a "host" PC being available.

:beer1:

[501damian501]

either your unlucky, or your laptop is no good, ive been using virtual dj for years for a number of things, karaoke shows and main playout system on my friends waltzer, i even used virtual dj acouple of years back on my friends waltzer in the summer, for a whole 6 weeks every single day from 1 oclock in the afternoon till 10 oclock at night, never had it crash once, this was on a rackmount computer though, cheers damian

[Solitaire Events Ltd]

either your unlucky, or your laptop is no good, ive been using virtual dj for years for a number of things, karaoke shows and main playout system on my friends waltzer, i even used virtual dj acouple of years back on my friends waltzer in the summer, for a whole 6 weeks every single day from 1 oclock in the afternoon till 10 oclock at night, never had it crash once, this was on a rackmount computer though, cheers damian

Have you got your dates somewhat mixed up?

Little over two months ago, you were talking about going digital and asking advice on Virtual DJ.

http://www.mobilediscodirectory.co.uk/forums/showthread.php?t=12850

[501damian501]

i have used virtual dj for a couple of years, i got it on a laptop off me mate and didnt realize it was a good piece of software, infact i didnt know it supported karaoke till last year or video lol, just used it for mp3s

[Solitaire Events Ltd]

i have used virtual dj for a couple of years, i got it on a laptop off me mate

You have an unlicensed version then?

[501damian501]

nope fully licensed, i dont condone in illegal activity

[Solitaire Events Ltd]

nope fully licensed, i dont condone in illegal activity

Ah, I got that wrong then. I thought you said you got it 'off a mate'

Which version are you using?

[501damian501]

at the moment, virtual dj 5.0 or is it 5.1:confused: , but i rarely use it, due to having in stay in doing paperwork and sorting out other stuff :bang: :bang: , so thats why i have an good lad which i employe :D :D , at the minute am pricing up, looking, going to birmingham and other places to try out new gear for a new set up for myself, just building myself a rackmount computer and the rest of it, hopefully going to have maybe 2 moving heads, projectors and screans or plasmas, i dont know at the moment, but i can borrow gear for larger venues, like a church one i sumtimes do as a rave, cheers

[Solitaire Events Ltd]

Are you on another planet Damian? :lol:

I'm sure you were saying that people should stick to DJing and that using big screens and projectors was a waste of time?

And you employ someone? PAYE? You must be busy to do that!

[501damian501]

no lol, i was saying about running round taking photos, then *****ing around and the rest of it on the night lol, screans and projectors for displaying music videos and these rather nice looking energy dancers lol, yes am a busy lad lol, spend alot of time on the computer doing productive stuff lol


p.s i should of replied no, am on mars staying away from all you dodgy earth djs LMAO

[Solitaire Events Ltd]

Anyway, we are way :offtopic:

Back to it please.

[501damian501]

ok darren no worrys, PM sent

[Jay]

Right, well after having a look around, this is what i've came up with. Its expensive but I think its great. Ill post the links to the different items I think i'll need.

Player: http://www.djstore.com/item/numdds80.htm

Mixer: http://www.djstore.com/item/mixers/numcm100.htm

Case: http://www.djstore.com/item/cases_equipment/djs342carpetcase.htm

[One Vision]

I am very keen on getting a digital playout system as I think it will be so much simpler/easier but I am at a lose end on what to buy. Idealy I would want a player ie denon or cortex, a mixer and a cd player for backout or if someone brings a cd all in one box but I wouldn't know where to start because there are different boxes with different size mixers and such like.

Any help would be most appreciated.

Thanks,
Jay

Hya Jay I think most that have gone down the road of Digital have had the same questions, although you did forget the Numark D2 as an option, which is very capable :p


My setup is based on a 10 unit top and 4 unit front and quite a lump to carry, you may get away with a slightly smaller size but for the head units I have are 3u each as apposed to most being 2u so needed a 10u top section.

I have the Numark CM100 mixer which is a 4u size, quite a good mixer for around £80-£130 depending on were you buy from.
I then have the Numark D2 hard drive player, this is a 3u size but you also have to allow for a keyboard, so is in my case 3u head unit and 2u for the keyboard drawer at the front, the price of the D2 is very good at the moment but you would have to check prices as am not sure on the going rate now.
I then have the Numark CDN95 a little pricey but just personal choice for me, probably expect to pay £300+ for a better quality system.
The CDN95 has a 3u head unit and the dual CD drawers at the front are 2u.

This is purely my personal choice of system and seems very reliable to date with no issues as such but has come at a price of well over £1000 but I reckon you could have similar if not the same now for around £800-£900+ with prices of the main equipment coming down in price.

