DJ's/Karaoke guys I need your advice

[ldelacruz]

I want to get my 17 yo son a Karaoke/DJ setup to do kids parties. What does he need? Where do I start? My budget is around $1000 or less for the equipment only no songs.

[janikphoto]

From what other DJ's have told me, CL is filled with the discount gear of failed DJ's trying to pay rent... Whatever brand is recommended, this might be the place to actually buy!

[Daniel W.]

Well, much can be done with a laptop full of legally acquired music the right interfaces/adapters, an amp (not the guitar kind, the speaker kind) and a pair of speakers. Are we talking about mixing beats or providing music (i.e. club type vs. banquet type)?

I would personally go for a Traktor setup, simply because it's what I see the most of these days (vinyl is much like film, pursued for its reality but easily recreated close to the real thing).

B&H has an interesting kit here:
Numark Stealth Control - Professional Computer STEALTH CONTROL

plus an audio interface (USB device that provides an audio in and out from the computer, like the mic/speaker port but higher quality signal) and speakers is a clean setup. However, I have seen many talented (personality wise) DJ/Emcees work with a single laptop plugged into a cheap Guitar Center powered mixer+speakers set. Not really knowing what size room/crowd he'd be working with, it's hard to say. JBL Eons and Mackie SRM's are two I like (and a few others). Samson and Behringer are the more popular bottom-basement brands, some of their stuff is alright, but I've seen alot of it fail.

If you're not sure, "powered" speakers are speakers with power built into them - you plug it into the wall and plug in an audio cable, usually set up in a pair. These are more popular with DJ/entertainment because it's an all in one unit, but heavier and you have two cables running into each speaker. (Think of it as a monolight). Unpowered speakers, do not have a power supply built into them. They are powered by an amp (about the size of a VCR times 3 and weighs about that of a 8-10 year old), which takes the audio signal from the computer/mixer and ...amplifies it, onto a single cable that carries both audio signal electrical power (kind of like a power pack + head). The latter is more popular with concert/live sound because it allows for a single cable run, and more adjustment at the mixing/processing end of things. Powered speakers are generally heavier, because of the built-in power supply.

Oh and headphones, Sony MDR-V6 is a personal pick but it's often a preferential kind of decision. A mic is nice, the Shure PG58 stands up to alot of abuse and comes with a cable for around $50-75. Good for shout outs and all that other hokey crap.

[contributor_M]

Originally Posted by Daniel W.

Well, much can be done with a laptop full of legally acquired music the right interfaces/adapters, an amp (not the guitar kind, the speaker kind) and a pair of speakers. Are we talking about mixing beats or providing music (i.e. club type vs. banquet type)?

I would personally go for a Traktor setup, simply because it's what I see the most of these days (vinyl is much like film, pursued for its reality but easily recreated close to the real thing).

B&H has an interesting kit here:
Numark Stealth Control - Professional Computer STEALTH CONTROL

plus an audio interface (USB device that provides an audio in and out from the computer, like the mic/speaker port but higher quality signal) and speakers is a clean setup. However, I have seen many talented (personality wise) DJ/Emcees work with a single laptop plugged into a cheap Guitar Center powered mixer+speakers set. Not really knowing what size room/crowd he'd be working with, it's hard to say. JBL Eons and Mackie SRM's are two I like (and a few others). Samson and Behringer are the more popular bottom-basement brands, some of their stuff is alright, but I've seen alot of it fail.

If you're not sure, "powered" speakers are speakers with power built into them - you plug it into the wall and plug in an audio cable, usually set up in a pair. These are more popular with DJ/entertainment because it's an all in one unit, but heavier and you have two cables running into each speaker. (Think of it as a monolight). Unpowered speakers, do not have a power supply built into them. They are powered by an amp (about the size of a VCR times 3 and weighs about that of a 8-10 year old), which takes the audio signal from the computer/mixer and ...amplifies it, onto a single cable that carries both audio signal electrical power (kind of like a power pack + head). The latter is more popular with concert/live sound because it allows for a single cable run, and more adjustment at the mixing/processing end of things. Powered speakers are generally heavier, because of the built-in power supply.

Oh and headphones, Sony MDR-V6 is a personal pick but it's often a preferential kind of decision. A mic is nice, the Shure PG58 stands up to alot of abuse and comes with a cable for around $50-75. Good for shout outs and all that other hokey crap.

Pretty much this. Especially this day in age since Vinyl has been phased out with CD's, the same is happening with CD's not that there are products like Traktor and Serato out now.

The only other advice I can give is that your kid actually knows his music that he's playing. It will make things a lot easier (selection wise) when it comes to DJing.

[ldelacruz]

Thanks guys. I checked Craigslist but haven't found anything yet. I will keep an eye out. When I looked at BH I kept going back to the Behringer speakers, amps and mixers. I think that type of combo would work best and all main components were going to be around $1000. I will still need music, microphones, PC software for music and Karaoke and a way to record the audio of the Karaoke and burn to disk as a keepsake. As far as equipment is there anything I am leaving out?

[Daniel W.]

PC/Software for audio control
PC for karaoke control (and then a way to display it?)

Powered mixer is probably the most cost effective solution (its a mixer with power-amp built in) - bunch of these on CL (under Musical Instruments)

Speakers, stands - also on CL

Mic, cables. - CL


As far as recording straight to CD, it's tricky. Best bet would be to record to PC and burn later but being able to deliver on-site is a big advantage. CD-recording units are generally pretty pricey... hmm

[KrisLos]

Guitar Center has used equipment too!!

