I hooked up my Computer to My Mixer NOW WHAT

Ok, so you saw the past post on how to hook your computer up to your DJ system through your mixer or amp. Find the post here: http://disc-jockeys.blogspot.com/2009/02/how-do-i-connect-my-computer-to-my-dj.html
Now you are interested in learning more and want to move on form using Windows Media Player, Itunes, or maybe you are ready to take the next step by using a Dual Music Player Program.

There is nothing wrong with using Windows media player, Itunes, or any standard computer music player. Most of these players give you the option to open a second or even third instance of the program so you can play 2 or 3 songs at once if needed, but most do not have pitch control to help you mix (some do have add-ons).

I suggest finding yourself a Professional DJ Mixing software program that you are comfortable with. I highly discourage you from using cracked or illegially downloaded programs because they contain all types of Bugs and you Can NOT update them.

There are Hundreds of professional and non-professional DJ Software programs on the market and more are being added daily. You can even download an app to your Droid or I Phone and dj from that in a pinch. Since there are so many programs I will create a future post with links to the top software that DJs use around the world. But for now we are going to concentrate on what you want from in your software.

Here are the Questions you need to ask yourself to limit the search.

How much am I willing to Pay?

What Platform PC/MAC?

Do you need Karaoke Capabilities?

Do you need Video Capabilities?

What Features are You Looking for?

Vol - Bass Treb - Pitch - key - Effects - Sampler - Plug ins - automix - Skins - Midi - CD Control - Vinyl control - webcam control

Once you make a list of what you want you will be able to make a better decision on the software for you.

Next up in this series:

Built in sound card vs. USB sound card

US DJ Network Video Tutorials Coming Soon

Coming in April
The US DJ Network Presents
A New on line video tutorial
How to DJ

Freestyle or Creat-a-Dance

It is easy to freestyle dance. Take the song September by Earth Wind & Fire or Shake your groove thing, they are both excellent songs that you can use. Simply start out with steps to the beat (Ex. Step Left Then Right) and back & forth. There is Your first freestyle move! How about a step forward and then Back, or step back then forward (2 more different moves). Other moves include clapping your hands in the air or down at the ground, you can also try not clapping and just waving or for another twist sway your hands from side to side. Punching up and down can be two other moves. GET MY POINT! Now lets get real deep, While stepping sway your hips or put a little giggle into it or do a spin instead of a step or two. Steps can be done once and bach or for 4 beats You can choose what suits your needs best. Be creative and mix all these moves up, Create your own steps. Want more ideas, you can watch simple aerobics videos to get some real great ideas (as silly as it sounds). But remember the most important part of the freestyle dance…… You are involving most if not all of the prople on your dance floor or at your party. Use the people on your dance floor one at a time to demonstrate the moves to the dance you create, and remember have FUN!

Being Prepared. The Boy Scouts know what's up!

What separates a solid DJ from a great DJ? Preparation and execution. This worksheet will focus on all of the commonly used techniques a great DJ will use to be
completely prepared for their performance.

The following are the “behind the scenes” responsibilities you should take note of.

• Call your client EARLY! 2 weeks or more out and discuss date, time, location, music selections (first dance, parent dances, intro or cake cutting music etc.), party dances, special
  requests and announcements and what your approach to the event should be
  (lively, less-interactive, somewhere in between).

• Create a burned CD of all of the most important selections (intro, first dance, parent dances, bridal party dance, cake, garter bouquet and special
  dedications). By creating this one disc with all special dances in the order
  will make it easier to manage the music and eliminate miscues (playing the wrong
  song) and fumbling for the song.

• Before the event date, check your collection to make sure you have the songs you need. Check to make sure the CD is in the sleeve. Pull it out to make sure
  it's not cracked (last weekend a DJ pulled out the first dance and the CD had a
  crack across it).

• Leave plenty of drive time. Arrive 1 hour to 1 ½ hours before the start time. Take your time unloading and setting up. Rushing through a load in and set-up can
  cause your performance to suffer. Before you leave the car, check your contract
  and refresh yourself with the names of the bride and groom. Be prepared if you
  happen to bump into them or family members. Also a plus to show the banquet
  manager you are familiar with who you are performing for.

• Greet the Banquet Manager to quickly go over place to set-up and time line of events. You must have a Pros T-shirt on and look professional.

