Shoot Rick now... Higher end DJ uses iTunes to DJ.

Talking to someone I know at work, he mentioned that he has a brother who DJs weddings and corporate.... Usually at about $900 a show, which is pretty high in this area. He does have some nice equipment, I'll admit... but basically he uses iTunes on 2 computers.... no other software, just a mixer.

I guess that tells us something....

Yeah it tells me he wasted money on a second computer... he could have easily spent half the money on one computer and a decent DJ software pack...

Chuck,

Everyone knows someone who is a DJ. Every DJ "talks" about making the big bucks.

Money talks. BS walks. The DJs who are making the big bucks don't advertise it.

Wolfie prefers to watch and listen. I learn a lot just by watching and listening. ;)

Yeah it tells me he wasted money on a second computer... he could have easily spent half the money on one computer and a decent DJ software pack...

I suspect he already had the 2nd computer and instead saved the cost of the DJ software while giving himself a solid "backup" plan.

It just proves that how you do it is not nearly as important as the fact that it gets done.

As long as it gets the job done, they can use whatever they want :D

Chuck,

Everyone knows someone who is a DJ. Every DJ "talks" about making the big bucks.

Money talks. BS walks. The DJs who are making the big bucks don't advertise it.

Wolfie prefers to watch and listen. I learn a lot just by watching and listening. ;)


I can't vouch for the $900. People lie. But according to the guy I know, his brother is using some high end gear.... FBT tops and sub... That stuff doesn't come cheap. $900 is "high" here, but nowhere near obscene.... my best friend is paying $1900 for his DJ for his daughter's Bat. Granted, there is way more involved, but $1900 is till a ton.

I'd rather do a $900 wedding than a $1900 Bat any day of the week.

with the bugs and issues the typical DJ software has even til the next release. I would most likely feel more comfortable with two ipods for the most part. Though I have made an exception and am enjoying my HD2500.

It just proves that how you do it is not nearly as important as the fact that it gets done.



I will only say that I strongly disagree, and in a competitive market, you not only have to get it done, you've got to get it done better.

Shoot Rick now... Higher end DJ uses iTunes to DJ.

But can he call Steve Jobs when he has a question... :sqbiggrin: :sqwink:

It just proves that how you do it is not nearly as important as the fact that it gets done.

I agree!

I don't know why so many of us get in a tizzy when it comes to ipods.

It doesn't matter what source you use to get the music played. All that matters is that you know how to use your source.

If all you're doing is segueing songs (let's face it. that's all that a wedding requires), an mp3 is an mp3. You use what you're comfortable with.

.

with the bugs and issues the typical DJ software has even til the next release. I would most likely feel more comfortable with two ipods for the most part. Though I have made an exception and am enjoying my HD2500.

Jon - I've been using VDJ for 16 months, from V3.2 to 5.0 refv 5...naever had a glitch with it ever at a gig.....

Most issues with software are typically user-caused or equipment related....

i do believe it doesn't matter how you get it done...to a point.

as long as the customer and their guest are happy with how it sounds and how it looks.

having said that, regardless of what people use, i believe it's highly inefficient to use 2 computers and itunes to dj a show. Needing another computer so you can save $100 doesn't make much sense. Does he have a third computer for a back up....since he NEEDS 2 just to dj?
Even if he had the 2nd computer already(which he should have for back up purposes), having to consistently switch between computers makes for a lot more work and more potential for mistakes.

Can you do it? yes....but you could also get a horse and buggy to bring your equipment to a show...but i wouldn't recommend it.

if this guy is charging $900...AND getting it on a weekly basis...or at least most weeks.....he is pennywise and pound foolish.

I agree!

I don't know why so many of us get in a tizzy when it comes to ipods.

It doesn't matter what source you use to get the music played. All that matters is that you know how to use your source.

If all you're doing is segueing songs (let's face it. that's all that a wedding requires), an mp3 is an mp3. You use what you're comfortable with.

.


I know that I don't. I use one for backup, and actually plan to have an iDJ2 system available.... but iTunes would suck for DJing a whole event.

I know that I don't. I use one for backup, and actually plan to have an iDJ2 system available.... but iTunes would suck for DJing a whole event.

