Do any wedding DJ's here just DJ with a mixer and a computer?

[rocket's ass]

I'm looking at everyone's setups and almost all of them have a lot of advanced looking equipment. Turntables and things that look like they simulate turntables...etc etc.
How much of that is needed for party style dj-ing?
I've DJed for 12 years...country bars...gay top 40 dance bars...strip bars. For awhile (like many on here I'm sure), I used cds and then transitioned out of that into using a laptop. PCDJ...now Virtual DJ. I don't specialize in a lot of beat matching...it's never really been needed with what I've been involved with. When needed, I can synch (I know...dirty word!) and it gets the job done.

I guest djed one time with someone who had a laptop running a program and then also had two external turntable type devices that were somehow hooked up to the laptop but records weren't being played on them. It looked similar to some of the setups I've seen on here. Keep in mind, this was another top 40 dance situation...mix of gay and straight listening to a lot of 80's and other party songs. Full dancefloor and beat matching more obscure mixes didn't seem to be what was on the menu. He gave me quick crash course and said that after I selected a song and loaded it into one of the players on the screen, I had to do something with the turntable devices before hitting play on the computer. If I didn't, the song wouldn't play. It seemed really strange because it didn't seem to help anything. This was like 4 years ago so I can't remember any details. It just seemed like another thing to do for no reason. I asked him why I had to do that and he didn't know.

I'm looking to get into dj-ing weddings and dances and other events...your standard mobile DJing I would think. Mainstream top 40 stuff for the most part. These setups seem so intimidating. For what I'm doing, do I really need the fancier mixers and such?

[Lost Connection]

I'd say controllers, like the Native Instruments S4 and Pioneers DDJ-S1 or T1, are a good choice for mobile DJs. Also midi capable mixers like A&H Xone 4D and denon dnx1600 are a solid option. These are of course from the higher and more expensive end. You don't need anything too fancy to be a DJ. It's not that much about the gear, it's more about you.

[Lost Connection]

Oh yeah, if you want to do weddings etc. You better know what you're doing... And have a lot of records, since the requests can include various different genres and era's etc. The thing about you not beatmatching or smthing made me say this. Weddings are an important part of peoples lives, and a thing to remember forever so you can't screw it up. Though 12 years of experience is like 6 times mine so I think you know this stuff :)

[Dixieland DJ]

I'll take a stab at your question. First, I'd like to ask your age.

In short, depending on what music you play, & I would think that since your not using fancy equipment now, your probably not going to need it in the future. However, again, it depends on what crowds your going to play to & the choice of music you play for them... or should I say "style" of music.
I play mostly Country, Pop, Hip Hop, Classic Rock etc. I don't play Rap, "gangsta" music which requires you to "scratch" etc. As well, I don't "mix" as most DJ's do today. I play my sets just as you hear them on the radio. I play songs all the way thru & then start the next song. As one song is ending, I start the other.

Now, on to answer your question... If your playing the sets like I am, the answer is no, you don't need all the fancy equipment. Here is my setup:
Laptop into external sound card,
then into 4 channel mixer,
into an amp,
into speakers.

I use a cheap, simple software that works well for me, is dependable & has not given me any problems or crashed ...ever in 10 years. You can get it online for $15 I think & comes with support & lifetime updates. Its called DJMIXPRO.

I will probably take a lot of heat for this post but most people here know I use a basic setup & for what I do. I don't need the more modern equipment etc because I don't do that stuff that requires it.... Most people have already given me their heat & now that they know me, know I am not just a fly by night guy here & know, that I know what I am doing. While they may not approve or understand my setup but they respect the fact that it works for me & what I do.

While most people here will tell you that you must have the more modern equipment & play the music by "beat matching" & "mixing", it depends on what you plan on doing & more so, how much business your willing to say no to & a lot of it depends on the area you live in. If its a large metropolitan area where its common, you may have problems getting gigs if you don't know the music or style (which I don't). If you live in a small rural area with more basic music & styles, you may be ok. Since I don't know where "Oh Hell No" is, I wont be able to help you with your area.

On another note, style has noting to do with "QUALITY" equipment. Don't get me wrong, get good quality equipment regardless of what style music you play. Equipment brands tho, is for another thread.

