I'm currently doing tons of research on exactly what type of setup to get, and am looking at the above system with a behringer ddm4000. I want to know if there will be any compatability issues. I know everyone says buy a pioneer mixer instead, but I'm trying to save a little $$$. Also, I will be buying a new laptop, any special soundcard or anything at all extra any of you recommend?

Saving the money now will just cost you buying another mixer in the long run.

ya know, for a mod, that's a really crappy answer. I'd expect as much from someone who doesn't really care. Seeing as how I pointed out the fact that I'm trying to save a little $$$ in one area, since I already gotta pay for the way overpriced pioneer merchandise. so thanks for nothing.

A mixer is a mixer is a mixer, in terms of basic functionality.

But a mixer is not a mixer in terms of quality, features, and usability.

Will there be any compatibility issues? No, but as Pulse says, you'll be happier in the long run for spending a little more money and buying a Pio mixer, because you won't have to replace it in a year or wonder why it sounds so crummy.

Keep in mind this is a Pio forum; we're going to tout that gear as much as possible. No need to get all bent out of shape about a perfectly valid opinion.

-r-

Hey Sammy how should we answer you? Tell you the truth about the junk your looking at? This is a Pioneer site so we are pointing things to Pioneer. Investing now will save you tomorrow, ask all the CDJ-100 DJs who are still using the players 9 years later.

I would simply go on line and compare pricing and features of all the players within a price range and then compare the strong and weak points. I used this forum to research my DJM-3000 and compiled all the facts before I spent more then I planned to on a mixer, but here we are 7 years later and the mixer is still going strong. good gear lasts,and if taken care off bad gear can to.

We ultimately only point at the name of the site we're on. Other gear has other forums that may help, so do all your research and figure your best move. But please don't come in here are trash answers that we give you.....

quote:

Originally posted by RyanJ:
A mixer is a mixer is a mixer, in terms of basic functionality.

But a mixer is not a mixer in terms of quality, features, and usability.

Will there be any compatibility issues? No, but as Pulse says, you'll be happier in the long run for spending a little more money and buying a Pio mixer, because you won't have to replace it in a year or wonder why it sounds so crummy.

Keep in mind this is a Pio forum; we're going to tout that gear as much as possible. No need to get all bent out of shape about a perfectly valid opinion.

-r-

It wasn't really an opinion he offered. More like "Don't buy junk". Well gee, thanks Mr. Smartypants. My original quote was simply "I know everyone says buy a pioneer mixer instead, but I'm trying to save a little $$$." Apparently everyone on is this forum has more money than they know what to do with, and scoff at anyone who can't afford such luxuries. I simply asked about compatibility issues, but I thank you for answering that much for me.

quote:

Originally posted by djjay:
Hey Sammy how should we answer you? Tell you the truth about the junk your looking at? This is a Pioneer site so we are pointing things to Pioneer. Investing now will save you tomorrow, ask all the CDJ-100 DJs who are still using the players 9 years later.

How about answering more specifically. And yes, if you actual critism of the components I'm looking at, then I absolutely want your opinion. But it seems everyone here is only willing to talk about pioneer products, and have probably never even owned any of the other "junk" out there. There are other companies in the world making good products, and you guys should take notice.

quote:

We ultimately only point at the name of the site we're on. Other gear has other forums that may help, so do all your research and figure your best move. But please don't come in here are trash answers that we give you.....

I understand other gear has other forums, but I was looking for a little objectivity here. In case you didn't understand the question the first time, i was about the compatibility of the PIONEER DJS software with another brand of mixer. I thought the pioneer forums would be good place to get a straight answer, rather than another manufacturers site who is obviously going to say "Absolutely compatabil" "No Problem". BTW, I feel completely free to fire back to anyone who's talking down to me...I don't care if it is a mod, he should know better and apoligize.

DJS works with any mixer, so that's a personal preference. I can't go into detail about other gear because I don't support flaming other companies. Every co mpany has a customer who thinks their stuff sux, we're no different. pioneer has managed through time and effort to build quality gear that lasts. The reason that 80+ of the top 100 ranked DJs in the world use Pioneer gear is because they know they can trust it to deliver every time.

I still stand by my statement that you need to go out and find what's right for you and you alone. Your paying for it so you make the call, good bad or indifferent; it's ultimately on you.

One last thing- You can feel free to fire back at anytime, just be ready to pay for it if needed. Honey not vinegar......

Sammy, I'm not selling Pioneer - I don't make a commission by telling you that you should buy Pioneer.

But I also can't tell you Behringer is crap and you shouldn't touch it with a 10ft pole because the forum rules state that we are not to discuss non-Pioneer brand equipment. It only ever leads to product bashing, arguments and flaming.

And don't forget, I read every post on the board. Sometimes I don't have time to provide a long and detailed answer to a vague question.

This is the most regimented forum I've ever been on. It's run like a communist state. "Don't talk about anything thats not pioneer." When clearly there is section for non-related material. However, when questions arise about pioneer gear w/ other manufacturers gear, it again goes back to "Don't talk about anything thats not pioneer." It's hilarious. I'll stick with the TA, groovanauts, uf, and dungpow boards, since everyone here is obviously not gonna provide any first hand experiences.

I don't know how many times I'll have to re-state the obvious...

Pioneer owns this forum. Pioneer can do what it wants with this forum.

If you want to discuss competitor's gear, go to their forum or a public forum where it's allowed.

Think of this in comparison to a nightclub with a dresscode. The sign at the door says "No baseball caps" which on the Pioneer forum translates to "No competitor talk".

So you can either obey the "dresscode" or the bouncers will throw you out.

