Sqaure One

Yo,

I'm totally new at how all this digital stuff works, but am facinated and wanting to learn. I understand how to plug two decks into a mixer and then into a sound system like the good ol' days, but hardly have an idea how to string up a proper Traktor/VCI 100 setup.

Myself and another DJ want to find a way to play as a duo using Traktor and two seperate MIDI controllers (running the 4 decks, 2 decks each, we want to move/control the music a lot). How would we do that?

I'm not sure if you can run two VCI 100's at once, each controlling two decks. If that is not possible, does anyone have any alternative suggestions? Or am I just wishing for the impossible?

Thanks,
2Shanks

 

Your best bet is to get 2 seperate setups.

Some issues you will run into trying to use your proposed setup:

- Midi configuration of 2 vci-100s so that neither vci-100 takes over what the other one is doing

- Seperate cue outputs on a soundcard.

- What's going to happen when both of you want to use the laptop to load a song at the same time? It may not seem like a huge ordeal now, but imagine if you're knee deep playing live and both of you need something NOW.

 

To further your point, there would be an issue with headphones, wouldn't there? I read that the VCI 100 does not have a headphone jack, but the VCM 100 does.

Also, I read that you can run a VCI 100 and a VCM 100, each controlling two decks. Did I read this right? Or even, could you run duo VCM 100's?

Then, in regards to your MIDI configuration, can you assign certain buttons/knobs to that you are not interferring with your partner? And maybe giving one VCM 100 the master control?

How would you run two separate setups? Or is that even worth the thought? Doesn't sound like that is very cheap either, ha!

Basically, I've been producing music with a buddy since FL1.1, and playin' with old school mixers n' etc. But we want to try digital, and we both love Traktor and the 4 decks. So, that is where I am comin' from.

I apologize this these questions seem pathetically amateur-ish.. since I am one.

Thanks Again,
2Shanks

 

That's where I was getting at with my second point. The VCI-100 is just a straight midi controller; the VCM is a midi controller + soundcard.

The short answer is 'yes'.

But this is going to take a lot of time and understanding of the midi protocol. If you're up for the challenge, I don't see why you couldn't accomplish this.

It's not cheap, but it allows for the most creative freedom. Each person has his own laptop / playlists / music / controller. You would then plug the outputs from your soundcards into one main mixer.

They're not pathetic...at the very least you have tried doing some research and you seem to have an end goal in mind.

 

Ok, I see. It's the soundcard that will make this possible. With that being said, it 'should' work using two VCM 100's? Do you know if the VCM 100 controls Traktor comfortably? Or even yet, should I consider another controller/soundcard?

I don't really understand the midi protocol, but I'd love to figure it out. Now, all I know is that knobs/buttons are able to be assigned. Once they are assigned, does my configuration save? In the event that I need to disconnect my gear, would it remember the location of the knobs/buttons when I reconnect everything?

I can see why this would be the best setup, but would it be difficult to sync the two Traktors on the main mixer? I guess if you set both Master Tempos to eg. 145 BPM, then it shouldn't be too bad to sync.

I appreciate that. Thanks.

I'm definetly learning as I go. Now, let's say I'm open to any hardware to run this like I hope. Is there another way, using other products? I can hardly believe SOMEONE hasn't thought of an easy way to accomplish duo DJs for one software. Secondly, what about the VCI 300? or the VCM 600? Those look like some impressive toys.

Thank you for your help, this info has been a massive help.

Cheers,
2Shanks.

 

Hey,

I think I may have figured out this whole thing, providing you help answer a small minor question.

I need to know if Traktor can send out four seperate channels. I see in the prefrences that you can, but I would like to ask you to make sure. If it does, then this is what I think our setup will be.

First and foremost, We scratched the idea of having two DJs working Traktor. What we think is going to happen, is one DJ mixes Traktor, while the other works the EQ and FXs using a 4 channel external mixer.

1. I send the midi signals to Traktor using VCI 100, and control it like a solo DJ. This will be the only midi mapping, so I figure it should work.

2. Traktor then will send out sound signals using the 4 output channels, one channel per deck which is recieved by a 4 channel mixer, provided with it's own WIDE variety of FXs, EQs, etc. I found a mixer with a built in audio interface, so I won't need to purchase that.

3. Then, as we all know, that will be shipped out to the sound system and into peoples ears and so on and so forth.

Both of us DJ's would have to know what the other is going to do, since we would be working together much like a live band. But we think we can take it.

What do you think? I've talked to a lot of people and this seems to work.

Thanks again, you have been a great help.

Cheers,
2Shanks

 

Traktor 3 has 4 stereo decks, that should get you to 'sqaure one'

 

+1

 

So then, this would not work? I'm not entirely sure what that means.

 

It will work

 

Damn! I'll be kickin' tonight! WHOO!

Thanks a lot bud, you have helped me immensly. I appreciate it. I'll keep in touch, tell you how it works out. I don't know if this method is very traditional, but hey, try something new.

Second, I visited your myspace and I see you have a DJM 400. That's the mixer we've been playin' around with and it's a good one, to my knowledge anyway.

Cheers,
Tim

Also, I noticed your Daft Girls on your page. Are you a Daft Fan?

 

I have 2 DJM800s, no 400. If you're talkin about the background pic, that was just something I pulled from somewhere.

I like Daft Punk...but I REALLY like those Daft Girls

 

oh ye of little faith. why would you not be sure what this means? you asked for 4 stereo decks, and I gave them to you.

 

Chill Crucial D, take some pills for your cramps.

When someone says you are at square one, it means you are back at the drawing board, also meaning, the idea won't work and you need to find a new way.
So, when you said it had 4 stereo outputs, then back to square one, I was confused. That's all. I'm still getting used to the whole input/output/channels/this/that.

VCI 100 doesn't offer headphone capabilities, right? Would this mean I need another soundcard to hear what's happening in Traktor before it reaches the external mixer?

 

'scool bro... I gave you a simple answer, just was a little surprised about your 'not sure what this means' response

the other thing is, if you read the information on NI's product page, you would be far better informed instead of having to wait for peeps to answer pretty basic questions here on the forum!

otherwise, all is well. good luck with your system and tandem set plans!