I totally agree with you, but it's just a matter of preference. The end result is what matters. There's more than one way to skin a cat, so who are we to throw stones at the ipoders?

I use and take two PC's with me to every show... I don't mix between them unless there is something on one that hasn't been transfered to the main machine... I've been using Ots DJ and not one glitch in fact one night due to my own clumsiness it saved my arse by continueing to play even though my computer had froze me out....

My big feet had stomped on the power cord one too many times and caused my desktop to freeze and didn't allow me to even shut down the computer or control the software but the music kept playing and Ots DJ continued to mix them perfectly until the end of the night when I could pull the plug... I had to reformat my music drive and re-load it from a backup drive but the show did go on.... The sudden power loss while the drive was spinning caused data corruption and the resulting lock up.

I agree with most here that it really doesn't matter how you get it done as long as it is done and done well... but honestly mixing from two different PC's is a bit much. If your going to use a PC why not use software designed for professional playback that does things that a consumer product doesn't.

The thing that no one has brought up in this discussion so far is: the value of "how it looks". Even though I'm not a Mac user, I realize that there's still a "wow" factor with a Mac laptop. Wouldn't displaying not one, but two of them say "wow, this guy must be high-end" to your typical partygoer?

(Party guests typically don't know nor care what brand of software, do they?)

the unit doesnt matter as often said its how you use it and For the folks using controllers and software no intent to claim they always fail. I have been slowly moving to a MP3 format and am frankly a bit overwhemed by it so am taking it slow to avoid any glitches etc.

Software is great and it's easy to transport, also having a backup computer is great. BUT, one can never know when the computer or hardware is going to have a hissy fit. So CD's are always the last resort with BUP CD players. As Rick has mentioned the bigger the hard drives the probability of having problems also increases.

Change is good but your backup has to be the most reliable source for music playback,

You can't beatmix using itunes on two computers. No pitch control or ways to set cue points. For 900.00 people get to look at his FBT's..

Jon - I've been using VDJ for 16 months, from V3.2 to 5.0 refv 5...naever had a glitch with it ever at a gig.....

Most issues with software are typically user-caused or equipment related....

I've been using Mixmeister from Version 3 to 6 since 2000 and the only glitch I have experienced is a scratching sound when used with Win 2K

No problems at all with XP

In this day and age, it still amazes me that people are still shocked when they see my PC, with Numark Cue.

They can't believe how "neat" "slick" "cool" it is.

And it sounds so clear & crisp, and you don't have CD'S???

I'd been getting that reaction for quite a while, until I bought the Bose system. Now they're too busy oogling over that system to notice the computer, Rane MP4 or the DMC2.

The PC debate can go on and on. Right now it's the iPod (not PC) DJ that's giving me fits.

I have BEEN TO an iPod wedding. By iPod I mean just and iPod and 2 powered speakers, with cable adapters- period. No mixer, nothing. He worked at a PODIUM. His fee was only 750 ( the groom told me ) and he was worth every bit of 50 dollars- hell, make it 75 ( he did carry the two speakers). He started songs-period.

No effects, beat mixing, crossfades, - nothing. He couldn't even change volume unless he walked from speaker to speaker. Announcements were made through a mic mounted on the podium and connected to the house ceiling speakers.


....and before it comes up: NO, the clients were NOT happy, they were livid. Apparently he misrepresented himself.

Can you do an event with an iPod? Sure. Is it a professional presentation? I leave it up to you.

The PC debate can go on and on. Right now it's the iPod (not PC) DJ that's giving me fits.

I have BEEN TO an iPod wedding. By iPod I mean just and iPod and 2 powered speakers, with cable adapters- period. No mixer, nothing. He worked at a PODIUM. His fee was only 750 ( the groom told me ) and he was worth every bit of 50 dollars- hell, make it 75 ( he did carry the two speakers). He started songs-period.

No effects, beat mixing, crossfades, - nothing. He couldn't even change volume unless he walked from speaker to speaker. Announcements were made through a mic mounted on the podium and connected to the house ceiling speakers.


....and before it comes up: NO, the clients were NOT happy, they were livid. Apparently he misrepresented himself.

Can you do an event with an iPod? Sure. Is it a professional presentation? I leave it up to you.