Good luck :)

[bumpyjonas]

I use a setup with CDJ’s and a DVS system. CDJ’s have been part of my setup for some time and when Serato became popular merged both and never looked back. However every now and then I play strictly with cd’s and no laptop and dvs system.

Now I know quite a few DJ’s who use just a mixer, laptop, soundcard and speakers, similar to Dixie’s setup and it works well for them. I have a friend who strictly uses the Rane TTM57sl mixer (Serato is built in) with his laptop, and Serato running internal mode for his setup. He uses this setup for all events formal and non-formal.

[Mystic]

I don't use turntable style controllers. I've thought about it but never saw the point when I don't do that kind of style DJing. I can beatmatch inside VDJ.

[Silver Man]

The good thing about weddings is that it is not so much about the best equipment, but it is more about how you put everything together and present yourself. The bad thing about weddings is that is not so much about the best equipment, but is is more about how you put everything together and present yourself.

That said, I have been DJing for 22 years and I specialize in weddings. A lot of what was stated above is true, you do not need the expensive controllers, but you do need to know how to make a wedding go smoothly. For me, this took years of practice and studying to get it the way I have it now. So, if your first several don't go well, hang in there and keep at it. The best is if you can find a wedding DJ in your area and shadow him a little, it will give you a big boost in your own show.

Now to the equipment part, I personally use a system that is all self contained. I have a 2U short rack computer with multiple hard drives for redundancy. I then added a fold down monitor on the top of the rack. For a controller, I use the Denon HC-4500. You do not need a controller, but it does make things a lot easier. This is a small 3U controller that sits on top. I also have 2 Wireless mic receivers in my rack as well. This was all designed so I can show up at a place, that the top lid off, lift up the monitor, take the back cover off, plug in speakers and power, and take the front off and turn on power and I am done. Real fast and easy. I can have sound up and running in 15 minutes. In any case, here is a picture of my setup:
http://www.milbrand.com/DJ/Setup.jpg

[Windows 95]

In any case, here is a picture of my setup:What's the laptop for, lighting?

[DJ LEVLHED]

Denon HC-4500 and Gizmo Labs RPM for your standard mobile DJ work. You don't need a controller, but even a very basic one makes life a lot easier.

[ampnation]

I'm looking to get into dj-ing weddings and dances and other events...your standard mobile DJing I would think. Mainstream top 40 stuff for the most part. These setups seem so intimidating. For what I'm doing, do I really need the fancier mixers and such?

Short answer is, no, you don't need them. The term for the "turntable type devices" generically is decks and can be applied to a variety of devices which play CD's, USB thumb drives, vinyl (real records or time code vinyl used to simulate a real record so you can scratch computer based music), or music directly from the computer. Unless you're taking advantage of functions like loops, scratching with the platters, or sound effects, the only reason to have them is the ability to play media like CD's directly. If your computer died, you could still continue with a USB thumbdrive and a pair of CDJ's for instance.

I'm currently using as my primary setup a rackmount Denon X500 mixer with a dual CD player/controller, the Denon HD2500, without a computer. I can see myself eventually using a computer based system, but when I do, I would want decks of some sort as a backup. The HD2500 can do that with a connected USB flash drive. I can have my entire music collection on USB using one of these.. http://www.amazon.com/Lexar-Backup-Flash-Drive-LEHMX128BSBNA/dp/B004TPPWUA and both channels of the controller can access the same USB drive. The HD2500 is discontinued but similar devices exist.

For me, it's all about stability and redundancy.

I did have a pair of Pioneer CDJ400 decks hooked up to my computer using VDJ (trial) and an analog mixer (Ecler Nuo 3) and while using that I did experience a little of what you describe... I would go to the incoming song only to find it wasn't "there." but I really didn't use that system for long. I'm pretty sure it wouldn't take long for the process to be 2nd nature.

Now here's the thing regarding weddings. I've shadowed another DJ and only done one wedding myself but I do know that with weddings, having a backup for every piece is highly preferred. At worst, you want to be able to "get by" if any single item goes down. e.g. you could lose a subwoofer and still get by using just the tops.

