Stazbumpa

You won’t go wrong really with any DAW, there’s plus and minus for each versus the others. The key, as with DJ kit, is not the DAW but rather your dedication to learning it inside out 🙂

I’ve used a PC laptop for DJ use since I started using digital in 2009, the only issues I’ve had were all my fault. My old Acer cheapo lappy was overheating (I couldn’t be arsed to clean it), and my current Dell Latitude once switched itself off halfway through a gig (I forgot to plug the power lead in).

The rules of PC laptop DJing are simple:
1- Demand the Windows OS disc from the vendor.
2- Buy a SSD and fit it if your lappy didn’t come with one.
3- Do a fresh install of Windows.
4- Don’t download porn.

A couple of simple tweaks are all that is required after that, you don’t need a degree in computer science to do them either. There’s nothing a Mac can do that a PC can’t do, apart from run Logic Pro.
And cost more 🙂

All in one controllers come with a sound card built in. I would advise you to take your time and read the dj controllers guide you found because it’s probably the best guide currently in existence.
As for the kit you want, Denon, Numark and Reloop all make excellent controllers that are well made and good value. Pioneer are good but you pay extra for the name in my opinion.

My humble opinion:

If you’re in the market for turntables either get some very well looked after Technics or get the RP-8000’s.

The reasons are twofold. Firstly, Technics have time behind them. Mine were bought in 1997, they’ve been on the road with me for years and have only been serviced once which was 2 years ago. If they have been looked after they are a great choice.
Second reason; the Reloop decks are DVS compatible and you can cue point jump and stuff using the deck itself. Why nobody had thought of this before Reloop did is beyond me. They should perform just as well as an SL1200/10 and have added features the Technics don’t have.

Anyway, that is my opinion. If it were me buying turntables those would be my options. I wouldn’t but Pioneer, too expensive for what you get which I find true of most Pioneer kit.

Disclaimer: I’m not a fan of Pioneer and the last time I used a CDJ it was to put something else more important on top of.

I would go for the 850’s and get your head into Rekordbox. I’ve had to research them and Rekordbox like mad as I’m using a pair along with vinyl decks for a forthcoming rave. I actually quite like Rekordbox as a preparation software, and the fact it’s free is always nice.

The only downside I have seen so far is the lack of cue point buttons on the 850’s, unless I’m missing something.

Edit: If you already got a mixer then going for the CDJs if they’re a good price and in good nick is probably your best option in my humble opinion.

• This reply was modified 9 years, 2 months ago by Stazbumpa.

I have managed to stop the wrong record many times before, the worst time was with 700 people pogo dancing to the Prodigy and muggings here lifts up the wrong needle.

Possibly my biggest fail was turning up at a gig and then discovering I had left my vinyl bag at home.

Mistakes are many and varied and the best bit is that even after 20 years I still make them. Just grin and laugh at yourself, ultimately nobody will really care 🙂

At the risk of sounding stupid………..

If you’re on a Windows laptop try switching off EVERYTHING that is not essential to Traktor.
ACPI-Compliant Control Method Battery
CD/DVD RW
Wireless and Bluetooth
Webcam
On board sound card

Also look at your background tasks and “end process” on anything unnecessary.