And I don't know how many times I have to state the obvious, the original question was in relation to a pioneer product. Pioneer may own the forum. You may, or may not work for pioneer. And any advice from even the mods is not pioneers responsibilty. Yet about the only thing that is allowed to be discussed is the awesomeness of pioneer gear. I get it. I read the forum rules. THAT MAKES TOTAL SENSE!

Okay, so you'll then understand when I say ditch the Behringer mixer, get the Pioneer mixer and save up your money for a good soundcard.

What sound card do you recommend for a laptop? Better yet, What laptops do you recommend to use with the pioneer equipment. I've been looking at the dell studio series, lenovo, and sony vaio.

IMHO...

Dell = crap
Lenovo = a crappy IBM, now no longer made by IBM
Sony = okay but expensive and loaded with far too much crappy Sony software
Panasonic = amazingly tough but v. expensive
Fujitsu = great but also expensive
HP / Compaq = were good, got crappy, seem to be on the upswing again
Toshiba = always just ahead of HP in my books
Apple = expensive but LOVE IT

Soundcards... it really depends on your needs. I'd suggest at least a 2-in / 4-out (at LEAST) and NOT counting the digital I/O. For cheap and not fantastic quality, you can get a MAYA44USB which is really designed for output only. M-Audio makes soundcards which are a balance of good quality and low price.

If you plan on doing anything with Ableton, you may want more than that, look for a proper 4/8 or 4/10 (again, not counting digital). When you step up to that level, consider the MOTU Ultralites which are a fair chunk of change but you could choke a horse with all the features.

Ya it's a Pioneer Forum, so you can read about the experiences, good and bad, that users have had with Pioneer gear.

If the rules don't work for you, and the set-up doesn't work for you; then maybe it's the wrong place for you? We're here to enforce and carry on the outline the pioneer wants us to. We use other gear and have had years of experience in the market place so we know what works well and what doesn't.

My tech guy loves Dell and Mac, but I use an HP because I'm not rich enough yet to get a Mac. Sound cards wise, what's your ultimate goal with it and what will you be using it for the most. this should help to give a better answer- Example, why recommend a 8/8 card if you only need 2/2.....

Sammy,
These guys really are spot on. I've only been a member of this with a short while but they've always adressed any problem I have had. Any mail I've sent Pulse he has always replied. He has well over 20000 posts, Jay has over 8000 and there are many more who reply to queries. I haven't figured out if RyanJ is a Mod or not but he's brilliant for helping out. What they were all trying to say, subtlely, was Behringer just doesn't cut it. There is a reason Pioneer may be considered more expensive to other equipment on the market and that is because you are guaranteed quality and reliability. Pioneer is now a synonym for DJ and it is no wonder they have become the industry standard.
I'm 20 years of age. Finances are tight as I have just bought myself $15000 car. As well as being in college I work in a hospital, a hardware store, as a bartender, DJ and have my own businesses. I recently sold my Pioneer gear and am now down to just my Xponent by M-Audio. Why am I putting myself under so much pressure? I'm saving up for new Pioneer gear and am happy paying the price for what I know I will be getting.

For laptops, I'd always be inclined towards a Dell or a Mac. As I have bought quite a few computers from Dell over the past few years I am buying a Dell again, The Studio 15. I have it customised to my own specification and would be happy to give you the details if you drop me a line at gmcm87@hotmail.com.

Don't slate the guys, they are doing a top job!

GMC - I'm not a mod, I just try to help out where I can. Thanks for the props though.

I do IT for a living (so does Pulse, actually), and I pretty much parrot Pulse in his laptop suggestions. I am a Toshiba fan through and through, and have never had any problems with either of the machines I've owned of theirs (with the exception of a bad hard drive once - but since I'm a technician that was no big deal; a word to the wise: laptop hard drives die faster than any other kind, so BACK UP YOUR STUFF!!!)

HP is alright (especially if you want a sexy looking machine) but I see more of their machines in the shop than any other brand. They are getting better though.

I don't mind Mac but the price is just too much for me. I'd do linux before mac, I think.

As for Pio's pricing, yes, it's expensive, but IMHO worth the price. For some it's not; just like for some, Mac is worth the price, for me, it's not.

Lastly, if you're trying to save money are are really set on NOT getting a Pio mixer, at least don't get Behringer. You'll hate yourself for it in the short run, nevermind the long run. You're better than that.

**edit** If you want a really nice, analog 8-out soundcard, check out the Gigaport AG. (clicky). I've used it numerous times and really like it for general DJ computer outputs.

-r-

This message has been edited. Last edited by: RyanJ,

I seriously wouldn't go for a behringer, waste of money if u ask me. My advice is to save some dosh and get yourself a Pio DJM400, fantastic mixer and the best out there in that price range. If u must go for a cheaper option, try the new vestax vcm 004 xl usb, I use this at home and great value for money. I would suggest not to touch anything below the £200 mark or u will lose it in the long run. Seriously tho, go for the djm 400, u will love it.

Thank you all for the quality of information in the last several posts. I will definitely be looking hard at the Gigaport AG. And I have decided to bite the bullet and get the djm 400. Less features than I wanted, but affordable. As for the laptop, mac's are definitely out. Personally I hate them, my experience has been that they are difficult to use, people that own them talk about them like they work for company, and oh btw, they're way overpri$ed. I will definitely check out the toshiba's. I agree the sony's are a bit on the expensive side as well. As for what I'll use it for? Well for now just the basics (my current computer is long overdue to be replaced) along with running the djs software, not a whole lot else now, but down the road, would definitely like to running albeton.