• Test your sound and microphone before guests arrive. Check your sound in front of the speakers. You sound should be bass-y and muffled behind your equipment. Don't
  adjust from there. Evaluate the sound from the dance floor. Check your wireless
  microphone. Walk out to the dance floor. Change the battery if the light is
  dimming.

• Organize your music. Lay it out on your table in the order it will be played.

• Take a business card, turn it over and write the bride and groom's names on it and place it on your mixer in plain view to refer to during the evening. Refer to
  the “bride and groom” by using their names, “John and Mary.”

• Meet with the bride and groom about 20 minutes before show time to go over names and order. Also confirm whether parent dances will follow first dance or will be
  after the cake cutting (most will opt to do them together at the beginning).
  Rewrite the names phonetically if they are difficult to pronounce.

• Go back to your equipment and recheck your cued music to make sure it is ready. Practice names over and over as you wait.

• Return to the bridal party and assist the banquet manager in the “line up”. Go over names with each couple one last time and they are getting lined up. Return to
  your equipment and wait for the sign from the banquet manager.

• Hit Your Introduction...and off you go!

Thought for the Month
"The one thing worse than a quitter is the one who is afraid to
begin."



~unknown

Pioneer offers entry level DJ system in pearl white

Now any DJ can get into the game with style! Pioneer has decided to jump on the "white is the new black."  bandwagon. The trend toward offering color options on traditional DJ gear has until recently been reserved for expensive  or limited editions but no more.  The package includes the DJM-350-W mixer and 2 CDJ-350 W(for white) players.  The CDJ-350-W lets users work with various formats, including MP3, AAC, WAV and AIFF files stored on a variety or media including USB (hard disk & flash) drives and CD-R/RW discs.  Of course it will also play your standard CD's too. and can be used with any of the popular DJ software programs that use CD control discs like Serato.   The player ships with Pioneer’s proprietary music management software, rekordbox.   Here's what Pioneers says:

Pionner CDJ-350 & DJM-350 White DJ Complete Pack Two CDJ-350-W digital media players One DJM-350-W 2-channel mixer New Pearl White color Two new audio effects - Noise and Short Echo Spin It with the CDJ-350 Multi-media Player The CDJ-350 will allow users to create DJ performances with various digital music files, including MP3, AAC, WAV and AIFF files that are stored on different forms of media, including USB mass storage device class products and CD-R/RW discs.

The media player also includes Pioneer's proprietary music management software, rekordbox which analyzes and categorizes music by genre, making it possible to easily manage music files on a computer for quick song selection when played back on compatible Pioneer players. Connecting a USB storage device loaded with playlists created with the software allows users to choose songs by various criteria such as genre, album name, artist name, etc. for stress-free DJ performances. Music sessions can also be saved to a USB storage device and then saved in rekordbox as an original playlist. Additional Player Highlights: BEAT Display Function

Visually illustrates the beat position of a song and the playback point providing easier hand-eye coordination when performing scratches and loops. Auto Beat Loop Function

With one press of a button on the player, the user can create various loop performances, including: Beat Loop - Matches the beat and repeats a 4-beat loop Loop Divide - While playing a loop, plays the loop at a different rhythm Hot Loop - While playing a loop, returns to the start of the loop and plays it Auto BPM Lock 

Users can set a Master Beat Per Minute (BPM) of the current song playing that can be synchronized with a touch of a button. The feature enables beginners to easily match the tempos of songs by simply adjusting the speed to the Master BPM on each player. Create Playlist Function While a song is playing, users can immediately add it to a new playlist with a touch of a button for future playback of favorite songs.

The CDJ-350-W is MIDI-compatible with other DJ software allowing it to be used as an audio interface. Other features include: Vibration resistant by utilizing Shock-Proof Memory and Floating Architecture. Four level tempo settings for maximum variation range of a song's tempo (±6%, ±10%, ±16% and WIDE). Resume function enables users to remove a disc and resume playback at the same spot when the disc is reloaded. Environment-friendly auto standby feature automatically detects operation status and signal input and puts the device in standby mode when the player is not engaged for set periods of time. Users can set the time value or can defeat the feature altogether.

