What's a great DJ setup?

What is a good DJ/Music production setup including a desktop computer?

• I have been wanting to get into DJ/music production since I was about 12 (I'm now 25) and I'm finally going to start now, just from home as a hobby for now anyway. I need to get a basic setup but I'm stuck. I don't know where to begin. I have a macbook pro i5 13" that I bought a while back but wasn't even taking into account my music venture (stupid I know). However from what I'm reading I should have an i7 with a ton of space. So here are my questions: I was planning on getting a desktop for home and figured I'd use that for my music so what computer(s) would be recommended for someone like me? Or would my macbook pro i5 suffice? Also what type of dj setup would be good for me? I also planning on learning the keyboard and wondering if a "workstation" would be something I should consider? I know this is a lot of questions but I'm really hoping someone out there can give me a good idea as to what I should be looking for and purchasing? I know this equipment can cost a ton but for a serious beginner that wants to really put the time into learning what is recommended? Nothing over the top expensive but not crap either somewhere in the middle (plus my bday is next week)! In case this helps: I plan to work with electronic music, hip hop, rap, r & b, classic rock, etc. Thank you in advance for the help I really appreciate it!

• Answer:

  for your computer an i7 is good but i only have an i5 Sony laptop and that works fine. As for staying with Mac or going with PC it does not matter. Its what your more conferrable with. What you will need though is A DAW (Digital Audio Work Station) which is software you can make music with. Some software work with Mac, some work with PC, Some Work with both. Here is a software list: FL Studio: http://www.image-line.com/ (PC only) Cubase: http://www.steinberg.net/ (Mac/PC) Reason: http://www.propellerheads.se/ (Mac/PC) Ableton Live: http://www.ableton.com/ (Mac/PC) Pro Tools: http://www.avid.com/us/products/family/pro-tools (Mac/PC) Logic Pro: http://www.apple.com/logicpro/ (Mac only) I use FL Studio and i think it really good. try the demo: http://www.image-line.com/downloads/flstudiodownload.html For a lot more info and help: http://blog.corbitronmusic.com/making-music-101/ As for the equipment. you do not need much. Maybe you may want a keyboard to plug into the computer. you may want some good headphones and maybe some good studio monitors. when I was beginning I had no of that. I learned the program, then when I had the chase I got more equipment. For studio Monitors: http://www.tweakheadz.com/studio_monitors.htm look into M-Audio Keyboards: http://www.m-audio.com/index.php?ID=USBkeyboardcontrollers&do=products.family A good book to get is The Dance Music Manual. Now for DJing you should read DJ For Dummies Volume 2. lots of good info on how to DJ and what you need to DJ. hope i could answer all you questions