Isaiah Furrow

I’d second the recommendation of the TM8. I have one and really like it so far. The question I would pose to the OP, with your $1000 and under budget, what all are you wanting to include in that price? Just the controller/software? Headphones as well? Will you be picking up a microphone or any other bits?
With the budget listed I’d bet he’s at least somewhat serious about this, so I would recommend going with a controller that comes with and was designed to operate the full Serato DJ(if that’s the software chosen).
Lastly, for now, I would also second the recommendation to check out all that this site has to offer. I’m currently part of the Scratching course and love it. There is so much great info on this site, even just the free parts. Keep us posted, I’ll check back later….

I’ve gotten a good bit of samples from soundcloud and also from what was provided with the DDJT Scratching course…. I’ve also been collecting my own samples from various sources… I think the TM8 and it’s aux input that will record straight to Serato is going to help simplify that part for me… but I have been thinking of hooking up the iM1 mixer to the home entertainment center again so I can capture random bits there again as well……

Oh, forgot to mention to the OP, there is a wealth of great info on YouTube and just searching Google for wedding DJ specific info…. I did a lot of that before my first wedding last summer, I think that searching is part of how I found this site. Keep shining, and keep us posted!

Indeed it was Chuck… carry on 🙂

haha, typo, I meant SZ…. not sure where the v came from …LOL The tape actually was in good shape, I don’t think it had lost much quality. It had been stored and hadn’t been played much over the years I don’t think. The purpose was so my friend and his dad could listen to the music from the tape in digital form, without wearing out the old cassette. I don’t plan on playing anything from that tape for my sets, just used that as an example of how I’ve used the aux so far, aside from backup. Oh, Chuck, santa creek is where I live, nothing to do with Christmas… 🙂

Hello, I have a TM8 and although I haven’t used the mic input extensively, or with more than my SHURE PG48 (I know, I’m cheap…LOL)… I can say that the mic input is pretty good. I have a Numark iM1 mixer, and a Mixtrack Pro 2, and the TM8 sounds better with the mic than either of these. I have also a Stanton M.203 which I love, and I’d say the TM8 is equal to or better than the Stanton mixer as far as the mic is concerned.
Both the Mic and Aux input work without a laptop, when the switch is in the right position. I have also used the aux input routed to Serato, and recorded an old demo tape of my friend’s band. Came out pretty decent coming from an OLD cassette tape.
So far I really love the TM8 and Serato DJ, the only thing I’d like to upgrade to would be something similar with standalone mixer and DVS compatibility. Possibly lit jog indicators. Something similar to the DDJ-SV maybe, but a Reloop version… 🙂 Keep us posted, and keep shining…. Moonshadow

Terry and Chuck, or anyone else for that matter… if someone wanted to play usb drives, possibly prepared on recordbox, and CDs, would the XDJ-R1 be the thing to get, instead of a full on CDJ/DJM 900 type setup? I would love to be able to play media such as USB and CD, for backup purposes if nothing else. I’ve been looking into getting something for that purpose, not the R1, but the thought crossed my mind… As far as similar and cheaper, nothing comes to mind.
If the OP could talk to the person wanting the gear, and find out if in fact CD/USB media types are a priority, that would make a big difference. If that is not a big concern, as suggested above, there are quite a few “controller” options. Some of which may be laid out very similarly to Pioneer club CDJ/DJM gear. I’ve only used CDJ800 MK2 a bit, and seen some 850s in use. I’ve seen a DJM800 and CDJ2000s once in real life. If that’s the type of gear he’s going to be seeing in the clubs, what do you folks on DDJT suggest is the best approach aside from buying the same type of gear?
I understand from my own research that with a little preparation, a person can find their way around most functions of an analog mixer and CDJs, cue up songs, use tempo adjustments, etc. What are your guys suggestions as far as practicing transitions at home the way you would do on club gear? Could that be another reason to go with such equipment, to be able to get more familiar with Pioneer style workflow and FX and such. If the OP could have a conversation with the person wanting the R1, and get back to us, that could clear up a few things. Not sure why I’m so interested in the XDJ-R1, aside from the fact that I’m still looking at media player devices, and this is one of the few Pioneer devices that can play a CD and has hot cues….

I have some EV speakers that I’m quite thrilled with so far. I hope to be getting a few more of them soon. I figured I would chime in with my .02…. The QSC speakers you listed, I actually listened to them at a Guitar Center, they are nice no doubt, and like the JBL and another set I listened to, I could not hear enough difference in them to justify the price. I have a pair of 12″ EV ZLX powered 2-ways for tops, and so far I love them. I have a single ZXA1 Sub, and for small and portable, I love it too. I’m looking to upgrade with a second sub, or possibly a bigger 15″ Sub and then a second one later on.
I would echo some advice I’ve read on here and other forums more than once. If at all possible, go to a shop where you can do some A/B comparisons between a few different speakers. I would also say that you should try and compare a 12″ version and a 15″ version of the same series, such as Thumps(look at the new Thump series too!), or ZLX for instance. I found that I preferred the sound from 12″ speakers over that of 15″ speakers, and if you’re planning on adding subs, the added bass the 15s offers is not really going to be of much benefit, unless you’re using the speakers alone for a smaller event.
The features that the ZLX series offered, and the sound they put out, was good enough for me at this point, and the price fit into my startup budget. I’m glad I picked up the ZXA1 sub, as it’s so handy for smaller events, but I may decide to just forget about a second one, and start assembling a bigger setup, with EV 15″ subs from the new ETX line(hey, I like eating rice and ramen)… I can say that they are decently built, one was knocked over recently, from about 6ft up on a tripod, down to the concrete floor. Still working, and only minor cosmetic damage. Now to go look into ADJA membership and insurance…..LOL
Keep us posted, and good luck! Moonshadow