Which is better for DJ’ing – Mac or PC?
I’ve always used a PC for DJ’ing, but lately I’ve been thinking that a Mac might be the way to go. This seems to be the ultimate question in the digital DJ world, so I though I would post a poll. Cast your vote below, and make sure to post a comment backing up your choice. Also, let everyone know what DJ software you are running (Serato Scratch Live, Virtual DJ (VDJ), Traktor Skratch, PCDJ, Torq, Mixvibes, etc.)
Is a Mac or PC better for DJ'ing?
Software wise, there really isn’t a difference (serato is the same thing on both machines). Hardware wise – the Mac’s audio is more efficient – but with PC you can use something called ASIO drivers to mimmick (exactly?) what the Mac has been doing all along in regards to sound cards.
But this is where it ends for mac… Enter the Thinkpad. lol.
Seriously, the Thinkpad was made for mobile dj’s (well, not really, but it may well have been). If that’s what you do, that’s one of the better choices. Macbooks have a tendency to be quite delicate. If you buy a new laptop every year – no problem! Otherwise, buy something that will hold up.
-m1
Uhhh…
Macs are very durable. I dunno about you, but I take care of my electronics anyways…
Macs don’t crash…they don’t blue screen, and they are fast as hell. I have had PCs die right in the middle of sets before. Not on my MacBook or my MacBook pro, though!
Windows blows, OSX is where its at, hands down, any audio professional will agree.
I’m running Serato Scratch by the way…
Im running SSL v2.2 beta on a Sony PCG-V505AC. Its a Pent 4, Gig of RAM, no extra tasks running in the back drop (including internet) + 1.5 tara in external music drives with PCI slot converting USB2 hub. OS -XP pro.
No probs so far, Im 2 months into HOME testing. Its recommended I use a stronger PC with 2 gig min ram.
wow this isnt helping much
I work on a mac and have a PC at home. If the software you want to run works on a mac – the use a mac. It is a more stable operating system and the hardware is pretty decent as well. Only lagging issue is that the hardware isn’t very cheap.
“Macs don’t crash…they don’t blue screen, and they are fast as hell. I have had PCs die right in the middle of sets before.”
PC’s don’t get blue screens of death, lol … and they don’t crash any more then Macs do… and I use to sell them, PC vs Mac… Macs are now running pc hardware, Macs are pc’s… only difference is there Linux style operating system that’s super tight and secure. In addition, they look sexy.
Nevertheless, i do not want sexy, i want affordable and options to upgrade to any hardware / software solution.
I am also a graphic designer and a DJ… pc vs mac doesn’t matter… IBM business line with stainless steal hinges and super durable design… now that is a fckin machine.
Don’t worry Mac lovers… there using PC hardware for a reason…
Well if ur not sure do what i did, have both in one machine, i installed vmware fusion, on my macbookpro and use it with windows xp. so far is working fine i have used virtual vinyl, with vmware fusion and it didnt freeze at all. vmware fusion is the way to go is a lot better than parallels. this way i can choose at any time in my mac what to use a pc or a mac depending on the way the program ill be using responds better. WITH NO NEED TO REBOOT.
Neither MacOS nor Windows should be used for DJing. If you don’t want your laptop to crash during a set, use Linux.
I’ve always used PC’s… not Macs… I’ve had no problems with my PC at all… I use SSL and as long as the turntables are calibrated in every gig, there will be no problems…
Exactly, My win2k3 machines has never crashed or had a bsod for 4 years now and it also runs 24/7.
bsod are usually caused by ppl that don’t know how to setup there os/hardware correctly.
And mac’s maybe more stable, ohh i don’t know why how about because they only support a handful of mac hardware and is put together by mac.
I dont own a mac but i do own a pc. My opinion is that if you are looking for something that would make your set look more modern, then i believe the mac is the one you should use. But in my case i use a PC for my DJing job. So in conclusion, what im trying to say is that PCs are more acuare and they are much better for DJin! My PC is very fast and i never had experience a crash in a live funtion, by the way, my pc is very modern looking so i dont worry about the style, i jst worry about givin my best to the crow and i know i can do it with nothin else than a PC.
