[Setrith]

Hi, I'm currently looking into the idea of DJing, only trouble is I have very very little knowledge about DJing so I was just wondering what people would recommend is the best way to get started? Ideally as cheaply as possible, just in case I decide it's not for me as I don't want to be left with a pile of really expensive equipment! Are there any good cheap computer programs or websites that are good for beginners to learn the basics, then after using that for a while I can decide whether to purchase some proper equipment or not. Thanks in advance for any replies, as I'm pretty clueless about the matter at the minute.

[skins345669]

Have a look around youtube at some instructional videos and maybe get yourself a USB interface. There are loads on the market at about 250 quid and they'll retain resale value pretty well if you look after them.

The more you look into it, the more your interest will grow and the more willing you will become to get involved. That's what happened to me anyway. It's been about a year since I first played out, using Virtual DJ and a USB controller I borrowed off a mate; now I'm rocking vinyl decks and Traktor Scratch w/ timecode.

Have fun with it!

[Setrith]

(Original post by skins345669)
Have a look around youtube at some instructional videos and maybe get yourself a USB interface. There are loads on the market at about 250 quid and they'll retain resale value pretty well if you look after them.

The more you look into it, the more your interest will grow and the more willing you will become to get involved. That's what happened to me anyway. It's been about a year since I first played out, using Virtual DJ and a USB controller I borrowed off a mate; now I'm rocking vinyl decks and Traktor Scratch w/ timecode.

Have fun with it!

Thanks, are there any specific brand names you'd recommend to get/avoid when it comes to getting the USB interface? I just had a look at the virtual DJ website, which version do you think would be best for a complete novice?

[tekno]

Dj equipment is generally pretty expensive and I would advise against getting a cheap controller to begin with because if you find you dont like it you might find it difficult to sell on (if at all). I'd recommend getting a Native Instruments Kontrol S2 as it includes the Traktor software which is professional standard.

Turntables (vinyl or cd) and mixer combo will be expensive unless you buy a **** set that will have little or no resale value. Plus you have the extra cost of vinyl which can be £8+ per record.

Honestly, NI S2 for £400 is the best value for someone starting out. If you progress beyond bedroom then you can start thinking about upgrading. As for the whole Laptop v Vinyl debate, yes vinyl is more authentic and takes much greater skill but it's ******* expensive so wait til you grasp the basics before investing in it.

[skins345669]

The S2 is a great piece of kit, it's the first controller I bought, but it may be a bit expensive for absolute novices. If you have the money for it, go ahead, you won't regret it. The only thing the S2 lacked, in my opinion, was big enough wheels for scratching, which is why I moved on to the timecode deck setup. The S2 makes beatmatching, blending and using effects all very simple, but there are also a number of slightly cheaper options which will be similar.

My friend just bought one of these (just watched a video on it and the features look great):
http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/DAP-Audio-...#ht_1514wt_905

It may look intimidating, but it's only the same as any other bit of technology. Spend some time fiddling and you'll have it down in no time.

[skins345669]

(Original post by Setrith)
Thanks, are there any specific brand names you'd recommend to get/avoid when it comes to getting the USB interface? I just had a look at the virtual DJ website, which version do you think would be best for a complete novice?

Hey, how's it going? Have you made any progress with this? Need any more advice?

[Setrith]

(Original post by skins345669)
Hey, how's it going? Have you made any progress with this? Need any more advice?

Sorry I have been away for a couple of days and didn't get a chance to reply. I've had a look at the NI S2 you recommended, as well as that link to the one your friend bought on eBay. At £400 the S2 would be within my budget, so would you say I should go for it? Or is it not worth the extra money?

[skins345669]

(Original post by Setrith)
Sorry I have been away for a couple of days and didn't get a chance to reply. I've had a look at the NI S2 you recommended, as well as that link to the one your friend bought on eBay. At £400 the S2 would be within my budget, so would you say I should go for it? Or is it not worth the extra money?

Grab it, it's pretty awesome.

[Setrith]

(Original post by skins345669)
Grab it, it's pretty awesome.

OK thanks a lot for the help, its appreciated