I got to learn all about the value of redundancy during this one wedding I've done. I did it for a friend even though I hadn't started marketing myself as a wedding DJ yet. I had 6 weeks to get ready. One of my CDJ's had died. For some reason they don't like having juice spilled on them. The other one had problems from day one (open box from Guitar Center) so I returned it. So I was left without a setup. In order to go forward I needed new hardware and possibly to purchase my DJ program. After getting advice here, I shadowed a local DJ with years of experience. I liked his setup and decided to go with something similar which led to the above system. I also didn't really have my music ready to go. I made a crucial mistake at this point... I decided to "upgrade" my CD encoding on iTunes which I use to rip CD's to mp3. That same encoding affects AAC purchases converted to mp3. The problem was, the 48kHz sample rate I went with isn't supported by the dual CD drive that was connected to the HD2500. Most of the new songs I purchased specifically for the wedding, like the grand entrance songs, father/daughter dance song, etc. were burned to CD as mp3s. During my dry runs, I did experience the "not supported" message a couple of times, but things worked out such that I was able to get songs to play after that and never put 2 and 2 together about what the problem was. By this time I had already gone through another rig which failed miserably (a pair of used iCDX CDJ's also from Guitar Center which were basically DOA) so I didn't have time to go for yet another setup.

Of course, when I got setup at the venue, this being my first time on my own, I was running close on my timeline but got everything setup with time to spare... except the first song I tried to play, didn't play. "Not supported" grrrr I ended up bypassing my DJ mixer and player altogether and hooking up my laptop to my other mixer for the rest of the night and playing from iTunes. The sad thing is, if I had realized the problem, I could have gone forward with what I had by using the audio CD's (had my entire collection with me) and by changing the mp3 settings on iTunes and re-ripping the songs I needed. That said, I didn't know what the problem was and since I had made the contingency plan of using the laptop, I was able to pull off the gig even if I did get started a tad late.


Now to the equipment part, I personally use a system that is all self contained. I have a 2U short rack computer with multiple hard drives for redundancy. I then added a fold down monitor on the top of the rack. For a controller, I use the Denon HC-4500. You do not need a controller, but it does make things a lot easier. This is a small 3U controller that sits on top. I also have 2 Wireless mic receivers in my rack as well. This was all designed so I can show up at a place, that the top lid off, lift up the monitor, take the back cover off, plug in speakers and power, and take the front off and turn on power and I am done. Real fast and easy. I can have sound up and running in 15 minutes. In any case, here is a picture of my setup:
http://www.milbrand.com/DJ/Setup.jpg

Silverman, I was just brainstorming and almost posted a question about anyone who uses a rackmount computer vs. laptop. I think that would have many advantages. Since I use a rolling slant top rack anyway, and have a trailer with a ramp door for loading and unloading, I was thinking I don't care that it is bigger and heavier and it seems more secure to me.

So my questions are...

Are you using RAID? which level? which OS? I know Windows server editions vs. home, have more extensive RAID options supported but DJ software probably won't run on the server editions.

Where did you find a rackmount monitor that can fold down?

Is the rack ATX form factor? or do you need 3u to do that?

[Silver Man]

What's the laptop for, lighting?

The laptop is for my lighting and also acts as a backup if my main DJ computer goes down.







Silverman, I was just brainstorming and almost posted a question about anyone who uses a rackmount computer vs. laptop. I think that would have many advantages. Since I use a rolling slant top rack anyway, and have a trailer with a ramp door for loading and unloading, I was thinking I don't care that it is bigger and heavier and it seems more secure to me.

So my questions are...

Are you using RAID? which level? which OS? I know Windows server editions vs. home, have more extensive RAID options supported but DJ software probably won't run on the server editions.

Where did you find a rackmount monitor that can fold down?

Is the rack ATX form factor? or do you need 3u to do that?

I am using RAID 1 (mirroring) configuration. The load on the HD's are not that great so a higher level RAID is not needed. I actually have 4 hard drives, 2x250Gb and 2x1Tb. I can technically lose 3 HD's and still keep going. The OS I am using is Vista (it is what I had at the time.) I don't need anything super powerful, so this works well for me. The 2U computer is a standard ATX Motherboard and standard Power Supply. The only downside is that because it is 2U, if you add any additional cards, you have to use a riser card. But that was included with my computer.

The fold down monitor stand was from a company called DJ-RAK. The place I got it from no longer lists it on their website. Their website is under construction right now so that isn't helping either. It was nice, but a little salty on price: $169.00.

