So You Want To Be A Digital DJ (Part 1)

[DJ Ed]

Hey - another EAC/LAME dude!
I have the latest 3.93.1 version and it is sweeeeet. I rip --preset extreme and I'm most happy w/ results.

Keep ripping [img]style_emoticons/<#EMO_DIR#>/smile.gif[/img]

BTW - CompUSA has a 200Gig for $199 after rebates.

Yeah - I use Lame 3.92, q2 VBR because that's what the program's author recommends...sounds great to me!

On the subject of big hard drives...I would rather have several "medium-sized" (80-100 GB) drives, than one 200 GB drive. Cheaper per Gigabyte, and results in more complete backups.

(Is anyone out there actually filling a 100GB drive with MP3's? I can fit all that I would ever play in 35GB!)

[MusicMixers]

I am considering designing a digital unit that would do away with the big monitors and mice forever for use in DJ and KJ riggs. I believe the technology is available to place a small display in a rack mount rig similar to the dual cd decks and using controls of similar fashion. Just can't hardly believe someone has not already done so. All I need is a geek to do the software via control knobs.

What good is that Numark unit if all it does is eliminate the mouse? As much as I hate mice (I use a trackball but this is not the point) it is the monitor and other things that make computer djing obvious that I object to. BTW, had a couple book me for a wedding reception yesterday and one of the "BIG" points with them was that I do NOT currently use a PC. And the groom says he has 12,000 songs on his PC. However he was of firm belief that they are inferior and did not want his party trusted to a PC. SO, what I am talking about is a digital player that does NOT use windows at all and has no resemblance to a PC!

Have yet to hear or see anything like I am talking about so any input is welcome. What features would you want in such a machine?

[DJ Doc Z]

"BTW, had a couple book me for a wedding reception yesterday and one of the "BIG" points with them was that I do NOT currently use a PC. And the groom says he has 12,000 songs on his PC."

I would tell the groom, that's good and I bet you got them all for nothing. Not like I who paid for all the songs.

I too will do non-computer gigs however, I add another 200.00 for the gig and I still get them believe it or not!

If I understand what you are talking about, I saw a mp3 unit at the dj show. It looked like a cd player but it played mp3's. I think it was Denon.

[BillyT]

I have a 120 Gig hard drive filled with 65 Gigs of music and you can rest assured that I paid for every song. I guess you could call me an MP3 junkie, anyway, because I continue to expand my library of music, I felt that I needed a large hard drive. I also have a 60Gig hard drive that I have backed up my "most requested songs" to. Hard drive size is left up to the opinion of the individual user and that will never change.

I have had no bad responses here in this area as far as computer DJ'ing. Most of my clients are amazed with the technology and appreciate that I use CD's as my back up. I also explain to them that if in fact the hard drive or computer fails that there will be only about 2 seconds of silence before I switch to my CD players.

It is my opinion, that clients that really object to the use of computers or any equipment I use, are truely people that I will probably will never satisfy.

Right now, I don't know of any software or any type of equipment that will play without a monitor. As the Doc said, the Denon DNC615, DN-T645 and the Pioneer DMP-555 will play MP3's but they are CD type players.

Enjoy!

[DJ Ed]

I no longer mention what I carry. If they ask, I tell. I don't carry CDs as backup, but a fully stocked 2nd PC. I might even go as far as carry spare HD's. Many clients liked me because I was the 'digital dj'. Please read me FAQ www.djed.com/mp3.htm as it addresses a client's concerns. If you want to use parts of it, please ask and give credit. Thanks!

Ed

[BillyT]

Okay,

Thanks Ed I'll have a look and see what's useable and then follow your last sentence.

Thanks!

[DJ Scott]

I have gigged with a PC for over 3 years. Never had a failure and never had anyone come up and say "hey...you are using MP-3's...I can tell" NEVER happens! In 24 years I have had a dual cd player crash (one side) twice. For my computer? 3 years and not a one. It will probably happen someday. Hey! it's an electro mechanical device.
But with regular maintainance and a good back-up plan. I don't worry.
As for the Groom, I would tell him not to worry. He won't tell the difference. (not on MY rig)
Maybe "He" has a crummy PC. [img]style_emoticons/<#EMO_DIR#>/smile.gif[/img]

[DJ Dr. Drax]

I agree Scott,

Les to your question, I have seen prototypes of just such devices. Two major mfg. have them. They are just not going to sell them or release them in the USA until all this copyright stuff is resolved.

Personally I LIKE the PC look, it adds a really hi tech look to a system when do right. I am not worried about those that won't book me over using a PC. To me it is just another excuse to not book.

I am really only looking for those that understand that there is more than music to what we do.

[MusicMixers]

THANKS for the info DR Drax, and again: I was only sharing an experience, I neither condone nor condem what I know very little about. However, I sure don't worry about loosing any gigs cause I am not digital dj (yet) either.