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Topic: VDJ is it - Page: 1

Questa parte dell'argomento è obsoleta e potrebbe contenere informazioni obsolete o errate

So, after two months of working and saving up money - i finally am coming to a point where I have money to do what I want to do. I am a musician - guitar is my instrument of choice, and now that i am in college I need a way to make money, so I stumbled upon DJing. It's funny because at first I wanted to do it creatively to remix - but then it hit me that I can make money with it. So instead of getting a real job, I will be starting my mobile DJ business! Hopefully this business will last me the rest of my life. I'm ready to work very hard at it.

I have 900 dollars to spend, which I realize is not a lot. What i'll be doing is getting a VMS4 when they come out, a pair of headphones, and the best bargain of speakers that I can. I'll be going back to school broke, but working hard to get my business rolling. It is an risk i'm willing to take.

I don't own VDJ yet, but I will when I get the VMS4. I can't wait to get the ball rolling.

I know there are a lot of veteran Mobile Guys on this board, if you would be kind enough to give me any words of wisdom starting out i'm all ears.

Peace out!
 
Inviato Thu 17 Jun 10 @ 11:10 pm
fshaz wrote :
So instead of getting a real job, I will be starting my mobile DJ business!


You need to be very careful what you say - I'll put this down to you being young and inexperienced. A fair few of the guys you will talk to on here, and who will help you in the future, DO make their living from being a DJ and DO class it as a career and a REAL JOB...

DJ's at the top of their game, will spend many, many, many more hours at work either on their equipment, mixing skills, music choice & knowledge, event planning/management, liaising with clients etc. In many cases more than a standard 9 to 5.

If your attitude is that this is a way to make a "quick buck" while at college, then this will only limit your own expertise, creativity and not to mention your business potential. If you are serious and want to see this as a way of sustaining an income for "the rest of my life", even if it's part time, or a professional hobby (like myself) then you will need to think long and hard about your approach...

I wish you every success, you will find people here to help you, and not just with the software but you need to respect what you do and who you are as a DJ.

Cheers,

Roy
 
Well said.

Also, you need to prioritise the sound quality of your speakers over fancy kit at this stage. Your typical customers won't have a clue about makes and models of equipment, but they will notice poor sound quality or unreliable equipment. Buy the best speakers you can afford.

The VMS4 does look nice but there are cheaper controllers available that will probably do everything you need, at least to begin with, and buying one of those would allow more of your budget for speakers.

Will you need any lighting? Allow some money for that, but don't go overboard. You can manage with only a few effects to begin with.

Also, don't forget to budget for stands, cables, cases, transport costs, etc. It's surprising how it can add up and if you don't think it through beforehand it would be very easy to blow your budget.
 
Bradleys,

There are cheaper controllers, but if he's starting from nothing the VMS4 will be a good choice. If he went with an RMX for example, he'd still have to get a mixer for mic input and backup devices (MP3/CD). Worse case he'd need a controller + soundcard + mixer and even a copy of VDJ. The VMS4 does it all...

VMS4 comes with VDJ6 LE. I'm sure the RMX is still shipping with v5 LE.

I agree on the speakers however, and for an easy setup from the VMS4 I'd be looking at an active solution.

The VMS4 will change the entry stakes for sure.

Cheers,

Roy
 
I agree that the VMS4 looks great, but my point was that he could achieve the same with significantly less money. The RMX can mix a mic and external audio sources too, and it has a built-in soundcard, but good point about the included version of VDJ.

With such a tight budget I was actually thinking of the DJ Console MK4 which can also mix a mic and external audio. It's released today, costs £179 and includes VDJ DJCE 6.0.7.

One advantage that the VMS4 has is that it will continue to work as a standalone mixer even if the laptop hosting it crashes. As far as I know neither the RMX nor DJC MK4 can do that... but that will only help if you have a separate audio source set up as a backup while you reboot/fix the laptop.
 
That's my point. You should always run with a backup and something that you can kick in real easy. Even if it is just an ipod through a spare channel.

Plus I would never use the mic input on the RMX, the sound is horrible and you have no tone control. Even the 1/4" outputs on the RMX are much lower in -dB than a standalone mixer so you'll end up driving things extra hard.

I love my RMX (and I'm expecting to love my VMS4 even more), however it has it's limitations. The control of VDJ is superb, the sound quality is excellent, but the fact it is not a mxer, the sub mic quality and the low output levels means that to get the best out of it you need to go through an external mixer - personal opinion of course.