I think I answered all your questions. Let me know if you have more.

[rocket's ass]

Thanks for all the replies folks! I'll try to respond to some here.


I'd say controllers, like the Native Instruments S4 and Pioneers DDJ-S1 or T1, are a good choice for mobile DJs. Also midi capable mixers like A&H Xone 4D and denon dnx1600 are a solid option. These are of course from the higher and more expensive end. You don't need anything too fancy to be a DJ. It's not that much about the gear, it's more about you.
But what do the controllers accomplish that a standard mouse/computer situation doesn't? Especially if you aren't doing anything particularly fancy mix wise?


Oh yeah, if you want to do weddings etc. You better know what you're doing... And have a lot of records, since the requests can include various different genres and era's etc. The thing about you not beatmatching or smthing made me say this. Weddings are an important part of peoples lives, and a thing to remember forever so you can't screw it up. Though 12 years of experience is like 6 times mine so I think you know this stuff :)

Yeah I'm looking to try and shadow some DJ's. I've been researching as best I can online and have been learning a lot. As far as music, there's always another song to get but I've been reading a lot of "top wedding reception" type lists and I have most of the songs so there you go...constantly improving! :)


I'll take a stab at your question. First, I'd like to ask your age.

39


In short, depending on what music you play, & I would think that since your not using fancy equipment now, your probably not going to need it in the future. However, again, it depends on what crowds your going to play to & the choice of music you play for them... or should I say "style" of music.
I play mostly Country, Pop, Hip Hop, Classic Rock etc. I don't play Rap, "gangsta" music which requires you to "scratch" etc. As well, I don't "mix" as most DJ's do today. I play my sets just as you hear them on the radio. I play songs all the way thru & then start the next song. As one song is ending, I start the other.

Me too.


Now, on to answer your question... If your playing the sets like I am, the answer is no, you don't need all the fancy equipment. Here is my setup:
Laptop into external sound card,
then into 4 channel mixer,
into an amp,
into speakers.

I use a cheap, simple software that works well for me, is dependable & has not given me any problems or crashed ...ever in 10 years. You can get it online for $15 I think & comes with support & lifetime updates. Its called DJMIXPRO.

I will probably take a lot of heat for this post but most people here know I use a basic setup & for what I do. I don't need the more modern equipment etc because I don't do that stuff that requires it.... Most people have already given me their heat & now that they know me, know I am not just a fly by night guy here & know, that I know what I am doing. While they may not approve or understand my setup but they respect the fact that it works for me & what I do.

While most people here will tell you that you must have the more modern equipment & play the music by "beat matching" & "mixing", it depends on what you plan on doing & more so, how much business your willing to say no to & a lot of it depends on the area you live in. If its a large metropolitan area where its common, you may have problems getting gigs if you don't know the music or style (which I don't). If you live in a small rural area with more basic music & styles, you may be ok. Since I don't know where "Oh Hell No" is, I wont be able to help you with your area.

On another note, style has noting to do with "QUALITY" equipment. Don't get me wrong, get good quality equipment regardless of what style music you play. Equipment brands tho, is for another thread.

Good luck :)


Denon HC-4500 and Gizmo Labs RPM for your standard mobile DJ work. You don't need a controller, but even a very basic one makes life a lot easier.

How does it make life a lot easier?

[spicaly]

honestly if you have the capability to sync and beat match from your software, you don't need a controller...a buddy of mine who is a very well established hiphop dj from the 80's, only brings out his rane mixer and uses the keyboard shortcuts in internal mode in serato to do most of his mobile gigs. i always liked to be a little more hands on, but if he can do it no reason you shouldnt

[rocket's ass]

Cool. Thanks for the input everyone!

[LiteTrix]

Hey Dixie, in a pervious post you mentioned that you don't mix and play radio style. Not hating at all but does that actually work by playing each song fully through? Never experience a loss of energy on the dance floor?

[Dixieland DJ]

Hey Dixie, in a pervious post you mentioned that you don't mix and play radio style. Not hating at all but does that actually work by playing each song fully through? Never experience a loss of energy on the dance floor?

