[Like this? Join! djtips.co/join] Originally broadcast on the Digital DJ Tips Facebook Page as a Facebook Live, this is a quick tip on Macs, PCs.. and whether it really matters for DJing.
Grateful for the very logical and no nonsense tips. I was at a gig a month or so ago and my MBP was sprayed with beer from a cross the dance floor. It was a late 2011 model I had from new. Replaced it with an Acer i5 7th gen with 4Gb . Mac was way too expensive. It ran really slowly so I dropped a ssd, now it runs better than my Macbook did. Not about the gear guys. Replaced it with a PC at 1/4 of the cost and I am a happy camper.
Sorry to hear about your Mac but it seems like it's all worked out better in the end? Just out of interest, did you have everything insured? Thanks for sharing! :-)
Beyond specs, it really boils down to personal preference. Whatever you've been using, or used to, use that: Windows, macOS, even Linux. No need to reinvent the wheel when getting started. The less time you spend learning a new OS, the more time you'll have to practice.
Whether PC or Mac I have one profile setup just for DJing. A profile which I never used for any other programs like Photoshop or major internet browsing or games just DJ software Serato.
Thanks for the advice sir phil..but for now I'll enjoy djing with my acer laptop..coz i have no budget for mac but maybe soon in the near future i'll buy it..💻🎧
Great vid! I've had Apples and PC's run horribly, and other Apples and PC's run brilliantly. I currently use a '15 MBP, but I'm much more careful than I used to be, essentially implementing all the tips you've given. At any rate, I'm happy with my MBP, but that's just me. Keep the vids coming! Cheers:)
PC's run other operating systems besides Windows. I run Linux (KXStudio installed on Kubuntu Linux) using MIXXX DJ software on a 2007 Dell Latitude D630 with 4GB of RAM, and it works Great! Also, with Linux, I don't have to worry about drivers either.
I’m very new to the game and ran a pc with all the requirements for serato lite, to pro. It was fine for practicing but I’d never use it at a gig. I bought a MacBook Pro from a friend and was astounded on the quality I was missing. Everything renders faster, no having to reset my laptop every other day, Apple is just intuitive and I find it very reliable so far. Mistrust in equipment is no fun. I’m not knocking pc since a lot of comments here are pro pc but in my very limited experience Mac has been wonderful.
Hi Phil, always good to be reminded of these things. Just one question regarding these so called free standing units like the DDJ-RX / RX2 and the DDJ-XRZ and the other smaller units . . . can these units freeze up at all, or do they run 100% flawless? Just wondering what safety precautions they would need should they let you down during a gig? Thanks...
They are not 100% - we have heard of freezes on them (and also on CDJs, Denon Primes etc) - there is always some bizarre sequence of events that can cause glitches. However, they tend to be more reliable than when a laptop and USB lead are entered into the equation.
Hey thanks for the reply, I have question if you dont mind answering , I use traktor and there level meter is terrible. Is there any level meter out there that doesn't cost money, that can work with traktor. IOW a Peak & Loudness Metering Plug-in for traktor. Thanks ! :D
Macbook pro with a SSD, 100 % no contest. i have had numerous problems running Traktor on Windows on multiple laptops. Even my 2009 MBP still runs Traktor like a dream.
If you're looking at mac book pro prices take a look at the Razer blade pro 17" HD. Built better, faster, better keyboard and touchpad, big screen, and dual bed (ssd + 2tb hd). It's my next laptop. I currently use an ASUS i7 and I only use it for dj'ing.
Dell XPS9670 Serato Pro, DVS, FX, VIDEO, plug ins, as far as right now, I've been practicing in my room and holds nicely, we'll see how it does when I take it to the club.
I've always been a PC user and don't have the time or energy to learn how to play around with MACs. I've been researching PC's for DJing and will be buying one soon so I can organize, store, record sets, and transfer music to external hard drives to back up my music. Much like Thomas More mentioned, if you have a dedicated PC just for your music instead of loading it up with junk like your personal photos, "porn", and the like then I don't see any problems with using a PC. Besides I use thumb drives like most professional DJ's when I go out to play. Laptops should never be your main source to play gigs. Pioneer CDJ's are the standard along with a good mixer will do all the work for you when you're playing out cat lubs or private gigs. PC/Mac's should be used as back up in case your thumb drive craps out in the middle of a gig. P.S. Rekcord Box is a great program by Pioneer that works very well to organize your music and/or to use in performance mode if you so choose. It's not that big a deal. Happy DJing lads and ladies :)
PC's are more than fine for DJing, Macs tend to be a little easier to use and more reliable but that can depend on loads of factors. Most professional *club* DJ's is probably the distinction there Carlos, there are loads of pro DJs using laptops to DJ every night with little to no problem :)
I once knew a DJ who played ONLY on his laptop with MixMeister. No controller, no timecoded CD’s, just a 3.5mm into the headphone port of his laptop into a channel on the mixer. What computer did he use? A Toshiba! Not a Macbook. A Windows laptop! So yes, if a laptop only DJ can mix on a Windows laptop so can you.
