OpenJay Forums

Need advise please - 2007/05/02 16:30

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Hi all.

I want to try my hand at the digital DJ thing and I am hoping this is the right place to ask questions about how to get set up as I want to base everything on Linux. I have done some DJ'ing using real mixers and CDJ's, but I am completel y new to digital mixing.
I installed Ultramixer on my SuSE 10.2 laptop and played around with it a bit. Loading tracks, looping, pitch, crossfading, all seems familiar but what I don't understand is how to get multiple channels going? For example, If you are playing a track on deck A and you want to queue a track on deck B, then how do you get to listen to the track on deck B on the headphones?
DO I need a special hardware device for this? And if so,can this be a USB device or what kind of bus does it use?

I am willing to spend some money but one of the reasons I want to get into digital DJ'ing is because I want to be able to travel light (preferably only with the laptop) and simply plug in to the amp at the gig. Is this realistic at all? I realise it will be a bit of a learning curve to get to know the software but I think the benefits make up for it.

Thanks

Re:Need advise please - 2007/05/03 18:17

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UltraMixer is a good product to start with the digital mixing world. You need a special device... true.

You need a soundcard capable of 2 (at least) stereo output (and 1 stereo input at least if you need a mic or to recording). Usually, as mobile dj, one can use a notebook. So USB soundcards are widespread. Always check if the soundcard has some sort of linux drivers. Well supported cards are actually:

- Echo indigo dj
- Terratec USB devices
- Hercules dj console MK I (MKII is on the way...)

If someone is sure about other devices, please post...

However it is true: you'll need some time to learn your new OS (Linux) and some time to know the software.

Post edited by: J_Zar, at: 2007/05/03 18:22