Numark IDJ2 advice please

[rob1963]

It recently occurred to me that I'd probably be better using my current back up (an IDJ2 in a nice custom case) as my main playout system & keeping my main console as back up.

There are three reasons for this:

Firstly, the IDJ2 case is less than half the size & less than half the weight of my main console containing the D2.

Secondly, the IDJ2 has a sexy colour screen (like the DDS) which is sharper than the mono screen on my D2 & also shows more lines of information.

Thirdly, the IDJ2 case has a slide out tray with an illuminated keyboard, whereas the keyboard in my main console is not illuminated, so I sometimes have to use a torch to see it...which is a bit inconvenient.

I've therefore decided to start using the IDJ2 from next weekend. Apart from a quick test with a pair of headphones when I first bought it (to make sure it worked), I've never used the IDJ2 on the road before, so I'm wondering if anyone out there HAS used one & can give me any advice or tips that would be helpful to know before I take it out on the road.

Thanks in advance for any help with this.

[Vectis]

I tend to use mine as primary when I don't need any of the extra wizardry in my main console, such as additional mixer channels for karaoke, video etc., or at gigs where space is at a premium as the unit is much smaller than my usual console.

The main operational difference between the d2 and the iDJ2 (other than the screen) is the layout of the buttons; but this is something you get used to in no time.

I also struggle sometimes to get the mic EQ'd quite as I'd like it - lots of trial and error.

The only thing I've never done is use an ipod in the dedicated slot; all my stuff is HDD based. Oh, and there's one less USB port than the d2 - and the keyboard uses one of them leaving just the one for HDDs etc - but I solved this with a small powered hub stuffed in the back.

Go for it!

[BeerFunk]

As simplistic as this might sound - why don't you just set it up at home, and play a 'virtual gig for an hour or so?

[rob1963]

I tend to use mine as primary when I don't need any of the extra wizardry in my main console, such as additional mixer channels for karaoke, video etc., or at gigs where space is at a premium as the unit is much smaller than my usual console.

The main operational difference between the d2 and the iDJ2 (other than the screen) is the layout of the buttons; but this is something you get used to in no time.

I also struggle sometimes to get the mic EQ'd quite as I'd like it - lots of trial and error.

The only thing I've never done is use an ipod in the dedicated slot; all my stuff is HDD based. Oh, and there's one less USB port than the d2 - and the keyboard uses one of them leaving just the one for HDDs etc - but I solved this with a small powered hub stuffed in the back.

Go for it!

Thanks very much for the info, Vectis.

I know the IDJ2's mixer is more basic than my CM100, but I only really need the basics. I did wonder about the EQ on the mic, as I believe it just has one rotary control rather than one for treble & one for bass.

If I remember rightly, the IDJ2 has 2 USB ports, which is all I need. The keyboard uses one, and I will use the other one to plug my ipod in, as I don't like the idea of using the cradle in case some idiot picks up the ipod from the cradle, not only stopping the music but corrupting the ipod at the same time.

I run my amp on full and will have the individual deck faders on 8, so I'm guessing I'll need to set the master output rotary control on the IDJ2 to somewhere around 75%?

Also, on my CM100 mixer I currently have the mic level set at around a third of its maximum. Would I need to have it in a similar place on the IDJ2?

Cheers!


As simplistic as this might sound - why don't you just set it up at home, and play a 'virtual gig for an hour or so?

Because the main thing I'm concerned about is the sound & the eq, and I won't know about those without running the IDJ2 at the same level as I will out on the road, which simply isn't possible when you live in a block of flats without :Censored: off the nighbours big time!

[DJMaxG]

The IDJ 2 is obviously more modern, but would probably feel low down compared to Your main console.

You did say that it is lighter, but you usually carry both consoles to each gig anyway for backup, and isn't Your driverack mounted in the main console?

The Jog wheels certanly look a hell lot better on the IDJ 2, and the unit is much larger to play with, rather than just a 2U rack mount fixture.

I would try them both at Your next function during setup time, or arrive early to allow extra time for it, and see which performs better, and also which is most comfortable to use etc.

[Vectis]

I did wonder about the EQ on the mic, as I believe it just has one rotary control rather than one for treble & one for bass.


Yes - it has treble OR bass either side of flat. A bit weird at first but with a bit of fiddling you get it right and then just leave it there :)



I don't like the idea of using the cradle in case some idiot picks up the ipod from the cradle, not only stopping the music but corrupting the ipod at the same time.


Wise. I've used the cradle once to play a track from a guest's iPod (naughty I know but it was a special song and there was no wifi or 3G available otherwise I would have downloaded it).



