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Hi all, completely new beginner DJ

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  • February 7, 2017 at 3:03 pm #2527901
    Struis
    Participant

    Oh, perhaps interesting, I’m currently thinking about the Pioneer DDJ-RX, XDJ-RX (as it is a standalone system) and the Denon MCX8000 (since people are very enthousiastic about it). Even though Engine would need some thorough updates to be competitive for me…

    February 7, 2017 at 6:56 pm #2527981
    5miiks
    Participant

    Hi and welcome!

    Well firstly it is highly advisable to decide which software you want to use (Serato, Traktor, Rekordbox DJ etc..) or do you want standalone system like the XDJ-RX you mentioned. How about DVS (digital vinyl system) since you already own Tehcnics? From your options the DDJ-RX and MCX8000 are capable for that. So you could basically just plug your Technics to them (of course you’d need timecode vinyls and such).

    But dang your budget, are you absolutely sure you want to put that much into first controller? But then you also say you have shoulder and neck problems (me too :<) so you most likely want controller with build in screens and those don’t come cheap. I’d definently cross the DDJ-RX out and focus on MCX8000 and XDJ-RX. I can speak for the XDJ-RX as I used to own one (btw my problems didn’t occur much using it so it was great). MCX8000 is very solid option too and MANY on these forums can recommend it as well. Another good option is Numark NVII but that doesn’t have standalone mixer or is even capable for DVS so… rip Technics.

    I personally think MCX8000 might be the best solution for you if you want to use DVS system. If you just want to use real vinyls while being able to play digital files, XDJ-RX is solid option as well.

    Lastly, there’s a new gear guide for 2017 to check out from the DDJT main site. I don’t want you to make the wrong choice with that HUGE budget for first controller 🙂

    Have fun choosing!

    February 7, 2017 at 9:19 pm #2528071
    Mario McQuay
    Participant

    Hi Bas Van and welcome!

    I agree with what some of the other posters mentioned here. If you don’t mind spending about $1,400 (U.S.) for a controller, then the Pioneer XDJ-RX is an amazing controller! I only worry about this choice because it will be your first and this is basically the “Cadillac” of controllers, but it’s a wonderful piece of hardware that doesn’t require a laptop and the Rekordbox DJ software is my personal favorite (out of the big three: Rekordbox, Traktor, and Serato).

    If you’re looking to save a bit of money and go with a more budget device (especially since this will be your first controller), take a look at the MixDeck Express by Numark. This is also a standalone piece of hardware for about $499 (U.S.) and it comes with Serato DJ software.

    Let us know what you decide to do and if you have any other questions.

    February 7, 2017 at 10:28 pm #2528131
    Struis
    Participant

    Hi all,

    Thanks for your great thoughts. That’s the worry I have as well: it’s a lot of money. There even is a possibility I might not like it after all. Bit of a drag, after spending that much money.

    I have been doing some software homework. On a controller with good enough screens, I should be fine with Serato, Recordbox DJ and Virtual DJ. The latter is what my brother in law uses and is very happy with. Which for me means free lessons 😉

    The MixDeck Express is 599 euros in the Netherlands, and still only somes with Serato Intro. Which means if I like it, I’d have to spend another 130 euros. At that price point I could also take a look at a DDJ-RX or DDJ-SX2, as they come with full versions of their software, and just use the laptop to look at, but not really use (as the controllers have browse and load buttons on them)…

    Interesting how difficult things get rather quickly when you start doing your homework properly (well, me that is)…

    Still, I also figured… The XDJ-RX is quite popular in my country. Which means, if it doesn’t work out, it should be relatively easy to sell.
    The MCX8000 probably is a bit harder, and means trusting Denon DJ to keep developing their Engine software to get it to Rekordbox level…

    Oh, I DID have Technics decks for 35 years, but they died in 2013 after many many years of intensive use. Great build quality, these Technics decks!

    February 8, 2017 at 3:00 pm #2528251
    5miiks
    Participant

    Just saying, I bought my XDJ-RX for 1,500€ and managed to resell it for 1,200€ after a year of use. Imo that’s pretty good value.

    I honestly doubt you wouldn’t like XDJ-RX. It’s very easy to use and fast to learn/master (basically cause it’s missing lots of functions that software controllers gives). You just have to ask one question from yourself; is there any functions missing from XDJ-RX that you’d want to use? If not, you’re good to go.

