Hey guys! I've been looking online at this forum for the past couple of weeks and I'm loving all of the information that I'm finding up here. You guys are truly a great resource.

I'm an avid music lover (preferably Hip-Hop and R&B). I'm really just starting out with looking into becoming a DJ (primarily for parties, weddings, local clubs).

I'm just wondering what I should do to start out and see if this is what I want to do other than what I've already done. I've gotten a couple of programs (VirtualDJ and Mixxx are just a couple) to see if I could get the hang of things and I've been learning those pretty well.

Before I make the leap to getting a mixer or any type of physical setup, are there any other programs that I should try or get accustomed to? What programs would you guys recommend?

I'll save on the equipment suggestions for a later date.

-DJ Yella Fella

Well, Pioneer's got some pretty decent DJ software lol. Especially with the release of the new control surface, the SEP-1C, designed specifically for a hardware control of the software. Good news is, it will also work with my other favorite software, Serato Scratch Live!

SSL isn't cheap, but it's worth every penny. Others on here like M-Audio's torq, but if your computer isn't very powerful, torq will have problems.

-r-

RyanJ,

Thanks for the reply. I've just been in research mode at the moment and I haven't found anything on this SEP-1C yet, any link you can provide?

Also, just by what I've been reading, everyone seems to be using some form of a CDJ (200/400/800MK2/1000MK3) with a mixer of some sort. I've been reading about and using these programs that have only been using the .mp3 files on my computer rather than having to use a CD. I know this is possible, but is this feasible to use in a DJ setting. I mean, I've done some very crude beatmatching via my PC, keyboard and mouse clicks, so I know it can be done.

What are you guys' thoughts on just using my laptop with these audio programs and a mixer to connect to my output (speakers/mic)?

Thanks!

- DJ Yella Fella

The SEP / MEP thread is stickied in the Pro DJ forum.

Pulse,

Thanks for that information and the link. I'm guessing I couldn't find anything on them the SEP (or MEP-7000) because they aren't out yet.

But it looks like the SEP-C1 would be perfect for what I'm wanting to do. And from what I'm reading on the thread, it looks like the SEP-C1 does support connection to your laptop and the music stored on it correct?

I mean, I would think that if I'm going to shell out the money, I should just go ahead and invest in the MEP-7000 anyway.

Wow, I knew I picked the right place to ask my questions.

Just a couple more. Like I said I was using other software on the laptop (not going to discuss those again...) but with DJS coming with both the SEP-C1 and MEP-7000, it would probably be smart to get used to DJS.

I just need to know some information about what type of sound card I would need for my laptop. I just have my integrated card at the moment and I know that it needs to be upgraded. Just lost as to what I may need to go in it.

Any suggestions on that?

Thanks again for everything guys!

- DJ Yella Fella

The SEP is a CONTROLLER ONLY. There is no audio interaction - you need a soundcard for anything to come out of your computer. Speaking of soundcards, your best bet is an external card with multiple outs. I never use the internal ones because they always seem to have noise associated with all the other electronics. Anything with 2 stereo outs would do you just fine, but if you're leaning towards the MEP, it's got them built-in anyhow.

DJS is a decent software app - without a controller it was really not the best piece of software to use but I've been using it for a while, it's very stable, simple to use and certainly gets the job done.

Thanks for the heads up on the soundcard thing. I'm on the look out now for something externally for the moment.

Anyone in particular that you would recommend?

And while I'm thinking about it, I did want to ask one final question for a solution for doing what I want (mixing mp3 files rather than using actual CD's...). Couldn't I use 2 CDJ-400's with a decent mixer and use that to function the DJS software and connect that through an external soundcard? I mean, it would reduce my costs and do everything I want to do as well, it would just be 3-4 peices of equipment rather than 1 integrated piece, but it would get the job done.

What do you think?

-DJ Yella Fella

With the 400's you wouldn't need an external soundcard either because they have sound devices built in (one stereo pair per CDJ400).

I dig the CDJ400 route for the performance aspect but as far as "kickassedness" goes, the MEP has it all wrapped up.

true dat Pulse....