Getting started in mixing.

[dave_t]

I would really like to hear about other people's experiences with getting started in mixing (and even producing).

I am keen to give it a shot, but it seems like a pretty serious investment in something that I might seriously suck at. My plan at this stage is to pick up one decent turntable with pitch control, then build up the vinyl collection, then fork out for another turntable & mixer at a later stage.

Ideas/feedback would be really appreciated.

Cheers.
D.

[djsimonmann]

Use someone else's decks first, I would never suggest making a commitment like decks unless you have at least tried to use them once.. If you like it then get two cheap gemini's and a mixer in a pack for $500 bucks.. set em up, buy a few records, try mixing.. get the hang of it and take it from there... If you feel the need to get better decks get them after you have shown yourself that you are committed it's a waste to spend $2500 - $3000 to get a good set up if you are never going to use them...

S.

[kyle]

First month or so is a little frustrating, but if you keep at it youll pick it up soon enough, seems about 3 months is where most people either get it or sell up.

It is a serious investment, a little over 3 grand for me + the constant vinyl shopping. Start collecting vinyl asap, you can never have too much :-) It would get very boring and frustrating only having one turntable though, i would think youd be better off waiting and getting the setup all at once, youll get a better deal this .

[NismoR31]

as simon said - use someone else's decks first :) i can mix quite well & yet i still don't own decks & only started buying records a few weeks ago

[LowJohnny]

If you love the music and you are serious about DJing (for the right reasons), buy some mid-range decks I reckon. I have spent a hell of a lot more on vinyl than I spent on decks...vinyl is the real expense. You will probably have to keep buying records or you will get bored....well that's what I find anyways.

[dave_t]

Simon, Nismo - I have some "firends of friends" with decks but no vinyl that I am too interested in mixing. They are very much into d&b (not that there's anything wrong with that!) while I would prefer to be playing tech-house/trance stuff. I guess beggars can't be choosers but I think that I would probably lose interest...
...or I could start buying vinyl. But then I get back to the issue of not having anything to play vinyl on...

D.

[peedah]

Know that, like picking up anything new, you will need to practice a lot, and it may be frustrating at stages where progress seems slow. Having said that, if you know your music and are passionate about it, you WILL get there and the rewards are quite satisfying!

I have owned a pair of Omnitronic DD2250's (good entry level decks) for about a year now and really feel the need to upgrade, but alas, am going overseas soon so my money is being saved for that. This also has meant that vinyl purchasing has been minimal which is very frustrating - very much looking forward to returning and getting serious though! So, if you buy decks, make sure you also have the dosh available to satisfactorily facilitate your habit!

So, if you know what you're in for, I would buy basic/entry level decks and go for it! Good luck, and have fun!

[djruski]

The other school of thought is to save up and buy (new or second hand) Technics 1200's because they hold their value so well. If you suck at mixing or get bored of it you can sell the gear easily enough. Just try selling a pair of Gemini turntables......

You might want to check out one of the DJ schools/bootcamps that advertise in 3D world. Some of them let you hire the equipment, although I'm not sure if you have to sign up for lessons.

I agree with Kyle in that 2 to 3 months should be long enough to pick up beat-mixing. After that you start learning to mix!! My advice - search the web for DJing sites and read all about music structure before you start. It will save you heaps of time and takes alot of guess work out of it.

[Juggalo Muli]

I took a risk and went straight out and spent $2500 on a setup. It was a risk i was prepared to take, and well luckily enough it turned out great and i love my decks, but yea i find if i lay off buying vinyls for a while then i get a little bored, so it is good to have the money to support the habbit. Ive had mine for about 5 months, and the first month is frustrating, but i got the hang of it now so its all good. But i did what you are thinking, went out and bought a second hand dodgy turn table, then collected some records then bought my decks ;)

Its a hard decision.

[magic15x]

save and buy technics, otherwise you will want to sell whatever you get in three months to get technics.... even if it means you have to wait longer until you get them, it is worth it in the end...

As for mixing well there will be times when you want to throw the decks out the window for the first three months, after that its all good, well it should be!

[Fiba Optik]

screw everyone else ;-> go CD - but thats just my opinion.

Cheers
Fiba

[GoForItEddie]

I agree with the saving for technics... the 1200's are the way to go...
I started buying vinyl and begging people to let me use their decks...this way I have managed to buy more vinyl whilst saving up for my own decks...my friends are used to me rocking up at their place with my vinyl in my arms and a sad look on my face...
You'll pick it up.

[LowJohnny]

I disagree with Technics being the only option.
I have been mixing on Omnitronic 3250s for about 5 months.
My mate has had Technics for 5 years, and with all due respect I leave him for dead. The 3250s are fine decks. You can quite easily hold a mix for a minute or two without touching them.

The only crap thing about the set up is the Omnitronic cross-fader. It wore out within a couple of months.

[Sherbos]

I don't totally buy the "Technics are the only option" view... if you can't afford them get something like the Omnitronics but be prepared to pay again later. I was going to go el cheapo but decided to slog it out and save, I've had my Technics now for going on 10 months and I rock :-p

[Spitchen]

I bought a basic model secondhand double CD deck and a basic new mixer and am having fun! Like many, I didn't want to spend heaps of dollars and then find I wasn't into to it. Finding un-mixed CD's is probably trickier as you tend to have to buy a whole album of stuff from a particular producer rather than an EP, but with CDPool and Audiogalaxy (;-)) I am finding new un-mixed tracks all the time, at a very low cost.

