Clayton.G.Finley
Hey guys, I have an odd question, does anyone dj, or know of anyone who dj's off a desktop PC?
i'm currious because my current laptop is crashing out hard, and the failing componets are not user replaceable ( or if they are, i know internal video cards are super expensive )
Anyway, so as i'm starting to put money away from a new computer, I was thinking of building my own desktop, as 99% of the time i've owned my laptop, it has sat on a desk.
I'm mostly a bedroom DJ, and the only gigs i do are for local friends parties/weddings that kind of thing.
I was thinking of basically building me a pc, and finding a flight case for it to fit inside, and do a normal set up, and was thinking of finding a cheap lcd monitor to bring along with it.
Ideas? suggestions, comments, all are welcome
(note, i want a desktop simply for the bang for your buck, you can build a computer 2x as fast as a new in box laptop for the same price )
i'm currious because my current laptop is crashing out hard, and the failing componets are not user replaceable ( or if they are, i know internal video cards are super expensive )
Anyway, so as i'm starting to put money away from a new computer, I was thinking of building my own desktop, as 99% of the time i've owned my laptop, it has sat on a desk.
I'm mostly a bedroom DJ, and the only gigs i do are for local friends parties/weddings that kind of thing.
I was thinking of basically building me a pc, and finding a flight case for it to fit inside, and do a normal set up, and was thinking of finding a cheap lcd monitor to bring along with it.
Ideas? suggestions, comments, all are welcome
(note, i want a desktop simply for the bang for your buck, you can build a computer 2x as fast as a new in box laptop for the same price )
Inviato Sat 15 Oct 11 @ 8:21 pm
Clayton.G.Finley
I was also thinking of buying a used MAC mini, as it would be super portable and with an external hard drive, would hold all the music i needed, but i'm not too familiar with Mac's, and i think the original mac mini's wont run VDJ cuz the processor
Inviato Sat 15 Oct 11 @ 8:22 pm
jbart19
Check out my build - might be close to what you are thinking of doing.
http://www.virtualdj.com/forums/154368/General_Discussion/Mixdeck_Stealth_PC_Project_-_Complete__%29.html?search=stealth&page=1
http://www.virtualdj.com/forums/154368/General_Discussion/Mixdeck_Stealth_PC_Project_-_Complete__%29.html?search=stealth&page=1
Inviato Sat 15 Oct 11 @ 8:26 pm
Clayton.G.Finley
awsome sauce, except i would just have a full seperate case for the desktop, ( I am also an avid gamer, so I wanna be able to use it at home )
(more than likely a modified rolling studio rack ) ( i've seen some pro's with cases that seemed dedicated to fit the mac desktops, but i'm sure they are way more money than i'm willing to put out )
But i did have some basic Ideas about the monitor
My current set up is a Hercules RMX hooked up to 2 timecoded TT's ( i just can't stand using non motorized jog wheels ) and have it all fit inside a road case, but was thinking of somehow rigging up a flip top monitor.
(more than likely a modified rolling studio rack ) ( i've seen some pro's with cases that seemed dedicated to fit the mac desktops, but i'm sure they are way more money than i'm willing to put out )
But i did have some basic Ideas about the monitor
My current set up is a Hercules RMX hooked up to 2 timecoded TT's ( i just can't stand using non motorized jog wheels ) and have it all fit inside a road case, but was thinking of somehow rigging up a flip top monitor.
Inviato Sat 15 Oct 11 @ 8:38 pm
jbart19
Putting a pc into flight case might be counterproductive if you are going to use it for gaming - gaming components generally get really hot and draw a ton of power. There are plenty of Lan-party cases available you could build in for that with carry handles.
If you really want to go crazy you could build a custom flight case with cooling ducts and a place to put your RMX on top of the PC - if you are looking to make a flip-up screen just make sure there is a way to lock it into the up position. A lot of the newer LED based monitors do not have VESA mounts so be careful of that when shopping. A built in mount point will make it much easier and more stable to adapt a hinge system to.
If you are going to build in a flight case look for one that has an interior dimension of 20" - standard rackmount server chassis cases are 19" wide
Good luck :)
If you really want to go crazy you could build a custom flight case with cooling ducts and a place to put your RMX on top of the PC - if you are looking to make a flip-up screen just make sure there is a way to lock it into the up position. A lot of the newer LED based monitors do not have VESA mounts so be careful of that when shopping. A built in mount point will make it much easier and more stable to adapt a hinge system to.
If you are going to build in a flight case look for one that has an interior dimension of 20" - standard rackmount server chassis cases are 19" wide
Good luck :)
Inviato Sat 15 Oct 11 @ 9:40 pm
Clayton.G.Finley
I was thinking of the cases that i've used for rack mount amps and such, where the front and back panels come off, and basically I could create a mesh grill in the back panel and load it up with fans.
