Hey, Purple. Cool to hear another DJ is seeing the light. Props.
I hope I can answer some questions.
1st one: Computer.
Things to keep in mind:
• The built in hard drive (HD) will need to be 5400 RPMs to be reliable enough for data-streaming (but 7200 RPMs is ideal without being overkill).
• Also, Live 3 can load entire songs into RAM, so a computer with at least a Gig of RAM and a well planned set list can have you loading every-other song into RAM.
• Third thing to remember is that the bigger the screen, the easier you can work in Live. Minimum of 15".
I am a Mac fan, always will be. They tend to be a little high-priced, but the support is good, and with an Applecare Extended warranty (3 years to cover Mfg flaws) and an insurance voucher for about $10 USD/month (to cover user damage), you should have no problem. If you are looking into the Mac line, look at the 15" Powerbook 1.25 GHZ, It comes with a backlit keyboard (for dark club giging) and the screen tends to be sturdier than the 17".
**BUT**, if you want to save a little coin, look at the Gateway Series of computers. NICE stuff,, and the new Microsoft XP is very user-friendly.
Other things to keep in mind:
•Hard drive space. You can probably already tell that .WAV and .AIF files take up a LOT of room. I recommend an external HD, and if you get a Mac (or certain PCs) look into a HD that supports FireWire 2 - much faster. Read LOTS of reviews and ask TONS of questions, because there is NOTHING worse than your HD corrupting and losing all your data. Good recommendation is the Lacie brand of HDs.
•Extra Power Supplies/Batteries: The batteries on Laptops are conveniently rated for working from RAM without HD or CD/DVD spinning, which lowers its time rating.
Sorry if I'm too long-winded.
Alright, Audio Cards/Interfaces
I have heard GREAT things about the INDIGO line of cards by Echo. (I'm personally looking at the INDIGO DJ). The DJ has 4 outs (2 stereo pairs). 1 pair for Headphone queing, the other for output to the mixer. Then there is the Indigo I/O, which has 2 stereo lines in, 2 out. Io cant pre-listen, but can record... Each card is $179 USD, which is cheaper than all-in-one cards... and they are PCMCA, which leaves your FW/USB ports available...
http://www.echoaudio.com/Products/Indigo/
Another solution is the M-Audio line of interfaces. The FW 410 and FW Audiophile are REALLY NICE and have some nice preamps...
http://m-audio.com/index.php?do=product ... interfaces
They also have the Ozone USB, which triggers MIDI (for samples in Live) and has audio I/O with the same preamps as the FW line (HIGHLY recommended - I have the Oxygen 8, and it has been EXTREMELY usefull):
http://m-audio.com/index.php?do=product ... 23c8d6646f
NOTE: You can trigger all your tracks using the QWERTY Keyboard on your computer in Live, so your set would have to be pretty complex to run out of keys... you may not need a MIDI keyboard, but if you do...
CONTROLLERS: As I said, I have an Ox 8, and its great for me. There is also the AKAI MPD 16 pad controller, based on the MPC series, and it is a sturdy, well-built unit.
http://www.akaipro.com/us/mpd16.html
I had one, but its latency was a little slow. Still very nice if you are triggering with 1/2 bar quant.
Also is this thing:
http://m-audio.com/index.php?do=product ... de0db48fef
or the Hercules DJ (PC only) has controller and audio features
http://www.guru3d.com/article/sound/100/1/
Some other things to look into:
I recommend Propellerheads Reason (Mac and PC) works really well with Live and is easy to use... for ceating your own Basslines/Melodies,Beats, etc
www.propellerheads.se
Some guys like FruityLoops. PC only, and their website sucks, so I wont touch it... your decision, though
http://www.e-officedirect.com/FLStudio/ ... rames.html
Good luck.
Phatbottom (The Great Kabuki)