You can't call that an "ipod" wedding. What he did would have been no different if he had a dual deck CD player and just the speakers. The ipod is not to blame here. His system was incomplete.

An ipod is not my choice for a media player, but neither is a CD player. However, a professional job can be produced with either if the DJ knows what to do.

You can't call that an "ipod" wedding. What he did would have been no different if he had a dual deck CD player and just the speakers. The ipod is not to blame here. His system was incomplete.

An ipod is not my choice for a media player, but neither is a CD player. However, a professional job can be produced with either if the DJ knows what to do.


Right. But the system was incomplete due to a lack of knowledge on the part of the "DJ". But let's say he added a mixer of some sort. The presentation would still be minimal, even if the show were improved. At the risk of repetition, the iPod lowers the perceived value of the DJ, making it seem like he's being overpayed. Part of a good show, whether technically important or not, is the equipment, and how it's displayed.

At the AC show this year we bought a Cortex Dmix 300. It uses a iPod and memory sticks as well as other sources.

We bought it to use a iPod and memory stcks for ceremonys and cocktail hours. It works great for this purpose.

We are finding that more and more of our clients want special songs for their ceremony AND cocktail hour. No longer can we just put on a Bobby Morgenstein CD and let it play for the CH. The iPod works great for this. We dump the songs on our iPod and a memory stick (so we have backup), set up a playlist and we are ready to go.

I bought a iPod Classic (80 gig), so I am also going to backup a portion of our library on it to use as a third line security back-up.

To me, it's just another tool.

At the risk of repetition, the iPod lowers the perceived value of the DJ, making it seem like he's being overpayed. Part of a good show, whether technically important or not, is the equipment, and how it's displayed.

If you're saying that even a well put together ipod rig is going to be cast in a bad light, I'll disagree. People love ipods. Most of them have one. The same way most of them have a CD player, PC or laptop. If we were/are being judged only by our source devices, it's by someone that doesn't know any better.

"Look, the DJ's just using CDs! I have CDs, so I can do that too!"

At the end of the day, it's "execution" that counts. Do a good job and they'll forget what your set up was comprised of.

just and iPod and 2 powered speakers, with cable adapters- period. No mixer, nothing. He worked at a PODIUM. His fee was only 750 ( the groom told me ) and he was worth every bit of 50 dollars- hell, make it 75 ( he did carry the two speakers). He started songs-period.

No effects, beat mixing, crossfades, - nothing. He couldn't even change volume unless he walked from speaker to speaker. Announcements were made through a mic mounted on the podium and connected to the house ceiling speakers.


....and before it comes up: NO, the clients were NOT happy, they were livid. Apparently he misrepresented himself.

I'd have to agree with Request Line's thinking. This isn't really a problem with the iPod.

I'd even say this isn't a problem with the idiot DJ - it's a problem with a fool for a groom who hired the guy without checking any references or past work!

I mean really - all they had to do was ask for the name and phone number of of a couple of past customers !!!!

If the DJ sucked - it's really their own fault for hiring him.

I also want to make the point that perhaps the DJ knows the difference but feels what he does is worth 750 and if he were to offer more he woulod charge more. Its not proven that he didnt know exactly what he brought with him.

Two laptops with I-Tunes sound weird,I agree that its money wasted

Two laptops with I-Tunes sound weird,I agree that its money wasted

Well, I guess one could just be there for looks / backup...

I'd even say this isn't a problem with the idiot DJ - it's a problem with a fool for a groom who hired the guy without checking any references or past work!


What do references really mean. Any loser has a couple of friends

What do references really mean. Any loser has a couple of friends

I have 3... does that mean I am a professional loser?:sqwink:

Give em my name Dan I'll be glad to give you a reference

Hows this

You will be lucky if you can get this man to work for you

What do references really mean. Any loser has a couple of friends.


..and anyone with enough intelligence to ask the appropriate questions will know when they are being spoon fed a load of meaningless BS from a worthless source.

I have 3... does that mean I am a professional loser?:sqwink:


If you had four then you'd be a fulltime professional loser...:sqlaugh:

I have 3... does that mean I am a professional loser?:sqwink:No software and using I-tunes?Well maybe.

I have 3... does that mean I am a professional loser?:sqwink:Nah... it just means you're particular about who you call friends. :D

Actually, this is the hallmark of a winner.