I use Virtual DJ with USB vynyls. It works great with Windows Vista. Love it!
been doing pro dj’ing and live recording for years i always use pc’s with windows. never had an issue im sure if i ran 300.00 emachines they would crash and act goofy too but i don’t. i run only business class hardware from ibm and custom stuff i build. and its bulletproof. oh and to the MAC and Linux guys that say it there OS doesn’t crash… get a life or do more .. i have had mac go to hell software wise on me plenty and linux boxes messup too they just arent nice enough to tell you about it. just had to reload a pair of linux servers for a shipping company last week. yet the ambulance company i installed 2 years ago is still running strong with 0 down time on server 2003. moral of the story. its not the software… its the system its in and the person using it. windows is tough stable and fast when running on MS spec’ed hardware and configured correctly. So is linux and OSX. choose you poison.
lets c here, wuts a better investment? MAC PRO, or Thinkpad T41- with the best hardware…i dont know how to use macs but it seems like a lot of djz have them…mi have a pc right now (toshiba) but its done…crashin and burning…cant fix it…to scared to use it for sets…Thinkpad Or MAc???
dj allday, i have the SAME problem with my toshiba.. it sucks. macs are the way to go. they always work and they work sooo much faster. all the actual professional djs have them.
It’s just a matter of preference. A mac is not better or faster than a PC. It only depends on the hardware they use. I’m a graphic designer and use PC with WinXP at work. And i see Mac’s crashing there all the time, so anyone claiming Macs are more stable is clearly kidding themselves:)
Just check every famous Dj in the world…look what they use…They use macs and the reason is one: Macs just work. I have a macbook three years, without format, without crash, without reset and it’s 250 gb full of data. I have never do this with a pc before. Apple is the most trustful computer company out there. I will not spend my money again on companies that joke with us.
I purchase Traktor scratch and I’m having hard time deciding if I should get a Apple or sony for this program , what does anybody out there recommend?!!!
If you are taking the digital era of djing serious. I say you guys put money into it. Like seriously I would not like to know my pr0-digweed is using a emachines pc with updated ram. I like my pro-digweed with a beta version of a new mac or something with money in it. And my macbook pro has yet to fail or slow down. Abelton,traktor scratch pro, serato scratch all in once with over 70 gigs of tracks plus library of sounds and vst. So please dont get a dell or ibm or hp to dj. And virtual dj is software based on the cheap synthesis of djing. Invest money for your hobbies. You wont regret it!
Been dj-ing for 15 years. converted from vinyl to CDs years ago, now ready to plunge into digital. Any recommendations for the best configuration of hardware/software? I do 2/3 weddings, 1/3 clubs, so need flexibility in my system. I love to beat mix and use effects, even at weddings (although carefully). Now running a Numark CDN95 controller. thx!
This answered a lot of questions for me. I was gonna get a PC but now just reading I’m thinking I do need to go with a mac.
Before I rant!!!
Serato runs perfect on both PC and Mac assuming your laptop meets the minimum spec.
And remeber, you can’t surf the web on a Tech 1200, so when you buy a lap top to DJ with, keep it clean and free of crap.
Now, if you’re looking to run Video, I find that Mac’s are a lot better at it.
A few things…..
MAC is way over priced for the hardware!!!
The same motherboards found in MAC, are in Dell laptops as well… Do you research!
Mac’s O.S. is far more stable!!! However Win XP Pro hasn’t crashed on me in years.
Been using Scratch live for 4 years, I travel and my lap tops get beaten up! no problems running on the 3 Dell laptops I had. However, now that I am trying to run Video SL, I think I’ll be investing in the over priced MAC.
Once Apple went to the 32bit platform, the hardware became the same as PC. Hate to break it to you people but it’s simply the O.S. that is better. Mac’s have SATA HD’s and DDR Ram. Oh yeah, don’t forget the intel chip!!!
Back in the day when Mac’s were SCSI, they sure as hell were better and faster!! Now they are only better in the software! So if you want to save money, see if your PC hardware is compatible with the Mac O.S. and just install it on your PC. I’ve done it, works great but unfortunately for me the video card in my XPS does not have a mac driver for it. So no dual display for video SL, witch you need to run it! Piss me off!!
