Laptops and Dj software

[mg ents]

Hi all,

We are looking to purchase a laptop and dj software in the next 4 weeks, anyone got one at the moment? suggestions please, there are so many out there...we have downloaded a trial version of the Numark Cue which seems quite good, anyone got this??

Any help would be appreciated as we are obviously going to be spending quite a few hundred quid....

The Laptop will only be used for the business....anyone got any ideas?

Thanks all...

[Danno13]

Numark Cue is a just a re-branded version of Virtual DJ, without as many of the features.. so give that a try first - http://www.virtualdj.com/

Can't help with the laptop i'm afraid.. i use a proper pc. :D

[DMX Will]

Personally use Tractor 3. The search function is excellent, something Virtual DJ and Numark Cue don't have.

Get yourself a Toshiba laptop, look for about 1GB+ Memory, 1.8 - 2.0 Ghz CPU. You'll also require an external HDD and Soundcard, as the onboard ones arn't that great.

Good luck

[Danno13]

The search function is excellent, something Virtual DJ and Numark Cue don't have.

Obviously haven't looked hard enough.. do you think any professional DJ software would not have a search option!!!

[DMX Will]

Obviously haven't looked hard enough.. do you think any professional DJ software would not have a search option!!!

I've tried both Version 2 and 4.1. Ver 2 didn't have it thats for sure, and in honesty I only gave 4.1 a quick looking over, however I did not find it, and hopefully it would stick out!

But if it exsists.....my bad.

[Solitaire Events Ltd]

Obviously haven't looked hard enough.. do you think any professional DJ software would not have a search option!!!

Dan - I've been having a play with the trial of VDJ and couldn't find the search facility either.

Can you search by all tags and paths as you can on PCDJ?

[DJ Frankie]

Ots Ots Ots Otsdj all the way. :D

I went digital at xmas and love it, the software is easy to use and mixes from one track to another without any problems. I would recommend getting a least 80gig worth of memory on your laptop though. You can get a free trial of ots from there website http://otsdj.com/ ;)

[DJ James Lake]

Traktor 3 all the way. Have been using it for over 2 years. looked at all the other inc OTsDJ and none came close

[Paul James Promotions]

Ots Ots Ots Otsdj all the way. :D



Seconded. There is no competition.

[Solitaire Events Ltd]

Seconded. There is no competition.

In your opinion.

There is plenty of competition and it depends what you want from the software.

[Paul James Promotions]

In your opinion.

There is plenty of competition and it depends what you want from the software.

Being as it's for DJ use, accurate cue points, good automatic mixing (for background music) and automatic gain balancing.

[wayne_uk]

Anyone tried "ultramixer" from www.ultramixer.com
I have been playing with their 'beta test', still can't make my mind up,
but from the start i found it easy to use
might be worth a look, i'm undecided between virtual DJ and this

[Danno13]

Darren.. it does search by tags etc. I don't have VDJ installed on here at the moment, i don't actually use it. But i know if definitley has a search function :)

[DJ James Lake]

Being as it's for DJ use, accurate cue points, good automatic mixing (for background music) and automatic gain balancing.

Traktor DJ Studio 3 does all that and a lot more. It also has a very familiar interface for those used to using twin cd players.

I have looked at ots and wasnt very impressed.

[leighinstoke]

Use this....use that...this is good....that is shi.....

Look at your budget, work out what you want the software to do, try a few systems then decide which is best for you.

Simple as that.

Leigh...

[Vibrant Sounds]

I have two £450ish laptops, specs are 1.7ghz celeron (Compaq) and 2.0ghz AMD (Acer), both have 768MB ram (256 + 512). They have both been purchased in the last couple of months (upgraded previous laptop) have 15" widescreen crystalbrite screens, DVDRW, Wi Fi. One has video out (for karaoke). The Compaq has 80GB hard drive and the Acer has a 120GB hard drive.

Both run XP media edition, although I would have preferred XP pro or home as you can run a minimal install with that. I use a Xitel HiFi link external soundcard and the only software I have on the lappys (except for operating system) is SAM Party DJ (excellent program) and Freestyler (DMX control program).

I use SAM DJ and found that for me it was the easiest and most intuitive to get to grips with, also very reasonably priced, I run this at the same time as Freestyler and have never had a problem with the laptop crashing. I use the Acer as my main system, and take the Compaq as a backup (never had to use it yet).