As far as the topic goes, who's to say what any of us is really worth but the people who pay us?

..and anyone with enough intelligence to ask the appropriate questions will know when they are being spoon fed a load of meaningless BS from a worthless source.

Sure...Great... Now I don't know where your market is but generally speaking the first question I am asked here is what do you charge and depending on what I say next the conversation continues

Most people dont know what to ask. A high percentage have never hired a DJ before

Once again my clients are less professional than others

Actually, I think that they ask pricng first, because it is all they know that seperates most dj's.

Lets be real for a moment. From our childhood up, most of us are brainwashed into a "what's the cost" mentality.

You can't have that candy or toy, it costs too much.
Don't waste (cost) things.
and the always popular
Do you have any idea how hard I worked for that. (cost being work)

Very few are taught the true value. Everything has a cost. But not value.

Value and quality aren't learned until later, if ever...



What are things you shop price for vs.

..and anyone with enough intelligence to ask the appropriate questions will know when they are being spoon fed a load of meaningless BS from a worthless source.

Unfortunately, most don't.

Could we substitute intelligence for experience???

How often does one buy a dj? What questions are appropriate if one doesn't have the experience?

Could we substitute intelligence for experience???

How often does one buy a dj? What questions are appropriate if one doesn't have the experience?

No. We shouldn't substitute intelligence for experience. They are not the same thing.

Hiring a DJ is not that unique. People hire services all the time, and the most important questions are pretty much the same regardless of the kind of service you are looking for.

Establishing the credibility of the business and people you are dealing with is step #1. If you can't do that properly then you stand a very good chance of being dissapointed with whatever they promise you.

I've always had the school of thought that who cares what tools you use as long as you get the job done and do the job well.

Do you care if your mechanic or carpenter has all craftsman or snap-on tools? No as long as he got the job done to your satisfaction you fork over the dough and will go back to him the next time you car needs a fix.

DJing for all it's differences, isn't much different than other service based businesses.

Same thing with a DJ:

The guy could get RockIt and make his job easier but he chooses to use iTunes. Would RockIt make his job easier? Maybe.. Would it make his performance better? Definitely.

BUT at the end of the day he got his job done satisfactorily..That's really all that counts.

We bought it to use a iPod and memory stcks for ceremonys and cocktail hours. It works great for this purpose.




Believe it or not, I sometimes, though very rarely, use MP3s on a memory stick for similar purposes. However, the stick still gets plugged into the USB port of my CD player. Not just because I'm CD based, but because it makes for a better presentation..

If you're saying that even a well put together ipod rig is going to be cast in a bad light, I'll disagree. People love ipods. Most of them have one. The same way most of them have a CD player, PC or laptop. If we were/are being judged only by our source devices, it's by someone that doesn't know any better.

"Look, the DJ's just using CDs! I have CDs, so I can do that too!"

At the end of the day, it's "execution" that counts. Do a good job and they'll forget what your set up was comprised of.


I can only half agree. A nice looking rig is just that, and aids the show. However, though all have a CD player, they don't have the collection, they know it, and know "they can't do it too", whereas the iPod owner HAS access at low cost, to anything they want to program for the event. Thus, the iPod DOES present an " I can do it too" scenario, ( forgetting the fact that they don't have the knowledge of a professional DJ) and that IS a bad light.

I can't tell you how much more often I'm running into self-run iPod events. They may be bad, but by the time the people know it, it's too late, and a DJ lost a gig.

PCs can cause similar situations. Not just with self-run events, but also with the increase of DJs in the market with inexpensive start up costs.

It's my personal opinion that many are working with their own personal preferences at a great cost to an already consumer controlled market ( Read: We're shooting ourselves in the foot). But then again, that's just me. Not that there's anything wrong with that. Um,.... Some of my best friends are PC/iPod DJs? :sqerr::sqwink:

1) I'd have to agree with Request Line's thinking. This isn't really a problem with the iPod.

2) I'd even say this isn't a problem with the idiot DJ - it's a problem with a fool for a groom who hired the guy without checking any references or past work!


3) If the DJ sucked - it's really their own fault for hiring him.


