Hi Richie,
While coming close to a rant (we’ll forgive you as you seem passionate about the subject), I feel you are preaching at your own church a bit.
I dare say that here at Digital DJ Tips (both blog and forums) we are pretty open and accepting of any DJ and/or producer, regardless of what gear they use.
It’s a bit besides the truth, imho, that all DJ software is the same these days. I had Traktor and just could not make it fit my workflow (even though I rocked plenty of parties in the two years I used it) and I too have used just about any conceivable DJ software (Jackson DJ anybody?). Still, every piece of software has its own merits and will fit some workflows better than others. And I have no problem recommending one DJ software over the other based on what somebody tells us his/her desired goals and outcomes are.
Your statement that it isn’t the gear that makes the DJ is, obviously, completely true. Actually Terry_42 wrote a good article on the blog on that very topic not too long ago. By the same token, any carpenter can drive a nail in the wall with any hammer (and a brick, shoe heel or anything in a bind), but every carpenter will have his/her own preference in hammers. And some hammers ARE more suited for one kind of carpentry than the other. I would not like to use a small 1 ounce wooden hammer if I primarily need to pound in 6 inch nails in concrete. Nor would I want to use a 2-pound sledge to build a puppet house.
And the same goes for DJ Software. My personal favorite, Mixvibes Cross, is not getting all that much recognition while it isn’t too far behind Serato, supports as many controllers and features full HID and DVS support for ANY soundcard in it’s full version which is still way cheaper than Serato with the DVS expansion. Oh, and it also does video, just in case you need it. Does this mean it’s the best software, no. But it is something to consider when looking at software.
Would I ever suggest a mobile DJ to go for Traktor? Not likely unless he is very (EDM)genre-specific. But if he is a wedding/event DJ, it’s just not the best piece of software for you. Can you play a wedding with Traktor? Sure, done it several times. Is it easier to do with Serato or Cross? Yep, in my opinion it is.
You are right, the software you use (or mac or windows or starter or pro controller or …) doesn’t dictate your skill level.
I have seen guys on 5k full Nexus setups fail miserably and I have seen a young guy a year or two ago with an iPhone and iPad and an iRig DJ mixer totally floor the place.
However, I think very few people on these forums belong to the category “so many people have this conviction …”.
Again, good to see you passionate about the DJ brotherhood, I am all for that. If you DJ and you have the balls to get out there, stand in front of a group of people with the one and only goal of making them a good party, then you are ok in my book.
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