Just an idea. but hopefully i'll get something going soon.
I'm not looking for anything bullet proof, i just don't want to be seen lugging a tower around then having to hook up all the chords and cables n such, aka, not very clean and professional looking.
But thanks for all the info, i'm glad someone else has tried it, less mistakes for me to follow, and hopefully i can get some parts and things going together pretty soon.
Edit, as for the monitor, i was thinking of using a tv wall mount system to basically have my monitor bolted to the inside of my big case, that way i can just flip it up and its there, keep it kinda simple.
Just an idea. but hopefully i'll get something going soon.
I'm not looking for anything bullet proof, i just don't want to be seen lugging a tower around then having to hook up all the chords and cables n such, aka, not very clean and professional looking.
But thanks for all the info, i'm glad someone else has tried it, less mistakes for me to follow, and hopefully i can get some parts and things going together pretty soon.
Edit, as for the monitor, i was thinking of using a tv wall mount system to basically have my monitor bolted to the inside of my big case, that way i can just flip it up and its there, keep it kinda simple.
Inviato Sat 15 Oct 11 @ 10:58 pm
A Man and His Music
Inviato Mon 17 Oct 11 @ 11:20 pm
djsherz
My rig is based on desktop PC components. Compared to a laptop of similar spec, it\\\'s significantly cheaper, runs cooler and more reliably, and of course is easy to upgrade!
Inviato Tue 18 Oct 11 @ 5:09 am
groovindj
When I first started using PCs to run DJ software, I used 4U rackmount cases.
The reason is that they can take full size expansion cards.
I built two PCs like that, both with removable caddies in the front for the music hard drive, so that
I could take it out and transfer it to my desktop PC (also with a caddy slot) for loading up with tunes.
The 4U cases were mounted into flight cases too, with lids front and back.
Compared to a laptop though, it is more inconvenient.
Not only do you have to find a place for a hulking great 4U flight cased computer, you also then have to carry an external monitor/display, external keyboard, external mouse, find places for all those things too, wire then all in....
Far easier to just sit a laptop down and open the lid.
The reason is that they can take full size expansion cards.
I built two PCs like that, both with removable caddies in the front for the music hard drive, so that
I could take it out and transfer it to my desktop PC (also with a caddy slot) for loading up with tunes.
The 4U cases were mounted into flight cases too, with lids front and back.
Compared to a laptop though, it is more inconvenient.
Not only do you have to find a place for a hulking great 4U flight cased computer, you also then have to carry an external monitor/display, external keyboard, external mouse, find places for all those things too, wire then all in....
Far easier to just sit a laptop down and open the lid.
Inviato Tue 18 Oct 11 @ 5:32 am
mp3jrick
For home use sure, but having a laptop with a battery is huge when you lose power.
I had a ups in use with my desktop system build and even that failed me.
Laptops used to be not strong enough for what I do with video, that is a thing of the past now.
This was the build I used for many years with a small form factor desktop built into my console.
I had a ups in use with my desktop system build and even that failed me.
Laptops used to be not strong enough for what I do with video, that is a thing of the past now.
This was the build I used for many years with a small form factor desktop built into my console.
Inviato Tue 18 Oct 11 @ 5:46 am
NoDoubtDJs
Truth of the matter is that using a desktop computer is a good idea for those that don't have the money for a laptop, know that they may want to upgrade without buying a new computer, or want the most flexibility.
Don't get me wrong, laptops are convenient (all in one) and lightweight but when you consider the other heavy things you have to carry in, a desktop computer weighs hardly anything. While having a battery to keep your laptop running is great, what about the rest of your equipment? You still will not be able to finish the party until the lights come back on.
I'm not sure about all of the extra wires people talk about. I only connect 2 more wires than if I use a laptop. In total, it takes me an extra minute (or less) to connect the PC to my mixer. I use a combo keyboard it has a built in touch pad (make sure you get the USB version).
As far as the look is concerned...If you're using external amps with non powered speakers, you already have ugly boxes you are carrying around. In a flight case, nobody will know. Either way, get yourself a facade. It will hide the ugly wires and boxes nobody wants to see.
What happens if new technology comes out (i.e. USB 3)? With a desktop, it is an easy and inexpensive upgrade.
Lastly, if you get a desktop, the money you save from buying a laptop or Mac can be used to buy a 2nd desktop for gaming.
Yes, I could have purchased a laptop, but for my needs a desktop is a better fit.
Check me out on Facebook (www.facebook.com/nodoubtdjs).