Very good dj advice, but didn't get to the core differences between apple and windows as on windows i can access stereo mix etc. is a much more possibility offering world than apples locked up spaces, i don't get anybody using them
I use a separate desktop for my music. I run my DDJ 400 controller with Rekordbox. I have all my music store along with external drive as backup. Once I export and organize my library via Rekordbox, I will store it away and keep as backup. My desktop is a PC. I am about to buy another laptop for my controller so I can remain mobile.
hello... you are awsome thanks for informing us on djing stuff.. what is your opinion about djing with linux ?? free software, stable as hell and also it can work in many machines and also old hardware... finally mixx software is a very good and free software that is compatible with many controllers out there ?? do you believe is a good idea for a professional ?? thanks very much .. (i dj with an hp ba-006 nv running linux mint xfce and a roland dj 202)..everything works fine!!!
Can someone help me choose a mb pro? Year, battery life, etc. I am looking on eBay, don't wanna spend too much. I plan to keep my current Windows laptop as a backup.
Started on a PC. Thought it was great. But I was wrong. It was good enough. Once I tried Mac I saw the difference. MacBook Pro excels. I’ll never not use MacBook Pros now.
When mixing with dvs serato for example does the sound card thats in the laptop effect the sound quality of the music playing even if all the other equipment mixer , turntables , needles , monitor speakers are high end im curious about this because my laptop is very avarage but all my other equipment is high end and i want to know if a laptop upgrade would effect sound quality atall if someone with real knowledge of this could give me some info on the matter id be grateful!.
No, DJ gear rarely uses the laptop sound card - that won't be an issue as to play with DVS you'll either have a DVS audio interface, or use the audio interface built in to the mixer.
It doesnt lag or drag with dj programs? I heard about rekordbox lagging due to heaviness on lower ram power...did tou find any lagging after 4-5 hours of constant play?
thats true....have only 4gb of ram and that is a problem.......at 4 years of playing with traktor pro 2 i see lag 1 or 2 times.......depends and how much tracks you have to load.....and you need first of all to optimize your windows/mac laptop for djing....to avoid lag or crash....but traktor pro 2 recommended minimum 4gb ram so i dont think you have problem,at my macbook air i use sierra version cause it works better for traktor pro 2 so its depends and about your macbook version ......now about recordbox i dont know....i ve never use it :) at your position if y check about laptop for djing with the same money go take windows laptop....dont even think it
I use a Mac for Both my Mobile & Radio Work But I'm a PC Engineer for my day job. Windows/Microsoft gets a kickin' simply because you Don't get a HP/Dell/Acer Mac. The software/IOS for a Mac is wright only for a Mac but Microsoft have to Make there software/OS compatible with all PC/Laptop's that are out there. Great Video
i have bought a new HP envy notebook with i7 and 16gb ddr4 ram , also ssd drive . and rekordbox still gives me some noise or lagging sound when i load in a new track or whenever it overloads on its resources or whatever. NEVER happens on a mac...even on the i5 with 8gb ddr3...NOTHING. its macOS that is running the programm more smoothly is my idea at the moment but if anyone could tell me how to fix the windows 10 rekordbox issue i would love you long time!
MAC always Mac. I use PC whole life with Traktor and it's a fucking nightmare. And I have latest PC laptop. I used my friend's old MAC and I was blown away how precise and quick it works. Traktor is really for MAC and feels like is ported to PC.
Digital DJ Tips As to be said, "There's NOTHING Wrong with dj'ing on Wax/Records" But sometimes it comes to play in Life about CONVENIENCE. I mean don't get me wrong..... Laptops were/is cool. Just as vinyl was. But Less weight, and baggage is a BEAUTIFUL thing. Wave of the Future has always prevailed :-D😆😊😉
as long as I have access to all me music fast then im good. I hate the pinwheel loading of laptops. i need instant loading and less stuff to lug in. fast easy looks good and WORKS!! DONE!