1) Indirectly, it is. See #2


2) I beleive that the "idiot DJ" got into the biz because he saw another DJ running an iPod show and figured that he could do it too, and at a cost of less than a 1000 dollars to start up- including his speakers AND music, and 950 pay for a wedding, why not?


3) I don't know the circumstances behind the hire, so I can't comment on whether the client wasn't thinking, was stuck, or any other possibilities. However, as previously stated, the DJ DID misrepresent himself and his equipment. I was told that by the groom later. Either way, the fact is, each event is only as good as the customer's satisfaction. Also as previously stated, they don't know it will be a bad job until it's over, and then it's too late.


Please keep in mind that I'm not talking about whether iPod music is good or bad, nor am I knocking anyone's setup. I am commenting strictly from a business marketing point of view. If it looks easy or cheap, then the client will want to pay accordingly. Also, I'm willing to bet that if this couple has another event, they'll get uncle Bub to run an iPod rather than chance laying out more money for a pro. They'll just figure he couldn't be any worse than the wedding guy... You see, WE know what went wrong....but they don't.

However, as previously stated, the DJ DID misrepresent himself and his equipment. I was told that by the groom later. Either way, the fact is, each event is only as good as the customer's satisfaction. Also as previously stated, they don't know it will be a bad job until it's over, and then it's too late.

I still stick by blaming the customer.

If the DJ misrepresented himself the groom would have caught it had he done an adequate job of reviewing the DJ before he hired him.

Well... it isn't always the customer's fault. :)

Some of the folks have posted here before about most cold-call clients never having booked a DJ company before. There's a great deal of truth to that. People who have booked DJ companies in the past have done one of three things:

1) They're happy with the DJ company and will plan their engagements around his or her calendar or

2) The DJ company was so-so, ho hum. (This is the Wolfie category, lol).

3) They were dissatisfied and will never cold-call DJ companies again. Uncle Buck can do a better job with his home stereo.

The ones who've found a good, professional DJ company aren't the ones who are ringing phones and asking "How much?" No, Sir. The ones who ring phones are shopping. Give 'em a chance. Give 'em what they want and more. They'll be clients for life.

Remember, we are contractors. Like other contractors in this biz, we compete on professionalism. It isn't about the tools we use. It's how we use 'em. Some of the best tools we have at our disposal are in our heads.

Even in Wolfie's old wooden head. :)

Well I got into a little heat at another board over my stance... So, I am not going to beat this over the head, just state my opinion once and move on. This is a subject that our industry is so divided on.

1. I don't believe that anyone calling themselves "professional" should use an ipod as their main or sole source of playback.
2. I personally think it gives the impression that "anyone" can do what we do and does indeed, in my opinion, shoot our industry in the foot.
3. I do believe, though, that it is a tool and does have its uses - backup and velcroed to the back of a powered speaker for remote cocktail format.
4. I personally feel that if you use an ipod as a secondary device, that you should try to keep it out of view.
5. It's a small point (but I mentioned it at Camp Mobile Beat during a DJIS fishbowl session.) If you choose to use an ipod playback system, try to go for one of the black ones and opt for the black ipod to go with it. Most people associate the ipod with bright white, and it won't stick out as prominently.

This is just my opinion. I have said my peace. ...and I am moving on.
Johnny... Feel free to disagree ;)

Steve - How do you feel about a laptop?

How does he feel about the other DJ branded mp3 systems including VDJ,Tractor etc.Walkman CD players or even those meesy stacks of vinyl some still use or even Cassette. I feel 90% of the clients across the universe would care less if your show is flawless and you made the day unique and fun. Honestly its really not much difference than using a generic email on a business card. DJs look at these things and speak for all when in many cases we truly dont have a clue.

2. I personally think it gives the impression that "anyone" can do what we do and does indeed, in my opinion, shoot our industry in the foot.


I don't interpret this to be a "position" so much as "denial."

Your "impression" is based in fact, and you are simply asserting the fear that drives the self esteem issues in many Disc Jockeys.

We all know that in fact - anyone can indeed DJ.

We know that anyone can run. Some people do it better, faster, and go much farther than the typical person, but to run - well, anyone can do it.