I use an Afterglow USB DMX control cable with Freestyler to control my DMX lighting, and enabling the sound to light, takes the signal directly from the soundcard keeping everything very compact.

[TonyB]

I use an Acer laptop too but with 512mb of memory. I also prefer Sam DJ. Have used OTS in the past but Sam has a better search system.

Lap top has never crashed or overheated.

[CRAZY K]

I have two £450ish laptops, specs are 1.7ghz celeron (Compaq) and 2.0ghz AMD (Acer), both have 768MB ram (256 + 512). They have both been purchased in the last couple of months (upgraded previous laptop) have 15" widescreen crystalbrite screens, DVDRW, Wi Fi. One has video out (for karaoke). The Compaq has 80GB hard drive and the Acer has a 120GB hard drive.

Both run XP media edition, although I would have preferred XP pro or home as you can run a minimal install with that. I use a Xitel HiFi link external soundcard and the only software I have on the lappys (except for operating system) is SAM Party DJ (excellent program) and Freestyler (DMX control program).

I use SAM DJ and found that for me it was the easiest and most intuitive to get to grips with, also very reasonably priced, I run this at the same time as Freestyler and have never had a problem with the laptop crashing. I use the Acer as my main system, and take the Compaq as a backup (never had to use it yet).

I use an Afterglow USB DMX control cable with Freestyler to control my DMX lighting, and enabling the sound to light, takes the signal directly from the soundcard keeping everything very compact.

Interestingly I have just bought an Acer Aspire Laptop as a sort of back up for my Cortex 1000 and found the sound quality through the on board soundcard on MP3s ripped at 320 more than adequate for back up---having heard some Discos that would be very pleased to be using my back up system. Even sounds better than a Behringer Active system I had use of last weekend with CDs played through it.

It was a present for my wife--until I realised what I can do with it musically!
ooooops

CRAZY K

[Silver]

Traktor 3 all the way. Have been using it for over 2 years. looked at all the other inc OTsDJ and none came close

I'm the same as James, used for about 2 and half years, never let me down, there's just sooooooooooooooo much you can do with it. With every new release/update Traktor bring out it simply gets tighter and tighter, Yeh it rocks!

[Solitaire Events Ltd]

Being as it's for DJ use, accurate cue points, good automatic mixing (for background music) and automatic gain balancing.

Which most of them do well.;)

[scoopd]

I am using PCDJ but find it glitches no matter what!
Is there a programme you would swear by?

Scoopd

[Silver]

Try this, it's the mutts nuts! http://www.native-instruments.com/index.php?id=traktor3_us

[scoopd]

Is Traktor happy enough playing all formats in one folder eg.Ripped CD's and Napster?

[Silver]

Is Traktor happy enough playing all formats in one folder eg.Ripped CD's and Napster?

Aye, not a prob.

Errrr......sorry about yesterdays embarresment, you just hit Johnny on a great day!!!http://planetsmilies.net/sport-soccer-smiley-19.gifhttp://planetsmilies.net/sport-smiley-5569.gif

[HightowerMusic]

Ots Ots Ots Otsdj all the way. :D

I went digital at xmas and love it, the software is easy to use and mixes from one track to another without any problems. I would recommend getting a least 80gig worth of memory on your laptop though. You can get a free trial of ots from there website http://otsdj.com/ ;)

Yup I have tried every DJ software there is and OTs is by far the best. I use OTS 2.0, but I have OTs boombox on 2 other PC's. It does everything and then some. Beyond the music. It runs my graphics, acually milkdrop, on my 32 inch L.C.D screnn, lets me type in messages to be displayed on the LCD screen. Shows each song title on the LCD. They are going to release a light controlling software built into Ots. When? I am not sure but you know I will get it as soon as it comes out. As for a laptop there are many good brands. What you want to pay attention to is, get the biggest hard drive you can and the most Ram you can. Procesor speeds can vary. I prefer to get the fastest procesor i can that way my Pc will work for a long time before i have to upgrade. I have an 80 gig hard drive in mine and I have over 30,000 songs right now and It is full. I have a Western Digital Passport external hard drive that is 120 gigs for more space. i would download the trial version of OTS DJ and have at it.

[scoopd]

Am I right in thinking that Napster doesn't work with Traktor? DRM issues?

