I am a beginner DJ, and I am looking for my first set of equipment. I am doing a gig in a few months, and I am looking for equipment to use. It will be in a small room and there will be about 40 people there, if that matters. I have DJed before with another DJ, but he used CD players and I plan on becoming a digital DJ. I plan on using my computer, the software Mixxx, headphones, and Hercules DJ Control Mp3 e2, which is a MIDI controller. After some research I learned that I might need an audio interface. I found one called Numark DJ I/O Multi Channel USB 2.0 DJ Audio Interface. How do I know if I need to use this or not? Also, setting up a sound system has been very confusing to me. I am not sure what kind of speakers I need, if I need an amp, and what cables will be necessary. I also don't know whether the speakers will be connected to the MIDI controller or my computer. Any help or advice will be great. Please let me know if I am missing something, if the hardware I am using is correct, etc. Thanks!
Hi Erica your Hercules controller does not appear to have a built in audio interface (soundcard) so you will need to use one of the following options: Use the audio output (speaker or headphone connection) from your computer to connect to your sound system this will probably require a lead with a 3mm stereo mini-jack on the computer end and connectors on the other end to match the inputs of your sound/speaker system. This is the cheapest method but most likely the lowest sound quality option. Use an outboard audio interface/soundcard such as the Numark DJ I/O Multi Channel USB 2.0 you mentioned above. This device connects to a usb port on your computer and required a paired stereo lead with two RCA (phono) plugs to connect to the outputs of your Hercules and plugs on the other end to match the input of your sound system/speakers. This unit has the advantage of not requiring an audio mixer and has headphone and mic inputs also and the sound quality should be very good.
3. With regard to what kind of speakers you require, see my post to Ginger below in this thread. Once you have decided which way to go with your soundcard and speakers I can help you further with connections.
Thanks Martin! I have actually decided to purchase a Numark Mixtrack instead of the Hercules. As far as I understand it both the audio interface and the MIDI controller will both have a USB cable that will connect to my computer. Will I still need to do step 1 if I do step 2? I am having a hard time finding speakers. I think I will visit Guitar Center and see if I can pick one out. I will definitely use active speakers instead of passive ones with an amplifier. Could you recommend a specific speaker? Preferably not an extremely expensive one since I am on a budget.
Hi Erica, Yes both the audio interface and the controller will connect to your computer via individual usb cables. You either do 1. or 2. not both, so if you are using an audio interface (recommended) you will connect this to your sound system and you will not need the connection from the Computer to your sound system. As for speakers I cannot make many recommendations for cheap active speakers other than Mackie SRM 450's as I do not have much experience of the lower price range speakers any more. The Mackie's may still be above your price range but are worth looking at if you can afford them, they sound good as long as they are not pushed too hard but do tend to break up a bit when pushed up near their limit. They are fine for small venues/parties.
Yes, the Mackie's are a bit above my budget. When I'm searching for speakers the term PA comes up a lot. What does this mean? Right now I am looking at Seismic Audio 15" PA DJ speakers. They are 700 Watts. Is this too powerful for the gig I'm doing? Also, my name is Eric, not Erica. The A is an initial. Sorry for the confusion.
Also, the link to the speakers is here: http://www.amazon.com/Seismic-Audio...6448&sr=1-24&keywords=pyle pro active speaker
Hi Eric, Apologies for the name mix up, I really should pay more attention. PA stands for Public Address and is the generic term for sound systems used to broadcast to an audience such as used by bands, DJ's etc. You can never have too much power, only too little.....you can always turn the system down and plenty of headroom makes for a better sound. The speakers in the link you posted are not Active (ie they require an amplifier), the active equivalent is shown here: http://www.amazon.com/Seismic-Audio...&sr=1-5&keywords=Seismic Audio active speaker Or you can get a pair with stands as shown here: http://www.amazon.com/Seismic-Audio...&sr=1-4&keywords=Seismic Audio active speaker Personally I wouldn't buy anything without hearing it first but the reviews seems very positive and the specs are good as is the price.
Just one more thing, the rated power output for the speakers in your link is 700watts "Peak" the RMS rating is 350watts which is more relevant. ie you would look for a 350 watt amp to power them but they will withstand up to 700watts for short periods or "Peaks" due to the dynamic nature of the signal passing through them.
The second link you posted is exactly what I need, except it's a bit expensive. I will see if I can pick out a good pair at Guitar Center, and if not I might have to go with those. Thanks for all your help!
