Optimizing Your Digital DJ Setup

Formerly known as: Optimizing Workflow in Traktor

Workflow is a very individualized, depending how your brain works and what you use more. However, there are many things that you can work on to improve your workflow. Having a streamlined workflow gives you ability to concentrate on the things that are important, reading the crowd, building a cohesive set, and adding the things that make your sets unique. Workflow is all about taking everything that you use and rely on and bring them to the forefront for easy use and reference. It is a balance of the two major parts of Traktor, hardware and software/interface setup.

Hardware and hardware setup are the most important part of your workflow as a DJ. Most of your time is going to be spent using that hardware to manipulate the software. Because of this, it deserves the most time and consideration to setup properly. Many people will purchase a hardware controller simply because it looks cool and a bunch of people endorse it. I can’t imagine a worse way to select a controller. You need to go and put your hands on the controller before laying down several hundred dollars on it. You need to head to your local store, put your hands on it and look for several things. You need to play around with it and get a feeling for the controls. Are they too stiff for your hard cuts you love so much? Is the controller too small for your massive hands? If you are more experienced, look at what you use the most and see if this controller will easily accommodate that. Are the loop functions easily accessible? Are the FX controls going to allow you to use them while in the mix? If you are new to digital mixing, imagine how you would use each of the functions and make a decision based on that.

Another thing to consider when looking at hardware is internal versus external mixing. If you mix internally, you will need to make sure your hardware can provide your channel faders and crossfader. Odds are you will want to go with something like the Vestax VCI-100, Numark Total Control or similar device. These controllers offer all of the typical mixer controls (2 channel) and a fair number of extras for controlling other parameters. However, not all controllers are the same. Obviously. The Total Control is great at controlling channel effects due to the 4 knob/button configuration and midi paging is easy with a button dead center which can be used for Midi Page 2. The VCI-100 offers 4 knob EQs (Xone:92 Style) and really nifty dual function jog wheels. External mixing however, can open up your hardware choices immensely. Because all of your mixing is done with a dedicated mixer, you can use midi keyboards, or midi drum control. This is really where Traktor begins to get unique to each user. This is where serious consideration takes place to setup that controller to suit your needs and style.

Another thing to take into consideration is converting a non midi HID (Human Interface Device) into a controller. I have found that an external 10 key pad ($20 at Wal-Mart) is a perfect little toy. It adds an incredible amount of buttons when coupled with the Page functions. I have it set to switch details pages, layouts, the effect activation control (on hold instead of toggle) and loop activation. I use the hotkeys for this device and it works amazing. So next time you are at your local electronics store, just take a look around and see what can be converted or modified to suit your needs.

Lastly is the interface setup. This is also incredibly important because you will stare at the screen the entire time you play. This is all about the smallest things that when coupled together provides the perfect working environment. The first thing is to take everything you don’t use, and hide it. I have the EQ, Pitch controls hidden because I never look at them on the screen. I also changed the colors to make them easier on my eyes. Set up your Browser with just enough information without making it difficult to find what you need. Then arrange the things you look at occasionally (Import Dates for me) off the screen so you can look at those without much effort. Also arrange your Details Panes in a way that works with brain. I always have things symmetrical and set to specific decks, not focus deck. It keeps my brain in the right place when jumping beats or setting up a loop.

You have to spend a lot of time on this. Spend time messing around with setups and knob sensitivity settings and dual function controls. The 10 key pad was a spur of the moment experiment which has turned into a vital part of my setup. You have to disregard what others say about your setup and how it should be. You need to play with things, experiment. Do not be afraid to develop your own TKS’s from scrap or use an HID that everyone will think is weird. In the end, it is about how you set up your gear to facilitate your style. Nothing else.

Lastly, we need to talk a little bit about the laptop choice. This is the core of the entire setup. You need to look at a few things before purchasing it. Let's be honest, you will probably want a Mac. I personally don't like them, but they are great for music perfomance and production.  Size is extremely important, too small (anything smaller then 13" I think) and it will be too difficult to see at a glance. If it is too large (17" or larger) it is a pain to travel with and it take up way too much room in the booth. Hardware specifications are really up to you, but you not going to want to skimp on it. It is significantly better in the long run to get a quality laptop with good specs then to skimp and have serious issue and have to replace it in 6 months.

 Remember, building an efficient work enviroment takes time, a lot of time and a lot of experimenting. So put that time into it. Do not neglect the grunt work. I have tried to avoid it in the past and if you never do the work, you will never get anywhere.

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