The true measure of your potential resides in the reason people hire you (personally). If it's just DJing - then your fears are well grounded. But if your regular clients seek you out above all others you need to be keenly aware of why, so that you can learn to make that same connection with new prospects as well.

The gear I was forced to use not able to work without a sponsorship here in Canada was far inferior to a slick looking ipod dual dj system.
I worked with a pile of junk. Ask Scottie about some of the horrendous systems the multi's here use per the post about the multi Scottie was asking about the CD MIX3 units for. These are a pure upgrade to what many were using here most recently. My events at times were in the top luxury venues and I was revered with many referrals for this company.

I believe it's all a matter of perception. As it has been stated everyone is a DJ, they can play the music, they have stereo's, people used to have record players and they might have thought that the Technics 1200's where just that, they wouldn't understand what the deal was with the large pitch slider since the ones they had at home had a very small knob to adjust the pitch.

They wouldn't have the slightest idea about beatmixing and when CD's came out they had fancy players at home instead of the new dual CD players we use. Things have evolved and people still use LP's, CD's. Cassettes, Mini Discs, etc.. This is the reason why they don't know the difference between consumer grade equipment and pro gear.

An iPod may be a life saver for a DJ in a bind and even with people owning iPod's I'd love to see them try to run a party because they have an iPod just as the DJ BUT, when reality strikes they'll finally understand what a Professional DJ is really worth.

Let's remember that people fall for the dumbest stuff. Do they really think that their boombox with 10 D" Cells will put out 3000 watts??? Even if it says PMPO that number is BS, no way in hell a 3000 watt peak is coming out of the 4" drivers with a .5" voice coil. So a PRO will always be worth it. MHO.

I agree with your comments Jacob. ITs the pro behind the wheel that makes the gear shine and the shows success.

My friends,

I'd like to play devil's advocate for a moment. :)

Let us pause for a bit and remember what is truly important. What's really important is the first impression. A first impression is a lasting one. The way people see you is the way they will treat you.

If you're dressed the part and have a nice, skirted professional appearance, this is what people will notice first. They're not gonna know nor care if the music comes from ipods or laptops or 8-tracks. As DJ companies, we can hide all that if we wish.

The important thing to keep in mind is how we are are perceived by others. :)

An iPod may be a life saver for a DJ in a bind and even with people owning iPod's I'd love to see them try to run a party because they have an iPod just as the DJ BUT, when reality strikes they'll finally understand what a Professional DJ is really worth.



The problem is that by the time they find out it's too late for both the party giver and the DJ that may have gotten the job.

The bottom line is that the easier we make it look, the more DIY events will be tried, with the above result.

Also, the better and more technical the equipment presentation, the more perceived worth we have to the client.

This is true, Joe.

DIY schemes are not new. They've been with us forever. Why pay a pianist? Aunt Tilly can play the piano. Why pay a DJ when you can rent a PA system and connect ipods or a record player or whatever?

Just my thoughts here... I believe these are different markets. If a client wants entertainment, he or she will pay for entertainment. :)

Thoughts?

This is true, Joe.

DIY schemes are not new. They've been with us forever. Why pay a pianist? Aunt Tilly can play the piano. Why pay a DJ when you can rent a PA system and connect ipods or a record player or whatever?

Just my thoughts here... I believe these are different markets. If a client wants entertainment, he or she will pay for entertainment. :)

Thoughts?

Agreed.

I will not worry about the DIY or ipod user for they are not my client.

http://www.pacemaker.net/Default.aspx?documentID=35&entryID=157

YouTube - Pacemaker DJ Module

I still wouldn't worry a lot of software will do the same, the reality of things is that they still can't read the crowd or when a song will work for said crowd. As I said before, everybody thinks they're a DJ when the reality is another thing ;)

they still can't read the crowd or when a song will work for said crowd. As I said before, everybody thinks they're a DJ when the reality is another thing

Aren't you overlooking the fact that they are part of that crowd? Aren't they in fact reading themselves?

Experience is somnething every DJ relys on, but we are not the only ones with social experience and music knowledge. With the technical barriers (gear) removed far more people are able to successfully apply their own experience and personality to their events.

The assumption by many DJs that most DIY iPod events are a failure is patently unrealistic.

The bottom line is that the easier we make it look, the more DIY events will be tried, with the above result.