It works for me, however, I think it depends on the style/genre of music that is being played. Again, my gigs are usually 70's - 00's & are Classic Rock, Pop, Hip Hop etc. I usually don't play the crowds such as Alternative, Rap & some of the other genre's that most of you guys play. So, to answer your question, just playing some energetic music by ZZ Top, Micheal Jackson or even YMCA.... as long as I keep it "hot" & keep the energy flowing it works. Again, us "Radio" style DJ's don't let the song fade all the way out or stop cold before starting the next song. You got to keep the music & tempo hot. I guess I "mix", similar to the way you do, its just later in the song... just maybe a few seconds before the song dies. Or if it ends cold, I try to select the next song that starts hot. But if one song ends in a fade, I can use a song that doesn't start quite as hot but that will get started before the fade out ends.

Hope this helps :)

[Brom]

as long as I keep it "hot" & keep the energy flowing it works. Again, us "Radio" style DJ's don't let the song fade all the way out or stop cold before starting the next song. You got to keep the music & tempo hot. I guess I "mix", similar to the way you do, its just later in the song... just maybe a few seconds before the song dies. Or if it ends cold, I try to select the next song that starts hot. But if one song ends in a fade, I can use a song that doesn't start quite as hot but that will get started before the fade out ends.

I do the same thing and for just used the keyboard shortcuts for the longest time. I finally upgraded to an S4 last year and it made things easier but I'm sure even a Numark DJ2Go controller would work.

As for mixing, most wedding crowds want to hear the whole song so I just blend the endings/beginnings as best I can. I have cue points set up for songs like "September" where you don't want to hear the boring bits at the beginning. And some songs just have to end cold, like "Footloose," and then you just jump into something hot to follow it up. I get tons of compliments as being a great wedding DJ so it works for me.

[ampnation]

I think DJ's, even wedding DJ's, all want to display their skillzz often times when it isn't necessarily what the crowd wants. If the couple met at an EDM event... maybe they do, but keep in mind, the wedding couple are only 2 of approx 100-300 people usually that you're trying to please and keep on the dance floor. How many of us have heard a variation on the complaint that you didn't play the song all the way through or you ruined it by mixing in the upcoming track?

For most weddings, I see the sparing use of club style mixing as a good thing. You might want to create a live medley for instance. Something along the lines of Stars on 45 but better LOL.

[Brom]

I think DJ's, even wedding DJ's, all want to display their skillzz often times when it isn't necessarily what the crowd wants.

Yeah, I don't have skillzz to display :lol:

I only got into DJing at the request of a friend for her brother's wedding reception. I had the music, the PA gear, and a great knowledge of tons of music. I had a blast and so did the crowd. Nine years later I've found that knowing what to play and when to play it comes in handier than how well you can cut it up on the decks - at least for weddings.

[VjQue]

I'm reading these post smh.

Wedding is about quality sound and A clean looking system's. 99.9% of the weddings I do want the club feel for the reception. They want the line dance's and yes new music to. I have had $30,000 weddings go wrong cause of the DJ and his lack of energy or sound he brings. I have seen Banquet hall transformed from 1 hall to joining 2 and the DJ sound did not cover even 1 hall. all my speakers are DuraTex to look really good at the events.

Here is some pictures of a $2500 wedding I Did. And they were very picky and wanted to see picture of my setup.

http://i23.photobucket.com/albums/b352/dirtbikeq/IMAG0851.jpg
http://i23.photobucket.com/albums/b352/dirtbikeq/IMAG0852.jpg
http://i23.photobucket.com/albums/b352/dirtbikeq/IMAG0861.jpg
http://i23.photobucket.com/albums/b352/dirtbikeq/IMAG0850.jpg
http://i23.photobucket.com/albums/b352/dirtbikeq/IMAG0855.jpg

Repasts

http://i23.photobucket.com/albums/b352/dirtbikeq/IMAG0567.jpg
http://i23.photobucket.com/albums/b352/dirtbikeq/IMAG0573.jpg
http://i23.photobucket.com/albums/b352/dirtbikeq/IMAG0569.jpg

[rocket's ass]

That's cool VjQue but I don't really see much of your setup in most of those photos...just a lot of flowers and tables but right on for successfully pulling off gigs for that price!!

