• This topic has 10 replies, 6 voices, and was last updated 4 years, 9 months ago by .

• i just started learning how to dj and i cant really afford any kind of gear right now so i was wondering how effectively can one dj without expensive equipment using just the software and a laptop.

  Hi,

  For the moment Im in a similar situation. Only laptop + software. Personally I think its ok to start figuring out basic stuff without the controller. You can do mixes to a certain level while training. When you have learned and getting a hang of it you do need a controller. Its seriously frustrating to do with few fingers change overs and other tricks when you lack the controller, trust me really annoying. I wouldn’t even think of performing live without a controller. When you have a controller you even get the option to train with out the sync function. Without the controller at the moment I need to use the sync function. Tried few times without it but I can’t get any longer and sharp mixes done then. With the controller you’re also able to control the hi/mid/low sounds on the fly, which once again without is almost impossible.

  Regards
  Patrick

  If u r a total beginner, going down the only-laptop route can be a good place to begin. Although u will need to invest in a pair of headphones and an audio interface.

  if i’m correct, even phil began the same way…. after trying out the software of ur choice, u can map ur keyboard for various functions (beware of traktor tho)
  u can find it interesting and challenging to DJ only using software, but once u get the hang of it, u’ll be wanting more control than ur keyboard can offer u. even i used only software first and then when i found this setup limiting, i upgraded to hardware (i bought the TM8….. it is pretty overkill for a beginner but it’s loads of fum to use it…. u could get away with a cheaper controller that is made for beginner DJ’s)

  btw, where do u reside in India?

  Yeah, our grandmaster Phil started that way, but that was because there were no controllers 😛

  Patrick, i was able to pull off mixes that, in my opinion were decent enuf using only my laptop. and u can always map the keyboard for ur eq controls

  Traktor is the toughest software to map…… And the problem with Serato is that you cannot mix with it without a controller. U can play only using 1 deck effectively. So serato is obviously out of question.

  And between VirtualDJ and Traktor, VDJ is the easier to map

  Mapping shouldn’t be your biggest concern in choosing DJ software. You have to look at what kind of DJ you are/want to be and what you think your workflow will look like. Then pick your software.

  I would suggest you have a look at Mixvibes Cross as an alternative for Serato. Feature-wise a lot in common but a full mapping option. And pretty cheap. 49 USD/EU gets you the 1st full version, including updates.

  Hi As former Tractor user I know there are lots of mappings to find (look hard enough) for lots of controllers.

  There are also lots of cheap starter cntrollers second hand…. like the ones from reloop …
  There not to bad to start with…. you can buy under 60 bucks

  Then the matter of software… Try Tracktor, try Virtual DJ, Try Serato scratch… these seem to the way to go ..

  When time comes invest your first earnings as a DJ in a better controller …

  Why I switched to Serato from Tractor? Tractor produced alot of extra files…And I teamed up with my DJ mate and the logical choise was to upgrade to SERATO.
  No we do not use SYNC…. we sync on sight and hearing…. using minimal Headphones… We interact alot with our audience

  grab yourself a label machine, print out stickers for each assigned key on your keyboard (cue, play etc), hey presto, a cheap starter controller with no external box…….you will however, be limited to a one channel output….unless you add a cheapy 2/4 channel USB soundcard (which I’ve never used, so couldn’t give any technical advice)

  A.D…..pretty sure if you interact with your audience, they wouldn’t give two (swear words) if you were SYNC’ing or not, as long as the tunes were right 😉

• The forum ‘Digital DJ Gear’ is closed to new topics and replies.

Jul 21, 2016  A Guide to the Best Traktor Controllers. Need help finding the best Traktor controller for your needs? This is a comprehensive guide for Traktor Kontrol: a line of hardware for DJs by Native Instruments designed to integrate perfectly with Traktor software. TRAKTOR controllers are designed and engineered in-house just a few steps away from TRAKTOR PRO 3. Native Instruments is the industry’s leading manufacturer for integrated hardware and software sound tools. Both the software and hardware are designed in tandem with.

TRAKTOR WORKS WITH ALL CONTROLLERS

PLUG AND PLAY WITH TRAKTOR CONTROLLERS FROM NATIVE INSTRUMENTS

• TRAKTOR controllers are designed and engineered in-house just a few steps away from TRAKTOR PRO 3. Native Instruments is the industry’s leading manufacturer for integrated hardware and software sound tools.
• Both the software and hardware are designed in tandem with each other, for seamless plug-and-play integration.
• Whether you’re a play-anywhere performer, a modular hybrid experimentalist, integrate timecode vinyl, or just need an all-in-one solution, there’s TRAKTOR gear that has you covered.

TRAKTOR-READY CONTROLLERS

MANUAL MIDI INTEGRATION

TRAKTOR SCRATCH CERTIFIED MIXERS

Traktor Pro 3 Manual