[Danno13]

Darren.. it does search by tags etc. I don't have VDJ installed on here at the moment, i don't actually use it. But i know if definitley has a search function

Sorry to quote myself. Used virtual Dj at the weekend, when i was helping James H at his gig. The search is at the top of the window where the tracks are displayed, so you click "local database" or any other sub-folder or playlist you've made if you want to narrow things down, and then use the search box.. no idea how you guys managed to miss that!!! :D:D:D

[Solitaire Events Ltd]

Sorry to quote myself. Used virtual Dj at the weekend, when i was helping James H at his gig. The search is at the top of the window where the tracks are displayed, so you click "local database" or any other sub-folder or playlist you've made if you want to narrow things down, and then use the search box.. no idea how you guys managed to miss that!!! :D:D:D

I did see it, but unlike PCDJ you can only search the group of songs you have in the main window, which is no good to me with the way I have my groups arranged.

Edit - didn't read your post properly. So you click local database and it will search through all your groups?

[Danno13]

If you click "local database" then it will search everything you have though :) I know its a bit of a pain, but unlike PCDJ.. it searches all fields rather than having to choose the field to search - which is nice!

[Solitaire Events Ltd]

If you click "local database" then it will search everything you have though :) I know its a bit of a pain, but unlike PCDJ.. it searches all fields rather than having to choose the field to search - which is nice!

But with PCDJ you can search with all tags and paths which does the same thing.

[Danno13]

Oh.. which version of PCDJ do you use?? I'm thinking of the original Red here...

[Solitaire Events Ltd]

Oh.. which version of PCDJ do you use?? I'm thinking of the original Red here...

I've got all of them original red, red VRM and FX.

All the VRMs have an all tags and paths search facility. You can even search by BPM too! (cheating a bit I know!)

[Danno13]

Yeah.. but virtual DJ does it all in one search.. i.e. if you put in "abba" it will search the artist, title, path, bpm, comment .. whatever, to find it.

Whereas PCDJ red you have to search one by one.. i.e. type "abba" in the artist feild, then search, then try it in title etc. etc.

[Solitaire Events Ltd]

Yeah.. but virtual DJ does it all in one search.. i.e. if you put in "abba" it will search the artist, title, path, bpm, comment .. whatever, to find it.

Whereas PCDJ red you have to search one by one.. i.e. type "abba" in the artist feild, then search, then try it in title etc. etc.

That's what I'm saying Dan - you can search by all tags and paths, which includes everything!

Edit (again) - that is only with the VRM version.

[colint]

Well! thats gonna have me busy for a while! seems like Traktor 3 is used by more of you so i'll try that although i have downloaded Danno's sugestion while I've been doing this, I take it the music match is not quiet as useful then?

[stez]

no ones mentioned bpm studio which i use ,begining to think im missing out
on better quality software.(will have to have a lookaround )
one question i have got seeing you lot use laptops.
Is the gain on the audio to the mixer from my laptop is definitly lower ,
compered to my cd decks to the mixer
I have to wind the mixer up more at least two notches more.
Im assuming its the soundcard quality,
so my question is: what ext soundcards would work best to solve this problem
has anyone out there tried a couple of different makes and found the
best one for them.
any answers would be apprieciated.:) :)

[Solitaire Events Ltd]

no ones mentioned bpm studio which i use ,begining to think im missing out
on better quality software.(will have to have a lookaround )
one question i have got seeing you lot use laptops.
Is the gain on the audio to the mixer from my laptop is definitly lower ,
compered to my cd decks to the mixer
I have to wind the mixer up more at least two notches more.
Im assuming its the soundcard quality,
so my question is: what ext soundcards would work best to solve this problem
has anyone out there tried a couple of different makes and found the
best one for them.
any answers would be apprieciated.:) :)

I use a Maya EX 5.1 soundcard and also an Echo PCMCIA card and generally the sound coming from your laptop will be quieter as the songs have been compressed.

[cfmcconville]

mixmeiser fusion is great if you are inexperianced it does a lot of the work for you automatically like bpm matching and keeping in key its ideal if youre starting out it free trial so try before you buy. other than that traxtor 3 is the one but do try mixmeiser .l

[mrdeejay]

I have to say I have used PCDJ before not a fan of it. I now use OTS and have to say a really good programme for automation and using manually and the audio processor is good too.

I use ots along with my berhinger 2000 controller which gives me total control over the output as it is just the exact same way as cd's when not using the auto function. The behinger has the faders and cross fader too so very impressed would recommed that set up.

[discomobiledj]

I've just started using Media Monkey which is very good, yes it is basic but does the job.

[Jay]

Media Monkey is more for music management, I would never have thought you could use it to DJ with.

