iPods Take The Place Of Turntables For Some DJs

by , 9:30 AM EST, November 13th, 2003

A DJ has a lot to lug around. On top of the large equipment, milk crates full of vinyl LPs can get heavy. So what is a spindly, geeky DJ to do? Take one DJ, two iPods, and a mixer, and you've got yourself an MP3J, according to an article at MethodShop. While not perfect, the iPod system is gaining in popularity. From MethodShop:

THE METHODS
There's two ways to DJ with an iPod. The first is to go "pure Pod" and set up with two iPods and a mixer. This method is less perfect and more for the crowd's geek-fun of it all. The mp3j's doing all the mixing are usually audience members like at noWax or APT. The other way is to go "pro Pod." People who actually get paid to DJ can hook their iPods to a laptop and use programs like DJ Studio or Final Scratch. They can then pretty much pre-program the entire night, but that's no fun is it? You might as well just turn on the jukebox.

DRAWBACKS
Sure it sounds great, but MP3Jing has its drawbacks. Especially for the professional DJ. Which would you rather pay money to watch: a DJ sitting behind a laptop/iPod pushing buttons, or the real deal spinning vinyl and rocking that cross fader? Unfortunately with the MP3Jing method, gone is the expert physical touch of a DJ and his vinyl. And some people feel that it's just not the same.

You can read the full article at MethodShop's Web site.

The Mac Observer Spin:

This is a terrific article for Apple and the iPod. The electronica and DJ scenes are very large subcultures, and Apple is already a very heavy player in both. Most electronica and DJ shows will have at least one Apple laptop involved in the performance, and that's great advertising to the folks in the audience. Now, add in some iPods to the mix.

Going beyond those two niches, however, there are weddings, proms, homecomings, parties, and a million other excuses for a party, and there are DJs to service them. While these mini-industries aren't going to make Apple a new fortune, a successful presence in them will certainly add to Apple's bottom line.

Plus, success with iPods will lead to more folks taking the plunge with a Mac, too.

Accordingly, we are delighted to see this article. It's great exposure for Apple.

MethodShop