Mixing/DJ Software

MunkyHed

HI! I've amassed quite a collection of MP3s. Wanna make myself a few essential mixes of my own. Whats the best software for creating your own mixes?
By best i mean most widely used. If there are any free programs it would be nice!!
Cheers
DJ NOOB!

tman

Native Instruments - Traktor DJ studio all the way tbh

MunkyHed

tman wrote:

Native Instruments - Traktor DJ studio all the way tbh

Downloadable? Where would i buy?

krz7e

google it

Selik

tman wrote:

Native Instruments - Traktor DJ studio all the way tbh

Virtual DJ is better. Simple as. Traktor IS pretty good don't get me wrong but it lacks a couple of key features such as:

Non-skinable interface
No overlapping waveform
Ease of use (I've tried the demo of Traktor and I just got pissed off with it after a while)
Programmable keyboard shortcuts

Virtual DJ may look alot simpler and toyish (imo) from the appearance of the default skin you'll see in the demo but believe me it's got so many features it's unreal. The code for skins is open source as well so you can design your own one yourself if so inclined, something I may get around to eventually if I'm arsed! Not to mention that it can be hooked up to turntables, external mixer, midi controllers etc. I'll post up a screenshot of the CDJ style skin that I'm using if anyone's interested.

You can get a demo of VDJ for free from www.virtualdj.com. I highly recommend buying the program though it's well worth it trust me! Check out their forums there as well if you want to know more, everyone's very friendly and helpful and will answer any questions you may have.

MunkyHed

I can google for the rest of my days. I'm asking for recommendations from people that are in the know. I may be a newbie to the DJ scene but i know how to type stuff into a google engine.
Do people get off on replying 'google it'?
Does it make them feel smarter?

MunkyHed

Giles wrote:

Virtual DJ is better. Simple as. Traktor IS pretty good don't get me wrong but it lacks a couple of key features such as:

Non-skinable interface
No overlapping waveform
Ease of use (I've tried the demo of Traktor and I just got pissed off with it after a while)
Programmable keyboard shortcuts

Virtual DJ may look alot simpler and toyish (imo) from the appearance of the default skin you'll see in the demo but believe me it's got so many features it's unreal. The code for skins is open source as well so you can design your own one yourself if so inclined, something I may get around to eventually if I'm arsed! Not to mention that it can be hooked up to turntables, external mixer, midi controllers etc. I'll post up a screenshot of the CDJ style skin that I'm using if anyone's interested.

You can get a demo of VDJ for free from www.virtualdj.com. I highly recommend buying the program though it's well worth it trust me! Check out their forums there as well if you want to know more, everyone's very friendly and helpful and will answer any questions you may have.

Thanks Giles. I think simpler is better. i tried to figure reason out myself and got hopelessly lost. Simple is the key. Maybe in time i'll build a bit and get more technical.

Selik

MunkyHed wrote:

Thanks Giles. I think simpler is better. i tried to figure reason out myself and got hopelessly lost. Simple is the key. Maybe in time i'll build a bit and get more technical.

Exactly. If I saw Traktor before I VDJ I probably would never have gotten started with this whole mixing thing! Like I said you can start off nice and easy on VDJ and go with the learning curve. I'm still learning about the amazing possibilities of this software everytime I use it and I'm pretty good it at this stage and I can pull off some good mixes. I'm not in Ireland right now but when I return I'm planning on getting together a serious setup with a couple of midi controllers and a dedicated laptop. By the way I don't work for them or anything I just love the software as far as I'm concerned it's the best piece of software ever and the best 100 odd euro I've ever spent along with my beloved Iriver H-140.

BACKLASH

I've just started learning ableton which was recomended but i'm
hearing that Traktor is easier?

MunkyHed

Giles wrote:

Exactly. If I saw Traktor before I VDJ I probably would never have gotten started with this whole mixing thing! Like I said you can start off nice and easy on VDJ and go with the learning curve. I'm still learning about the amazing possibilities of this software everytime I use it and I'm pretty good it at this stage and I can pull off some good mixes. I'm not in Ireland right now but when I return I'm planning on getting together a serious setup with a couple of midi controllers and a dedicated laptop. By the way I don't work for them or anything I just love the software as far as I'm concerned it's the best piece of software ever and the best 100 odd euro I've ever spent along with my beloved Iriver H-140.

