tosatto.michael@gmail.com

It shouldn’t matter that much. DJ software isn’t really a heavy program so 95% of laptops will run it without a problem, just watch you have at least 4GB of RAM. I’ve got 8GB and sometimes if I go into my task manager, I find it can sometimes use 5 or 6 so 4GB minimum, but I’d highly reccommend 8GB. A lot of laptops these days come with one empty DDR3 RAM slot for you to install more RAM if necessary, so if buying 4GB, I’d check that it has some type of screw off panel underneath with a picture of a microchip on it where you would be able to access this additional slot. Don’t get t his confused with what looks like a cylinder, can or disc because that is the panel to replace the hard drive (also something to consider how much music you have or are going to have). Some laptops such as my ASUS S551 have one big panel that lets you access both so ask a salesman if in doubt.

Windows vs Mac is honestly all down to preference. I do some casual gaming so Windows was a better bet for me considering a lot of games aren’t Mac compatible. Windows laptops are also cheaper (another seller for me as I’m a cheap bastard) and there is a lot more variety (Macs have no touchscreens, not much choice). Macs do offer plug and play compatability and are a simpler to use than Windows (Macs always just work no ifs no buts) and there are also some Mac exclusive programs (such as Deejay and Logic Pro). Remember, however that you can install Windows on a Mac (you have to buy the Windows) if in doubt. It’s all up to preference.

I have a Reloop Terminal Mix 4, a toned down TM8 with buttons instead of pads and not as good an I/O or soundcard. I must say that soundcards don’t really matter. 90% of the market have decent sound cards and those who dont you’ll see reviews complaining. The jogs from the TM4 are shared with the TM8 and I must say they are sublime. So big and weighted its so good. I’m not too sure on this one but I’m assuming the crossfader and line faders are shared as well and they both feel top notch. Crossfader is so loose compared to other controllers or mixers and the line faders heel pretty high quality. I’ll admit that I would LOVE pads. The buttons are only really good for cue points and drum loops, not much else, they are particularly hard to use for sampling or cue sampling. I’m a cheap ass as well, so I picked my TM4 up for $400AUD which was my limit, still down from the $650AUD RRP but given a bigger budget I would have loved a TM8. I must say W8 does not affect your DJing at all. Some softwares might have stability issues but almost all have fixed it by now. The hardware does not matter which OS you use as all the hardware stuff is pretty much carryover from W7. And as a final note, check out Cross DJ. It’s my favourite software and my only choice so far.

Good luck!

With SoundCloud and others integrated into some softwares, you also have to consider requests from these sites.

Yeah, hit what they know I’m sure they’ll be pleased. And if something isn’t the right genre or the right BPM for your mix, get a remix to suit.

I had an ION iDJ2GO (the iOS version of the Numark DJ2GO) for a year and a half as my first controller before I upgraded. It was basic and didn’t have any EQ, FX, filters, or even looping onboard, but I mapped two of the top knobs to be bass EQs and the other two to be filters, and I also mapped the two pitch bend buttons on either side (which are massively irrelevant seeing there is a jogwheel there, and it’s not really made for scratching as it’s only 2″ and not touch sensitive) to be me loop in and out for + and – respectively. Not sure how remapping is done in Traktor, but I’ve heard it is harder to map than others.

We don’t need to improve waveforms, it would be nice tho. Just like we don’t need to have a sync button, but it’s nice to know you’re covered in case of emergency.