Grateful for the very logical and no nonsense tips. I was at a gig a month or so ago and my MBP was sprayed with beer from a cross the dance floor. It was a late 2011 model I had from new. Replaced it with an Acer i5 7th gen with 4Gb . Mac was way too expensive. It ran really slowly so I dropped a ssd, now it runs better than my Macbook did. Not about the gear guys. Replaced it with a PC at 1/4 of the cost and I am a happy camper.
Sorry to hear about your Mac but it seems like it's all worked out better in the end? Just out of interest, did you have everything insured? Thanks for sharing! :-)
Beyond specs, it really boils down to personal preference. Whatever you've been using, or used to, use that: Windows, macOS, even Linux. No need to reinvent the wheel when getting started. The less time you spend learning a new OS, the more time you'll have to practice.
Solid advice Shawn, cheers!
2 macbooks destroyed in clubs, now thinkpad 430+max ram+ssd, last festival felt from 1,5m, was stomped on, spilled beer on, no problem
Haha, sorry about the Macs nut that's incredible about the Thinkpad. Absolute tank! :-)
Whether PC or Mac I have one profile setup just for DJing. A profile which I never used for any other programs like Photoshop or major internet browsing or games just DJ software Serato.
That's a great tactic.
I use a PC with Serato DJ & it works fine for my needs.. Maybe sometime in the future I'll get a Mac but for now im fine.
Good stuff, thanks for sharing :-)
Excellent DJ!!! Thank you so much for your expertise!!! Im old schol trying to learn new school!!! Blessings!!!
Cheers!
pc guy and always will be, dont like to be restricted ..i upgraded my pc to ssd and it goes from off to functional in 4 seconds
Nice one, PCs can be very powerful :)
I did the same thing in my MacBook Pro. Hmmm
I got hp laptop, 4 giga ram... 500 harddrive, is it ok or I should switch to mac
Check the minimum specs of whatever software you want to run and there is your answer :)
Thanks for the advice sir phil..but for now I'll enjoy djing with my acer laptop..coz i have no budget for mac but maybe soon in the near future i'll buy it..💻🎧
You're welcome Ryan :)
Great vid! I've had Apples and PC's run horribly, and other Apples and PC's run brilliantly. I currently use a '15 MBP, but I'm much more careful than I used to be, essentially implementing all the tips you've given. At any rate, I'm happy with my MBP, but that's just me. Keep the vids coming! Cheers:)
Thanks for sharing, Omar :-)
Hi, Phil. Thank You, for the advice, I prefer to use Scratch Live over Serato DJ Pro.
Cheers Gerald :)
PC's run other operating systems besides Windows. I run Linux (KXStudio installed on Kubuntu Linux) using MIXXX DJ software on a 2007 Dell Latitude D630 with 4GB of RAM, and it works Great!
Also, with Linux, I don't have to worry about drivers either.
Great videos always...u guys Rock!!! Cannot wait to see u do video on Roland808 controller
Cheers! Very soon ✅
I’m very new to the game and ran a pc with all the requirements for serato lite, to pro. It was fine for practicing but I’d never use it at a gig. I bought a MacBook Pro from a friend and was astounded on the quality I was missing. Everything renders faster, no having to reset my laptop every other day, Apple is just intuitive and I find it very reliable so far. Mistrust in equipment is no fun. I’m not knocking pc since a lot of comments here are pro pc but in my very limited experience Mac has been wonderful.
Hi Phil, always good to be reminded of these things. Just one question regarding these so called free standing units like the DDJ-RX / RX2 and the DDJ-XRZ and the other smaller units . . . can these units freeze up at all, or do they run 100% flawless? Just wondering what safety precautions they would need should they let you down during a gig? Thanks...
They are not 100% - we have heard of freezes on them (and also on CDJs, Denon Primes etc) - there is always some bizarre sequence of events that can cause glitches. However, they tend to be more reliable than when a laptop and USB lead are entered into the equation.
Omg. I was thinking this today. I got a pc laptop lenovo i3, and this little talk just gave me confidence to play out. Thanks
You're welcome Rustrum.
Hey thanks for the reply, I have question if you dont mind answering , I use traktor and there level meter is terrible. Is there any level meter out there that doesn't cost money, that can work with traktor. IOW a Peak & Loudness Metering Plug-in for traktor. Thanks ! :D
It’s best to have a backup Windows laptop that can boot in less than 20 seconds from fully powered off. With Mac the start up takes 20 to 40 seconds.
Riko Tovias but who the fuck turns off the Mac ?)
This thumbnail radiates chaotic energy
Haha didn't quite have the thumbnails down back then ;)
Macbook pro with a SSD, 100 % no contest. i have had numerous problems running Traktor on Windows on multiple laptops. Even my 2009 MBP still runs Traktor like a dream.
