Digital DJ Tips reader Terry writes: “This may seems a little silly. I was watching one of the videos for your Learn To DJ Free online course, about speakers for home use. I am currently using an iPod dock speaker which also doubles as my computer speaker via an Aux cable. I was wondering whether it is possible to practice DJ with it? I couldn’t find any information regarding this issue on the net and would like to ask your opinion. It was given to me as a graduation gift and is quite sentimental and I’d feel bad if I had to store it away just because I can’t use it to DJ.”
Digital DJ Tips says:
Yes you can, but if you want to use it with a DJ controller that has a built-in audio interface (most do), you’ll have to get a 1/8″ stereo TRS to 2 x RCA cable to connect the two together. You then just uplug your computer, and plug your DJ controller in to the speaker instead.
However, if you want to use it with DJ software running on your laptop with no audio interface and no controller (such as with Virtual DJ Home) and you want to use some headphones for monitoring while using your speaker as well, you’ll need a mono splitter cable to turn your one stereo headphones out from your laptop into two pseudo-stereo outputs, one for your little speaker and one for your headphones.
Either way though, with the correct lead, your iPod dock can be used for DJing practice, just like any other speaker. Whether it turns out to be loud enough for you is something you’ll have to decide for yourself though! If it does, this may make a really elegant little solution, especially if you don’t have much room for your home set-up.
Do you use an iPod dock, computer speakers or other multi-purpose amp/speaker system as your sole DJ monitor? What are you using, and how does it work for you? Please share your experiences in the comments.
Phil Morse