Before buying an over priced MAC, see if you can get the Mac O.S. to work on your PC because if you manage to do so, you’re running a mac….
search on google for hackintosh and you’ll find plenty of help on it..
BTW Been DJing about 20 years, won DMC titles and gotta say…. Serato all the way. They have kept things simple and it never fails me. final scratch does tons of stuff but I have seen it crash on a few DJ’s now.
Macs are apparently more stable than windows which is undeniable. but if know your computer and your hardware, OS etc. you cannot get crashes for no reason without something you don’t do. I’ve used macs they limit you to the real of the software you’re running but with windows get like a million audio plugins after running through virtual dj. and you can get a massive array of changes that macs don’t offer. I’m a desktop DJ so I built my cmoputer customly for that with the same specs as a decent alienware and as the 2nd best mac laptop. but with a better soundcard. Pcs also have the ability to receive countless upgrades. overall mac is limited to people that really don’t care how they’re making the music just as long as it plays without problems. If you’re into that go for mac. if you want to intricatley modify your sound go for PC.
I’ve been DJing for 6 years now. I use Serato Scratch on a PC running windows XP. I’ve only had one crash (during a live set ) – I recovered quickly as I always take 2 PCs. The one that crashed was running SSL 7.1 on Vista – I hate that OS!!!!
I think that if you use XP, have at least double the minium system requirements – I have 3 gig of RAM, and the CPU that runs at 2.6, then you should have no problems at all. As a precaution I take 2 PCs (still cheaper than buying one equivalent Mac) and some back up CDs if all else fails. Finally keeping your PC cool ( I use a portable fan stand that keeps air circulating around the PC) and minimizing vibration – sit the thing on a rubber mat will help alot.
Spud04
I’ve been using PC since about the time SSL came out. I recently was shopping for a back up computer to have with me on gigs. So i went with the macbook pro. The problem with pc is this as a dj we all now realize that we have no clue what technolgy tomorrow will bring so as a result. Purchasing a pc at this time is really foolish. These dj softwares are designed for mac and written on mac originally. Additionally, visata is horrible so what choice do we have. We deff cant limit ourselves to not have a powerful enough machine to run our applications. Also note to any dj using a software it doesnt matter how good you are when your equipment craps out on you. Happy purchasing guys
Mac still has USB problems. XP is better for Serato. Even under spec’d i have never had one issue with my laptop (Thinkpad x40, 1.4 Pentium M, 768MB Ram, XP SP2). Never a crash or USB dropout and I play every friday and sunday. I own an x61 as well (2.4 Core 2 Duo, 2gb Ram, XP SP2) but still use the old X40 to dj cause it is rock solid. My Mac friends have issues, and when we spin together, we always have to do the laptop switch because their machines won’t even recognize my SDHC cards (not even in a card reader and formatted fat32). Mac is a bit of image hype. XPeven outbenchmarked OSX on a Mac Book Pro! (Tom’s Hardware, google it!)
Lots of food for thought here….
You will have got the just that both PC’s and Mac’s work well. I have been DJing for about 15 years and a couple of points come through.
1. The software you are comfortable with. I have used PCDJ since it’s inception and it works for me. Everyone has their own opinion which is best but it comes down to what you are comfortable with.
2. Hardware – I have used Mac’s when they cost the same as my music collection and yes they are super quick and just work. PC’s work well and some users will swear by them…but like most MS products/ OS you need to keep your DJ unit as only that, add more stuff and you are asking for trouble. As DJ Michael Mayhem quotes keep it simple and it will never fail!
If you are buying a MAC to just look the part then so be it…..just remember there will be a learning curve involed with MAC OSX. Your time and money might be better spent on a skin with the appropiate logo!
Good luck.
I just bought Traktor Scratch Pro (the whole package) and my next step naturally is considering which computer to buy. Now, its been a real dilemma so far. I’ve been reading tons of reviews and forums about this and still not clear to me which computer is suitable for TSP. Most of them says Vista 64bit just won’t work properly with TSP. Now with Macs, if I’m running Leopard OSX, I still need to do some modification to be able to run TSP smoothly which is I’m kinda avoiding because they say that’s where various problem starts (I like to keep it simple). So does this mean XP is the way to go? Please help me guys. I would really appreciate it a lot. Thanks a lot in advance.
