Having never done this kind of thing (not even mobile dj work) and only composed and produced music i was a little bit shocked, however i decided to bite the bullet (so to speak) and jump in and give it a try.
I've been practicing my ass off trying to get good at beat matching and selecting good records. I am going fully digital, using only a laptop + controller + external HD.
The setup is robust and the laptop is running a clean XP SP2 installation. I have no additional software running on this laptop, it's optimized for dj work only.
I'm didn't want to take any of my studio gear to the nightclub in fear of damage or being stolen. At home i've been practicing using my novation 49key synth with traktor, but my mixing is still ropey
Also not parcticle for a dj booth either when i play next week.So i decided to order the hercules dj console. This has everything i need (inbuilt soundcard + controller) and all the outputs i should require for laptop usuage. It also has knobs!
I think (realistically) i will either use Virtual DJ or Traktor with the MIDI setup to this.
I am open for suggestions on the software front, i've heard good thing's about mixvibes too. I am not wanting to learn 'Live' because i am not mixing my own multitrack sessions but rather playing non-mixed material for the most part.
Anyone got any advice on learning how to mix (beat match) in really fast time frame (i.e. one week)? I am needing some pointers on how to best setup this kit for this kind of performance and midi mapping.
I will be playing mostly house (commmercial, melodic, funky, disco) and some dance/trance (commercial also).
I'm looking good advice on using the hercules console best with traktor.