Below are 3 pics of the setup I eventually settled for, all pre-wired so only have a single IEC. socket on the back of the box with all equipment plugged in to a surge protected 4 gang plug-board inside thew flight case.

Hope this helps some :)

[Excalibur]

Hya Jay I think most that have gone down the road of Digital have had the same questions, although you did forget the Numark D2 as an option, which is very capable :p



Yes, but in my helpful reply, I DIDN'T! Please read Post#14. Thank you. :bang:

Jay, I think you may have made a wise choice. The full Monty in one box, got to make sense. Good luck with it mate, let us know how you get on.

[One Vision]

And your point is :shrug:
As it happens I DIDNT go through all the posts and was purely replying to the quoted thread.
I just posted from my OWN experience and from the setup I went for as an example and PURELY replying to the original thread, the more help the better as they say.
What is it have a go at me week this week? jeesh :banghead:

[Excalibur]

And your point is :shrug:
As it happens I DIDNT go through all the posts and was purely replying to the quoted thread.
I just posted from my OWN experience and from the setup I went for as an example and PURELY replying to the original thread, the more help the better as they say.
What is it have a go at me week this week? jeesh :banghead:

My point is that the item you said had not been considered had in fact been looked at, after I listed the main options. Jay in fact remarked on them, so as you didn't read the main body of posts, you didn't in fact see that your point had already been taken on board. I would have replied likewise to anyone who posted what you did, it's not personal, it's just that after I took the time to detail the likeliest options, with rough costs, it annoys me when somebody says"Oi, what about the one I recommend? " , not bothering to read that it's already been suggested. :bang: :bang:
You're not the first to do this, and you certainly won't be the last.

[One Vision]

My point is that the item you said had not been considered had in fact been looked at, after I listed the main options. Jay in fact remarked on them, so as you didn't read the main body of posts, you didn't in fact see that your point had already been taken on board. I would have replied likewise to anyone who posted what you did, it's not personal, it's just that after I took the time to detail the likeliest options, with rough costs, it annoys me when somebody says"Oi, what about the one I recommend? " , not bothering to read that it's already been suggested. :bang: :bang:
You're not the first to do this, and you certainly won't be the last.

Apologies for not going through the posts and seeing yours or anybody ells es for that matter.
I just spotted the first thread & noticed what he was after was what I have just put together so went for it, I only posted the pics as its better illustrated that way.
At the end of the day though I don't really see any issue as the more advise the better.
No offence meant :)

[Excalibur]

Thanks for taking the time to reply, it is appreciated. Your setup looks nice, having seen a few on here, I may easily borow a few ideas, and go for an " All-in-one" case if possible. There may yet be a D2 going in the box with my Cortex, I always said that was possible.

[djsteve10]

Hya Jay I think most that have gone down the road of Digital have had the same questions, although you did forget the Numark D2 as an option, which is very capable :p


My setup is based on a 10 unit top and 4 unit front and quite a lump to carry, you may get away with a slightly smaller size but for the head units I have are 3u each as apposed to most being 2u so needed a 10u top section.

I have the Numark CM100 mixer which is a 4u size, quite a good mixer for around £80-£130 depending on were you buy from.
I then have the Numark D2 hard drive player, this is a 3u size but you also have to allow for a keyboard, so is in my case 3u head unit and 2u for the keyboard drawer at the front, the price of the D2 is very good at the moment but you would have to check prices as am not sure on the going rate now.
I then have the Numark CDN95 a little pricey but just personal choice for me, probably expect to pay £300+ for a better quality system.
The CDN95 has a 3u head unit and the dual CD drawers at the front are 2u.

This is purely my personal choice of system and seems very reliable to date with no issues as such but has come at a price of well over £1000 but I reckon you could have similar if not the same now for around £800-£900+ with prices of the main equipment coming down in price.

Below are 3 pics of the setup I eventually settled for, all pre-wired so only have a single IEC. socket on the back of the box with all equipment plugged in to a surge protected 4 gang plug-board inside thew flight case.

Hope this helps some :)

I like the look of everything in one box but there is one thing i have to say, All that money on kit and your using cheap audio cables.

[One Vision]

I like the look of everything in one box but there is one thing i have to say, All that money on kit and your using cheap audio cables.

:D well spotted, the cheepos you get with them have been replaced since, those picks were taken a little while ago when I first set it all up.
In all honesty though, although I have replaced with decent quality sheilded cables there isn't any difference.
You only really see any difference over long runs of cable, the ones I have now are only about 1mtr long so in reality even with the cheap leads I cant see you getting any loss or interference over such a short distance.