music database

[djmarc]

hi there

just a simple question i have on my mind i did a disco at the weekend one of the guested asked me for a song which i have on a cd somewhere in my collection but to be honest i tried to look for it between tracks but i could not find it

i was thinking about putting my collection onto some kinda database do you guys do this and if so what do you all recomend

i also have microsoft access 2007 dont know if that s any good to try and make something up

i would like to be able to type in my database a said song that im asked for and it will tell me which track and cd the song is on

many thanks

mark

[CRAZY K]

hi there

just a simple question i have on my mind i did a disco at the weekend one of the guested asked me for a song which i have on a cd somewhere in my collection but to be honest i tried to look for it between tracks but i could not find it

i was thinking about putting my collection onto some kinda database do you guys do this and if so what do you all recomend

i also have microsoft access 2007 dont know if that s any good to try and make something up

i would like to be able to type in my database a said song that im asked for and it will tell me which track and cd the song is on

many thanks

mark

Why not put all your CDs on a hard drive like most of us then you wont need to flaff around== join the Denon/Cortex Club.

Even if you knew which CD your track was on you may not be able to find the correct CD :eek:

Thats why most people have gone digital.

By the time you have drawn up a list of tracks with cross references you could be well on the way to burning all your CDs on to a Hard Drive.

[DeckstarDeluxe]

I've known some Jocks did this but it takes ages!

One of the pros for going digital (I know you didnt ask about it but just thought I'd point it out)

[djmarc]

I've known some Jocks did this but it takes ages!

One of the pros for going digital (I know you didnt ask about it but just thought I'd point it out)

i do want to go digital but im not sure what kinda software and gear to buy iv got a small 500 gig portable harddrive and a laptop but how do u all organised ya music so you can find it

sorry im kinda new to this going digital but i do want to go ahead a do it any help will be great thank you

[Corabar Entertainment]

If you do not want to go digital, have a look at Music Collector (http://www.collectorz.com/music/). That's the sort of thing that you're asking about in your OP. We've used it for many, many years now to keep track of who's got what (We've got the Pro version), and we include both CDs and MP3s in the database.

The benefit of using specialist software like this, is that their database contains many of the CDs already, so you do not need to type it all out from scratch (although you do need to check the info / correct typos). They do a free trial, so have a play with it and see if it suits you.

[DeckstarDeluxe]

I use VDJ but like most other software it searchs as you type (similiar to google). Then its a case of dragging the file to a deck or to a playlist (another great feature of digital software)

It also takes time to rip all your cds to your HD but once its done you'll never go back.

Start up costs wise you need to get yourself a pro dub license and also a midi controller really (who wants to dj with a mouse).

Loads of threads on here about it also.

[Excalibur]

i do want to go digital but im not sure what kinda software and gear to buy iv got a small 500 gig portable harddrive and a laptop but how do u all organised ya music so you can find it

sorry im kinda new to this going digital but i do want to go ahead a do it any help will be great thank you

Then you have come to the right place, young man. ;) ;) :D :D :D :D :D Those of us who have trodden the path before you will be pleased to guide your footsteps on the road to enlightenment. :D


For now, you can use something like Cattrax ( I'm not sure on the spelling ) . Twinspin uses it, and it's excellent. Trouble is, it doesn't tell you where the CD is in his bag. :( :(

[Corabar Steve]

i do want to go digital but im not sure what kinda software and gear to buy iv got a small 500 gig portable harddrive and a laptop but how do u all organised ya music so you can find it

sorry im kinda new to this going digital but i do want to go ahead a do it any help will be great thank youPlease don't use "text speak" on the forum, it is against the rules. Thanks

[djmarc]

Please don't use "text speak" on the forum, it is against the rules. Thanks

Sorry steve it has been a while ( think that sentence looks ok ) i wont do it again.

[Corabar Steve]

I was going to say you've been here long enough to know better. No worries.

Just don't do it again:sj:

[djdave01]

(who wants to dj with a mouse

ive dj'ed with a keyboard & mouse for years, never had any trouble.

i can see the point of a controller if your seriously into mixing but for doing weddings, birthdays etc a keyboard & mouse if all you really need.

[Solitaire Events Ltd]

i can see the point of a controller if your seriously into mixing but for doing weddings, birthdays etc a keyboard & mouse if all you really need.

Totally disagree.

A controller is essential IMO. It's made for the job - a mouse and keyboard isn't.

[djmarc]

what is a good controller to get sorry for all the questions just im going digital as iv been reading different post tonight so some idea on kit needed will be good

[Solitaire Events Ltd]

what is a good controller to get sorry for all the questions just im going digital as iv been reading different post tonight so some idea on kit needed will be good

Are you going to be using software or a stand alone media player type?

[djmarc]

was looking into the traktor 2 software that is coming out in april sometime

[Solitaire Events Ltd]

was looking into the traktor 2 software that is coming out in april sometime

And was it rackmount you were looking at or undecided?

[JTRS]

I used (and still use) an Excel spreadsheet.