Cheers,

Roy
 
Fair enough -- I don't disagree with you and if I was starting from scratch again I'd be seriously considering the VMS4 myself, but with such a low budget some compromises will have to be made. I'm not saying that he shouldn't get the VMS4 - as you say it's an excellent choice - but he should consider how he spreads his budget carefully and the VMS4 would be a very significant chunk of it. Even factoring in for a cheap external mixer, a cheaper controller could come in at about (probably just over) half the cost of the VMS4. Yes it would be a compromise, and yes the VMS4 would be preferable, but it would work well enough and allow more of the very limited budget for other important stuff.

Obviously it's going to be the OP's choice where he makes those compromises, but personally I'd suggest that speakers should be high on his list of priorities, which in the original post it didn't sound as though they were. That was my real point.

Cheers,
Steve
 
I think we are in violent agreement ;-)

What I would do at this stage is make the investment in the VMS4, a good set of headphones, a good quality mic and buy the VDJ pro upgrade. Everything else you need can be hired or borrowed (if you know the right people). The only other thing I would personally add would be a laptop stand to sit over the VMS4.

Having the core equipment will give you a chance to learn and grow your talent with the VMS4 that can connect to a professional system just as well as a home hifi or small PC style active speakers.

Once practiced and the work starts to roll in, save the money earned (after hire charges paid) to build up your next fund. Say amp/speakers or active speakers. Then after that lights... That's how I started many many moons ago.

Hiring sound and light isn't a bad option either if your tight for space (storage and transport that is) and/or play a range of venues that would be difficult to cover. Plus playing in a club wouldn't need much more than this core set anyway...

Just my opinion ;-)

Roy
 
GadgetMan wrote :
I think we are in violent agreement ;-)


The best kind. I'm with ya ;)

To be fair, I hadn't thought of the option of hiring the rest of the kit, which is a good idea. I do hope he's paying attention to all this, otherwise we're just bickering for no good reason :)
 
Your back and forth topic's were right on point, he is going to learn and do the things the right way or your topic's just scared the craps out of him.
These are the kind of things that most DJ's go through on a daily basis (product choice and knowlege). Kid, you have to be mentally there, you will be faced with all types of challenges. buying the wrong equipment, thinking that you have the right one or playing the wrong song and clearing the dance floor. There are so many variables to consider. I'm not trying to discourage you, you have to understand that the VDJ community takes this lifestyle very seriously. If you have to think twice, do it!, but if you are serious, then go for it.
 
hey guys thanks for all your input. don't take offense at the real job comment, it's not a quick buck. i'm looking to setup a career. When I say real job, i was meaning be a cook in a restaurant, delivery driver, or other gig I could get while in college. For the past 2 years i've worked as a cook for minimum wage because it was all I could get, and working full time and going to school full time to support myself just had me stressed out all the time. Music is a passion to me so although I would make money, I would love to play music for people and get paid, and be able to work hard and recieve the rewards for working hard, not just minimum wage no matter if I slack off or if we're super busy and I get everyones order perfect and out on time.

I realize that I don't have the money to get the quality equipment in every aspect, and some are slacking - but what I like about the VMS4 is I can use my iPod as a backup source bc its a mixer, I can upgrade my system to TCV if need be. And HOPEFULLY i would not have to upgrade that part of my setup for a good while. What I really want are the V7's they look so sweet..I was playin with them in Guitar Center..so much fun. i would assume that eventually VDJ will be able to support them, i'm talkin like 2 years down the road when I would have the money to afford them.

I am really considering renting the sound systems - as I live on the 4th floor of a building with no elevators. I would just have to find a reliable company that has working equipment.

As I grow my company, i'll aquire the equipment that is needed. Just have to start small time for now.

Again - I thank everybody for their input, as I haven't made any purchases yet - i will take your opinions into consideration.
 
 
If V7's are what you want to own eventually then build them in to your business plan. The VMS4 will see you through the early times, allow you to home your skills and give you the option to upgrade to Pro at a discount.

Of course the VMS4 will work with the V7's, but you may find a smaller MIDI compatible mixer will do the task - either way you will have to to research and play!!

You could either sell the VMS4 (note the VDJ LE licence cannot be transferred) or you can keep the VMS4 as your home practice setup. But your business plan, skills and ability to earn will decide all that for you.

Considering your circumstances renting will be the best way forward. Start looking now. Find out what it costs to hire, build that cost in to your fee so you can still make a profit. Never rely on one supplier - you won't be the only person they rent to so you need to be able to confirm availability!!! Also work on the relationship. If these guys hire, the also probably get requests for DJ's...

With your $900 I would get the VMS4 (+ carry case), headphones, mic, VDJ Pro (Discounted) and some business cards from vistaprint.com.

Then, start practicing your skills.

Good luck,

Roy
 
thanks, i'm sure this is going to be an adventure.

What about the vci 300, i see on the main page of VDJ that it supports HID devices, so does the HID Platter support for the vci 300 work as well as it does w/ itch?
 