[RodneyL]

I think having a controller speaks to the roots of being a "DJ" where you are standing up in front of a crowd mixing tracks and beat-matching to keep a dance floor packed. I don't think that's necessary for every Mobile DJ gig however, just my opinion. I think a good DJ can run just a laptop, mixer, and speakers... and still have a good result.

[LiteTrix]

Thanks for your explanation Dixie. I myself try to mix every song at weddings but sometimes it's not possible and you just have to fade in and out. Something that I've been noticing lately and I by no means have any problem with this is some DJs are simply not mixing at weddings and and just fading in and out.

I think that has to do with the DJ's picking the right songs to play and playing them at the right time. I'm not sure if you follow Brian Redd on youtube but he actually created a video regarded this exact topic and called it "programming" basically implying in that video that you can mix at weddings but if you aren't playing the right songs and reading your crowd correctly it ain't gonna do anything.

I think the bottom line is that every wedding DJ needs to know how to program and how to read a crowd effectively. Mixing can sometimes be option. +rep to you bro!

Damn your the second person I've been trying to rep and can't. I'll getcha later!

[DJ Popeye]

Hello!
I use VDJ 7 Pro Basic with extern Soundcards (Reloop Play or with 3x Terratec Aureon USB)
an a Eso Pro Mixer.
Notebook is IBM Thinkpad T61 and a Fuji Siemens Amilo A7640
Backup Mixer are some Eso (Plug,Hip MK2 and a Shape VT)
A LEM DM 82 is in my own Repair/Cleaning for later for the mobile DJ Job
Denon DN 1800 F and a Sony Minidisc is for Backup and for Music that i have onyl on CD or MD.
Sometimes i use the American Audio VMS 2 too.
In October there comes my second hand buyed Old School Mixer Dynacord M1,
iam very happy on this day i become this.
2x Dual CS 491 TT and many Vinyl for Oldie Partys are in my Equipment too

Music is from 1940 -today actually all Styles and Genres.
Every Month i buy some CD`s,at the Moment there are ca. 3000 Pieces of CD (Album,Maxi,Sampler)

Lightpult are a Showtec LED Commander and some Varytec DMX Par 56 LED RGB Cans and many other Sound 2 Light Lighteffects,Mirrorballs,Fogger,Strobe.

greetings DJ Popeye

[epik1]

My very first gig , this is what I did, ran VDJ out through the cheapy behringer USB interface.
In hindsight, I probably shouldn't have taken it because of my skill level, but it was for my friend's wedding.
But at the same time I'm glad I had that experience.

I would never use the same setup again though lol. At the very least I would bring a controller.

[KLH]

I'm looking at everyone's setups and almost all of them have a lot of advanced looking equipment. Turntables and things that look like they simulate turntables...etc etc.
How much of that is needed for party style dj-ing? ... I'm looking to get into dj-ing weddings and dances and other events...your standard mobile DJing I would think. Mainstream top 40 stuff for the most part. These setups seem so intimidating. For what I'm doing, do I really need the fancier mixers and such?
The controllers that you are referring to simulate TTs or CDJs so that DJs can manipulate them like the respective equipment yet still simply use the computer for playback. They are simply performance tools. If you do not use that equipment, then there's no need to invest in them.

I'm a firm believer in use the right tools for the job; don't just collect tools. If you are happy with your style of performance, then don't change anything. Having equipment "just for looks" is a waste, IMHO.

-KLH

[Windows 95]

The controllers that you are referring to simulate TTs or CDJs so that DJs can manipulate them like the respective equipment yet still simply use the computer for playback. They are simply performance tools. If you do not use that equipment, then there's no need to invest in them.

I'm a firm believer in use the right tools for the job; don't just collect tools. If you are happy with your style of performance, then don't change anything. Having equipment "just for looks" is a waste, IMHO.There's actually some very cheap options of controllers if you're not scratching, using effects & cue points. (Which most mobile DJs probably aren't using.)

I've never owned this & it's a Numark, so I don't know if it's reliable, but the Numark DJ2Go USB DJ Controller is only $60 & has everything I would ever need.
http://www.guitarcenter.com/Numark-DJ2Go-USB-DJ-Controller-H71216-i1784422.gc


http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vvkdsNqBotU

[Brom]

There's actually some very cheap options of controllers if you're not scratching, using effects & cue points. (Which most mobile DJs probably aren't using.)