When I started out doing this I wanted something quick and easy and being familiar with Excel it seemed an easy option.

To save typing in the track details I put the CD in the PC and use Freedb, then cut and paste the results directly into Excel (after inserting tabs so that they go into the right columns). It's quick, easy and reliable.

If I was to start doing this again I probably wouldn't use Excel or Access and I'd investigate or ask on here for advice, (as you are doing)

The other advantage Excel gave me was that I export the spreadsheet to my mobil phone so I always have the latest copy of my collection with me to look up anything anywhere.

I recently came across software that will give you a track listing for a CD from the barcode, but it's not free (or at least the version I saw wasn't) hence why I use Freedb.

JTRS

[Vectis]

I recently came across software that will give you a track listing for a CD from the barcode, but it's not free (or at least the version I saw wasn't) hence why I use Freedb.


Not much use when you've got 1 minute to find a request and a box of 300 CDs to go at :p


Even if you don't switch to digital playout, there's no harm in doing a complete ripping exercise for the purposes of extracting the track data into a CSV file and then into Excel or any one of a thousand other free apps. Do it properly and you then have a music database for the day you do decide to make the switch.

(But don't use it for playout without getting a ProDub)

[JTRS]

Not much use when you've got 1 minute to find a request and a box of 300 CDs to go at :p


Even if you don't switch to digital playout, there's no harm in doing a complete ripping exercise for the purposes of extracting the track data into a CSV file and then into Excel or any one of a thousand other free apps. Do it properly and you then have a music database for the day you do decide to make the switch.

(But don't use it for playout without getting a ProDub)

Sorry, I probably didn't make it clear, I use Freedb at home as soon as I have bought the CD's and update my Excel spreadsheet straight away and then send the latest version of my spreadsheet to my phone. I wasn't suggesting that you use 'barcode lookup' at the venue I was suggesting it as an alternative to Freedb for use at home as soon as you have bought the CD.

So, in a roundabout way I have a 'database' on hand that tells me within seconds which CD any track is on (yes I still use CD's for playout).

Like I said earlier, it's not the ideal solution and if I was to start again I wouldn't do it this way, but for me it's a tried and tested solution that is reliable and works for me, probably because it's what I am used to and I'm happy with. I'm one of those 'If it isn't broken then don't try and fix it types'

JTRS

[DJDC]

I have all mine as an excel spreadsheet have done this since I started, in some format. Originally started as hand written but when I brought a PC moved to excel, I just copy and paste the track listing then format / tidy up. I have a PDF copy on the blackberry, and carry a papercopy in a case. I've not ventured into Digital as yet (don't have the right kit) I can find anything very quickly (when I know what I'm looking for).

One of my mates often calls me up saying do you know what CD this track is on........ He does it all the time with tracks off the NOW compilations.

[djmarc]

And was it rackmount you were looking at or undecided?

not sure i just looked at there site and was inpressed with the software you guys are right digital is the way to go

im not sure how it all sets up into the disco but i guess laptop and portable hard drive is a start

iv got a spare sony vaio that im going to wipe clean with just windows xp on it and iv got a freecom usb 320gb hard drive hope thats enough to use

im not quite sure how you guys store your music files iv set up on my mine tonight

files singles, artist albums, Complilation Albums remixes now im going to put vds in and save then to the certains files iv listed i think this how you guys do it

then get software and a pro dub licence and thats it or have i not done this correcly

[Excalibur]

not sure i just looked at there site and was inpressed with the software you guys are right digital is the way to go

im not sure how it all sets up into the disco but i guess laptop and portable hard drive is a start

iv got a spare sony vaio that im going to wipe clean with just windows xp on it and iv got a freecom usb 320gb hard drive hope thats enough to use

im not quite sure how you guys store your music files iv set up on my mine tonight

files singles, artist albums, Complilation Albums remixes now im going to put vds in and save then to the certains files iv listed i think this how you guys do it

then get software and a pro dub licence and thats it or have i not done this correctly?
It's a very fair start. Use the search facility, enter terms like Cortex, Numark, HD, Digital DJ and a whole world of relevant info will appear. Here are a couple to set you off.

http://www.forum.mobilediscodirectory.co.uk/showthread.php?t=30459&highlight=digital

This one should help a lot , re organising Hard Drives.

http://www.forum.mobilediscodirectory.co.uk/showthread.php?t=29833&highlight=digital

A slightly cautionary and humorous tale
http://www.forum.mobilediscodirectory.co.uk/showthread.php?t=12755&highlight=loneliness

From when I was in your position.

http://www.forum.mobilediscodirectory.co.uk/showthread.php?t=12124&highlight=extinction

Happy reading. :D

[Corabar Entertainment]

If anyone is looking for database software, collectorz is having a half-price sale at the moment:-

http://www.collectorz.com/shop/springsale.php

[djmarc]

thanks guys iv started to use the collectorz its great for making a database and thanks excalibur for the links i shall have a look at them and thank you all the guys for your useful info

many thanks

[marting]

Going back to the original post try Media monkey i have been using the free version on my home pc but am impressed so will be buying the pro version has the advantage of being able to export to an xml spreadsheet that you can use in word processing software such as office although wouldn't recommend printing it out unless you have a rainforest of paper.

