DJ Position - Questions

[Baldari]

I was talking to DJ Funkybacon (actually, Wingman) on EVE-Online today, and both he and Caff suggested I stop my whining and become a DJ. I checked out the links, and I meet all the requirements except for 1, the broadcasting software.

I don't want to drop $250+ US on software, though. At max, $100 US is all I would spend, though even that is kind of pushing it (I'm moving to Hawaii in 5 months and need all the money I can get). Is there certain software that is inexpensive / free that DJ's here could recommend? Also, I do have an Alesis Multimix 8 USB mixing board that I've been thinking of testing out, so I have some decent sound equipment laying around. If anyone knows of software that is compatible with a hardware mixer as well as a software mixer, that would be even better.

Another thing, is what is this "watershed" they keep talking about? I'm assuming it's some sort of blackout time where you can't play anything foul. I have well over 7000 MP3's, and I'd say a good half of those have swearing, so I would want to apply for an "adult" time.

Only other question would be is the format of the file dependent on the broadcast software or the receipient ability to play, or both? Basically, I'm asking does it have to be MP3, or can you toss in WMA (I have a bunch of WMA audio as well, though it could be converted to MP3).

Thanks for the time!

[Baldari]

16 views, no posts... Come on, a Dev or SOMEONE has to be viewing this... You're not convincing me to apply, that's for sure.

[qgazq]

Hi,

I'm not a DJ or anything so don't really know what I'm talking about but hay at least I'm replying!

I think if you have an external mixer then you can just "pump" the output of that into line in on a PC and use the shoutcast plug-in for winamp to broadcast. That would be free! As for inputs to the mixer that's up to you, cds, records, or a PC playing MP3s.

As for software mixing there is a free prog called Mixxx which seems to have some stuff, since I can't mix I have no idea if it has the "right" controls. Again you should be able to use winamp and the plug-in to broadcast.

I have no idea how good either of these solutions would be, but as they are free you could always try them and see how it goes.
As for pay solutions you will have to hope another DJ can recommend.

Watershed as you guess is the time adult material isn't allowed (its based upon http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Watershed_%28television%29).
I believe on GRN its from 7pm till 7am (GMT) - could someone confirm that?

The stream has to be MP3 @<hidden> 128k as far as I am aware, however if your broadcast software can convert then you can play whatever you like. If you were using an external mixer for example then as long as whatever you use to play your source can play it then its should work.

Hope I have answered at least part of your questions, and hope I am at least partially accurate with my answers!

Gary

[Ricochet]

If your serious about applying you will need to go to the recuitment site and see the requirements there a lot of the questions that keep coming up are all detailed on that site.

I would advise practising with the software as this helps,
Any information please go to http://recruitment.gamingradio.net.
:D

If your serious about applying we can sort a copy out of SAM for you......

[Baldari]

First, thanks for the feedback, everyone.

Yes, I am serious in applying. As I mentioned earlier, I do have the Alesis mixing board (http://www.alesis.com/product.php?id=37). I'm assuming this is good, but, I'm unsure of the power adapter to order for it. Here's a picture of what it looks like. It was a horrible picture, so I also drew a rough diagram over top. The 3 interior prongs are symmetrical to themselves and the edge of the interior. The exterior is threaded like a screw. The cord itself seems to go about 3/4" to 1" into the case before ending:

http://asee.hawaii07.net/images/articles/Altered.jpg http://asee.hawaii07.net/images/articles/original.jpg

Since this is a music community, I figure this is as good a place to ask about it.

Otherwise, I have read up on the page, and I do satisfy all the requirements. While I'm waiting to figure out the power adapter, I'm going to poke around some demo and full software that I have accumulated, and see what I'll need. If I can figure it out, I'd like to do all the mixing through the hardware, in which case, all I'd need is Winamp + Shoutcast. Since I own the Microsoft Zune, I might be able to play the Zune software into my mixer, then have my mixer go out to the WinAmp + Shoutcast, which would (hopefully) allow me to utilize all of my DRM Protected content, which would bring my total to well over 15k MP3's.

I'm not hurting for money, so accidently aquiring a copy isn't what I had in mind. I guess I should have said "If I have to shell out $100, I'd rather finish hooking up my hardware then buy a software mixer". My wife has been bugging me to learn how to use the thing so I can show her, and with radio, I will be able to utilize the hardware both on and offline, making skits and intros while also using it to mix the live broadcast.

As I mentioned before, I have 7000+ MP3's on hard disk, so music selection isn't a concern. I'm also a chatty SOB, and I've been told I have a decent sense of humor. The upload times are around 356k, and the hard drive is 7200 RPM. I was also a TSR Online Chat Moderator way back in the day, so I'm used to running live shows and using various chat programs, IRC included.

That being said, I know this isn't the application, so I'll just ask again for anyone to respond about the power cord. Once I get it powered on, it's only a matter of time. I do have tomorrow night (31st) off, so I have the day to hunt the area around me. As I have the following weekend off and to myself, I'd like to play with the software and apply next weekend. Thanks again for your replies.

[codemaster28]

The connection looks exactly like a XLR used for mics, i looks at the spec for that mixing board and noticed the following :- CONNECTIONS
_USB 1.1 Stereo input/Output for PC and Mac. All 1/4" TRS except as noted: Mic in x 4 (XLR),

then down a little more i noticed :- POWER
_18V AC external transformer

Its not unusual for studio equip to use XLR type power connections but are you sure this is the power inlet if so i can hunt down the type of cable you`ll need.

EDIT :- found the power supply unit you need here a pic http://www.musiciansfriend.com/srs7/g=live/product/images/page=1/base_pid=630166

Codey

[Baldari]

In all honesty, that's what I thought too, but I didn't know they used XLR plugs that way. Now, I just have to find one for order... Maybe I'll try a local Guitar Center... Thanks for the help, and I'll let you know when I find it!

BTW, Code, PM me your in game name, please. I'd like to toss a few IKSies to ya...

[Whitey]

the free program that everyone used to use at one time is winamp shoutcast plugin. this is just a plugin which works perfectly through your free winamp media player.
you can expand on this if you have a mixer and other audio sources, like another computer or CD/mp3 players.

if this sounds appealing to you, try and catch a DJ in IRC who has Winamp Shoutcast experience. (RiSC, Tempest, Xman to name a few) Never actually used it myself, but have seen it being used and proves near enough flawless, unlike SAM, which dont seem to like noob DJ's. That said, I've never had any problems with SAM products.