    STILL take a good look on both, MCX8000 and XDJ-RX before you choose. They’re very different even both works as standalone. Look at the functions they have, which suits better for you/how you want to DJ. Look into the future as well, do you think you’ll be happy with your choice after a year of use or so.

    Also look at this topic if you haven’t read it yet yet http://www.digitaldjtips.com/topic/denon-dj-mcx8000-vs-pioneer-xdj-rx/page/2/ 🙂

    February 9, 2017 at 2:24 pm #2529371
    Struis
    Participant

    Hi,

    Thanks for your reply. There are a number of reasons I was thinking about the XDJ-RX:

    – It’s a really good standalone
    – It will still work with Rekordbox DJ and Virtual DJ (my brother in law uses Virtual DJ and was more enthousiastic about it than Serato DJ, even though stuff like that IS a personal preference of course). So I COULD get the rest of the functions if I need them later on.
    – Most of the people I know use Pioneer / Rekordbox. Even though I don’t really want to use that as a good reason.

    But.. The MCX8000 is also standalone (and I’m sure Engine will be further developed), has better software (today anyway) and will also run Virtual DJ. And, many people are really enthousiastic about it.

    I will probably take Diskjokk’s advice though, and start with a cheap(ish) controller first. See whether I like it, and not prefer CDJ/DJM/SL1200 after all.. Probably a DDJ-RB since it has a full version of Rekordbox DJ delivered with it, and is cheap and cheerful to start out with.

    Then again… Buying a XDJ-RX right away, and if I don’t like it after all, sell it for 300 euros less after a year of intense learning, that sounds pretty good as well.

    Difficult choices, all this stuff 🙂

    Oh, I am a computer geek really. I’ve used huge amounts of software, also on different platforms (MacOS, Amiga, Linux and Windows), and earned my money looking after professional applications at a veterenary faculty at our university. For me, after looking at the different DJ software options, they really are quite similar. So similar in fact, it would probably be quite easy to switch between them really.. That makes the software choice easier 🙂

    February 12, 2017 at 11:20 am #2531531
    Chuck Van Eekelen
    Moderator

    Hi fellow Dutchie, first off welcome to the forums.

    If you are buying a controller, the whole idea is that you don’t actually use/touch the laptop all that much. It’s there as a nice big screen and and easier way (keyboard) to find tracks sometimes. That said, everything is mapped to buttons on your controller and those you will use for all major transport, EQ, FX and pads and such.

    While I get the money burning a hole in your pocket, my serious advice on spending (part of) your money would be this:
    1) Read up on the many, many posts on these forums about picking your first controller. In essence it looks something like this:
    * Decide on your (intended) workflow
    * Pick software that most closely matches that workflow
    * Set a budget (really important or you might still end up spending more than you intended)
    * Make a shortlist of 2, max. 3 controllers that match your workflow, software and budget
    * Get some hands-on time with those controllers
    * Take your pick
    2) Get a used unit, Marktplaats is a great place in The Netherlands and you can find almost any controller you like on there. The good news is that people that bought starter controllers usually used them primarily in the privacy of their home and if they decided to continue DJ-ing they would upgrade after a year or so. If the decided they DIDN’T like DJ-ing after all, the thing might sit in a corner for 2 years and then get sold or get sold right away. In all cases you can get a used controller at a real discount. Just be sure you get any software license that it came with. Even if it’s only an LE/Intro version, it’s worth to have.
    3) Spend some of your budget on dustcover (Decksaver for example), a good set of headphones (plenty of posts here and reviews on the site), some good furniture to set things up ergonomically (so you do the best you can for shoulders/back) and perhaps a decent set of DJ monitor speakers or small PA speakers. And of course you will be spending some of your budget on buying … tatattaataaa … MUSIC!
    4) Get enrolled in the How To Digital DJ Fast course. In about 6 weeks you will be comfortable with whatever software/gear you got and you will be practicing the right things the right way. It’s not a very expensive course and it comes with full money back guarantee. It’s a great way to get to the fun part quickly without too much stress/frustration and without having to spend a lot of time browsing and watching Youtube films, maybe learning things the wrong way only to unlearn it and replace with the right way.

    Good luck and enjoy your time here.

    P.s. If you want to have loads of gear at hand, visit Utrecht for the DanceFair.