You can only fool some of the people some of the time. I would not leverage a business on the ability to keep a secret.

DIY works for people because it is a simple case of GWYW

[See: Getting What You Want]

Also, the better and more technical the equipment presentation, the more perceived worth we have to the client.

People easily recognize when you are over-equipped for the job. It would be better to equip yourself with ability rather than more electrical devices.

Aren't you overlooking the fact that they are part of that crowd? Aren't they in fact reading themselves?

Experience is somnething every DJ relys on, but we are not the only ones with social experience and music knowledge. With the technical barriers (gear) removed far more people are able to successfully apply their own experience and personality to their events.

The assumption by many DJs that most DIY iPod events are a failure is patently unrealistic.

Yes, they are part of the crowd but do not have the experience in selecting the music to keep things flowing (In the groove) and being honest let's remember the DJ plays music everyone likes regardless of whether you(DJ) like the song or not. The person with the iPod most likely won't have a lot of songs because he simply doesn't like some of the other stuff.

Yes you only use a small amount of music per event, but that's what makes a professional DJ stand out. The DJ has a huge variety of music to try and please almost everybody. Even the people who download illegal libraries may have everything ever made but if they don't know when to use it the event won't be as successful as it would've been with a DJ..

Weddings are not comprised of complete strangers.

I think you are grossly understating the knowledge and comfort level of the people involved. Family events aren't that complex.

Weddings are not comprised of complete strangers.

I think you are grossly understating the knowledge and comfort level of the people involved. Family events aren't that complex.

Yup and there is always some old uncle that had enough to drink that can do the introductions :sqerr:

Nope, been there done that, remember I'm not a pro DJ, DJ'ing for me is a hobby. But even with weddings between my friends and my own family. Everyone thinks they're a DJ. Even if the dance floor is full people are thinking a could do better even if there is no possibility in improving the party.

We'll agree in disagreeing, but I've seen the train wrecks with DIY parties which leads me to the "Hire a Pro to do the job". Everyone seeks the help of professionals in many different areas, why shouldn't successful parties, weddings, events, be done under the same reasoning.

And, to think, I just started this thread to bust Rick's chops a little! :sqwink: ... since he's the only guy I actually know who develops DJ software.

...since he's the only guy I actually know who develops DJ software.

Considering some of the stuff I've seen hit the market recently, I have to wonder if that may actually be true... :sqlaugh:

The French make nice pastries; the Aussies surf pretty well; the Germans make cool tanks...


Running for cover... :)

German tanks destiny lied in the over technical construction.

I think I'm gonna catch some flack here... I don't use ANY DJ software, never have.

My three computers came with "Windows Media Player" and that's all I use. Fast, stable, and free! My last computer came with version 10.0 and I got rid of it and installed 9.0 on it. It's got a fade built in (that you can set) and I've NEVER had even one glitch in over 5 years. I've heard folks mention that WMA is unstable... I've never seen it.

Well, wait, I had one, but that is when the "system" wanted to download updates at a gig, and wouldn't let me cancel it without a restart... so I plugged in an iPod for three minutes and cross faded to it and away I went.

gee and how many guests have said to you Tyrone Gee why do you use WMP you lowballing snake lol. Bet ya know one even noticed did they ever.

I've had people come up to request a song and notice the computer. They usually say: "wow, you can do that with a computer?" I envision they're thinking about becoming a newbie and low balling me.

Do you wanna know the real secret to DJ software?

Well, sure you do... :sqlaugh:


The real secret -- shsssh, don't let anybody hear...

You get to talk to me and Faith, if you buy ours -- and we promise not to let our ships destroy your neighborhood :)

You get to talk to me and Faith, if you buy ours -- and we promise not to let our ships destroy your neighborhood :)

What!!!! We don't get to talk with your
<------------------------------------BOSS whose picture is on your avatar????
That's it no internet for you!!!!! (Using heavy soup nazi accent :D:D:D)

Well, if you want, I can hook you up to talk to the boss...

Just remember, he's the one who does the anal probes... :sqeek: :sqlaugh:

Nope, been there done that, remember I'm not a pro DJ, DJ'ing for me is a hobby. .

Ive seen the pics of your rig Jacob you are more pro than alot out there you just don't get paid