Good man Giles. Maybe you're not workin for Atomic but you should be!!! They may recruit you yet! Gonna try the demo this evenin. I'll let ya know how i get on.

Selik

Good stuff Munkyhed.

If you need any tips or advice feel free to PM me not a problem. Glad to be spreading the word...

Just a point about the demo, even if you have two soundcards it won't let you use the headphone monitoring feature as it's disabled (for hacker reasons!) If you get a cracked version you might be able to but if you want something stable with free updates and plugins etc you'll need to buy it. I had a cracked version before I bought and it was all over the gaff messing things up etc.

Selik

BACKLASH wrote:

I've just started learning ableton which was recomended but i'm
hearing that Traktor is easier?

From what I've heard it is but then again it depends on what you're using it for I guess. Much of a muchness with the two programs I'd say and once you're used to one it would be a pain to switch to another.

Selik

Here's a screenshot of the skin I'm using with VDJ at the moment for you guys to see. Just click the link!

tman

MunkyHed wrote:

Downloadable? Where would i buy?

Sorry about that. was in a rush to post before heading to work... i meant to add more to the post but never got around to it.
i haven't tried it myself but virtual dj sounds like just the job (think i'll give the demo a lash as well after Giles' posts )

Wertz

Giles wrote:

Here's a screenshot of the skin I'm using with VDJ at the moment for you guys to see. Just click the link!

lol that's f*ckin' spooky...I use that skin with VDJ myself.

Just like to recommend the DJ console external soundcard/mixer I use with VDJ...it makes things a lot easier if you're into EQ fading or like the "hands-on" approach. You get a free copy of VDJ with the unit, which hooks to your comp using USB. It's possible to scratch using the jog wheels but it takes a lot of getting used to...



It might look like a toy to anyone that uses proper professional equipment but I've played out with it and it's very robust, but best of all it's cheap...paid about £200 stg for mine...if it doesn't work out or you get bored of mixing, at least you haven't splashed out a grand or two on equipment.
It's also a great standalone soundcard; loads of inputs, optical, MIDI, 5.1 output...and you can use it for headphone monitoring during mixing which is obviously essential.

tman

Wertz wrote:

It might look like a toy to anyone that uses proper professional equipment but I've played out with it and it's very robust, but best of all it's cheap...paid about £200 stg for mine...if it doesn't work out or you get bored of mixing, at least you haven't splashed out a grand or two on equipment.
It's also a great standalone soundcard; loads of inputs, optical, MIDI, 5.1 output...and you can use it for headphone monitoring during mixing which is obviously essential.

looks cool to me.
kind of wish i'd gone for one of those instead of a set of 1210s and €800 worth of wax

Wertz

tman wrote:

looks cool to me.
kind of wish i'd gone for one of those instead of a set of 1210s and €800 worth of wax

I was very near going for a set of numark CD decks when I came across this... (as a late starter I could never have climbed the vinyl mountain)

You use time coded vinyl at all?
Supposedly the only "proper" way to mix mp3's using your turntables and VDJ.
Cost about 25 quid per platter...

Selik

Wertz wrote:

lol that's f*ckin' spooky...I use that skin with VDJ myself.

Just like to recommend the DJ console external soundcard/mixer I use with VDJ...it makes things a lot easier if you're into EQ fading or like the "hands-on" approach. You get a free copy of VDJ with the unit, which hooks to your comp using USB. It's possible to scratch using the jog wheels but it takes a lot of getting used to...



It might look like a toy to anyone that uses proper professional equipment but I've played out with it and it's very robust, but best of all it's cheap...paid about £200 stg for mine...if it doesn't work out or you get bored of mixing, at least you haven't splashed out a grand or two on equipment.
It's also a great standalone soundcard; loads of inputs, optical, MIDI, 5.1 output...and you can use it for headphone monitoring during mixing which is obviously essential.

Yeah I looked into getting one of those Hercules DJ consoles myself but decided against it for a number of reasons.

1. Bad reports about buttons and latency from the forum on the VDJ website
2. It's not a proper mixer as in it just controls the mixing controls in VDJ inself so you're limited in many ways ie no hardware eqs and possible delays between pressing or twisting something and the desired effect.
3. I thought it was quite dear and the copy of VDJ that you get with it is not actually the full version believe it or not.
4. I personally think it looks a bit naff!