[djmarc]

If anyone is looking for database software, collectorz is having a half-price sale at the moment:-

http://www.collectorz.com/shop/springsale.php

£15.00 for the pro version iv just brought it

thanks for the link

:thumbs_up:

[Corabar Entertainment]

thanks guys iv started to use the collectorz its great for making a database and thanks excalibur for the links i shall have a look at them and thank you all the guys for your useful info

many thanks


£15.00 for the pro version iv just brought it

thanks for the link

:thumbs_up::confused: Why have you bought both?

[djmarc]

:confused: Why have you bought both?

i have not brought both i was using the trial version then when you said bout the sale i went in and brought the pro

[Corabar Entertainment]

Sorry... think I must haven been having a blond moment (unless you edited your last post after you initially posted it). I didn't see you quoting my post about Collectorz, and thought you were saying you'd bought Media Monkey (after saying you were using Collectorz in a previous post)

Clear as mud now? :p :daft: :D

Anyway, if you need any help with what, where, how.... just post up, and I'll help if I can. :)

[djmarc]

Sorry... think I must haven been having a blond moment (unless you edited your last post after you initially posted it). I didn't see you quoting my post about Collectorz, and thought you were saying you'd bought Media Monkey (after saying you were using Collectorz in a previous post)

Clear as mud now? :p :daft: :D

Anyway, if you need any help with what, where, how.... just post up, and I'll help if I can. :)

i used the software last night at a gig went down well but i typed the artist in gave a listing of all there songs on all diffent cds now how do you search do you type in song title or artist just wanted to make sure iv set it up proply i have 3 database singles artist albums and compliations

[Corabar Steve]

No need, you only need one database for your entire collection.

To find specific tracks, firstly have the db in track view (click on the orange double note icon (beamed quaver)).
http://img534.imageshack.us/img534/9572/coll1.jpg (http://img534.imageshack.us/i/coll1.jpg/)

This should show your db in columns with titles of Artist, Title, Album, Location, position / Track Number etc......
http://img810.imageshack.us/img810/7229/coll2.jpg (http://img810.imageshack.us/i/coll2.jpg/)

Click anywhere in the grey box where it says Artist
http://img850.imageshack.us/img850/8205/coll3.jpg (http://img850.imageshack.us/i/coll3.jpg/)

You'll notice the arrow has turned the other way up & it's now listed in reverse order. Clicking it again will put it back as it was.

You can do this for any column to sort alphabetically or numerically

http://img217.imageshack.us/img217/9921/coll4w.jpg (http://img217.imageshack.us/i/coll4w.jpg/)

Just click on whatever you want to search by, ie Title or Artist & start typing what you are looking for (I will survive in the example above)

As long as you've entered everything in the same way (solo artists in particular. Say: Jones, Tom or Tom Jones) there should be no problem. Just type in the first few letters, in this case "jone", & the start of the Jonses will appear. Then scroll.

http://img703.imageshack.us/img703/6083/coll5.jpg (http://img703.imageshack.us/i/coll5.jpg/)

Exactly the same for Title searches (eg:tain)
http://img811.imageshack.us/img811/7627/coll6w.jpg (http://img811.imageshack.us/i/coll6w.jpg/)

Part 2 (the other way)

Click on the filter icon
http://img688.imageshack.us/img688/2716/coll7.jpg (http://img688.imageshack.us/i/coll7.jpg/)

& use the search function (looking for Karaoke discs here, before adding the title to get a specific search)

http://img850.imageshack.us/img850/292/coll8.jpg (http://img850.imageshack.us/i/coll8.jpg/)


Either way will find your chosen track.

Forgot to add, if you type keywords into the box to the left of the filter icon & hit enter, it will bring up all entries containing what you've typed (including those in hidden columns). Obviously, the more you enter here the better. Just typing in Tom will bring up hundreds of entries (including words that contain those letters in that order), Tom Jones will bring up a more accurate result. What you can't do by this method is mix artist & title, so there is still some scrolling involved.


More than one way to skin a cat eh? :sj:

[ultrasound disco]

He he, I went as far as to rip all of my CDs to MP3 then burn them to disc with 100 tunes on each one. (to play on my DNS1000's)
I used excel to list the songs from each disc and put them in plastic sleeves in a zipped ring binder.
It worked for a while (2 months) then I went to laptop and never looked back.
Those books of CDs now work great as back-up so I didn't totaly waste my time. :)

[Corabar Steve]

I hope you have enough allowance on your produb to cover the CDs as well as what's on your hard drive.

[djmarc]

I hope you have enough allowance on your produb to cover the CDs as well as what's on your hard drive.

ok what iv done is make a database one is for all the singles i have cos i dont want to carry them around then one database for solo artist and 1 database for compilations

so how would i get then all in one database i dont want to start again as iv done 200 albums already