    February 15, 2017 at 6:45 pm #2533341
    Struis
    Participant

    Hi Vintage,

    Wow, now that is a comprehensive answer all right 🙂

    1) Read up on the many, many posts on these forums about picking your first controller. In essence it looks something like this:
    * Decide on your (intended) workflow
    * Pick software that most closely matches that workflow
    * Set a budget (really important or you might still end up spending more than you intended)
    * Make a shortlist of 2, max. 3 controllers that match your workflow, software and budget
    * Get some hands-on time with those controllers
    * Take your pick

    I have no idea what my workflow will be. I play lots of different music, but my favorite stuff really is dance (progressive mostly) and 80’s. Really don’t know whether it’ll be more than a hobby either. But I’ve been playing with music for so long..
    The budget is interesting. Do you start small and simple and see whether you like it, or go for the one you think will fit the best..
    So far for small budget I like the DDJ-RB or a second hand DDJ-SR, and for my max budget, something like a XDJ-RX or Denon MCX8000. Being able to play stand alone really does appeal..
    And find a store in Drenthe somewhere. Since it’s not farm equipment, that’s going to be a challenge 🙂

    2) Get a used unit, Marktplaats is a great place in The Netherlands and you can find almost any controller you like on there. The good news is that people that bought starter controllers usually used them primarily in the privacy of their home and if they decided to continue DJ-ing they would upgrade after a year or so. If the decided they DIDN’T like DJ-ing after all, the thing might sit in a corner for 2 years and then get sold or get sold right away. In all cases you can get a used controller at a real discount. Just be sure you get any software license that it came with. Even if it’s only an LE/Intro version, it’s worth to have.

    That’s interesting. I also thought about that. A DDJ-SX or similar is available at far nicer prices 🙂 And I agree, a license can always be a good thing. Even if you don’t use it for too long now..

    3) Spend some of your budget on dustcover (Decksaver for example), a good set of headphones (plenty of posts here and reviews on the site), some good furniture to set things up ergonomically (so you do the best you can for shoulders/back) and perhaps a decent set of DJ monitor speakers or small PA speakers. And of course you will be spending some of your budget on buying … tatattaataaa … MUSIC!

    Yep, always used dust covers on computers, it helps a lot. Headphones (good ones) probably when I know this is really what I want. For now the Sennheiser HD201 works 🙂 I use an Ikea hight adjustable desk to set up on, and for now, probably my midi set for speakers. But you’re right, the moment I go out to play somewhere, that’s the first thing to look at. Fortunately, with 300+ CD’s, 700+ singles (vinyl mostly), 700+ LP’s and 2.1 TB of music files, that’s not an immediate issue 🙂

    4) Get enrolled in the How To Digital DJ Fast course. In about 6 weeks you will be comfortable with whatever software/gear you got and you will be practicing the right things the right way. It’s not a very expensive course and it comes with full money back guarantee. It’s a great way to get to the fun part quickly without too much stress/frustration and without having to spend a lot of time browsing and watching Youtube films, maybe learning things the wrong way only to unlearn it and replace with the right way.

    Interesting. I thought about that. Must look into it indeed!

    And DanceFair sounds really cool, so Utrecht, here I come! Fun to be back in the city I lived and studied in for years 🙂

    February 17, 2017 at 6:58 am #2533581
    Chuck Van Eekelen
    Moderator

    You might run into me there 🙂

    As for gear. Starting simple has, imho, the following advantages:
    1) all the basic functionality you need to get yourself started and trained up, without the confusion and lure of all the extra stuff that only distracts.
    2) you don’t know what you will really like/need (see your comment on workflow). Buying bigger and better is only wise once you HAVE figured that out, usually after practicing and learning on a starter controller. You develop that workflow, figure out what software you like and start to figure out what functionality you want/need and what things you don’t need/want. Best way to spend your Euro’s, rather than buying the more expensive stuff only to find out that it’s not really what you (thought you) wanted/needed.
    3) Should you decide it’s not for you after all, even if you can’t resell it, you can give it to a young nephew or niece and not be too bothered about the money spent on it.

    As for music (collection), be sure to read up on the main site and here on collection management. While nice to have a lot of music, when it comes to DJ collections, “less is more”. Guys like Phil Morse have (core) collections of maybe 500-600 tracks altogether. And that is for a reason 😀

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