I've never owned this & it's a Numark, so I don't know if it's reliable, but the Numark DJ2Go USB DJ Controller is only $60 & has everything I would ever need.

I picked up one a couple months ago for my backup computer. My main MBP runs a Traktor Kontrol S4 but I got the DJ2Go for my backup MacBook so I wouldn't have to use the keyboard. Works pretty well for what it is but make sure you're running at least version 2.1.2 of Traktor or else some of the DJ2Go controls won't work.

[Defiance]

There's actually some very cheap options of controllers if you're not scratching, using effects & cue points. (Which most mobile DJs probably aren't using.)

I've never owned this & it's a Numark, so I don't know if it's reliable, but the Numark DJ2Go USB DJ Controller is only $60 & has everything I would ever need.
http://www.guitarcenter.com/Numark-DJ2Go-USB-DJ-Controller-H71216-i1784422.gc


I like all of my numark products, I would bet just by looking at that is probably only as reliable as a gaming controller, probably pretty damn reliable. I REALLY like the design to select songs on Numark Products. Anyways I would bet that thing would be exactly what you need.

[Drewbdo]

...
While most people here will tell you that you must have the more modern equipment & play the music by "beat matching" & "mixing", it depends on what you plan on doing & more so, how much business your willing to say no to & a lot of it depends on the area you live in. If its a large metropolitan area where its common, you may have problems getting gigs if you don't know the music or style (which I don't). If you live in a small rural area with more basic music & styles, you may be ok. Since I don't know where "Oh Hell No" is, I wont be able to help you with your area.

Dixie,

I think it's in Michigan. I know there is a "Hell, Michigan" and a "Paradise, Michigan". I think "Oh Hell No" is in between. :D

To the OP:
I do both.

Some dances want mostly new, current music, especially music with a "club" feel, and so I use a controller to mix, beatmatch, scratch, etc. For weddings, this is what I normally use; during the ceremony and dinner, I just run a playlist in VDJ Pro, with whatever genres they requested. During the dance portion of the reception, then I use the controller to mix and scratch.

Other events want mostly oldies, jazz, etc. For those, I do like Dixie talked about, and have more of a "radio segue". One song plays all the way through, then the next one starts. You don't need a controller or turntables for that.

What type of music and events do you plan to mostly focus on?

[ampnation]

the Numark DJ2Go USB DJ Controller is only $60 & has everything I would ever need.
http://www.guitarcenter.com/Numark-DJ2Go-USB-DJ-Controller-H71216-i1784422.gc


One thing to note. The DJ2Go doesn't have a soundcard so if you would have to either use your computer's audio out options (usually pretty crappy) or buy a soundcard too like a DJIO.

[DJArmani]

I'll take a stab at your question. First, I'd like to ask your age.

I don't play Rap, "gangsta" music which requires you to "scratch" etc. As well, I don't "mix" as most DJ's do today. I play my sets just as you hear them on the radio. I play songs all the way thru & then start the next song. As one song is ending, I start the other.


Pretty ignorant statement, "gangsta" music doesn't require you to scratch. Rap is in the same genre as Hip-Hop which you say you play. And how do you enjoy yourself as a DJ if you play the whole song and start the next song? And playing the song till the end and starting the next one isn't DJing, that's just being a jukebox. Not to be nasty or anything but this statement is ridiculous.

[SummitAudioDJ]

Pretty ignorant statement, "gangsta" music doesn't require you to scratch. Rap is in the same genre as Hip-Hop which you say you play. And how do you enjoy yourself as a DJ if you play the whole song and start the next song? And playing the song till the end and starting the next one isn't DJing, that's just being a jukebox. Not to be nasty or anything but this statement is ridiculous.


A jukebox doesn't spend hours preparing a timeline, set list, make announcements, or read the crowd and keep them dancing.

[SummitAudioDJ]

I'm reading these post smh.

Wedding is about quality sound and A clean looking system's. 99.9% of the weddings I do want the club feel for the reception. They want the line dance's and yes new music to. I have had $30,000 weddings go wrong cause of the DJ and his lack of energy or sound he brings. I have seen Banquet hall transformed from 1 hall to joining 2 and the DJ sound did not cover even 1 hall. all my speakers are DuraTex to look really good at the events.

