What format is most common for djs these days? What set up do the clubs usually have now? Are they still mixing with cds or is it moving more to mp3 now? Anyone using vinyl at all anymore?

From my experience most clubs are using cd's that are digital format compatible. Alot of the commercial DJ's seem to be playing mp3 cd's just cause they don't have to carry around a couple of record boxes & can carry more tracks etc. There are still the vinyl addicts though. When I'm working which hasn't been for a while it all depends on the set, club etc. I like to cut it up a bit to make it more fresh so unfortunately you can do that a bit more aggressively & with ease with digital but I love the tactile vinyl still. Just wish I didn't have to clean the stuff.

Quote:

Originally Posted by MyHorseLikesYou

From my experience most clubs are using cd's that are digital format compatible. Alot of the commercial DJ's seem to be playing mp3 cd's just cause they don't have to carry around a couple of record boxes & can carry more tracks etc. There are still the vinyl addicts though. When I'm working which hasn't been for a while it all depends on the set, club etc. I like to cut it up a bit to make it more fresh so unfortunately you can do that a bit more aggressively & with ease with digital but I love the tactile vinyl still. Just wish I didn't have to clean the stuff.

So if I were to purchase some gear would you advise I buy cd/mp3s such as pioneer cdjs or how about tractor control? What would be good to learn mixing on so that when Im at a stage that I can work I will be able to use what they have in clubs etc?

Quote:

Originally Posted by enzyme

So if I were to purchase some gear would you advise I buy cd/mp3s such as pioneer cdjs or how about tractor control? What would be good to learn mixing on so that when Im at a stage that I can work I will be able to use what they have in clubs etc?

Wow! That is a good but tricky question IMO. Where do I start. This could get long (one of my fav topics - equipment) so I'll try to keep it short (it is like 1.50am atm though so bear with me). Remember this is my personal opinion from my experience (sorry sneakos).

Okay first I suppose I have to say that the majority of clubs have at least a four channel setup. That is turntables & CD's - usually mp3 compatible (probably just should have said that earlier). Any digital stuff such as Traktor/ Ableton tends to be something you have to supply (laptop/ control surface) & plug into the system - if you're inclined to want to use it. I will warn you though alot of people still frown upon a digital set-up like Traktor unless you can really use it to take a set/ floor to another level.

Personally before buying equipment it might be advisable to pick up a good book such as "How to DJ Properly" by Frank Broughton & Bill Brewster. It's a bit dated in some respects & a bit blargh (tech term) in others but they a very knowledgeable souls who give a good explanation of the basics & not so basics. Oh I can hear the DJ moans from hear.

Next I would be trying to find someone you know or would like to know that would let you play with their set-up (as if most of us aren't). Just to get a feel for what works for you. Everyone is different & any decent DJ that hasn't got his head up his arse will give you some pointers. Being a bit of a vinyl freak I would say start with vinyl/ turntables. Only two to start, three or four deck mixing is way harder than Carl Cox makes it look. You tend to learn alot more about beat matching, pitch control, scratching etc whereas a lot of Traktorites tend to get too used to the sync button & built in FX. Go for refurbished or second handies - you should be able to find some around - if not Technics or another reputable brand like Stanton, Vestax or Numark - make sure they are direct drive & that if refurbished they weren't done by a home hack. Vinyl can be limiting in it's own ways (although I do remember someone telling me something about DJ Shadow using an elastic band to get a record to loop - maybe a myth - I could never get it to work & I have no shame in admitting I tried it). A really good place to start is to hit your local store that actually has vinyl. If you have one. Look for the friendliest dude or dudette & tell him/her you want to start, ask for some pointers & if he or she is cute a phone number *shifty* don't really do that - bad attempt at humour & probably showing my age abit - stores ... as if. Don't feel embarrassed & try to pretend you're already an aficionado as many people do. Attitude is plentiful & tends to just get in the way of becoming good at mixing. Besides so many people are good at mixing these days but just don't really want to be David Guetta. Guest vocalists anyone?

The DJ world (crap term alert) is a bit like skating everyone who can bags (just a little) everyone who is learning but pay no mind just keep pluggin away & you'll get better. Most of them either have issues in which case ignore them or they are just giving friendly grief in which case razz em back.

OMG this is getting way too long & I think it's a bit scattered. Possibly even condescending - sorry if so. If this has been bombardment 101 just ask as many questions as you like I'll be glad to help any way I can. You can always PM me also if need be. Maybe I should ask what your'e into music wise? That maybe a simpler place to start and would have saved those minutes of your life you wasted reading this.

K I'm sleeping now.

*edit* all that sort of depends on how serious you are about mixing. You could bypass all that & just go for Traktor Duo until you get a bit of a feel for it. Either way you'll probably end up at the same place or at least a sister city.