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DJing 101: The Equipment
edited by
Steve Shah
assisted by: Danny Bastian, Jim,
William Kelly, Joncas D., Aaron J. Grier,
ProformDJ,Will E. Reburn, Artie, DJ Ellis Dee, Michael Erb
With a special thanks to Al Weltha for his valuable
feedback and suggestions.
This paper is an excerpt from Steve Shah's alt.music.makers.dj FAQ that he edited.
More info about the FAQ can be
found at the bottom of this paper.
Contents
Mixers • CD Players •
Turntables
There is more to say on this subject than there is time to write it.
Most of what you'll learn about equipment will come from experience.
(Remember: PRACTICE!) Here are a few things that will get you started...
Mixers
If you are just getting into things and are unsure if you want to be
doing this sort of work a year from now, investing into a big "it can do
everything" mixer probably isn't a good idea. There are a lot of good smaller
mixers available which fit the bill fine.
There is a common misconception that a better mixer will make a better
performance. A better mixer will only better a person's performance once they
have the practice and know how to make effective use of their "it can do
everything" equipment. Even then, a good DJ doesn't need it to do everything
for a good mix. My favorite example is when I let a local radio station (KUCI
88.9FM in Irvine, CA -- Riders of the Plastic Groove Show) use my mixer for an
evening. DJ Ron D Core (a big name in the Los Angeles area) was one of the
guest DJ's for the evening and refused to use the station's mixer which had
circular faders. (He said it was like using a washing machine.) My very simple
Atus 200 sat between his turntables and let him mix one of the best sets I
had ever heard. Believe me when I say the mixer had nothing to do with it. My
point: Equipment never makes up for talent.
A few names to start with are:
- MTX
- Gemini
- Atus
- Vestax
- Radio Shack
- Rane
MTX. Very few poor reviews have been posted concerning the unit and
it seems to be a popular unit for many DJs. It is mid-priced ($200-$500)
and offers all of the elements needed in a good DJ mixer. Nothing flashy,
just solid performance.
Gemini mixers are a definate consideration for the starting DJ. They
offer a wide array of mixers from entry level to professional and most DJs who
use them seem to be pleased with their performance.
Radio Shack is just bad news. Within the last three years of my net
presence, I have only heard ONE good comment about their equipment and staff.
(This comes from frequenting many different newsgroups, including many
technical groups) Their mixers are the best priced, but it many not be a unit
you'll want to keep for a long time...
Vestax is better known for the CD players. I haven't heard much about
them or their mixers, but you should just know that they are out there.
Somewhere...
The Rane MP-24 is a high-end mixer constructed with the professional
in mind. At $1000 for a single unit, they are the most expensive DJ mixers
available, but Rane has managed to justify the price tag with an impressive
array of features and professional components. There is an audible difference
when using one. These features include: ALP faders for clean transitions,
four independent outputs, transformer isolated light trigger output (so you
won't lose your sound if the light chaser cable shorts), a loaner program
in case your unit goes bad (although it has been noted that redundancy is
a key feature), and last but not least, a feature to disable the MIC from
tape outputs (this allows you to use the MIC during a performance, but not
have the taping reflect these announcements). 48 hour repair turnaround is
also available.
A note about sampling mixers: Sampling mixers have received mixed
reviews in regards to their quality. Some have found their quality to be fine
while others complain that they are too spotty. It seems a lot of people agree
that the samplers are typically good enough for drum loops but not good enough
for vocals.
Contents
CD Players
The features you need to look for in a DJ level CD player include:
- Instant start
- Fast cueing
- Pitch control/Pitch bend
- Easy to read display
Features that would be nice to have:
Some basic common tidbits of information:
- The smallest unit of sound on a CD is a frame. One frame is
equal to 1/75 sec.
- Instant start means a start time in the hundredths of a
second. Claims of instant start "In under 1 second!" are
bogus.
- No CD player (yet) can scratch or backspin.
- This FAQ doesn't consider a CD player to be a DJ CD player
unless it has pitch control. Although there are many DJs
who use traditional CD players for their work, that sort
of list would be better suited for Consumer Reports to
tackle. =)
Suggestions for CD-Player Care:
(derived from the Denon CD-Player Tips 1.01 by Joncas D)
Although these were pulled from a Denon specific document,
most of the suggestions are applicable to all CD players.
General Care
- Rack mount the unit -- this will result in much less physical abuse on the unit
- Keep it clean -- Dust and the sensitive electronics inside the unit don't get along.
- Usage Tips
- Use sticky on one side clean lamination sheets to
protect the display from scratches.
