Terry_42

Same here. I play some tunes I love for “soundcheck” and I am in the mood.

I also drink only water and coffee during gigs and the first sip of alcohol only when I am done for the night. Most of the time this will be a single drink before I leave with the manager, crew or some guests I know.

Sorry I have never tried copying that music on any other device, but according to the specs it should play in 64. But listening to a good tune in 64 even while running would make me want to vomit more than run…

Also just used pulselocker for the free trial. It is OKish, but I really do not need it. For music exploration (aka what will I buy) I am currently using Amazon Prime Music. I actually bought the prime subscription for the video and fast amazon shipping option, but the music player and suggestions are actually quite good and you can directly buy the tunes you want to own and DJ…

1. Yes – sometimes. It is mostly independent stuff and backcatalogue, so there are no current Top40 (for the most part). However it is nice to discover some “secret pearls”. I also use it to bolster some sets or to get some nice “in betweeners”. The good thing is, that there are some nice remixes that are not publicly available anywhere else and that most of the time acapella and instrumental versions are available too. However I would never use it as my only source for music.

2. They will automatically go down to 64. However what I do is I download a bunch of tunes that sound interesting on the site, put them in a playlist with my controller running on my DJ office desk and just hit auoplay in Serato. So it will play them full quality automatically while I am on the office couch listening and browsing on my iPad. If a tune hits my I make a note.

It honestly is a great and underrated feature, but as I said it is not the end.
However it can save you a load of money. I usually buy tunes for 8-15 bucks per months via iTunes or beatport to stay current and hit some remixes etc. via whitelabel. This is way cheaper than any of the payed DJ pools.

Cheap mini PA mixer connected to sound system and you are good.

Check this out:
http://www.digitaldjtips.com/2013/04/beginners-guide-to-pa-systems-part-1-basics/

Honestly any effect will work with the right technique. There is no “appropriate” effect to use. It all depends on what transition you are trying to pull of and what transition technique you are using.

Wassssuuuuuuuuuup!

Honestly there are some samplers on iTunes from that era that have like 3-4 CDs worth of music and cost like 5-10 bucks. I think I purchased 2 or 3 of them and it got me covered with all the major tunes from that era.

1. Do I absolutely require to have a DJ controller attached to the computer when using Serato DJ

Honestly, Yes. While what Vintage says is true, you should have one as not all functions can be triggered by software alone.

2. Can I use JUST Serato DJ software on the computer (like I can with Traktor) to work?

Sort of, but I would not recommend it, as it is pretty useless in that form. It is made for use with Controllers and that is where it shines.

3. I bought Serato DJ software (50% off). How often can I install it and on how many computers? (Some people say I have 2 installations: 1. on your productive computer and 2. on a 2nd – backup- computer)

Yes, correct 2 installations. However if one of your devices is being retired, you can transfer the license to a new device. So no worries, it is not bound forever (like some Microsoft licenses).

4. If it is only possible to register the Serato DJ software with a Serato compliant HARDWARE (i.e. a DJ Controller), then why is the Serato DJ software available as standalone?

There are 2 sorts of Serato controllers:
First are Serato – Ready. They usually come with Serato Intro in the box. So the controller is usually on the cheaper side and the company did not pay for the full Serato license. So if you want to use the full Serato DJ system you need to buy a license.

Second are “Serato Included”. Those are usually more higher end controllers, where the controller company already has purchased the Serato license for you. With those you only have to download Serato and Serato will work as soon as you connect the device.

5. I do not own (currently) a Serato compliant DJ controller. But if I buy later a controller which includes Serato DJ or Serato DJ Intro, can I use my already existing Serato DJ purchase to work with that controller?

Yes it wont matter however.

6. Once registered Serato DJ with “a” Controller, say Pioneer, can I later switch to another, say Numark, Controller or is the registration with Pioneer using up my registrations, so it then requires an additional license of Serato DJ to purchase when I want to use another DJ Controller?

You can switch controllers whenever you like. There is an “deactivate with this device” button in Serato. You do that, then connect the new device and activate again. There is no limit on how many times you can do that.