[501damian501]

i would have 2 programmes on my machine, just incase for whatever reason, one starts to play silly buggers.

[Excalibur]

I've just started using Media Monkey which is very good, yes it is basic but does the job.



Media Monkey is more for music management, I would never have thought you could use it to DJ with.

Unless there's been an upgrade I haven't noticed, you can only play one channel. As an additional playout source, it's excellent. I used to use it for this, and will probably restore the facility in the future.

[ppentertainments]

Unless there's been an upgrade I haven't noticed, you can only play one channel. As an additional playout source, it's excellent. I used to use it for this, and will probably restore the facility in the future.

I think what is being referred to is the auto-dj mode. I often use this at the beginning of the evening to give me chance to meet people and chat as opposed to being stuck out of the way.

[Solitaire Events Ltd]

i would have 2 programmes on my machine, just incase for whatever reason, one starts to play silly buggers.

And two sound cards plugged in and two controllers?

[Dynamic Entertainment]

Ive got st say Serato Scratch Live. Ive not had a single issue with it.

[SC Events]

I have a 4 year old Dell Inspiron 6000 Laptop with 512mb RAM, 1.6GHz Processor, 60GB Hard Drive and 15" Widescreen.

I used to use PCDJ but now I use Virtual DJ as I find it much better.

I definitely need a new laptop now to replace my exisiting one, I'm thinking a system with at least 2Ghz, 1MB RAM.

Also, Virtual DJ does have a search facility, it's called "Browser" and all the music folders are displayed down the left hand side of the program.

[PropellerHeadCase]

i would have 2 programmes on my machine, just incase for whatever reason, one starts to play silly buggers.

If software is "playing silly buggers" chances are that launchig more software on the same laptop will only worsen the problem.



I have a 4 year old Dell Inspiron 6000 Laptop with 512mb RAM, 1.6GHz Processor, 60GB Hard Drive and 15" Widescreen.

I used to use PCDJ but now I use Virtual DJ as I find it much better.

I definitely need a new laptop now to replace my exisiting one, I'm thinking a system with at least 2Ghz, 1MB RAM.

Also, Virtual DJ does have a search facility, it's called "Browser" and all the music folders are displayed down the left hand side of the program.

How is that even possible? I have a new Vaio with 2.3 GHz and 2GB and I have occasional flakiness with VDJ (must be Vista's fault even though I got it tweeked to be as light as possible).

[SC Events]

I don't know, but it works perfectly. All my music is sourced directly from an External Hard Drive.

My laptop is Windows XP with Service Pack 3.

[Solitaire Events Ltd]

How is that even possible? I have a new Vaio with 2.3 GHz and 2GB and I have occasional flakiness with VDJ (must be Vista's fault even though I got it tweeked to be as light as possible).

What is 'occasional flakiness' then Al?

[PropellerHeadCase]

Mainly reporting a dropped connection with the hard-drive even though the currently playing MP3 is on that hard-drive. I should be getting some time to play with it, again, soon, so I'll report back :D

[Solitaire Events Ltd]

Mainly reporting a dropped connection with the hard-drive even though the currently playing MP3 is on that hard-drive. I should be getting some time to play with it, again, soon, so I'll report back :D

That doesn't sound like the software, more likely to be your hard drive or USB if it's external.

[womble]

Anyone on a Mac? I've used Djay 2.0 and it's pretty good for the cost. It links to directly your itunes library, the search is quick and easy, one search box checks title and artist as you type (i.e. if you type "mad" you would get mad world, madonna, etc. as soon as you hit the 'o' key your results would be limited further). You can drag and drop the mp3 files directly onto the turntables where you can click and drag the turntable to scratch etc. loads of effects, mixing effects, tap tempo, etc.

[PropellerHeadCase]

That doesn't sound like the software, more likely to be your hard drive or USB if it's external.

Except that the error message is generated by VDJ not Windows and it's wrong insofar as the track continues to play.

Standard USB installs do have a 'feature' whereby USB devices will occasionally be switched off and then on again by Windows but I've had that tweaked so it doesn't happen. Oh, and the problem didn't arise with three other software paclages that I tested, unfortunately they had other 'issues': horrible interfaces and/or lacking functionality.

[501damian501]

That doesn't sound like the software, more likely to be your hard drive or USB if it's external.

all the joys of using external harddrives

[markdj60]

hi i been using pcdjvj for about a year now its wicked i would really go for that program.