- Support the back of your rack mounted unit with a sturdy brace made of metal or wood. This will
help reduce skipping caused by vibration.
- Use three units of rack space instead of two and
fill the gaps with foam pillow. This reduces
vibration even more.
- Make sure your CDs are clean if you find cue times
getting excessive.
Operational Tips and Difficulties
- Try turning the unit off and then back on. Most
problems fix themselves this way.
- Don't bend your controller cables (if you have
any) tightly. This causes errors when the units
communicate with each other.
DENON
Denon's good reputation in the pro-audio market reaches well into the
DJ market as well. All of their products are solid performers and are often
the standard by which other units are compared.
On the lowest end if the DN-1000F. This is a single unit CD player
with instant start, +/- 8% pitch, pitch bend (+/- 12%), and frame cueing. It's
a solid performer and is extremely easy to carry around. There are two special
plugs in the back to connect it with another DN-1000F and to connect it with
an RC-35 adapter (see below). The open/close button on the tray is protected
which means the unit will not eject a playing CD. This kindly keeps clueless
people around you from stopping a playing song. The CD must be either cued or
paused to be ejected. Last but not least is the self locking transport.
The laser pickup automatically locks in place when the power is shut off.
Right next to the DN-1000F is the DN-2000F. This unit is no longer
manufactured but there are still quite a few out there. The DN-2000F is
essentially two DN-1000F's packaged in one convenient box. Both CD players are
in one box which only has a power switch and eject buttons on it. The controls
for it are all on the RC-35 which comes as part of the package.
The RC-35 is a remote control for the DN-1000F and DN-2000F players.
This allows you to mount the actual units in your coffin (often seen a little
above the knees) and keep the actual controls (pitch, start, stop, track
change, cueing) and backlit display right next to your mixer. This unit
comes as part of the DN-2000F package and is required to use the DN-2000F.
The DN-1000F has all of these controls on the face of the unit already and
therefore does not need the remote control for operation. However, it is
handy if you want to mount the DN-1000F somewhere else and control it from
the area around your mixer.
Since the DN-2000F has been discontinued, the DN-2000F Mk II has been
released. It is very similar in structure to the DN-2000F but offers many new
controls to making mixing a touch easier. The display on the RC-35 is now
active matrix instead of backlit making it easier to view from different
angles, the power switch has a protector around it to keep idiots from turning
everything off, instant start has been made a touch faster at 0.01 seconds
from the old 0.03 seconds.
It should be noted that these units use plaster CD trays. BE CAREFUL!
They are $100 to repair and are NOT covered under warranty if broken. Clubs
should mount the transport high to avoid drawers getting squashed by belt
buckles when open. Mobiles should be careful!
Should your unit need repair, it will be taken to United Radio in
Syracuse, NY. At United Radio, a team of Denon specialists will examine
and repair the unit. Remember: These techs are people too! You'll have much
better luck remaining civil with them and explaining your problem in a
well thought out systematic manner than you will screaming at them.
Some unofficial notes from these techs are:
- Some units with serial numbers below one thousand had
consistent trouble with their circuitry not being
well connected. Difficulty cueing and skipping on beats
only during breakdowns are telltale signs. Accuracy: 50%
- Units which consistently skip most likely have a
misaligned laser. Handle it with extra care. Accuracy: 75%
PIONEER
Unlike the Denon series, the Pioneer CDJ-500 was meant to resemble a
turntable more than a CD player. The unit fits nicely in a coffin space
originally for the Technics SL-1200 and all the operations (including disc
load) is done from the top instead of the side. The pitch slider goes +/- 10%
and includes pitch lock. Instead of using buttons for cueing and pitch bend,
the unit uses a large jog wheel to control the CD which is supposed to
resemble the feel of manipulating vinyl. (Whether or not it resembles vinyl is
up for debate, however, many say that it is easier to manipulate than the
Denons.) It can also display CD-G discs and karioke discs.
The only noticeable downfall for the unit is it's larger price tag. If
you have the kind of money it takes to get one of these, go for it.
GEMINI
Gemini's recent addition to the Pro-DJ market is the CD-9500 and
CD-4700, units which are in direct competition to the Denon DN-2000F/Mk II and
DN-1000F respectively.
The CD-9500 features frame level cueing (1/75th of a second), a jog
wheel allowing for six different search speeds, instant start, two disc bays,
a remote control so you can mount the unit away from the controls, and the
standard +/- 8% pitch control. Because it has only recently been introduced,
we don't know its long term stability, however, initial reactions to the unit
have been very favorable. Cute features include a protector on the power
switch so you don't accidentally turn the unit off, and eject buttons which
will not eject the disc while it is playing.