However on it's merits it is pretty cool so I'm not dissing it or anything. Just not for me. I ended up getting a Numark Digital USB mixer with two 24bit soundcards. It's a great piece of kit and the sound quality is superb. The great thing about it is you can just plug it into a pc and away you go. The sound travels through usb so you don't need any other cables unless hooking up other equipment(apart from headphones & monitors). You can even record on the pc as well without any cables using Soundforge or something like that. The mixer will also work with turntables or cd decks as well so it's a really great package if you ask me. Oh and it also acts as a standalone soundcard as well just like the DJ console.

Instead of the hercules dj console a much better setup would be with an external mixer and a set of XP10s . They're professional midi controllers with a low-latency platter and quartz pitch control + all the buttons needed for cuing etc. They're completely compatible with VDJ and can be fully mapped to have them work whatever way you want. I think they cost about 299euro each from the VDJ website.

tman

Wertz wrote:

You use time coded vinyl at all?
Supposedly the only "proper" way to mix mp3's using your turntables and VDJ.
Cost about 25 quid per platter...

sounds interesting... don't suppose you have linkage?
tbh, i'd rather just get a cd deck or a laptop (or both)

Wertz

http://www.virtualdj.com/products/timecode/


Yeah Giles I agree it's not going to set any clubs on fire or anything but as a tool for the dabbler (me) or someone looking to take their first steps without blowing a wad, it's a good compromise.
I find the functionality of the bundled VDJ is fine for my needs...it's like Photoshop CS V PS Elements.

MunkyHed

Fantastic stuff lads. Played around with the demo of VDJ last night. Made myself a bit of a mix ( it sucked) plenty of practise to be done. The Numark mixer looks good also. Saves a lot really if i was gonna buy 2 good sound cards. I'll have to buy the full version soon.

Kingsize

i like the look of that numark mixer Giles,
correct me if im wrong but id i had one of those i could mix between my 2 virtual decks on screen,play one deck & cue up the other on the headphones?
while sending the master output to a minidisk or whatever.
Also Does the x fader actually control the X fader on screen??
TO the OP i use traktor dj studio & ableton live- traktor is great for straight up mixing between tracks but its probably not worth the money if youre a beginner & jsut wanna expirament to begin with if youve got a pc you can get Traktor Dj mixer which is a chopped down version of traktor dj studio Download version is only 40 quid or something.Live is worth buying if your into pruducing your own stuff & messing around with loops Live 5 which has just been released now has the ability to play MP3 tracks so the potential to fukk up stuff is great!! however the interface is a bit weird to get used to & the price is a lot bigger

bush

tman wrote:

sounds interesting... don't suppose you have linkage?
tbh, i'd rather just get a cd deck or a laptop (or both)

I have use serato, best thing I ever bought.

Review here

http://www.skratchworx.com/reviews/ssl_1.4.php


Loads of djs have switched over to it, pvd, riche hawtin, funk dvoid etc

Selik

Kingsize wrote:

i like the look of that numark mixer Giles,
correct me if im wrong but id i had one of those i could mix between my 2 virtual decks on screen,play one deck & cue up the other on the headphones?
while sending the master output to a minidisk or whatever.
Also Does the x fader actually control the X fader on screen??

Yes yes yes and more. Well actually no the mixer doesn't actually control any of the virtual dj controls as it's not a midi controller but this is a good thing if you ask me because there's no latency issues and you've got proper hardware eqs etc. If you want something like that apart from the Hercules dj console check out Faderfox. It's essentially a midi controller but works in the same way as a mixer. To be honest I think the Numark USB mixer is a much better option as it's got 2 high quality built-in soundcards and it can be used with other equipment.

With regards to the Numark USB mixer that I have you just leave the mixing controls on VDJ alone and use the mixer like you would with decks. VDJ sends to seperate sound signals from each deck to the mixer and away you go. It's superb really!

The mixer can be used as a normal mixer with cdjs or turntables as well. You don't even need to hook your minidisk up it although you can if you want as there's a phono line out. Just get Soundforge or something similar and that will do the job for you prefectly. Great for tidying up your mixes afterwards and adding effects and stuff.

Selik

MunkyHed wrote:

Fantastic stuff lads. Played around with the demo of VDJ last night. Made myself a bit of a mix ( it sucked) plenty of practise to be done. The Numark mixer looks good also. Saves a lot really if i was gonna buy 2 good sound cards. I'll have to buy the full version soon.

