Questions For The Mac-based Djs, Software-based EQ and Compressor? Options

[phreesoal]

Hi forum! I'm new around here and new to the idea of DJing via computer.

I'm seriously thinking of purchasing a Powerbook and DJing software (i.e., MegaSeg, Obelisk, etc.) to DJ with in '04.

In going to a Mac-based DJ setup, are there any software apps that work great as an EQ and Compressor to avoid needing those hardware devices? If there are such apps, do they pack as much punch as their hardware counterparts?

Also, are there any other apps that are great to use for DJing on a Mac, whether it's a DJ-based app itself, apps with effects or other useful tool?

Any other tips for DJing via Mac are greatly appreciated...

Thanks everybuddy!

Phree

[phreesoal]

Anyone???

[TeKay]

[FONT=Optima]Traktor from Native Instruments, all the way. Very respected, widely used, been in development for some time. It has simple EQ and limiting built-in. One edition (Final Scratch) uses a hardware interface that enables the software to be controlled from real turntables and mixer.
Native Instruments' Traktor

[phreesoal]

Thanks TeKay!

I demoed Traktor some time ago on a roommate's iBook but found it to be a bit quirky to use and it had a number of bugs.

However, I'm willing to check it out again, as that was about 8-9 months ago. There may be some improvements since that time.

It would be great if there were separate apps that performed these functions but that worked along with other (DJing) apps. In that way, I wouldn't be tied to just using Traktor because it offers those features.

Thanks again for the feedback!

Phree

[rickenbacker]

MegaSeg is pretty cool, but if you actually want to become a "proper" club DJ and get into creative track mixing - not just someone who plays records in sequence - you should really give Traktor a go. It's the best for pro DJ-ing.

I can't remember if it can take third-party FX. You asked about EQ and Compressors. There are plenty of developers out there. For what it's worth, Waves are probably the best (and are priced accordingly. Yikes!) but PSP Audioware make some nice stuff. Their Vintage Warmer is an excellent all-round-mix-improving tube-compressor-type thing.

[phreesoal]

RB-

Thanks for the advice as well! I'll try out Traktor again and also the other apps you mentioned. I'm wanting to do more than just play tracks, thus, be the Pro jock.

The app "Waves," who exactly makes that?

Phree