The CD-4700 is just like the CD-9500 except it sports only one disc
bay and no remote control. An ideal backup unit or a good way to start buying
equipment if you can't afford a 9500 on the first shot.
The nicest feature of the Gemini units is their price tag. Much
friendlier than the Denon units with comparable features. One feature that
Denon has up on Gemini is the pitch bend buttons -- the Gemini units only go
+/-8% whereas the Denon units go +/-12%. The extra speed on the Denon units
are useful when you've pitched up +8% on a track and need to push it just a
little faster to get the beats in sync. On the other hand, the Gemini's
multi-speed search is terribly useful when seeking through long tracks.
These are units worth checking out.
Protecting your CDs
Theft is a serious problems DJs have, especially with CDs. Because of
their smaller size, its much easier to slip them out of parties, clubs, etc.
and is much harder to prove ownership of afterward.
There are, thankfully, a few things that you can do to help protect
your discs from theft. A simple solution is to notch the cases. Unfortunately,
this is a common practice and may not do you much good if the CD inside gets
swiped.
Another option is to use an exacto knife and carve your name or other
ID information into the clear center of the disc. Many used CD stores will
require that the seller produce identification if the disc they bring it has
an ID number (ie: drivers license) on it.
A more noticable solution is a special unremovable front clear
adhesive with your name on it. A company out in Arizona makes these and can
be contacted at 602-435-7299.
Contents
Turntables
Depending on whether you are just starting or have decided to go pro,
you have three choices:
- Gemini
- Technics
- Gem Sound
There are many other people who make turntables, however, there a
reason we will only cover these three models. If you have a question about a
specific model not covered here, post it to the forum -- thats what it's
about.
Starting DJs who aren't sure if they want to drop $400/unit for a
professional turntable should look into the low-end DJ turntables from Gemini.
These units aren't the best in the world, but in terms of bang for the buck,
they're a good option.
The Gemini XL-BD10 is a belt driven turntable which can be purchased
for less than $100/unit. It has +/-8% pitch control so you can do true
beatmixes with it. This sort of turntable is fine for learning how to work
your music and get the hang of putting together a good mix.
Gem Sound makes a line of turntables that are much similar to the
Gemini series, and according to a Gemini dealer, GemSound is actually a bit
easier to deal with. Another option for the beginning DJ.
The Technics SL-1200 Mk II and SL-1210 Mk II turntables are
considered professional level equipment. There is a common
misconception that the only difference between the 1200 and 1210 is
their color, however, both models have been seen in both silver and
black. The true difference is in the 1210's ability to switch voltages
for use in European countries. Both decks sport a high torque motor
and use direct drive instead of belt drive. This results in a faster
spin up time thereby providing means to do instant starts. The pitch
slider allows for +/- 8% pitch and is extremely accurate. They are
also known to hold their value for long periods of time due to their
sturdy construction. For more information, check out the Technics SL-1200
FAQ at http://www.djmix.com/mixpoint/1200faq.html
Gemini XL-1800Q IV is Gemini's attempt at the 1200 level market. It
features anti-skate adjustment, pitch control, adjustable tone arm,
feather-touch start/stop, strobe illuminator, pop-up target light, XLR lamp
adapter, and a S-shaped tone arm. The units are cheaper than the Technics,
however, many say that they aren't as pleasant to work with. If you're tight
for money, get behind a pair and feel them yourself before making a decision.
Record Cleaners
(Special thanks to Aaron Grier (agrier@reed.edu) for sharing this information
on the BPM mailing list)
Dirt usually manifests itself as crackles, pop, and increased noise,
whereas a worn-out stylus typically sounds like the high-end has dropped
out.
The best record juices won't leave any residue on the records.
The worst ones will leave a layer of "gunk" in the grooves, and possibly
draw plasticisers out of the vinyl itself making it brittle. The folks
on rec.audio.high-end have shared cleaning recipes which generally
consist of 75% water (deionized, filtered), 25% ethanol (everclear), and
some photo-flo (wetting agent).
For those of you who are more interested in pre-made cleaning
agent, there have been positive reports with Discwasher D4 juice and a
pad.
Don't forget that bad needles can be the cause of record damage
as well. Protect your vinyl -- replace needles every few months. Your
vinyl is your lifeline in this industry, take care of it.
Contents
Notes:
For the complete and updated version of the FAQ please go to this site:
http://www.djmix.com/mixpoint/ammdj_faq.html
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