I run a dance class near Oxford in the UK that teaches Jive. We like to put on a dance every now and then so our pupils can practise and be inspired, but at the moment we have to hire in a DJ.
We have some money available that we need to spend, and would like to buy our own music hardware (speakers, amp, source equipment, etc). I have identified the speakers and combined-amp/level/mixing desk I want to use, and would like to use a laptop loaded with MP3 files as my music source. This is where I run into a brick wall of ignorance, as you will see below.
I have spoken to a few other DJs who use computer-based music for their shows, and find I am very short on knowledge about:
1. Laptop spec. I will probably buy 2nd-hand, and need to know what the basic requirements are for a laptop that will solely be used for this function. How many sound cards will I need, can they be fitted internally at the space expense of other unrequired bits, or will I need external modules to bolt on? What other bits will I need?
2. Software. This breaks down into 2 sections. The first is the sequencing/mixing software. I need something that allows me to do everything I would be able to do if using a CD-based DJ desk. Ideally I would like to be able to create playlists that can be tuned to different audiences (depending on their swing/jive bias), to be able to insert tracks from file to any point in that list, to be able to listen to tracks before they're played out loud (cue tracks), to set the mixing profile between tracks (overlap, finish/start co-ordination, bpm matching, etc), and any other useful functions you might suggest. The 2nd part is converting tracks to MP3 files from various sources (vinyl/cassette/CD/MiniDisc). What hardware/software would I need? I have heard about something called Audio-Grabber. What does this do, and is it suitable? Is any of this available free (WinAmp style)?
I also have a desktop PC that I want to use to help out with this part, and to back up all my MP3 files onto CD in case things go into meltdown. I don't have a CD burner yet, what would you recommend? What software is best for this?
I look forward to your reply, and need to spend money before 5th April 2003, please be quick! If you can't help, please recommend someone who can.