Yes, the VCI-300 is fully supported (I use one myself), however to use the internal sound card, you must currently use ASIO4ALL to make it work.
 
Hello Everyone,

I am just starting out DJing. It started as me doing small get-together at BBQs and based on the music I was playing people kept thinking I was a professional DJ. They were asking for business cards and the whole nine. After doing three parties (with the cheap $99.00 mixer) I found that I really love this and I can see myself doing this for the rest of my life. DJing is great and I really enjoy getting people pumped up. There is nothing like playing a song and hearing people say "oh thats my song,,I havent heard that in a while".

I just booked another party in March and I really need a new Mixer. The $99.00 mixer always pauses the music for like 3 seconds when I load a song. This is not good when I am DJing a party because people stop dancing everytime I load a song. I though (and maybe this could be the problem) that it pauses 3 seconds when I load the song because I am using a PC and not a MAC. Could that be why? Also It is very difficult to get an accurate scratch in the $99.00 mixer. SO now I would like to purchase the VMS4 but I have so question about it that i hope you guys can answer for me.

QUESTION # 1

If I get the VMS4 will I have to purchase additional software? I watch the Youtube videos and hear everyone talking about Traktor. What actually is Traktor?

QUESTION # 2

The MVS4 has four channels. Does this mean I can connect four laptops to it? Can I connect a CD player up to one of the Channels and still scratch if I have too?

QUESTION # 3

I thought about renting the VMS4 just to try it out first before making the expensive purchase. Does anyone know a place or website where I can rent these types of mixers?

QUESTION # 4

What is the Touchstrip (on the VMS4) and what is it used for?

QUESTION # 5

What do they mean by "mapping the controller" on the VMS4?


I know these may be stupi questions to you guys but like I said I am just starting out and I am familiar with some of the DJ lingo but not all of it. Thanks for your help guys. I appreciate it. Hope some gets back to me soon.


Andre

 
GadgetMan wrote :
I think we are in violent agreement ;-)

The best kind. I'm with ya ;)

To be fair, I hadn't thought of the option of hiring the rest of the kit, which is a good idea. I do hope he's paying attention to all this, otherwise we're just bickering for no good reason :)



I actually rent my spekers ($50.00) and the amp ($20.00) and the MIC and cords ($9.00). This helps me as a starter DJ. I just factor this into my charge for the event.
 
alewis1210 wrote :
Hello Everyone,

I am just starting out DJing. It started as me doing small get-together at BBQs and based on the music I was playing people kept thinking I was a professional DJ. They were asking for business cards and the whole nine. After doing three parties (with the cheap $99.00 mixer) I found that I really love this and I can see myself doing this for the rest of my life. DJing is great and I really enjoy getting people pumped up. There is nothing like playing a song and hearing people say "oh thats my song,,I havent heard that in a while".

I just booked another party in March and I really need a new Mixer. The $99.00 mixer always pauses the music for like 3 seconds when I load a song. This is not good when I am DJing a party because people stop dancing everytime I load a song. I though (and maybe this could be the problem) that it pauses 3 seconds when I load the song because I am using a PC and not a MAC. Could that be why? Also It is very difficult to get an accurate scratch in the $99.00 mixer. SO now I would like to purchase the VMS4 but I have so question about it that i hope you guys can answer for me.

QUESTION # 1

If I get the VMS4 will I have to purchase additional software? I watch the Youtube videos and hear everyone talking about Traktor. What actually is Traktor?

QUESTION # 2

The MVS4 has four channels. Does this mean I can connect four laptops to it? Can I connect a CD player up to one of the Channels and still scratch if I have too?

QUESTION # 3

I thought about renting the VMS4 just to try it out first before making the expensive purchase. Does anyone know a place or website where I can rent these types of mixers?

QUESTION # 4

What is the Touchstrip (on the VMS4) and what is it used for?

QUESTION # 5

What do they mean by "mapping the controller" on the VMS4?


I know these may be stupi questions to you guys but like I said I am just starting out and I am familiar with some of the DJ lingo but not all of it. Thanks for your help guys. I appreciate it. Hope some gets back to me soon.


Andre



1. No, it come with a limited eddition of VDJ, with the option of upgrading to the awesome VDJ 7 Pro at a discount

2. 1 laptop and any combination of external CD players, turn Tables. If you are playing through an external source you will only be able to scratch using that source, not the software or controller

3. I have no idea sorry.

4. The touch strip has no function out of the box but it can be mapped.

5. Mapping is assining a function to each button knob etc...via VDJ script which is a control code for VDJ. For the most part the VMS4 is mapped and you will not have to worry about mapping any funtions.
 
Jam Master Rob,

Thanks man for the insight. I really appreciate the help. Cant wait to purchase the VMS4.
 
 
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