The DJM-350-W mixer inherits similar functions and operability of the popular Pioneer DJM series of mixers often experienced in the club scene. With its new pearl white makeover, the built-in level meter’s red, white and blue LEDs create a stunning appearance. The mixer is equipped with four sound effects including the newly added Noise and Short Echo, as well as an isolated 3-band equalizer—all of which allow the DJ to make one-of-a-kind mixes. The Type A USB port on the front top panel allow users to record their DJ mixes onto a USB storage device, review their mix and take it with them to listen to on other devices.
Additional Mixer Highlights:

• Four Types of Effects – Two effects, Noise and Short Echo, were added to the popular Filter and Jet effects enabling users to further enhance remixing capabilities:

• Noise – Creates a wind-like effect by changing the cut-off frequency (audible spectrum) of the filter
• Short Echo – Applies a reverberated sound to the music with a turn of the knob
• Filter – Greatly alters the tonal quality of the music by removing audio from the high or low frequency bands
• Jet – Applies a jet plane taking off or landing sound effect to the music

• Digital Conversion - Analog signals are converted into digital form via a high-performance CPU for higher fidelity sound.

So if you're looking for an entry level player with some style or maybe a back-up to your current set-up check it out! Pionner CDJ-350 & DJM-350 White DJ Complete Pack

Digital DJ - A Different Spin

Hey DJs are you looking for another way to back up your music? or A way to play MP3s without an expensive Ipod or Computer? Well the answer is right in front of you if you can at least burn CDs. Instead of making an AUDIO CD as most burning programs prompt you from the start, try burning a DATA CD instead and make All of your source (Original files) are MP3s (It might mot work with WMA or other file types). A single CD can hold from 200 to 300 mp3s vs. the 20 or so audio tracks you would burn.

NOW this CD is just another Backup. For More Space use DVDs 4 to 5 gig or DL (Dual Layer) DVDs 8 to 9 gig. Most Computers Have DVD players now so DVD backups will work there and only in other DVD Players. The CD data CDs will play in ALL computers. You can also buy small portable CD players that play MP3 (data cds) CDs as well as the WMA files too. These players cost about $30 for low priced units. I have listed a few below for you just click them.

Most of the new professional DJ CD players also have the ability to play MP3 CDs as well, just check with the manufacturer.

Many Car CD players, home CD players and all DVD Players will also be able to play these MP3 CDs so maybe it is a good idea to take the next step, and create another backup in the process.

The Next Digital DJ Post will Discuss MP3 playing and storage on USB (thumb drives), SD cards, mp3 players (ipods), and professional MP3 DJ players that DO NOT REQUIRE A COMPUTER!

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MUSIC - Free Legal Music: Funky Remixes Just 1 Idea

Listen up... artists like the Beastie Boys, Chuck D, David Byrne, Paul Westerberg and many others are mixing up the copyright laws of music. They want you to have free access to music.

Why? To allow fans and musicians to rip, remix and share music, free and legally, in support of ongoing music creation, promotion and evolution.

A copyright revolution, fueling a music evolution

If you are looking for Free Legal Music on the internet that is actually pretty cool? Well shoot over to FunkyRemixes.com There you will find a large selection of some of the coolest sounding remixes on the internet, and The Best Thing of all is They are FREE & Legal. Just go to http://funkyremixes.com/ or just click the picture or link above.

Click The Banner Below to save from The DJ Blog

MONEY - Watching Your Money in Hard Economic Times

I was going over my finances and noticed that my savings account was only producing .2% APY Interest. YES (POINT TWO). Something had to be done and damn Quick. Enter ING Direct, You have ALL heard about them, and they are top rated on consumer reports. They are an on-line bank that offer WAY BETTER interest rates than the regular home town bank. Well I am now proud to say I am now getting a much better return on my investment, and now EVERY PENNY COUNTS! ING Direct is working with The Disc-Jockeys Blog to get you The Best Interest rates available today. Just Click The Picture Below to take advantage of those GREAT Rates.



I Can NOT Believe I waited this Long to take advantage of better rates and I didnt even need alot of Money to deposit. By using ING Direct as another savings account I made over 4 times my interest rate. I also Use ING for Investments as well to help build my portfolio.

Hopefully in this time of economic turmoil we will all learn how to save efficiently and manage our money better.

I Hope This leads you on a better path. Check your savings account interest rate TODAY! You could be loosing MONEY as you read this!

