Used to be that people had to work at their craft. Like, if you wanted to be a DJ you’d have to buy turntables, hunt down records from an actual shop, lock yourself away for at least a year learning to mix, and make your DJ debut playing some after-party where the tequila shots were laced with meth (for instance).
These days? Forget about it. Everyone is an expert at everything after five minutes with an iPhone app and a glance on Wikipedia. Real DJs have been hit especially hard by all the shortcuts technology offers. The latest nail in that coffin is the Gemini Firstmix. As the image suggests, this is an entry level DJs set up that sources music via USB. Simply plug in your laptop (or flashdrive) and you can cut between two versions of Like A G6 while all the ladies in the house say “Ho!”
While it’s not going to win you any DJ contests, the Firstmix does come with all the basics – including two touch sensitive ‘virtual’ turntables for you to get your scratch on. There are also various effects pedals so you can cover up your dodgy mixes with air-raid sirens. Also, it’s only $80. Which means you can just throw it in the bin when someone gets too excited during your Black Eyed Peas medley and spills a beer on your ‘decks’.
More at
geminidj.com/firstmix.