Glad to hear it Munkyhed enjoy it and don't worry about your mix being crap mine were for ages until I started to get my head around the whole thing. Understanding bars and phases etc it's helped that I've had a musical upbringing so it seems to have come quite naturally to me in the end.

I don't know what sort of tunage you're into but if you like your house deep and underground check out www.stompy.com. They specialise is that special deep US San Fran Westcoast style type of house which I'm addicted to right now to be quite honest.

A nice addiction to have though...

Kingsize

it sounds like exactly what i need actually,Thanks !!!the only thing that really attracted me to the hercules was the soundcard/headpnones cueing bit but ive heard too many bad things about em.

Bri

Giles that looks like a sweet mixer. I've a numark from previously and always felt it did the job nicely. A couple of questions though:

Is it USB1.1?
It says it can play all audio files - I presume this is because the PC is playing them not the hardware...have you ever tried anything but mp3s/wmas? I'm especially interested in checking FLAC or OGG files?
How robust does the mixer itself feel?
Do you use it with a laptop or desktop yourself (just concerned about the laptop not being as up to the job).

Cheers.

Selik

Bri wrote:

Giles that looks like a sweet mixer. I've a numark from previously and always felt it did the job nicely. A couple of questions though:

Is it USB1.1?
It says it can play all audio files - I presume this is because the PC is playing them not the hardware...have you ever tried anything but mp3s/wmas? I'm especially interested in checking FLAC or OGG files?
How robust does the mixer itself feel?
Do you use it with a laptop or desktop yourself (just concerned about the laptop not being as up to the job).

Cheers.

USB 2.0 I think but is supports both afaik. Yeah it's the pc playing the music for sure you can even just use the mixer as an external soundcard (useful considering that the internal soundcards you get with pcs are pap).

I'm using it with a desktop right now coz I'm not at home and it's the landlords pc. Like I said earlier when I return to Dublin next April I'm going to get a really high-spec dedicated laptop along with a pair of XP10s and some decent monitors. Haha I dunno what I'm going do with this mixer when I get outta here in a month - don't fancy backpacking around Australia with it that's for sure! :eek:

Oh and yeah the mixer is very sturdy and robust. It's just a normal basic 2 channel mixer with the added bonus of working through usb and having 2 excellent soundcards built-in. It's basic enough compared with the higher-end Pioneer ones and not too frightening to look at knob-wise from a beginners point of view. Jaysus that probably sounded wrong but ya know what I mean... It's all you need to get started really and I'm sure in the very near future Pioneer and Allen & Heath will be sticking 2 usb soundcards in there top-of-the-range mixers as standard.

If you like I could take a pic of my mini-temporary setup here with my camera and post it here so you can get an idea of what I'm talking about.

Selik

Bri wrote:

Giles that looks like a sweet mixer. I've a numark from previously and always felt it did the job nicely. A couple of questions though:

Is it USB1.1?
It says it can play all audio files - I presume this is because the PC is playing them not the hardware...have you ever tried anything but mp3s/wmas? I'm especially interested in checking FLAC or OGG files?
How robust does the mixer itself feel?
Do you use it with a laptop or desktop yourself (just concerned about the laptop not being as up to the job).

Cheers.

Sorry I didn't answer your question properly Bri. Getting kinda toasted here on cheap beers...

Yes it will play any audio files no problem. I even hooked my Iriver up to it just to see. The only downside is that the mixer has only got two channels but I reckon it's best not to get too carried away anyway when you're only starting out ya know? Possibilities are endless as far as I can see as long as you've got the talent...

Bri

Excellent thanks for the (2) replies

USB2 is just something I'd want in a new electronic product - everything I've bought recently is backwards compatible and I don't even have a USB2 card for this laptop cos I'm already using that bay - more of a safety precaution!

Excellent news about the formats - that's a big plus. This might stop me buying CD decks cos I could put my vinyl on the PC as FLAC and have all my collection at one. I hate the emphasis on mp3 in expensive (enough) hardware...I mean quality gear should focus on proper quality right?!

Seeing as it's 2 channels that'd mean (if) you wanted to have a third input you could send it from the master output of another mixer right? Dunno why you'd wanna but at least this wouldn't mean my existing hardware wouldn't be getting dusty.

Presumably you'd use the XP10s with this mixer (if it makes it back in 1 peice?). Hmmm the whole thing isn't overly-cheap. How hard is it to control VDJ in real time (I'm downloading it now)...Let's say you mis-cue a track just as you need it - are you much slower in correcting mistakes than with a deck? (I'm sure I'll find this out in time!)