I run my amp on full and will have the individual deck faders on 8, so I'm guessing I'll need to set the master output rotary control on the IDJ2 to somewhere around 75%?


The master gain is quite fierce - I actually tend to run mine at around 50% with a 2xMackie or 2xMackie+1xdB Sub 15 arrangement for all but very large rooms.



Also, on my CM100 mixer I currently have the mic level set at around a third of its maximum. Would I need to have it in a similar place on the IDJ2?


Hmmm... from memory mine's at about 9 O'clock which is about a quarter of maximum. Depends on the venue and proximity of speakers. With a small deckstand and speakers directly adjacent, I've had a bit of a rumble before now with the mic much above 9 O'clock. With the speakers spread wide no such problem. Trial & error.

[DJMaxG]

Rob, What do use as a stand, deckstand or table?

Have, you not got a Facade of some sort?
(about guests taking the Ipod)

[Excalibur]

Rob, What do use as a stand, deckstand or table?

Have, you not got a Facade of some sort?
(about guests taking the Ipod)

Yeah, he pretends to be a DJ! :DJ:

[rob1963]

Yes - it has treble OR bass either side of flat. A bit weird at first but with a bit of fiddling you get it right and then just leave it there :)

Wise. I've used the cradle once to play a track from a guest's iPod (naughty I know but it was a special song and there was no wifi or 3G available otherwise I would have downloaded it).

The master gain is quite fierce - I actually tend to run mine at around 50% with a 2xMackie or 2xMackie+1xdB Sub 15 arrangement for all but very large rooms.

Hmmm... from memory mine's at about 9 O'clock which is about a quarter of maximum. Depends on the venue and proximity of speakers. With a small deckstand and speakers directly adjacent, I've had a bit of a rumble before now with the mic much above 9 O'clock. With the speakers spread wide no such problem. Trial & error.

Thanks very much for the info, Vectis.

Much appreciated.

:)


Rob, What do use as a stand, deckstand or table?


I use a keyboard stand, Max.

Your previous comment about the height of the console was a good point, so I'll be testing the IDJ2 console on my existing stand this week, as I might need a higher stand now that my console is not much more than a few inces high.


Have, you not got a Facade of some sort?
(about guests taking the Ipod)

I have a carpet covered MDF surround, but the ipod would still be exposed when sitting in the dock on the IDJ2, and I'm concerned that some idiot would see the ipod & pick it up, not only stopping the music but corrupting the ipod at the same time.

Therefore, I won't be using the ipod dock. I'll use a USB cable to connect the ipod to the IDJ2, and the ipod will be face down at the back of the flight case containing the IDJ2. I'll probably cover it up with something like a thin piece of foam, so it will be totally hidden.


Yeah, he pretends to be a DJ! :DJ:

:rofl:

[DJMaxG]

How did it work out?
Were you convinced with it?

[DJMaxG]

Have you tried it on the road yet Rob?

[rob1963]

Have you tried it on the road yet Rob?

Not yet, but I will be this weekend.

I'll post an update here once I've used it.

[rob1963]

Have you tried it on the road yet Rob?

Okay, I used the IDJ2 for the first time at my gigs on Friday & Saturday. As well as the advantages detailed in my OP, I discovered there were also a few disadvantages.

The main one was the hissy mixer. This was hidden by the music during the main part of the gigs, but was VERY apparent when first switching on & in the gaps between the background songs early on.

I also wasn't keen on the lack of separate eq controls for the mic, and found the rotary/press selecter knob was in the way of the soft touch buttons below the screen, although I guess I could get used to this.

All things considered, I've decided to go back to using my D2 console as my main playout system & will keep the IDJ2 console for back up like before.

However, I'll probably swap the illuminated keyboard in the IDJ2 console for the non-illuminated black one in the D2 console at some point.

:)

[DJMaxG]

The Mixer faders didn't look too brilliant, and I'm not a particular fan of controls on the front panel.

But I'd expect the play/cue buttons to be better, as they're broader.

[Vectis]

The main one was the hissy mixer

Odd... not something I've noticed :confused:

As for the mic eq - that's a set & forget thing, surely? I rarely if ever twiddle with mine :o

[rob1963]

Odd...not something I've noticed :confused:


It's something I've read about before.


As for the mic eq - that's a set & forget thing, surely? I rarely if ever twiddle with mine :o

Yes, but I couldn't seem to get it sounding how I wanted with just the one rotary control rather than the two that I'm used to.

My D2 will return next weekend, and the IDJ2 will return to it's back up status. I'm glad I used it, though, as it enabled me to set the levels & EQs pretty much where they need to be, so if I ever have problems with the D2 (heaven forbid!), it will just be a case of plug & play.

PS: Didn't D2 appear in the Star Wars films?

:coat: