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

[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

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.







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