Edit: Sorry 2 more questions about the mixer - just can't see any mention of a send button in the specs of a few sites. What's teh story - can it send to an FX board (I know you can add them later on the PC?)
Also, if the mixer provides the soundcard(s) does that mean recording your output with something like Audacity will be in much better quality than the PC's own soundcard; I know this was sorta mentioned already but this is important!

I'd love a photo if your arsed!

Kingsize

you should be working for numark as well giles
cheap beer or not!!!

Selik

Ok here's a photo of my mini-setup here in Sydney. Please note that the beer and fags don't come with the mixer, they come with me!

Selik

Bri wrote:

Excellent thanks for the (2) replies

USB2 is just something I'd want in a new electronic product - everything I've bought recently is backwards compatible and I don't even have a USB2 card for this laptop cos I'm already using that bay - more of a safety precaution!

Excellent news about the formats - that's a big plus. This might stop me buying CD decks cos I could put my vinyl on the PC as FLAC and have all my collection at one. I hate the emphasis on mp3 in expensive (enough) hardware...I mean quality gear should focus on proper quality right?!

Seeing as it's 2 channels that'd mean (if) you wanted to have a third input you could send it from the master output of another mixer right? Dunno why you'd wanna but at least this wouldn't mean my existing hardware wouldn't be getting dusty.

Presumably you'd use the XP10s with this mixer (if it makes it back in 1 peice?). Hmmm the whole thing isn't overly-cheap. How hard is it to control VDJ in real time (I'm downloading it now)...Let's say you mis-cue a track just as you need it - are you much slower in correcting mistakes than with a deck? (I'm sure I'll find this out in time!)

Edit: Sorry 2 more questions about the mixer - just can't see any mention of a send button in the specs of a few sites. What's teh story - can it send to an FX board (I know you can add them later on the PC?)
Also, if the mixer provides the soundcard(s) does that mean recording your output with something like Audacity will be in much better quality than the PC's own soundcard; I know this was sorta mentioned already but this is important!

I'd love a photo if your arsed!

Lots of questions I'll do my best to answer them all in chronological order!

1. Yes you could in theory hook up another mixer into the phono input on the Numark mixer. You could also run VDJ on two laptops and use this mixer as a go-between. 4 decks piece of piss! This can definitely be done btw some of the peeps on the forums over on the VDJ site have done/are doing it.

2. Yes of course XP10s can be used. From what I gather from my research they are superb. There's a touch sensitive plate on them which can be used for scratching or stopping a tune and then an outer rim which is used for cueing. Very like CD decks really except you don't have to lug cds around and burn them and back them up and all that crap.

3. Even without XP10s (I want them soooo much) it's pretty straightforward to cue tracks and correct mistakes on VDJ. For example you can setup up keyboard shortcuts to do almost anything you want. If the beats aren't quite aligned in a mix you can just nudge them ever so slightly backwards or forwards just like vinyl. I use the left and right keys on the keyboards for this. With XP10s this would be much better coz all you would need to do is touch the plate ever so slightly. I seriously recommend pitching all of your questions to the guys over the VDJ forums they're very helpful (unless you're using a cracked copy which is fair enough) and will answer them all far better than I can. I've learnt alot just from reading the forums over there!

3. Regarding the recording yes the quality will be that of the 24 bit soundcard in the mixer (ie excellent). You might as well forget about the soundcard in your pc as you won't need to use that for anything (unless you disconnect the mixer for whatever reason).

P.S. I've put together some pretty good mixes lately so if you would like I could try and put one up online somewhere and you can check it out. Just to show you what this software is capable of and of course to plug my budding self!
If anyone can host the mix please let me know that would be savage + I'll think of something I can do in return!

Dunno what type of music you're into Bri but here's the tracklisting from my latest mix (done last night). The style is deep funky jazzy house with a bit of everything thrown in along with a classic or two.