Here is some pictures of a $2500 wedding I Did. And they were very picky and wanted to see picture of my setup.

Not sure what the point of your pictures are or the fact that you have Dura-tex on your speakers. Having a TV at your event and dura-tex coated speakers are not going to make you a successful wedding DJ.

[VjQue]

Not sure what the point of your pictures are or the fact that you have Dura-tex on your speakers. Having a TV at your event and dura-tex coated speakers are not going to make you a successful wedding DJ. It does. I like to give my clients that special one-off treatment.

having uplighting

very very clean looking equipment

offering plasma's for video mixing, slideshow, instant pictures of the bride and groom on screen. There Name & wedding date going across the screen putting together a exclusive Video of them at the beach or taking a walk with her singing her favorite song to him or vise versus and editing it so she is lip syncing it.

Then Playing it for there guess at there wedding.

I had clients ask do my speaker have Dirty Carpet on it. No Lie, they even asked how is my system.

that last wedding picture I posted I was djing a 40th birthday party in Beverly hills. The lady ask so many question and I mean she was on my head about a sound quality, setup, setup time, and she wanted picture's of my equipment.

well I get the gig and get there to setup up. after im done I start playing music then I go over to the bar to order a drink.

I order the drink then I ask the lady is her name Stephani and she was like yeah. I'm like you got married in this month and she was like yeah.

then she looked at me and was OMG your my DJ and she started thanking me saying how everybody there loved my setup and the slideshow and the music sounded so good.

Then she tell the lady who party it was that I was the DJ she was telling her about. well we had a ball that night and she was like I do karaoke at the bowling alley every friday and have party's to. so now I'm her resident dj and she has me booked so dam much I give gigs to my friends.

Last week I did her even and too 2x50 plasma's and did video mixing and slide show's with twitter feed and song request on the TV's.

Now I have a Client from her party that lives in Oakland that want's the same setup at here party. I told here $3000 She said $2500 and a Room. I said ok.

So me and the wifey and friend are taking this trip in June.

[VjQue]

That's cool VjQue but I don't really see much of your setup in most of those photos...just a lot of flowers and tables but right on for successfully pulling off gigs for that price!! Thanks. But that's the part right there I like. my stuff is blended in so good you cant tell.

if you look at the wedding picture you will see A 50" plasma to the left.

then if you look at the wall to the right you will see A black speaker on top of a dual 18"

then you can see my cdj's and mixer.

in the repass picture

you see the plasma setup on a truss stand and base

then where it say's shangi Reds its a mic and anvil case that was for announcements.

The Plasma was for slideshow..

that gig right there was $1k

Not including my brother that doing the photography and filming that we edited.

I take this very serious and is my fulltime job.

I can take a laptop and Mixer and do the job but that wont look very professional charging the prices I do. (To Me)

just yesterday me and the wifey went to a friends party at the Bar and the dj came in charged her $500 and he had a laptop and powered mixing board .

and i'm not talking about the 12 channel 4 channel one's. he had a all in one like this.http://i23.photobucket.com/albums/b352/dirtbikeq/DV020_Jpg_Jumbo_630190_front.jpg

well lets just say things didn't go as planned he had virtual dj running and he setup a playlist with video's and walked away.

VDJ and that dam sync but I hate that shit with a passion. after the food was gone so was the crowd and the place was packed.

later she told him that he was only worth $50 bucks and that's what he got. he had a chair and table with his laptop and powered mixing board on it. and 2 peavey tops.

Plus its started at 3pm and he got there close to 6pm

[Kingbob182]

as said very early in this thread, its not about the equipment as it is about you. as long as your speakers are good, and the lights are pretty, the wedding is so much more about what music is played rather than who's playing it and on what system.
The night isnt about showcasing mixing skills or showing off you cdjs so a laptop is fine and 'Im not saying that you think otherwise. Simply saying that weddings come down to having a personality that suits the crowd and a good ability to read them and give them exactly what they want from you.

Ive seen a few good DJs at weddings and the best ones werent mixing. Just a bit of key matching and keeping people on the floor

[Ampedproductions]

Hey I have had to use a powered mixer before. Yorkville m810. Everything went fine.