Question for all you spinners out there.

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xerocool

Senior member
May 26, 2003
497
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I just recently got into spinning through one of my friends and I'm interested in some nice starting equipment for a newb dj.

I love hip hop and rap, but am very terrible at it, but I do enjoy trance/techno and am not too shabby at beat matching.

I heard there are some computerized systems out there that do auto-beat matching and throw in some auto beats in there when you want. I'm interested in that too, but my friend who got me into this is hardcore anti that for some reason.

Being on Anandtech, I'm a huge computer freak so anything that involves me being with computers is probably something more in my element. Oh, and my cap is probably aroudn $500 (that's for EVERYTHING, minus speakers and reciever)

So thanks to anyone that any suggestions! :)
 
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ciwell

Member
Mar 24, 2004
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To be honest, 500 is not near enough for the kind of equipment you will want. 500 is the typical price for just one turntable, give or take about 50 bucks. For the beginner, don't go Technics if you aren't set into it, but look into Numark. AVOID any tt that is belt-driven and look only for direct drive. Try looking around in your local pawn shops as you might be able to find a -slightly- used set for a decent price. Some retailers online and not sell "DJ in the box" sets. Those are good for starters, but tend to be a little on the cheap side. Hope this helps.
 
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bswail123

Member
Mar 22, 2001
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don't even worry about the equipment cost, it the vinyl that will eat your lunch. I spent upwards of $1500 on my equipment and within 2 months I had spent the same amount on vinyl alone. Its an expensive hobby but its a lot of fun when you get it down. Ofcourse everyone that you talk to will say that Technics are the only way to go, and I agree if you want decks that will last forever. However, if you are looking to get good decks for the money and dont care as much about the longevity (still get 5 years on them for sure) then I say go with Newmarks Pro TT-200 or higher series. You should be able to find them for $200 or less per deck. Now for the mixer you will also have people telling you that you have to buy a Pioneer or RANE mixer, again if you want logevity then yes its the way to go, but if you are just looking for practical then I say take a look at a Numark DXM03 (around $200) or a Gemini FX-7000X (around $250) which has some simple effects on it. You will probably find that the mixer is the thing that is holding you back more than anything, so saving a little more for something better is always a good idea. Take it from me, I spent over $800 on a mixer and I am always looking up at the functions of the $1200+ mixers.
 
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xerocool

Senior member
May 26, 2003
497
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seems like both of you guys are into vinyl (that's what my friend likes too b/c of the "feel") and yeah i know vinyl's gonna eat me alive with cost, so that's why i was thinking about some digital systems where i could just use some mp3's, but i'm not sure how good those are/ if anyone even uses them.

like are there programs out there that i can just play the instrumental part or acapella part off an mp3? cuz obviously that'd save alot of cash rather then buy tons of vinyl.

also, it seems like both you guys are saying numark is the beginner way to go. and yeah 5 years is a good point because if i really really get into it, in 5 years i'll definitely have the cash to upgrade to something more solid and substantial, but right now it's just an addictive fun pasttime.

is there anything else i need besides turntables and a mixer? any nice accessories or something essential that i'm missing? i'm going to look into all the systems you guys suggested.

thank you so much for your input!

oh also, my friend said $500 was enough to get started (through used ads, ebay, etc.) so those are the kinds of places i'd try to find my stuff.... his equipment is all Stanton brand, is that any good?
 
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ciwell

Member
Mar 24, 2004
188
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Yes, there are programs, however the names of them escape me at the moment, although one is from Sonic Foundry. When I get off of work, I will look them up for you.

For a basic setup you need:
-2xturntables
-1xmixer
-all associated cables(these typically come with the said turntables and mixers, unless you get used)
-needle and cartridge for each turntable if they are not included...if they are, spares are a must, especially if you are new.
-headphones and/or speakers

As for Stanton, they are not bad for entry level, but my preference is Numark and Technics, by personal experience. Of course, when it comes to turntable brand, personal preference does indeed weigh in...but, for entry level, any of them will do.

Try nosing around www.idjnow.com ; it is a good starting point with some good links on it. Google is good too. ;)
 
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xerocool

Senior member
May 26, 2003
497
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how is the numark dxm01 usb? it seems like a pretty cool option to be able to stream mp3's for a background or to play music (so i can save on vinyl) and it says that i can record from vinyl too... does that mean if i bought a vinyl disc that i could get certain tracks such as acappella and instrumental from it for my own personal use (note, not pirating cuz it's just for me)

also, i have a nice pair of pioneer headphones that was my dad's from the 70/80's, totally retro and they sound pretty good (well, good to me the newb).

and this guy in my apt says his dad's the ceo or soemthing of niro (some company that makes speakers and amps, the sound pretty good in his room and they're pretty loud), and that he can get me a discount on that stuff... i wouldn't be playing for huge parties, but maybe like 100-200 people at a kegger or something.

also, thanks so much ciwell, if you want you can pm me the info, i've been looking at tons of numark stuff and i'm thinking (2x) tt200's + dxm01usb might be a nice starter set, so i can fool around with mp3's too.

what do you think?
 
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