DJGold

jbrown157 · Posted: Wed Jan 11, 2006 12:22 pm Post subject: Assembling a digital system

I'm still in the process of ripping music...but am starting to think about the system I'll need to use this music source. So far, I am buying a pair of identical Toshiba laptops and I have ordered an external hard drive (250 gig) and intend to order a second (and possibly a third) one. I have and plan to use PCDJ red.

With this in mind, here come the questions;

Sound card? Gigaport? USB mixer? Which way to go. I've read pros and cons about gigaports. Are there quality sound cards available for laptops? And what about (Numark) USB mixers? What works best for you? What have you tried that you were not happy with.

External hard drive. I am currently ripping my music into a 120 gig external HD connected via USB port. It seems to be ok speedwise, but would I see better performance a firewire connection?

Controllers: DAC-2 or DAC-3. Is there a significant difference?

dokai · Posted: Wed Jan 11, 2006 1:20 pm Post subject:

I don't use the DAC controllers, as they seem to me to be just another potential point of failure. I just use the keyboard shortcuts and the mouse. However, I know some people that have the DAC2 and have heard no complaints. Nothing heard about the DAC3, though.

I use the Gigaport and have had good luck with it. What kind of cons have you heard?

Nobody I know is using a USB mixer. Being from RI, I hate to say anything bad about a local company, but Numark has had some QC issues with some of their (non-USB) mixers lately. A multi-op I know bought three of them and ended up returning all three inside of a few months for various problems. Could have just been a bad batch, but I'd make sure that wherever I purchased them had a good return policy.

Firewire is faster than USB-1, but I think USB-2 is fastest.

TheBartman47 · Posted: Wed Jan 11, 2006 3:48 pm Post subject:

Here's a list of everything except 1 gig ethernet (1,000 base-T) listed...

Everyone's got something faster than the next guy. (The last firewire entry is still in the planning phase, so don't count on it yet.)

CJ Greiner · Posted: Wed Jan 11, 2006 4:00 pm Post subject:

... and who knows how fast USB 3.0 will be? :dizzy:

CJ Greiner · Posted: Wed Jan 11, 2006 5:37 pm Post subject:

I currently use a rackmount computer, which of course, is the best way to have ooooodles of hard drive space, and the best sound cards and video cards.
BUT... it's HEAVY -- and I'm looking for a lighter solution.

I really like your idea for dual+ laptops. I've looked at the Toshibas too, and they seem like a good bet for DJ purposes. I think that HP's newer line is pretty good too.

I've been seriously considering going with the Rane mp4 mixer that would do exactly what you're looking for: provide you with a high-quality audio output.
It's single-space, rack mountable and acts as your DJ mixer. Great deal!

Rane MP4

More here:
http://www.rane.com/mp4.html

I'm also looking at using the Studiomaster C3X or the Numark RM6 (a.k.a. Alesis ZoneMix 6) as a second 1U in my rack so that I can have the front-mount microphone input as well as extra inputs for those unusual occasions we all come across.

The only thing this combination of units doesn't supply is a lamp socket. I'm used to having one on my mixer... but I may not need it in the new configuration. If I do need one, I'll use one of the new LED lamps (no 60Hz hum in the system).

____________________

Another option if you have more space in your rack is a larger (4U) mixer such as the Numark CM200USB

http://www.numark.com/products/product_view.php?v=overview&n=122

_ 5 channels plus DJ mic control
_ Inputs for 8 line, 3 phono, 2 USB, 3 mic
_ 2 USB input channels for playing MP3 files from a computer
_ 2 USB output channels for recording your performance to a computer
_ Master balanced XLR outputs with Record and Zone
_ Steep 3-band EQ on every channel
_ EQ on mic channel
_ Split or blend cueing, PFL gain adjust with meter
_ Fader-start, panning on master fader
_ Replaceable assignable crossfader
_ USB cables included
_ No software drivers needed with Windows XP or Mac OS X
_ Works with almost any Windows or Mac audio recording or playback software

Be sure to plan for a couple blank spaces above it since it uses back-panel connections.