Here's the tracklisting anyhow:

Sound Navigators - Down On It (Inland Knights mix)
Cricco Castelli - Da Funk Revenge
Phonique ft Die Elfen - Lady in a Red Dress
Magik Johnson - The Funk
Salif Keita - Madan (Martin Solveig mix)
Ken (from ECB) - DanceSamba
Spettro - I Think
Rob Hawk - **** The Facts (Brendan O'Sullivan Remix)
Lawnchair Generals - The Truth
Charles Spencer - Carlton Hotel
Alan Braxe & Fred Falk - Running (Intro EP)
Tori Amos - Professional Widow (Armand Van Helden Remix)
Armand Van Helden - Hear My Name
Armand Van Helden - My My My (Ashley Beedle mix)
Household - Clouds
Li Sha Project - Feel (Chuck Love Cop-A-Feel Dub)
Aroma Allstars - Jazz Chronicles (No Assembly Required Mix)
Aaren San & Pat Claim - Manishboy (House recordings)
Swirl People - Play Along

Selik

Here's a good link for more into about the XP10.

/ I really need to stay away from Boards for a few days. :rolleyes:

Bri

Good work Giles...you've really got me thinking about investing in these - at least the mixer to start with anyway for portability. I'll have to do some more investigating but still I'm already looking forward to the scope!

XP10s are a lot better than I thought at first...thanks for showing them to me.

No-one mentioned Final Scratch by the way - I know it's expensive. I'd be a little worried about the accuracy/reliability of analog vinyl controls for a digital track, although the idea is cool.
http://www.djdeals.com/stantonFINALSCRATCH2.htm

One thing - although I'm gathering you buy from online stores now, it would seem really helpful to get one of those USB phono input things for sticking existing vinyl onto a PC; Anyone got any experiences or recommendations for those?

deevey

I havent seen it mentioned here yet, but another cheap and cheerful solution is the DM2 which i believe can be hacked for use with any DJ software, looks similar function wise to the XP10 except 2 scratch wheels.

build wise it looks comparible and you can pick em up for about $40 on ebay.

I dunno how good the hercules is on a PC but on mac its solid (with traktor 2.6) ... very solid no probs with latency even though its USB 1.1.

Selik

Bri wrote:

One thing - although I'm gathering you buy from online stores now, it would seem really helpful to get one of those USB phono input things for sticking existing vinyl onto a PC; Anyone got any experiences or recommendations for those?

You can jut use your existing pc's soundcard (assuming it's half-decent and has a stereo line-in) and windows recorder or Soundforge to rip all your vinyl to high-quality mp3 (or another format). VDJ also has an option for this as well in the full version although I've never needed to use it.

Bri

In my experience many laptop soundcards are absolute sh!te. If I put in my good headphones the crackling I hear would put any vinyl to shame

I had a pop at VDJ last night and, despite the basic skin had a great laugh. Def. gonna use it for the full 20 days at least.

Frank Rizzo

MunkyHed wrote:

I can google for the rest of my days. I'm asking for recommendations from people that are in the know. I may be a newbie to the DJ scene but i know how to type stuff into a google engine.
Do people get off on replying 'google it'?
Does it make them feel smarter?

LIMEWIRE IS GOOD FOR DLOADING TRIAL SOFTWARE...OF COURSE IF U LIKE IT U SHOULD BUY THE FULL PACKAGE.....

Bri

Less of the CAPs there please.

the_syco

Giles wrote:

Virtual DJ is better. Simple as.

Agreed. Its easy to pick up (I'm a n00b13 @ this DJ thing), nice layout, plenty of skins on the net, and you can pick and mix your favourites. I had fun checking out the demo, and actually may buy it.

As well as showing the sound pattern on the top (allowing you to mix two tracks easier, by vusally matching the beats), you can also hold onto the decks. One feature alot of the other tools I checked out didn't have.

Giles wrote:

If anyone can host the mix please let me know that would be savage + I'll think of something I can do in return!

Rapidshare.de gives you the abilty to upload stuff, and also to delete the stuff when you want to (it gives you an option of a "delete file" link). Max file size of 50MB, tho. Used this in the past, great for sharing stuff.

http://rapidshare.de

Selik

the_syco wrote:

Agreed. Its easy to pick up (I'm a n00b13 @ this DJ thing), nice layout, plenty of skins on the net, and you can pick and mix your favourites. I had fun checking out the demo, and actually may buy it.

As well as showing the sound pattern on the top (allowing you to mix two tracks easier, by vusally matching the beats), you can also hold onto the decks. One feature alot of the other tools I checked out didn't have.