Of course, I don't get the "feel and warmth man!" of vinyl but i gave up vinyl when CD's came in 12 years ago and ain't gonna take it up again. :-)

[djsimonmann]

No offence to anything anyone has said, this is my own personal opinion.

Sometimes it is better to be sensible than have the best... and technics/vestax are the best.... The "Technics is the only option" option for someone who has never played dex is ridiculous how can anyone seriously say that spending over a thousand... even for second hand technics.... is sensible ? It's not.. And wouldn't you hate to be one of those people who bought a pair of technics off the bat and they sat dormant for years because you realised that you didn't really want to "take up Djing" you just wanted to have a go.. Get em for the right reason which is to improve your 'existing' skills, not just to know you have the best decks..... The best decks don't make the best DJ, the records and the skills make the best DJ..

S.

[djneo]

Technics is definitely NOT the only option. ESPECIALLY for someone starting out...

My first decks cost $10 each from cash converters and were belt drives with pitch control. It's amazing what happens when you learn on something like that, once you get onto the Technics, it's a LOT easier. Plus it makes you work a lot harder on getting your mixes right.

[djsimonmann]

I agree Neo, I used belt driven too.. I learned to scratch on belt driven decks.... getting skills on belt driven makes playing technics a dream....

S.

[peedah]

Yeah, just like learning on a shite gear box, then driving a Beema.

Sheer Spinning Pleasure!

[eXit 9]

with me, it was similar to Juggalo
i took a risk n spent bout $2000 on my setup even though i had never touched a pair of turntables before that (sumtimes i act a lil rash)
honestly, i havent had any regrets about buying the stuff and i luv DJing
the problem for me now is feeding my addiction to vinyl since my income has decreased due to tafe

look, its up to u really
i would say (like others did) to have a go at a friends house n see whether u like it or not
do this for a few weeks n then take it from there
it really depends on ur funds whether u should go for technics or not
im sure there r other turntables out there which will last u til u can save up for technics

=)

[jootsiejuice]

Bought Technics straight up, could beat mix after an hour, 5 months on and am looking to buy a third. Haven't looked back....

Just ain't got enought cash to get that damn Pioneer 600, anyone selling one for about $1000?

[LowJohnny]

You could beat mix after an hour? You must mix house.

[dave_t]

Thanks all for your comments. Taking all this into consideration I am now thinking that I would be better off picking up some non-Technics decks secondhand and learning on those.

Neo and Simon - I like the sound of learning on something crap and then really appreciating the difference if I end up on Technics.

So, next question, where should I be looking to pick up a pair of secondhand Gemini's or similar? What is worth looking out for when buying? Do these things need servicing and stuff? Basically, how do I avoid getting too ripped off?

Cheers
Dave

[Lambretta]

Start with Jim Beam and Coke and progress slowly through the ranks.
Try a Vodka Martini before you get involved with Pina Colada's or Sex on the Beach.

[NismoR31]

dave don't worry much about what styles your 'friends of friends' play... i've mixed many many diff genres. learning to mix diff styles really helps your mixing overall - teaches you to look at everything differently i spose. so don't be afraid to play with that dnb :)

i used 2 bash a bit on belt driven AM DJs. PUSH that record :)

[brayne]

good thread lots of info. numark equipment is goin pretty cheap wots every1's opinions on the value/quality of numark products?

[Morphee]

fkn grave dig. Lock.

[Uprock]

The reason why people will tell you to buy Technics is because they're so reliable and hold their value. Buy second-hand and even if you decide you don't like DJing, just sell 'em on and get your money back.

Scrimp on your first mixer though, unless you're planning to start playing out right away or scratching heavily.

If you can't afford Techs though, definitely get whatever you can get your hands on, and don't worry about it too much.

[BMoney]

You could beat mix after an hour? You must mix house.
SNAP!!!:lol:

Buy some cheapies, give it a go and you'll love it. Then you'll realise that beat mixing is nigh on impossible and wanna upgrade to almight technix.

As said previously, have a go on friends dex or find somewhere to give a serious go for a few hours and make up your mind that way.

[Mick77]

Man check out Alto Mixers! They're cheap but good for your 1st mixer.

And yeah, the most important thing is to keep up with new vinyl stocks! If you have limited rekkids you will get bored with it and not feel inspired to practice.

But BEWARE! Once you start you'll be flat broke........but sublimely happy!!!

[ViRaL]

I used to mix on a mates decks years ago ... got pretty good for a bit, but then didnt touch any for years ... Mates of mine all started mixing bout 2 years ago , i started to get back into it a bit ... i played around on all theirs , and at parties they'd some "Come have a spin" .. yet when i tried , id completely lost the touch ...

I had money now though , so i bought a setup ... and over the past 2 years ,. have built up a setup with 2 x 1200's , 1 x DJM600 (Not a word anyone) , 1 x CDJ1000 and a Korg Kaoss Pad 2 ... and i wouldnt sell them for anything ... I couldnt fit the decks in my room , which kind of sucks coz I dont play them as much as Id like , but i still spin a few times a week , and at mates parties here and there ...



I started as a hobby to get me away from computers ...i spend too much time infront of them :}