Don't get me wrong, laptops are convenient (all in one) and lightweight but when you consider the other heavy things you have to carry in, a desktop computer weighs hardly anything. While having a battery to keep your laptop running is great, what about the rest of your equipment? You still will not be able to finish the party until the lights come back on.
I'm not sure about all of the extra wires people talk about. I only connect 2 more wires than if I use a laptop. In total, it takes me an extra minute (or less) to connect the PC to my mixer. I use a combo keyboard it has a built in touch pad (make sure you get the USB version).
As far as the look is concerned...If you're using external amps with non powered speakers, you already have ugly boxes you are carrying around. In a flight case, nobody will know. Either way, get yourself a facade. It will hide the ugly wires and boxes nobody wants to see.
What happens if new technology comes out (i.e. USB 3)? With a desktop, it is an easy and inexpensive upgrade.
Lastly, if you get a desktop, the money you save from buying a laptop or Mac can be used to buy a 2nd desktop for gaming.
Yes, I could have purchased a laptop, but for my needs a desktop is a better fit.
Check me out on Facebook (www.facebook.com/nodoubtdjs).
Inviato Tue 18 Oct 11 @ 9:19 am
mp3jrick
Ok now this is real time, like last Saturday night.
Working in a gym that is ready to be demolished but they had no other place to have their homecoming dance.
There was no power in the gym at all and we had to run power from locker rooms.
So I am working with two outlets/circuits, one has a weak plug and the other is tight (sloppy tension).
I break my power with my system and powered tops on one circuit (the tight outlet) and my amp for my subs and lighting on the loose outlet.
An hour into the dance with 800 kids in front of me, the tight outlet pops the breaker despite unplugging the TWO Coke machines that were on the circuit.
So at this point I decide to swap my circuits and do so.
Go back to my machine, click config/sound, reapply my sound settings and I pick up EXACTLY where I left off in less than a minute, no program restart, no windows reboot which would include my light show software at this point and away we go.
There is no way without a UPS that a desktop could do this particularly when as I said I had a UPS trippin out which shut my show down twice a year ago. That was the last straw for the desktop.
That's the point where I made my decision, and the main reason was weight and the ability to keep it up and running.
For home use, desktops are fine.
Working in a gym that is ready to be demolished but they had no other place to have their homecoming dance.
There was no power in the gym at all and we had to run power from locker rooms.
So I am working with two outlets/circuits, one has a weak plug and the other is tight (sloppy tension).
I break my power with my system and powered tops on one circuit (the tight outlet) and my amp for my subs and lighting on the loose outlet.
An hour into the dance with 800 kids in front of me, the tight outlet pops the breaker despite unplugging the TWO Coke machines that were on the circuit.
So at this point I decide to swap my circuits and do so.
Go back to my machine, click config/sound, reapply my sound settings and I pick up EXACTLY where I left off in less than a minute, no program restart, no windows reboot which would include my light show software at this point and away we go.
There is no way without a UPS that a desktop could do this particularly when as I said I had a UPS trippin out which shut my show down twice a year ago. That was the last straw for the desktop.
That's the point where I made my decision, and the main reason was weight and the ability to keep it up and running.
For home use, desktops are fine.
Inviato Tue 18 Oct 11 @ 10:08 am
DJ-ALF
Well, I used desktop for 7 years and had no problems at all. It was DJ-dedicated PC so no virus.
Downside is it is big to carry (but I was resident so it was installed in the booth)
Power outage - If power line fails, it takes time to boot windows so you can play again - laptop has it's own battery so in that case it is better.
Everything else is better on the desktop as it is more stable, cooler, easily upgradable and cheaper.
Downside is it is big to carry (but I was resident so it was installed in the booth)
Power outage - If power line fails, it takes time to boot windows so you can play again - laptop has it's own battery so in that case it is better.
Everything else is better on the desktop as it is more stable, cooler, easily upgradable and cheaper.
Inviato Wed 19 Oct 11 @ 3:29 am
Clayton.G.Finley
yeah, i'm still not sure what direction i want to go.
If i upgrade to a new laptop, im wanting to give apples a try, so thats 1k min
desktop would be a full build, so depending on what i use, it could be around the 1k + range as well
I've also been thinking of a second hand mac mini, cheap, small, portable, and should run everything i have just fine
Im not worried about a mouse/keyboard, as with my current set up i rarely touch them, and i'm really interested in adding an ipad to my set up for even less use of key/mouse
If i upgrade to a new laptop, im wanting to give apples a try, so thats 1k min
desktop would be a full build, so depending on what i use, it could be around the 1k + range as well
I've also been thinking of a second hand mac mini, cheap, small, portable, and should run everything i have just fine
Im not worried about a mouse/keyboard, as with my current set up i rarely touch them, and i'm really interested in adding an ipad to my set up for even less use of key/mouse
Inviato Fri 21 Oct 11 @ 1:20 pm
A Man and His Music
Laptops are for little girls, and boat repairmen. That's right I said it.