Rapidshare.de gives you the abilty to upload stuff, and also to delete the stuff when you want to (it gives you an option of a "delete file" link). Max file size of 50MB, tho. Used this in the past, great for sharing stuff.

http://rapidshare.de

Thanks Syco I think I'll need a little more space than that. I guess I'll just have to find the best pay site to get a decent amount of space (Up to a gig) and good bandwidth allowance. All I really wanna do is just put some of my mixes and remixes up there so all my mates back home and a man and his dog can have a listen! I'll find something I'm sure...

Bri

Giles:

Try www.mixdepot.net for a DJ-orientated upload.
Otherwise there is megaupload.com (maximum 500 MB) which is a bit annoying but free.

Selik

Bri wrote:

Giles:

Try www.mixdepot.net for a DJ-orientated upload.
Otherwise there is megaupload.com (maximum 500 MB) which is a bit annoying but free.

Cheers Bri I'll check those out and see how I go!

Bri

Welcome Giles.

One unanswered question: Is there a send button on the mixer for each channel? I can't see it in the details.

Ta.

Selik

Bri wrote:

Welcome Giles.

One unanswered question: Is there a send button on the mixer for each channel? I can't see it in the details.

Ta.

I'm not sure I quite understand the question... The mixer is just pure hardware and doesn't control any part of the software in any way. There's kill switches for both channels and a reverse switch for the x-fader but I suspect that's not what you're asking!

Elaborate more if I took you up wrong and I'm sure I'll be able to answer your question...

Bri

I'm wondering if there's a button above each channel on the mixer to send the signal via a FX Board or something other peice of hardware and then on to the output. Not that big a deal considering there's FX on the PC but I recently managed to bag an old DJ FX Board and would hate to see it wasted

Did you see the Numark models above the DXM01? Here's the DXM03:

Amazed they don't make USB version of some of these too (not that I could afford it!).

Selik

Bri wrote:

I'm wondering if there's a button above each channel on the mixer to send the signal via a FX Board or something other peice of hardware and then on to the output. Not that big a deal considering there's FX on the PC but I recently managed to bag an old DJ FX Board and would hate to see it wasted

Did you see the Numark models above the DXM01? Here's the DXM03:

Amazed they don't make USB version of some of these too (not that I could afford it!).

Don't think the mixer has that feature unfortunately but it's still pretty sweet. I'd be very surprised if lots of mixers don't start appearing now with USB connectivity on them!

Bri

Not to worry I can always route it through some sorta daisy-chained setup with 2 mixers...:D I can't believe I was stupid (and no-one called me up on it) enough to suggest buying a USB-connector to stick my vinyl onto my HD...Buying the Numark mixer will provide a way to digitally play an analog source into the PC. D'oh!

Are we sure there's no competitors to this Numark one at all? I know Numark have another USB model but it's hella budget. Gonna have a look at Vestax et al. just to be sure.

Edit: Numark have 2 other USB mixers, one is very basic and the other is 5 channel - cheap enough too - aimed for club installation with some mobility as well.
http://www.djdeals.com/numarkCM200USB.htm



Here's fullsize image of Giles' one for anyone who wants to see it in detail:
http://media.samedaymusic.com/media/brand,sameday/mixer_dxm01usb-b330c09c80217abf3df1a9926248cbc3.jpg

Selik

Not sure about the competetion Bri but I'm usually pretty thorough when it comes to stuff like that especially when buying online and I don't think there's anything to rival it (Numark usb mixer) right now although like I said I would imagine that this will change in the very near future. Good coz choice is what it's all about I guess. If Pioneer did a usb version of their 600 series mixer that would be unreal!

Oh I like the look of www.mixdepot.net think I'm gonna take the plunge and sign up. I'll let yis all know when I've got some of my mixes there to download...

Bri

Giles wrote:

Not sure about the competetion Bri but I'm usually pretty thorough when it comes to stuff like that especially when buying online

Excellent - I'd be the same so after a nights looking I guess your right...

Giles wrote:

I would imagine that this will change in the very near future. Good coz choice is what it's all about I guess. If Pioneer did a usb version of their 600 series mixer that would be unreal!

Yeah this is what's kind of catching me...I'd never normally buy a 1st gen. of a new product if I knew there was more coming along, but there's nothing on the web about any other company (stanton, vestax, pioneer) launching one soon.

Giles wrote:

Oh I like the look of www.mixdepot.net think I'm gonna take the plunge and sign up. I'll let yis all know when I've got some of my mixes there to download...

Good stuff - interested to hear what VDJ & the Numark can do!