robhole
Hey everyone!
I told my girlfriend I was really interested in getting a DJ turntable set/etc... doing some research I found the Hercules DJ Console RMX & really wanted, so added to my "I want" list...
Well, my gf bought one for me, surprisingly! I love music, I love listening to remixes, beats and basically any music that has a good beat to it.
Literately, I have spent about 45 minutes playing around with the Herc & Virtual DJ, downloaded several gigs worth of Acapella & Instrumentals to mess around with. I'm not doing this professionally obviously, just messing around (maybe one day, if I like it decide to do it professionally, who knows).
You guys have tips or links to point me in the right direction? I've watched hours worth of videos and done a little messing around but haven't really found any "beginners guides" per say.
Or if there is anyone in the Vancouver area, I'm in Abbotsford. Post up!
I told my girlfriend I was really interested in getting a DJ turntable set/etc... doing some research I found the Hercules DJ Console RMX & really wanted, so added to my "I want" list...
Well, my gf bought one for me, surprisingly! I love music, I love listening to remixes, beats and basically any music that has a good beat to it.
Literately, I have spent about 45 minutes playing around with the Herc & Virtual DJ, downloaded several gigs worth of Acapella & Instrumentals to mess around with. I'm not doing this professionally obviously, just messing around (maybe one day, if I like it decide to do it professionally, who knows).
You guys have tips or links to point me in the right direction? I've watched hours worth of videos and done a little messing around but haven't really found any "beginners guides" per say.
Or if there is anyone in the Vancouver area, I'm in Abbotsford. Post up!
Mensajes Tue 16 Aug 11 @ 5:32 pm
Blulite
my suggestions, would be these, read the vdj manual, read the wiki, visit the mix lessons section.
there is a huge amount of informatoin already posted on the site that will get you started and fill you up with guestoins to ask.
there is no real tips on where to start apart from start from the beginning. which usually results in a lot of reading and playing around with your controller.
hope this helps,
john.
there is a huge amount of informatoin already posted on the site that will get you started and fill you up with guestoins to ask.
there is no real tips on where to start apart from start from the beginning. which usually results in a lot of reading and playing around with your controller.
hope this helps,
john.
Mensajes Tue 16 Aug 11 @ 6:26 pm
robhole
Today alone I read about 7 hours worth of stuff haha.
Just learned about the art of going into the next song/beat matching/transitioning... I guess that's a good start!
Thanks for the tips. I was reading a helpful guide I tumbled across on here:
http://www.virtualdj.com/forums/6288/Mix_lessons/DJ_MIXING___basic_-_advanced_-_pro.html?page=1
Major props to dj-in-norway on writing that one... I see he put a lot of time and effort into it and really appreciate that... I might become a premium member soon and hopefully will master Virtual DJ soon enough... I'm up for the challenge.
Just learned about the art of going into the next song/beat matching/transitioning... I guess that's a good start!
Thanks for the tips. I was reading a helpful guide I tumbled across on here:
http://www.virtualdj.com/forums/6288/Mix_lessons/DJ_MIXING___basic_-_advanced_-_pro.html?page=1
Major props to dj-in-norway on writing that one... I see he put a lot of time and effort into it and really appreciate that... I might become a premium member soon and hopefully will master Virtual DJ soon enough... I'm up for the challenge.
Mensajes Tue 16 Aug 11 @ 8:41 pm
djnutz
All of that stuff is great, but there are several other questions that need to be answered first.
Is this all for fun and personal enjoyment, or profit, or both?
If profit is a part of it, then have a business plan made up before you spend another dime. I have seen many try to start their own DJ businesses, only to fail in only a couple years because they didn't have a plan. I have also seen people fail WITH a proper plan. It is not the be all end all, but it certainly does give you a much better chance for success. Before striking out on your own, maybe you could explore the idea of working for an established local DJ company. This will help you get acclimated to the next question.
Are you willing to sacrifice your weekends?
When I first started, I rented all my gear. I worked a job and I was a high school student. Plus I played soccer and had a laundry list of other things going on. Once I graduated, my day job went to fulltime and I continued to DJ on the weekends. Then I got hooked up with a local multi-op. For the next 8 years, I had maybe 2 weekends a year off. The rest of the time I had a gig every Friday and Saturday. Eventually I got into the bar and nightclub scene and then I was DJ'ing every night of the week except Sunday, plus holding down a fulltime day job. Now, 22 years later, I charge more and work less. I can make in 3 events a month what used to take 8.
I'm happy to see a new guy on the block who is eager to learn. The beatmixing part really is a small part of the equation. There's programming, mic skills, marketing, computer tech, equipment troubleshooting, setting up and tearing down, etc. All the hard work is worth it though. When you drop just the right track at just the right time and a crowd of thousands cheers almost in unison...goosebumps.
Is this all for fun and personal enjoyment, or profit, or both?
If profit is a part of it, then have a business plan made up before you spend another dime. I have seen many try to start their own DJ businesses, only to fail in only a couple years because they didn't have a plan. I have also seen people fail WITH a proper plan. It is not the be all end all, but it certainly does give you a much better chance for success. Before striking out on your own, maybe you could explore the idea of working for an established local DJ company. This will help you get acclimated to the next question.
Are you willing to sacrifice your weekends?