Find Great Deals Here

We are Proud to Welcome Think Geek

Everybody calls Greggie C the Gadget Guru. Well here is one of my special tips where I shop for my cool stuff. Think Geek has hooked up with The Disc-Jockeys Blog to offer some really cool deals, but to take advantage of these deals you MUST Click the Banner Below or a Banner located on our Blog! We encourage you to use the links provided and browse all of the cool and CHEAP gadgets they have over at Think Geek. For The Next Few weeks Think Geek advertisements will be available at the bottom of select posts.

Portable Apps GREAT for USB &Thumb Drives

What is a portable app?

portable - carried or moved with ease
app - a computer program like a web browser or word processor

A portable app is a computer program that you can carry around with you on a portable device and use on any Windows computer. When your USB flash drive, portable hard drive, iPod or other portable device is plugged in, you have access to your software and personal data just as you would on your own PC. And when you unplug the device, none of your personal data is left behind.

No Special Hardware - Use any USB flash drive, portable hard drive, iPod/MP3 player, etc

No Additional Software - Just download, run the portable installer and go

No Kidding - It's that easy

Consider the Possibilities...

• Carry your web browser with all your favorite bookmarks
• Carry your calendar with all your appointments
• Carry your email client with all your contacts and settings
• Carry your instant messenger and your buddy list
  
• Carry your whole office suite along with your documents and presentations
• Carry your antivirus program and other computer utilities
  
• Carry all your important passwords and account information securely
  

Consider the Convenience...

• Have your favorite websites handy to recommend to a friend or colleague
• Have your presentation AND the required software ready to go for that big meeting
• Have your password with you if you want to bank online while traveling
  
• Have utilities handy when visiting family or friends that are having PC problems

Want to know more or download?

Click Here or Visit: http://portableapps.com/

Spinnin Vince Says HELLO WORLD

These tales of topics from the ocean of experiences from which I've sailed for over fourteen years now, will hopefully guide you all to a more fulfilling and fun way to sail though your adventures in mobile disc jocking. Keep in mind as you travel with me across many a journey, that these tales might not be for you. The one thing I learned as a matey, before becoming the captain of my spaceship was “ steal what you can from others, but it all might not be something your can sail yourself “. We all have our own direction or capabilities, personalities and likenesses, musical tastes and forthrightness ( is that a word ?) whatever. I hope you understand.

I am a bit out there in my way of describing things or my brand of humor so, bare with me and email me if you don't get something. I'll send you the video so you can keep up. ( It's only $19.95 plus S/H ) whenever I get around to filming it ! So batten down the hatches and enjoy the journeys. I'm coming to your computer !!!!

Visit our Friends at skanteck.com,djgreggiec.com and JHatchDJ.com

Lipps inc. or Lipps Incorporated - They do "Funky Town"

A long Time Veteran DJ and Friend of The Disc-jockeys blog DJ Bob from Delaware stated the following very obsessive fact:

"As I was going through my songs, I realized that "Funkytown" is 30 years old this year. It's true. And one thing that's consistant is that NOBODY, even some really great professional DJ's I know ever pronounces the name of the band right. The original is by Lipps, Inc. just like that...it is NOT Lipps INCORPORATED, it's Lipps, Inc. The difference is that the band meant the name to be a word play. Said correctly it's "LIP SYNCH", like what Milli Vanilli and Ashlee Simpson do in concert."

Visit our Friends at skanteck.com,djgreggiec.com and JHatchDJ.com

How do I connect my computer to my DJ system?

You need the cord above first to get standard sound from your (1/8 in)headphone jack or line out jack to the back inputs (RCA) of your mixer. This will allow you to connect a SINGLE stereo channel to your mixer. This channel can be used for windows media player, winamp, real player, or whatever music software you use. If you can hear it through headphones plgged into the jack then this cable when connected correctly to your mixer will work fine.

Now if you have a DJ software program that has 2 players or more, both players will play through this one channel unless you SPLIT the signal by using (2) TWO of the cords below. You will also have to set the program you are using to split the outgoing sound from one channel stereo to two channel mono (that's player 1 to the left or right side and player 2 to the left or right side). when you hook it up this way and the channels are on the wrong side just flip the RCA Cable connections so the players will play in the channels you need.
There are also many different and very cheap usb external sound cards avail on the market that come in many different shapes, sizes, and outputs & Inputs so choose wisely. These usb sound cards allow you to independently control a different output or set of outputs.


Visit our Friends at skanteck.com,djgreggiec.com and JHatchDJ.com