Inviato Fri 21 Oct 11 @ 3:41 pm
mp3jrick
[Moderated]
Inviato Fri 21 Oct 11 @ 6:51 pm
iansharp
I play mostly video gigs so for me laptops are a big no-no in terms of storage
.
First off I hate the look of table top gear with fifty different pieces of gear scattered all over. I.M.O it looks untidy and it's a pain to set up and take apart. All my gear is rackable and fits in gig boxes so naturally so does my desktop. I highly recommend getting a rack-mount pc.
My beast currently has 2 and 1/4 T.B of storage. This is now full so the three drives are coming out to make room for 4 two T.B drives. I carry all my music with me all the time. That's more than 20000 vids in mp4 (no need to further compress and lose quality), 16000 plus karaoke titles and god knows how many mp3 and wave files. Anytime I wish to upgrade I order the hardware and add or swap accordingly.
As for the power outages, Windows starts right back off where you left it unless you did not save the settings in the software you were running before you lost power.
.
First off I hate the look of table top gear with fifty different pieces of gear scattered all over. I.M.O it looks untidy and it's a pain to set up and take apart. All my gear is rackable and fits in gig boxes so naturally so does my desktop. I highly recommend getting a rack-mount pc.
My beast currently has 2 and 1/4 T.B of storage. This is now full so the three drives are coming out to make room for 4 two T.B drives. I carry all my music with me all the time. That's more than 20000 vids in mp4 (no need to further compress and lose quality), 16000 plus karaoke titles and god knows how many mp3 and wave files. Anytime I wish to upgrade I order the hardware and add or swap accordingly.
As for the power outages, Windows starts right back off where you left it unless you did not save the settings in the software you were running before you lost power.
Inviato Sat 22 Oct 11 @ 12:02 am
tleclaire
This is my rig, all in one and works great.
The PC is a AMD dualcore based system with a Maya 44 Soundcard in it.
I also have a 23" multi touch screen attached and a hercules mp3 e2 controller as well as 2 Reloop RP 2000 turntables with timecodes.
I'm using it as a mobile DJ but only do it occasionally as a hobby and don't earn any money any more with it.
-- Thomas
The PC is a AMD dualcore based system with a Maya 44 Soundcard in it.
I also have a 23" multi touch screen attached and a hercules mp3 e2 controller as well as 2 Reloop RP 2000 turntables with timecodes.
I'm using it as a mobile DJ but only do it occasionally as a hobby and don't earn any money any more with it.
-- Thomas
Inviato Tue 25 Oct 11 @ 12:38 am
djrenee
A Man and His Music wrote :
Laptops are for little girls, and boat repairmen. That's right I said it.
Not true, this little girl has never use a laptop nor have any of the Boat People I've met on incoming tides.
Laptops and their users are often not grounded properly.
I play it safe, it's desktops for me. (Rick I see you point but power losses are rare for me and laptops failures are LEGENDARY. If there's a breaker issue having a working laptop with no power amps won't make a huge difference other than we can play solitaire till ALL the power is restored. :^)
Inviato Tue 25 Oct 11 @ 1:08 pm
mp3jrick
djrenee wrote :
Laptops and their users are often not grounded properly.
I play it safe, it's desktops for me. (Rick I see you point but power losses are rare for me and laptops failures are LEGENDARY
. Laptops and their users are often not grounded properly.
I play it safe, it's desktops for me. (Rick I see you point but power losses are rare for me and laptops failures are LEGENDARY
Yes, Microsoft and PCs have made them that wayNEVER had an issue or ground loop with this Mac.
djrenee wrote :
If there's a breaker issue having a working laptop with no power amps won't make a huge difference other than we can play solitaire till ALL the power is restored. :^)
If there's a breaker issue having a working laptop with no power amps won't make a huge difference other than we can play solitaire till ALL the power is restored. :^)
The difference that is made is the amount of time that passes, with a machine that doesn't need a reboot or program restart but needs only a sound refresh you reduce this to NOTHING
Oh I just love seeing the Windows splash screen on the 9x12 screens middle of the night...tapping my watch...while dodging objects being thrown...hehe.
Using a combination of powered tops and amp'd subs made recovery much faster.
Again, I used a built in desktop for years for the same reasons as y'all.
But I learned after getting burned, and I haven't even mentioned the weight factor.
Inviato Tue 25 Oct 11 @ 2:00 pm