When I first started, I rented all my gear. I worked a job and I was a high school student. Plus I played soccer and had a laundry list of other things going on. Once I graduated, my day job went to fulltime and I continued to DJ on the weekends. Then I got hooked up with a local multi-op. For the next 8 years, I had maybe 2 weekends a year off. The rest of the time I had a gig every Friday and Saturday. Eventually I got into the bar and nightclub scene and then I was DJ'ing every night of the week except Sunday, plus holding down a fulltime day job. Now, 22 years later, I charge more and work less. I can make in 3 events a month what used to take 8.
I'm happy to see a new guy on the block who is eager to learn. The beatmixing part really is a small part of the equation. There's programming, mic skills, marketing, computer tech, equipment troubleshooting, setting up and tearing down, etc. All the hard work is worth it though. When you drop just the right track at just the right time and a crowd of thousands cheers almost in unison...goosebumps.
Mensajes Wed 17 Aug 11 @ 6:38 am
Blulite
one other major factor that i reccomend you take the time to study is Harmonic Mixing.
on several occasions ive seen and heard djays that have no clue about harmonics. which just makes the set sound really bad.
www.harmonic-mixing.com
on several occasions ive seen and heard djays that have no clue about harmonics. which just makes the set sound really bad.
www.harmonic-mixing.com
Mensajes Wed 17 Aug 11 @ 7:07 am
robhole
Thanks guys!
@djnuts:
I will eventually want to turn this into a business... I have no issues sacrificing weekends to do something I enjoy (I know, it sounds funny I enjoy it already but its awesome & fun)... I have programming experience only with web design, C++ & Visual Basic so... maybe I can learn how to program this stuff quite easily haha.. I was reading about some of the commands that can be changed but will wait until I master the way its already setup, then will start exploring.
I think before I decide to launch a business out of it, take a good year or so to learn everything I can about it, several hours a day and practice/get feedback & criticism from you guys on here (of course), family & friends... then start doing friends parties/etc... Things work out, I have no issues launching a DJ company or working for one... I should be able to easily line up gigs and I have experience in marketing so that won't be an issue (currently do marketing as ops manager for a company I work for & also have had my own companies in the past which I have since sold).
@Blulite:
I definitely want to do this right and have a good flow. *adds website to my reading list*
Currently for equipment I have a MacBook Pro (Intel Core Duo, 320GB, 2GB Ram, MacOS Leopard) & also have a 27" iMac (Core i5, 1TB HD, 4GB ram *soon to be 16*, MacOS Lion,etc..). Hercules DJ Console RMX (read reviews before and seems good for a beginner!), SHURE SRH550DJ headphones... And DJ'ing off of my home surround sound system/my shop stereo system (while at work LOL).
Out of curiosity... does anyone do gigs with their iMac or is that too much to haul around/take up too much space for people? I found, although, it doesn't crash completely, Virtual DJ seems to stall a bit on my MacBook Pro when loading a song (although song quality remains in tact and it doesn't stop or mess up the music).... my iMac performs flawlessly... but one bug I have on both is if I go to load a deck thats playing *accidentally* and it says are you sure you want to stop current song and play new, I hit no and it crashes completely... both computers... anyone have this happen yet?
@djnuts:
I will eventually want to turn this into a business... I have no issues sacrificing weekends to do something I enjoy (I know, it sounds funny I enjoy it already but its awesome & fun)... I have programming experience only with web design, C++ & Visual Basic so... maybe I can learn how to program this stuff quite easily haha.. I was reading about some of the commands that can be changed but will wait until I master the way its already setup, then will start exploring.
I think before I decide to launch a business out of it, take a good year or so to learn everything I can about it, several hours a day and practice/get feedback & criticism from you guys on here (of course), family & friends... then start doing friends parties/etc... Things work out, I have no issues launching a DJ company or working for one... I should be able to easily line up gigs and I have experience in marketing so that won't be an issue (currently do marketing as ops manager for a company I work for & also have had my own companies in the past which I have since sold).
@Blulite:
I definitely want to do this right and have a good flow. *adds website to my reading list*
Currently for equipment I have a MacBook Pro (Intel Core Duo, 320GB, 2GB Ram, MacOS Leopard) & also have a 27" iMac (Core i5, 1TB HD, 4GB ram *soon to be 16*, MacOS Lion,etc..). Hercules DJ Console RMX (read reviews before and seems good for a beginner!), SHURE SRH550DJ headphones... And DJ'ing off of my home surround sound system/my shop stereo system (while at work LOL).
Out of curiosity... does anyone do gigs with their iMac or is that too much to haul around/take up too much space for people? I found, although, it doesn't crash completely, Virtual DJ seems to stall a bit on my MacBook Pro when loading a song (although song quality remains in tact and it doesn't stop or mess up the music).... my iMac performs flawlessly... but one bug I have on both is if I go to load a deck thats playing *accidentally* and it says are you sure you want to stop current song and play new, I hit no and it crashes completely... both computers... anyone have this happen yet?
Mensajes Wed 17 Aug 11 @ 12:41 pm
djnutz
Programming when it relates to dj'ing is about playing the right songs in the right order.
Mensajes Wed 17 Aug 11 @ 4:11 pm
robhole
@djnutz
Ah thanks for pointing that one out... still learning the lingo hah..
FYI, I seen your post about your setup/pics... Awesome setup man... you still running the tri-touchscreen setup?
Ah thanks for pointing that one out... still learning the lingo hah..
FYI, I seen your post about your setup/pics... Awesome setup man... you still running the tri-touchscreen setup?
Mensajes Thu 18 Aug 11 @ 3:26 am