DJ-ing while travelling - Digital DJ Tips

This topic has 18 replies, 1 voice, and was last updated 13 years, 10 months ago by Arthur Kokanov.

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April 18, 2012 at 3:20 am #18728

Todd Oddity
Participant

I would think you would want to find some of the smallest gear you can get your hands on (that still does what you need from it).

Also, be aware of the potential of travel restrictions. A buddy of mine was heading south and had left some dj gear in the trunk of his car. He got turned back at the US border because they thought he might be coming into the country to work. Working while travelling can land you in all kinds of trouble if you don’t have the right permits etc…

April 18, 2012 at 10:04 am #1003598

Phil Morse
Keymaster

Look at the Faderfox controllers, or bit the bullet and learn to DJ from your laptop alone. If it were me, though, I’d definitely get djay for iPad and be done with it.

April 18, 2012 at 2:24 pm #18751

Arthur Kokanov
Participant

Hmmm thanks for the tips, is there any software is should look into if i want to use just the laptop?

April 18, 2012 at 6:55 pm #1003605

Dj EarGazm
Member

D.J.Manhattan, post: 18853, member: 1201 wrote: Hmmm thanks for the tips, is there any software is should look into if i want to use just the laptop?

Try VDJ Pro. Its a good start. Very basic but easy to learn on. Mapping is easy on it too

April 19, 2012 at 12:01 pm #18815

D-Jam
Participant

Faderfox is a good choice, but I’d also tell you to let go of any traditional techniques and think differently.

When I used to make mixes at work using an X-Session Pro, I ended up turning the pitch shifters into controls for the FX. I’d use the sync or tap on the pitch bends with my laptop touchpad over assigning them. I even mapped the pitch bend buttons and cue button on the controller to trigger effects.

When I tried recently with Touch OSC, I ended up just mapping for EQs and sliders…and did the rest off my laptop.

In my opinion, this is the best way to go compact. Only get controls for what you absolutely need them for. In my case it’s EQs and volume sliders at the very least.

April 19, 2012 at 1:57 pm #18822

Arthur Kokanov
Participant

Thanks for the advice! I’ll definately take some time to think into this and what equipment i need. Has anyone here DJ’ed while traveling?

April 19, 2012 at 7:07 pm #18850

D-Jam
Participant

I did once, but all I was told to bring was music. The promoter (and DJ) who threw this on had me use his laptop which had VDJ on it, and his headphones.

If I had to bring gear, then I’d just bring laptop (with music on the HD) a controller that I can easily carry, and some kind of external sound card if needed (Audio DJ 2)

April 20, 2012 at 1:46 pm #1003626

gbadegesin
Participant

DJ Manhattan,

If your question is D’jed in a club while on a trip, then no. If it is creating mixes and stuff, then yes.

When i first started , i did not know that controllers existed. As such, i just used to DJ off my laptop and i still do it when i travel. The last time being last week while on holiday.
I have created mixes in the most craziest of places. On planes while travelling, in my car in a car park, hotels, while on my lunch break. The amazing thing is that my listeners cannot decipher the difference between when i use my controller or straight from the lappy ( i can though)
Once i have my laptop with me, there ain’t no stopping the fun. All you have to do is master your mapping

April 20, 2012 at 5:18 pm #18910

Arthur Kokanov
Participant

gdabegesin, what software do you use with your laptop?

Also would VCI be a good choice for a laptop/controller combo for travel?

April 20, 2012 at 5:57 pm #1003630

Arthur Kokanov
Participant

Actually i have to take back what i said, vci wouldent work for me as its traktor pro mostly :/ now if it was ITCH then that be fantastic. Have to rethink 🙁 its ok i still have about 9 months.

April 20, 2012 at 8:46 pm #18931

D-Jam
Participant

I thought the VCI-300 was all about ITCH. Phil uses one.

April 23, 2012 at 12:47 pm #19030

Arthur Kokanov
Participant

I was looking at the 400, il see maybe the 300 would be better

April 23, 2012 at 4:18 pm #1003652

VinnyBlanc
Participant

If you want Itch I would go with the Novation Twitch.
If you want litest possible setup get DJAY4 by algoriddim on an Ipad or Iphone with the “iRig” pocket sized mixer
You don’t need 2 iphone/ipad you can mix 2 decks with one iDevice!

Also, for traveling take a look at the numark controller backpack for the NS6. I just got one and love it.
I plan on traveling (flying) with it for work and its small enough/durable enough for a carry on. I understand your situation is a little different though.

Regards,

April 23, 2012 at 4:25 pm #1003653

Arthur Kokanov
Participant

I didint realize there was a backpack! thats great il look into that just for moving around town and stuff too.

April 25, 2012 at 6:47 pm #1003676

Dayvue
Member

For travel, I would say that the vci-300 is the best bet – it’s light, with the profile of essentially a 17″ laptop. There are nice shoulder bags for it, and it fits in most backpacks. It’s pretty light, but durable too. Wonderful functionality, and it of course works with itch. If you want to go with Traktor, there are mappings all over the interwebs for it.
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