[hue-e]

dj and karaoke setups are two completely different things.

as for karaoke...
it depends on how big you want your setup. for a grand, you can get all gear in separate pieces, or a pretty nice all-inclusive setup.

either way you go, you'll have the option to plug into a bigger system.

check guitar center, they will be one of the few places that will have something for you to demo, and because they are a big chain, might even have a better price.

[hue-e]

Originally Posted by Daniel W.

Well, much can be done with a laptop full of legally acquired music the right interfaces/adapters, an amp (not the guitar kind, the speaker kind) and a pair of speakers. Are we talking about mixing beats or providing music (i.e. club type vs. banquet type)?

I would personally go for a Traktor setup, simply because it's what I see the most of these days (vinyl is much like film, pursued for its reality but easily recreated close to the real thing).

B&H has an interesting kit here:
Numark Stealth Control - Professional Computer STEALTH CONTROL

plus an audio interface (USB device that provides an audio in and out from the computer, like the mic/speaker port but higher quality signal) and speakers is a clean setup. However, I have seen many talented (personality wise) DJ/Emcees work with a single laptop plugged into a cheap Guitar Center powered mixer+speakers set. Not really knowing what size room/crowd he'd be working with, it's hard to say. JBL Eons and Mackie SRM's are two I like (and a few others). Samson and Behringer are the more popular bottom-basement brands, some of their stuff is alright, but I've seen alot of it fail.

If you're not sure, "powered" speakers are speakers with power built into them - you plug it into the wall and plug in an audio cable, usually set up in a pair. These are more popular with DJ/entertainment because it's an all in one unit, but heavier and you have two cables running into each speaker. (Think of it as a monolight). Unpowered speakers, do not have a power supply built into them. They are powered by an amp (about the size of a VCR times 3 and weighs about that of a 8-10 year old), which takes the audio signal from the computer/mixer and ...amplifies it, onto a single cable that carries both audio signal electrical power (kind of like a power pack + head). The latter is more popular with concert/live sound because it allows for a single cable run, and more adjustment at the mixing/processing end of things. Powered speakers are generally heavier, because of the built-in power supply.

Oh and headphones, Sony MDR-V6 is a personal pick but it's often a preferential kind of decision. A mic is nice, the Shure PG58 stands up to alot of abuse and comes with a cable for around $50-75. Good for shout outs and all that other hokey crap.

I highly recommend staying away from numark. it's pretty cheap gear that doesn't match up to other industry standard pieces.

For a digital dj setup, I'd start by looking at MAudio (has a great controller system, Exponent and software, Torq... this is the one I've been using for a couple years) and Vestax (has controller/software), or the Rane Serato system that has encoded vinyl to use on old-school turntables. You can use either of these brand controllers/setups to run Traktor, Ableton, and I believe Serato.

If you just have a laptop and simply want to program a dj set, look into buying Ableton Live... I consider this cheating as far as djing is concerned because you don't actually control the beatmatching side of things, but it's a cool program that gives you a lot of freedom to not only dj, but create your own music.

If your kid is into scratching, etc... I'd suggest going old-school and getting him a pair of Technics 1200 turntables and a nice Pioneer, Vestax, Allen and Heath or Rane mixer. This will end up costing you more than 1k in most cases, but you can probably get pretty lucky with finding used gear. All these name brands are solid industry standard gear that holds up even after years of abuse. I've a pair of 1200s and a Pioneer DJM-600 mixer I've been beating on for 10 years and it all still works/sounds awesome. The best part about having this setup is you can use that Serato setup with actual vinyls that work with dj software so you don't even have to buy records if you want.... but I can tell you, there's nothing that will replace the feel of a record under you finger tips.

[ldelacruz]

Thanks guys. I am learning a lot for sure. Tons of stuff to figure out. Keep the ideas coming.

[contributor_M]

If your son just want to DJ, there is no need on getting Ableton tbh. If making music is something that he wants to do down the road, then, why not.

But for playing at parties and such, you really don't need a whole lot.

If you plan on taking your kid's show on the road, the it's best to get the most portable setup you can afford.

[hue-e]

yeah, if you want portable... definitely go for the laptop/controller route.

like I said, I use the exponent, it can fit in a large backpack, but I use an old turntable roadcase to transport mine. best thing about it is not lugging around 200lbs of vinyl records.

This thing is it's own audio interface so you don't need anything but speakers to plug this into.

http://www.m-audio.com/products/en_us/TorqXponent.html

[ldelacruz]

OK I am getting closer. I have learned a lot from you guys and thanks for the input. Y'all were right DJ and Karaoke systems are different. I am going to build the DJ side and just add Karaoke. I know I will go with the laptop route, mixer with sound card built in and 2 powered speakers to keep it simple. I have the mixer narrowed down to the Hercules RMX and the M-Audio Hue-E mentioned. I am leaning towards the Hercules based on the positive reviews, inputs/outputs and it is metal vs plastic. The software I like is Virtual DJ 7 Pro. It does music,videos, karaoke and will broadcast to internet live.

Again please feel free to chime in because I have no idea and 2 days experience.

[hue-e]

whatever controller you choose, make sure it has midi capability. I personally have never heard of, or used virtual dj 7 pro, and I've used a few of dj softwares, so I can't really comment on how good it is. but, if your controller has midi capability, you can use it with other dj software like traktor (which is one of the best imo).

[hue-e]

not sure if you looked at these as well... Vestax Global site / Products / DJ Mixer