Thanks for sharing, Karl :-)
If you're looking at mac book pro prices take a look at the Razer blade pro 17" HD. Built better, faster, better keyboard and touchpad, big screen, and dual bed (ssd + 2tb hd). It's my next laptop. I currently use an ASUS i7 and I only use it for dj'ing.
Thanks for sharing, Vince! :-)
Dell XPS9670 Serato Pro, DVS, FX, VIDEO, plug ins, as far as right now, I've been practicing in my room and holds nicely, we'll see how it does when I take it to the club.
Nice one 👍👍
I've always been a PC user and don't have the time or energy to learn how to play around with MACs. I've been researching PC's for DJing and will be buying one soon so I can organize, store, record sets, and transfer music to external hard drives to back up my music. Much like Thomas More mentioned, if you have a dedicated PC just for your music instead of loading it up with junk like your personal photos, "porn", and the like then I don't see any problems with using a PC. Besides I use thumb drives like most professional DJ's when I go out to play. Laptops should never be your main source to play gigs. Pioneer CDJ's are the standard along with a good mixer will do all the work for you when you're playing out cat lubs or private gigs. PC/Mac's should be used as back up in case your thumb drive craps out in the middle of a gig. P.S. Rekcord Box is a great program by Pioneer that works very well to organize your music and/or to use in performance mode if you so choose. It's not that big a deal. Happy DJing lads and ladies :)
PC's are more than fine for DJing, Macs tend to be a little easier to use and more reliable but that can depend on loads of factors. Most professional *club* DJ's is probably the distinction there Carlos, there are loads of pro DJs using laptops to DJ every night with little to no problem :)
I once knew a DJ who played ONLY on his laptop with MixMeister.
No controller, no timecoded CD’s, just a 3.5mm into the headphone port of his laptop into a channel on the mixer.
What computer did he use? A Toshiba! Not a Macbook. A Windows laptop!
So yes, if a laptop only DJ can mix on a Windows laptop so can you.
For sure :-)
Very good dj advice, but didn't get to the core differences between apple and windows as on windows i can access stereo mix etc. is a much more possibility offering world than apples locked up spaces, i don't get anybody using them
I use a separate desktop for my music. I run my DDJ 400 controller with Rekordbox. I have all my music store along with external drive as backup. Once I export and organize my library via Rekordbox, I will store it away and keep as backup. My desktop is a PC. I am about to buy another laptop for my controller so I can remain mobile.
Serato develops their software on Mac, so if you use Serato, your best bet is to buy a Mac even if it's a refurbished unit.
I was thinking about gettin a refurbished from Best Buy my hp glitched like crazy using fl n lags for synth
Would be great if you do a more extended video with this tips on Windows. Thanks for the video!!
Thanks for the suggestion Leyendo!
thank you so much, you've been a tremendous help to me and my Dj. profession
God bless you.
We're always glad to help out. Thanks for the kind words :-)
hello...
you are awsome thanks for informing us on djing stuff..
what is your opinion about djing with linux ??
free software, stable as hell and also it can work in many machines
and also old hardware...
finally mixx software is a very good and free software that is compatible
with many controllers out there ??
do you believe is a good idea for a professional ??
thanks very much ..
(i dj with an hp ba-006 nv running linux mint xfce and a roland dj 202)..everything works fine!!!
Linus / Mixxx is fine, if it works for you, go for it! These are just tools at the end of the day, it's what you do with them that counts.
@@digitaldjtips thanks very much for your answer !!!
keep informing us :D :D
My dell has 32 MB of Ram. I’m just going to use that until I run into issues. I like to listen my tracks while I play total war haha!
You mean 32GB?
1tb hdd hard drive + 128 ssd + 60 ssd alienware m17x laptop. Good or no good?
Don't see why not! As long as you have at least 8GB RAM
Digital DJ Tips 4GB is alright?
Can someone help me choose a mb pro? Year, battery life, etc. I am looking on eBay, don't wanna spend too much. I plan to keep my current Windows laptop as a backup.
I'm using a I5 core Dell. Works for me.
"Shonky" - I am using that word going forward
Haha 👍
I've never seen a headline act use PC also you don't need drivers for Mac's
Most of the time things go wrong due to user error and poor setup!
Can you tell me what I need memory wise and cpu.. ? As in figures numbers model or whatever
Go with minimum 8GB RAM, the more the better for DJing :)
Started on a PC. Thought it was great. But I was wrong. It was good enough. Once I tried Mac I saw the difference. MacBook Pro excels. I’ll never not use MacBook Pros now.