__________________
P.S. How are you planning to mount your laptop?

dokai · Posted: Wed Jan 11, 2006 6:21 pm Post subject:

I use a Rane MP2 along with a Rane MLM-82a mic/line mixer, 1ru each. (The MP2 was the predecessor to the MP4, and is almost identical with the exception that the MP2 doesn't function as a USB soundcard.) The MLM-82a doesn't have a front panel mic input, but it does provide a lot of other useful features, like the ability to switch any of the stereo inputs to mono with a pushswitch on the front panel next to the rotary fader. I picked mine up VERY cheaply on eBay, and have been thrilled with it since. A highly recommended "add" to your short list.

http://www.rane.com/mlm82a.html

Edit: If you don't need eight more inputs, Rane also makes the MLM42. Very similar to the MLM82a, but half the inputs.

I'm considering using an MP4 on my next system instead of the MP2, and saving the money I would've spent on a Gigaport. I'd be very interested in your opinion when you've used yours. If my experience with my MP2 is any indication, you'll be very happy with the MP4.

DJ Scott · Posted: Wed Jan 11, 2006 9:25 pm Post subject: Re: Assembling a digital system

I use a Toshiba. I put in a 120gig HD and an Indigo soundcard.
I also use a DMC-1 with the upgrade chip. 2 years on this setup and still happy with it.
Diana uses a Compaq with 100gig internal. No DMC.

Professor Jam · Posted: Thu Jan 12, 2006 2:23 am Post subject: Re: Assembling a digital system

I have two, Rane MP24Z's, one TM54 and one MP4 - I like them ALL

hyperon · Joined: December 1st, 2005 Posts: 13 Location: Croton, OH

I use the Quebbie DJ in a Box in my company. No ripping, no corrupt files,no hours of downloading songs. I can build my own playlists, manage requests on the fly, and even overlay promos while the music is playing. you ought to check out this system. Best part, all ASCAP, BMI and SESAC are covered in the monthly fee. Way cool. I can even rent out the system for more revenue.

djdonny · Posted: Wed Jan 18, 2006 11:52 pm Post subject:

I just checked out the "Quebbie" website, which really promotes it like a pre-loaded jukebox rental. I wouldn't support a company that makes this uneducated and damaging claim:

Quote: Customers will come to you, rather than hire a DJ or band who typically charge (sic) between $500- $1000 per party or event

hyperon · Joined: December 1st, 2005 Posts: 13 Location: Croton, OH

Quebbie has only been in business for a long time. They started in Europe. I use my system for my DJ company. It does not take away my business, it actually has helped my business. I also let my crowd come and look, request songs on it. I never have been a DJ that separates myself from my crowd. The system was originally set up for places of business to use as background music. They have recently gone into the DJ in a Box system. This rig is no different than putting songs on a jukebox laptop. Can your laptop play music in four separate zones all at the same time? The best part, it is legal.

dokai · Posted: Thu Jan 19, 2006 11:40 am Post subject: Re: Assembling a digital system

Like the ipod parties weren't enough of a potential thorn in our sides, now someone has created a semi-automated DJ for rent complete with a music library. :roll:

hyperon wrote: Can your laptop play music in four separate zones all at the same time?

I didn't see anything about this at the Quebbie website. Could you tell us a little more? For instance, is it the same song in four zones with independent volume control, or is it four different songs? Also, what's the price for one of these units?

hyperon · Joined: December 1st, 2005 Posts: 13 Location: Croton, OH

As for as the multi zone unit , you can play four different types of music in four different zones. Quebbie is nothing like ipod cafes. I looked into them with the same concern. In a nut shell my DJ in a Box helps my company book more events. I have two DJ's, and when we are both booked, I can still help a customer out. Sometimes the client just wants to rent gear, I now have that opportunity to help them. I use the unit in most of my events. My clients love it, they send me new clients, all is good.

I can also help my Restaurant, Bowling Center, and Business Clients generate revenue by selling air time on the unit to their vendors. The fourth zone can be used for promo's only, or music/promo onhold for telephone. Quebbie is plug and play. RCA outs to an existing sound system. No cable, No satellite, I am sure you have been in a place of business during a Thunderstorm and the music blanks out.

DJ in a box is a relatively new player in the Digital DJ field, so just like the CD was looked at strangely in 1982, it will have growing pains.Please don't hate it until you give it a fair and honest look. As a DJ, I want to do nothing to kill our profession.
i hope this helps. So far 2 unsure 1 curious comment here at the forum. At least we have something to talk about. Keep entertaining people, Roger.