DJing with Live: About to Take the Plunge

[cenik11]

Hi everyone.

I've finally made the decision to start DJing; and since I've been producing with Live 7 for over one year now, rather than learn how to use CDJs I will be DJing with Live.

Hopefully some time over the next few weeks I will be purchasing the necessary equipment. I'd just like to verify that I'm heading in the right direction in terms of the gear I plan to acquire.

So, my basic setup will consist of:
1) Ableton Live 7;
2) a laptop;
3) an external sound card; and
4) a USB MIDI controller

Re: laptop: Although I'd love to get a mac, macs are too expensive for me right now. Thus, I'm looking at something like the Toshiba Satellite L300-0HH (full specs available here--> http://www.futureshop.ca/catalog/prodde ... &langid=EN); Intel Core 2 Duo T6400 at 2Ghz, 4db ram, 250gb 5400 rpm HD, no firewire, 3 USB 2.0 ports. If possible, I'll be getting rid of Vista and downgrading to Windows XP SP3 (need to find out if XP drivers are available).

Re: sound card: I'm looking at the Native Instruments Audio Kontrol 1

Re: MIDI controller: I'm looking at the Novation Remote SL ZERO (I had a Remote SL 61 for about one year so I'm rather familiar with the controller).

I plan to DJ at parties and, eventually, inside the clubs. I believe that with this setup I will have all I need to play.

Does anybody have any recommendations/criticisms/advice on this setup?

Thank you kindly.

[Zygi]

Forget about Sl remote zero and add the money to get a macbook!

there are plenty of cheaper and better controllers... starting from bcr2000/bcf, through novation nocturn and ending on korgs nano (not including nanokeys ofc )

Well, I'd do that if I had to make the choice again...

[cenik11]

Thanks for your input Zygi

What do others think?

[Da hand]

.. add the money to get a macbook!

Not the best advice, unless you absolutely need to use Mac only software.

[laurence]

Uc33e?

Wonderful controller for djing 'live'

[laurence]

Re: Ni AK 1. Looks nice, got your 4outs you need for monitoring/cuing. Try not to be tempted by cheap fast-track pros and the like, you get what you pay for.

Re: Laptops. Personally I saw buying a macbook as an investment, having used 3 Windows laptops over 3 years (Around a year until something went horribly wrong with each - I blame windows). I bit the bullet and plumped for a the latest of the last gen. white macbooks, £650(discounted) with 3years of apple care - not much at all considering the amount I spent on laptops in the previous 3 years.