salim_rind@hotmail.com
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salim_rind@hotmail.com
ParticipantI recently asked a question on here about which laptop to buy and am close to deciding my purchase. Full blown gaming laptops, such as the 2 you’ve mentioned, are probably overkill for DJing. A lot of comments came back about Mac’s, but I’m not prepared to spend the money for a 15″ Mac and have to work around the low storage capability. Top end gaming machines will have high spec video cards that you won’t utilise, plus a top end processor that you don’t need. In fact my IT guy at work has suggested an i5 as it doesn’t run as hot as an i7 and I don’t require the extra processing power.
The machines I’m leaning towards could be classed as mid to low level gaming machines. My main contender at present is http://www.scan.co.uk/3xs They have a Pro Audio laptop that can be customised with the spec you want, SSD, HHD, operating system, etc. It may not look at glossy as the 2 you mentioned but I’m not worried about that.
ParticipantAgain not being as expert, I believe the Software has some bearing on the sound quality, The controller will too. The laptop, not so much as you are by-passing the lasptop’s soundcard by using the Controller and utilising the Controllers Sound output. I use a Denon MC6000 Mk2 and the blurb for that staes better sound output than the Mk1
Hope that helps a bit
ParticipantI’m no expert but, as a VDJ user, I was told that VDJ 7 didn’t have as good a sound engine as some other software. I can’t say that I ever noticed it myself. VDJ 8 is a free upgrade and has an improved sound engine, according to the spec sheet. Try that out
ParticipantI’ve used VDJ 7 on a Denon 6000 Mk1 and now VDJ 8 on a Denon Mk 2. It’s a great controller/mixer and is perfect for me as I do mainly mobile work but it’s also compact enough to set up in a booth for other events. The Mk2 is easier to set up from scratch and is also designed to work with Serato as well as VDJ. I also like the fact that Denon allows me to plug in CDJ’s or turntables when I work with guest DJ’s. I can’t comment much on other software but VDJ 8 does everything I want,
February 3, 2015 at 11:50 am in reply to: Please help manually administering iTunes Library #2134331ParticipantTerry_42 has said it far better than I ever could. I don’t know about DeeJAY Pro but I use VDJ8. I also use iTunes extensively and as terry said, use the Playlists. VDJ picks these up automatically. I also tag all my tracks in iTunes, so it seems that you are over complicating things.
By the way as a Windows user, still contemplating moving to Mac it’s good to know VDJ8 runs well on it.
ParticipantBecause I play a lot of 70’s & early 80’s soul/disco the beat is not always consistent so not always possible to do a mix. I also get taken in different directions by requests. Sometimes just banging a new tune in on the 1st beat works. Also, with that genre anyway, big BPM shift from say a 80’s dance at 124 to a well known Philly track at 112, just before the vocal hook, can work well.
January 30, 2015 at 4:02 pm in reply to: Does anybody here play large venues with iTunes downloads? #2132941ParticipantI’d agree with Terry-42. I use MP3 at 320 but when downloading from iTunes it’s 256 AAC. I’ve played on good sized sound systems and you can’t tell the difference, well at least I couldn’t. I’ve also done stints where I’ve gone back to back with a fellow DJ who’s was on decent CDJ’s and again the you couldn’t distinguish between original CD or good quality MP3/AAC being played. The quality of the file is obviously important, but the quality of your controller will also count.
ParticipantThe MC6000 Mk1 comes with a LE version of VDJ. As a VDJ user I brought that controller on the basis it was the best for the software and have since upgraded to a mk2. As DJ Vintage says you do need to pay for the Pro VDJ but sometimes you can get a 50% discount with a particular controller. Worth an ask on their website. That’s how I got my Pro licence but can’t remember if it was with the Denon or a previous Numark controller.
ParticipantI do plan to get a ‘decent’ machine, hence the reason for asking your opinions. I’ve run with a couple of standard consumer models to date and whilst I’ve got by I have found myself replacing every 18 months or so. I plan to keep my current laptop as a backup, with the thought that if I get a decent models it should last 3 years +. [ending mishaps. The MB Pro I’m sure will last longer but I hope that a well build and correctly specified Windows machine costing c£1000 should also do the trick and still be half the price of a 15″ Mac.
Great feedback from you guys and I’m still researching as I plan not to ruch this time around
ParticipantMore good food for thought, thanks again. I will go with an SSD if at all possible. I like the idea of a business machine, such as a Dell latitude or Thinkpap T series. I’m still tempted buy a Mac but fear it could end in tears, as has been mentioned.
Thanks again for you help
ParticipantThanks for the very helpful responses.
I have investigated a used MacBook and still feel that £11,500 for a 2.5 yrs old model for the spec I need is expensive for a used model, although that is from a recommended Mac refurb specialist. My daughter is a student at Uni so I could get the 15% student discount on new Macs. I know my way around Windows pretty well and would need to learn the Mac OS, which isn’t a problem, just time consuming. The drawback I see, as mentioned above, is compatibility with Windows for transferring files and back-up machine, but I gather it can be done.I play in crowded pubs and I’ve saved my laptop a few times from being knocked of my stand, I’d be mighty peeved if the best part of £2k went flying or had drink spilt on it.
I’ll check out the Lenovo Thinkpad T Serious as recommended. I had a work Lenovo a few years back and it was built like a tank. Not great to look at but solid, and that’s what’s counts.
My IT guy at work also suggest SSD and not the SSHD.
Plenty to work on there. Thanks again
ParticipantI can’t help on the other makes but I’ve just brought a pair of QSC K12’s and am really pleased. I thought the K10’s would be perfect for tops on KSubs but a bit lacking on their own. I play at various pubs and do the odd wedding and lots of private parties. I recently added a single KSub to my set up. I run the K12’s on their own at smaller to mid venues and add the sub on a busy mid venue upwards.
I carry in a car so space was important and the QSC’s pack a mighty punch for their size. The K12’s also have a Deep setting to add bass when used on their own.
This Saturday I’ve a corporate event in quite a big room. I’m still deliberating about renting a second KSub or try it with one. I’d say my present set up is good for a room holding c 250 people.Hope that helps
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