How to DJ with a Laptop

How to DJ with a Laptop. Don't cart around CDs and vinyl to every party and event. Use your laptop to DJ and leave some space on your DJ stand for a beverage. You will need Laptop with 2 audio outputs and a large hard drive DJ software with an internal mixer USB external sound card Audio CDs Playlist Surge protector RCA cables Amplifier Speakers Microphone Gaffer tape and ground-lift adapter (optional). Step 1. Load software and sound card drivers on to your laptop and read the user guides to become familiar with them. Step 2. Rip any audio CDs to the laptop that you would like to use. Bring a few backup CDs with you in case of software malfunction. You may quickly need to cue some music while you fix the problem. Step 3. Set up a playlist that can run for the duration of the event. You can always pause the soundtrack to queue up any requests. Step 4. Test your playlist, cables, and mixing capabilities at least 24 hours before a scheduled event. Step 5. Plug the laptop in to a surge protector. Step 6. Connect the amplifier to an audio output on your laptop with an RCA cable. Then plug the amplifier into the surge protector. Step 7. Connect the speakers to the amplifier using an RCA cable and plug the amp into the surge protector. Make sure that all volume knobs are at zero before playing any music. You may need a ground-lift adapter to remove any buzzing noises. Step 8. Connect the microphone to the amplifier. Keep the microphone away from the speakers to eliminate feedback. Step 9. Use the gaffer tape to tape down any cords that could be a hazard. Now get ready to watch your guests get down! Did you know Did you know? The first known recording of sound was made by a Parisian named Edouard-Leon Scott de Martinville in 1860.