DJ Wyld1
Forum Replies Created
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Not sure what detail you would like from me.
I have pretty much made up my mind that I am going to purchase the XDJ-R1.
Here’s the short version:
I want to make a FLAC source “Master copy”. I want to do it onto my 2 TB external HDD. I currently only have a Windows 8.1 Laptop to rip. I do NOT have a Multi-CD drive available. I EVENTUALLY want to swap to a Mac Book laptop. I know I will be able to access the HDD with a Mac later using a utility. That means I can easily copy the files to a Mac Book and worry about changing everything over when the time comes.
With this in mind; I (more or less) want your opinion on the process to get a “flawless” master copy.
1) Rip everything to FLAC using dBpoweramp
2) Normalize the files with Platinum Notes
3) Process the files with MIKSo this is where I need a little help….
Since Rekordbox now accepts / supports FLAC; I could now process all the files with Rekordbox.Am I correct in saying this would give me source files that have been optimized to include metadata like Key, BPM, Genre, Que points, etc. while keeping them in the FLAC format?
Do I need additional tags? What am I missing? Is there other software I should consider? (tag editors?)
Here’s the issue that I’m most conflicted about. Since I “have to” use Rekordbox in order to prep music onto a USB stick; should I bother with iTunes?
I know iTunes offers some things that none of the other software offers like cloud back up, smart playlists (not sure if rekordbox does this), music suggestions based on whatever preferences I set and probably more. I’m just not sure I really NEED all of that “extra stuff” at the cost of converting the files JUST to use iTunes…?
Well, there’s my dilemma.
I have used Virtual DJ for a few years now, and it’s actually really nice software. I would say it’s comparable to Serato as far as overall layout and functionality.
-Virtual DJ offers a few more music management tools than Serato
-Serato displays some information differently as well as some information that VDJ doesn’t.
-Serto has the ability to use up to 4 decks;
-VDJ has the ability to use up to 6.
-Both have free downloads so you can download both and try them for free.VDJ 6 deck layout – I have tried using this maybe twice. To me it just looks too crowded and it seems a little more difficult to pick out the information I want from this layout. I really like the 4 deck layout of VDJ and I find it still easy enough to use without feeling overwhelmed. I find that switching from one deck to another on VDJ is pretty easy.
Some controllers come with VDJ LE. Typically controllers that come with the software have skins (software layout) that looks a lot like the controller you are using. This makes it easy to learn with a beginner controller. However, the software can easily be used without a controller as well.
VDJ has a lot of support on their website to include mapping downloads, a forum for any issues you might encounter and a list of controllers VDJ supports. VDJ will also try to work with you on a controller that they currently don’t support; but don’t be surprised if they tell you check the forums first.
VDJ fits my workflow well and I really like that, for the price of a really cheap controller ($300); I was able to get a lifetime of free upgrades.
VDJ also offers a subscription service called “Content Unlimited”. Although it requires an internet connection to access it; you can search the content unlimited for music that you may not have in your collection, then download it and play it. Personally, I haven’t ever used this other than to turn it on and see what it was. The “content unlimited service” has a monthly fee of $9.99. I think you get it free for the first month if you buy the “pro” version of VDJ.
If you would like to know anything else about VDJ; just ask.
As you are on a Mac, I would consider ALAC – which is lossless, smaller file sizes than WAV/AIFF, has metadata, and works on Mac (unlike FLAC, an equivalent format). ALAC files will also sync to Android or IOS if you have any on your phone..
I don’t think this is accurate. I don’t think the Mac OS cares what file format you use. iTunes doesn’t have a FLAC codec, so it doesn’t know what to do with the file. So IF you use a 3rd party tool like dBpoweramp for instance; you COULD rip to FLAC, use PN & MIK to process the files ending up with a normalized source library with key, bpm and genre information on it.
In order to use the library in iTunes; you would need to convert the files to an iTunes friendly file format (MP3, AAC, ALAC or AIFF). This would be extra work for you if you plan on using iTunes for library management. IF you choose to use iTunes to import the CD and the process the file after with PN & MIK; I’m not entirely sure how the file would get updated in iTunes.
should I let iTunes do all the work of organization my music? If not, what do you recommend. I’m not sure I get the folders organization.
Every tool used to copy the CD files onto your hard drive has options on how you want to save the files. Most use a file structure that has the Artist (AC/DC) as the first folder and then the Album (Back in Black) as a sub folder and the individual track titles (Hells Bells) would be inside the folder (this is just an example and the file structure is determine by how you tell the tool you use to organize your music).
Here’s a screen shot of what I’m talking about.
http://i62.tinypic.com/30jrzwm.png
So, I made a small cut out for the USB cable to slide through the case and attached it with velcro ties on each end. My hard drive never leaves it’s little turtle shell and the case protects it from just about everything. I thought about trying to seal where the USB cable goes through, but if the cable goes bad, that would seem a more difficult proposition to put myself in (having to try to dig out the cable to replace it).
