Hi, at the moment I am in the process of deciding what dj software to use, having trialled a number of packages. But I was wondering how the majority of you mix when using a laptop and which is the best way to mix.
A - Using automix
B - Using the crossfader on the software
C - Using an external mixer
Full Version: Mixing
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When using a combination of sound sources, the mixer!
Some of us are Mixmeister fans.
do a google search and download a copy - once you get the hang of it it's a very powerful tool
do a google search and download a copy - once you get the hang of it it's a very powerful tool
It all depends on the when and where. When using the laptop alone the software program I use (OTSAV) does all the mixing for me. When I'm playing CDs or switching between the laptop and decks I use the mixer.
Mixer! I use Virtual DJ but dont use the actual laptop buttons to mix. I use my Numark mixer to mix.
Dont use automix (unless you need to go to the loo!) Automix is bad and it dont always sound good.
And anyway, your a dj, can you not mix yourself? there is no fun in it if you just let the program do it for you.
Dont use automix (unless you need to go to the loo!) Automix is bad and it dont always sound good.
And anyway, your a dj, can you not mix yourself? there is no fun in it if you just let the program do it for you.
Same as , i use virtual dj with a bcd2000..easy easy easy easy easy. I agree automix on vdj is poor and make you look 
but as a whole is very good with a controller...
but as a whole is very good with a controller...
I use a mix of CD's and downloads. Unfortunately I have several hundred I-Tunes downloads that are protected and I can't convert to MP3 for fear of falling foul of the Pro Dub so at the moment I play them using I-Tunes but have recently discovered Disco XT http://www.discoxt.com/.
It plugs into Itunes (as well as Windows Media Player), pulls in all the playlists and plays the protected tracks without having to change anything.
Only been testing it at home and it does everything I need.
Its compatible with the BCD3000 as well as a couple of other controllers out of the box or has midi mapping if you want to set up your own.
It plugs into Itunes (as well as Windows Media Player), pulls in all the playlists and plays the protected tracks without having to change anything.
Only been testing it at home and it does everything I need.
Its compatible with the BCD3000 as well as a couple of other controllers out of the box or has midi mapping if you want to set up your own.
ive tried a few before i got ots but it depends on what type of dj you are for the wedding and party market ots is great because the playlists and media libary area are nice and large although you do have to convert your songs to ots files, if you do a fair bit of karaoke try swift elite or if you cater for a lot of 18ths 21sts or enjoy mixing then mixmiester is great.
And anyway, your a dj, can you not mix yourself? the quote bit wasnt working but i dont think a party dj has to be able to mix i know a few on here and privately who cant mix and just fade the songs in to each other and the amount of work they get is very high, customer service, good music choice reading your audience and running your business to the best of your ability are in my humble opinion far more important skills in the market sector i cater for.
And anyway, your a dj, can you not mix yourself? the quote bit wasnt working but i dont think a party dj has to be able to mix i know a few on here and privately who cant mix and just fade the songs in to each other and the amount of work they get is very high, customer service, good music choice reading your audience and running your business to the best of your ability are in my humble opinion far more important skills in the market sector i cater for.
QUOTE(TonyB @ Jan 12 2009, 06:10 PM) 
I use a mix of CD's and downloads. Unfortunately I have several hundred I-Tunes downloads that are protected and I can't convert to MP3 for fear of falling foul of the Pro Dub so at the moment I play them using I-Tunes but have recently discovered Disco XT http://www.discoxt.com/.
It plugs into Itunes (as well as Windows Media Player), pulls in all the playlists and plays the protected tracks without having to change anything.
Only been testing it at home and it does everything I need.
Its compatible with the BCD3000 as well as a couple of other controllers out of the box or has midi mapping if you want to set up your own.
Now you should be able to 'buy' DRM-free versions of previous purchases on i-tunes... (since Apple's announcement last week) not sure what format the files would be in however - might be cheaper to unlock those you've already downloaded off there...
Do you have a controller? I'd like one that fits in the 19in case I have (less to setup and plugin!)
Cheers,
David
I use Virtual DJ currently. Mixing on it is easier if you don't use automix
I would reccomend though, the Numark Omni Control - it's an external USB mixer and soundcard in one and sounds and feels lovely
About the DRM Mp3s on iTunes - I don't pay the extra for DRM free and VDJ plays them quite happily.
I would reccomend though, the Numark Omni Control - it's an external USB mixer and soundcard in one and sounds and feels lovely
About the DRM Mp3s on iTunes - I don't pay the extra for DRM free and VDJ plays them quite happily.
I currently use Virtual DJ.
My laptop has an external sound card which is then fed into two chanels on my mixer. One for each deck in Virtual DJ. I then use the mixer to mix like I would with cd players or decks!
My laptop has an external sound card which is then fed into two chanels on my mixer. One for each deck in Virtual DJ. I then use the mixer to mix like I would with cd players or decks!
I use Virtual DJ's automix during the buffet, and sometimes during warm up, it mixes just fine if you have good cue points set and correct mix settings, you should never be using automix for club/dance tunes - it just isn't any fun then. I mix on my desk, you can't do a good job on computer generated faders. I almost never use crossfade, just mix each channel as needed.
I use Virtual DJ to mimick a pair of CD decks, and then a Denon HC4500 to control each deck and a Denon X500 to mix between them.
I don't understand how anyone could mix using an onscreen mixer... it's just not hands-on enough for me - you can't do enough things at once using a mouse, for a start!
I do use auto-mix for background/buffet but it's not really the same, as you're not worrying about keeping people on the dance floor.
I don't understand how anyone could mix using an onscreen mixer... it's just not hands-on enough for me - you can't do enough things at once using a mouse, for a start!
I do use auto-mix for background/buffet but it's not really the same, as you're not worrying about keeping people on the dance floor.
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