Same here
When mixing with dvs serato for example does the sound card thats in the laptop effect the sound quality of the music playing even if all the other equipment mixer , turntables , needles , monitor speakers are high end im curious about this because my laptop is very avarage but all my other equipment is high end and i want to know if a laptop upgrade would effect sound quality atall if someone with real knowledge of this could give me some info on the matter id be grateful!.
No, DJ gear rarely uses the laptop sound card - that won't be an issue as to play with DVS you'll either have a DVS audio interface, or use the audio interface built in to the mixer.
@@digitaldjtips thank you for your reply.
You're more than welcome Solid Snake.
Hi in the Video, what was the Acer you , whats the specs on it
No idea it was a long time ago
@@digitaldjtips that was an old video, what are you using now if not that,besides Mac
Pretty much all of us at Digital DJ Tips use Macbook Pros
@@digitaldjtips Hi do you have video of using the Pioneer XDJ RX2 i know you have one with the XDJ RX but looking for one witht he other one the RX2
thanks for the update
You're welcome.
Great advice!!!!
:-)
Can the macbook air be a good choicefor djing?
yes....i use mac book air 13 inch model 2015.....and works fine
It doesnt lag or drag with dj programs? I heard about rekordbox lagging due to heaviness on lower ram power...did tou find any lagging after 4-5 hours of constant play?
thats true....have only 4gb of ram and that is a problem.......at 4 years of playing with traktor pro 2 i see lag 1 or 2 times.......depends and how much tracks you have to load.....and you need first of all to optimize your windows/mac laptop for djing....to avoid lag or crash....but traktor pro 2 recommended minimum 4gb ram so i dont think you have problem,at my macbook air i use sierra version cause it works better for traktor pro 2 so its depends and about your macbook version ......now about recordbox i dont know....i ve never use it :) at your position if y check about laptop for djing with the same money go take windows laptop....dont even think it
thank you
Certainly joao :)
ALIENWARE FOR DJ LAPTOPS RULES!
Hi! From Thailand
Hello Kim :)
I use a Mac for Both my Mobile & Radio Work But I'm a PC Engineer for my day job. Windows/Microsoft gets a kickin' simply because you Don't get a HP/Dell/Acer Mac. The software/IOS for a Mac is wright only for a Mac but Microsoft have to Make there software/OS compatible with all PC/Laptop's that are out there. Great Video
Good points and thanks for sharing, Tony :-)
You'd be fine with a gamer's rig!
Cheers!
Hi to u from dj ghost
Thanks for coming
Live!!!
:-)
ddj 400 or ddj xdj
Which XDJ? Either way they're completely different ends of the spectrum!
i have bought a new HP envy notebook with i7 and 16gb ddr4 ram , also ssd drive . and rekordbox still gives me some noise or lagging sound when i load in a new track or whenever it overloads on its resources or whatever. NEVER happens on a mac...even on the i5 with 8gb ddr3...NOTHING. its macOS that is running the programm more smoothly is my idea at the moment but if anyone could tell me how to fix the windows 10 rekordbox issue i would love you long time!
Check out the Pioneer forum you might have some more luck there :)
MAC always Mac. I use PC whole life with Traktor and it's a fucking nightmare. And I have latest PC laptop. I used my friend's old MAC and I was blown away how precise and quick it works. Traktor is really for MAC and feels like is ported to PC.
Thanks for the feedback, Mike :-)
Neither😱😱😱👻👻👻 Just use the Denon Prime🤗🤗🤗👍👍
#Future
Nicole B exactly!! no more laptop DJing!!!
There's nothing wrong with laptop DJing! It's not about the hardware, it's about quality music :D
Digital DJ Tips As to be said, "There's NOTHING Wrong with dj'ing on Wax/Records" But sometimes it comes to play in Life about CONVENIENCE. I mean don't get me wrong..... Laptops were/is cool. Just as vinyl was. But Less weight, and baggage is a BEAUTIFUL thing. Wave of the Future has always prevailed :-D😆😊😉
as long as I have access to all me music fast then im good. I hate the pinwheel loading of laptops. i need instant loading and less stuff to lug in. fast easy looks good and WORKS!! DONE!
Mac Joseph In that case what do you think of the Pioneer XDJ-RX2?
Just try the middle decision Linux it’s like a virus free windows
I have a 700 dollar dell van I do on it
👍
@@digitaldjtips thanks
Hate my Mac keyboard is fucked 😂
:(
MAC's are for Hairdressers
Will come in handy for a trim during quarantine then, thanks!