I know it’s not “true DJing”, but I’m setting up a new 24/7 stream of hit music and I’ve had the fortune of owning an OTS AV (OTS DJ) system that I used to do live radio shows with. Since then, the Intel macs became affordable and I’ve switched my entire setup over to Mac. Using MegaSeg, I have more features for less overall cost. I’ve been in “burn-in mode” where I am not actually broadcasting, but running the station through a pair of headphones and I’ve got WEEKS of uptime with no problems, no dropouts, no crashes at all! Mac has proven its superiority in stability yet again.
As a follow-up to my last comment, I’ve now got several months of smoke testing of MegaSeg under my belt. There was an issue between SoundFlower and the M-Audio drivers, but that was resolved by routing through digital outputs and using the M-Audio software mixer to redirect to the correct analog outputs.
I’m convinced that MegaSeg is the best music automation product with the most stability and features for a very reasonable price.
And no, I wasn’t paid to say that.
If you wanna dj get some Technics and a few vinyls…thats where its at.
I personally do not know much about DJ’ing, I am just starting to get into it, however I do know about computers. Me personally i would go with the Mac because you have both the option for both OSX and Windows. BTW if you do happen to get a Mac Book Pro, I would get some kind of laptop cooler to use with it. Those things get really hot. Only thing that it would help with is extending the life of your Mac Book.
I have just bought a macbook pro to go out to sing and dj with. Can I use OTS dj for my mac and how can i safely transfer all the songs and will they be compatible?
Personally i feel the Mac thing is kind of a Fad for djs, “jus cause every one is doing it”
Look djin is really about djing,
Buy a cheap but durable + somewhat strong laptop
Buy a Kick ass midi controller for the Cash u save
Totally agree that djing is about the djing not the identical little silver thingy that every dj has,
Man i wanna Dj with an alienWare Laptop, NoW that would get u some kick ass cred
mac is better for dj’ing becouse it is stable
what are you gonna do if you are dj’ing on a big party with very much people and your pc is crashing your image will directly go down
if you use an HIGH RES mac than this never could happen
an mac will not crash if there are errors
but a high res pc will
macs are no better than any well put together pc running windows i dj 5 nights a week on a windows pc and have never had an issue all this talk of macs being better at this and that is rubbish a properly built pc with a genuine copy of windows set up for audio work will run 24/7 without a single problem and as for people saying macs dont crash thats rubbish ive seen many many pro djs struggle with issues with then its just a choice at the end of the day imo dont waste money on a mac
Mac or PC, fuckin neither, the real DJ still uses his Technic’s and a Mixer, with a big fuckin sound system, thats real DJ’ing.
U use Virtual DJ, on a “PC”, and never had a problem when im mixing at a gig or anything.
Macs are said to have better better sound quality, a friend of mine tested them and honestly the sound is the same or the difference is very minimal to notice it.
Im happy DJing with a PC
The common misconception is that Macs are better for DJing. I use an alienware m18x laptop and i gurantee you it runs better than any mac available on the market. The Alien ware m18x can go up to 32gb of ram and 4ghz+ of processing power. Macs however are the same price however only 1/4 of the specs. People who use macs are generally using them to “fit in” with other DJs simply because they use a designer product. Seriously mixing with my alienware is like having two towers. People will bring up the issue of battery life, macs have up to 8 hours of battery life while my alienware can go for 1 hour 15 minutes overclocked. However chances are you’re not going to leave you’re computer unplugged. Windows 7 is proven to be faster and more reliable than any Mac OS. In my opinion stick with whatever you’re familiar with because the point of a DJ is to get a crowd going not to make it as hard as possible to do so.
PC is way better than mac for just about everything if used by someone that knows a bout computers you can basically change every aspect of a windows computer without ‘modifying’ any software. you can get incredibly powerful pcs at the price of a cheap mac. i paid 1700 for a mac pro i7 15″ while my toshiba also has an i7 17″ is running with 4 times as much ram (ddr3 16gb) and 1tb hard drive with a premium sound card and great video card and i didnt spend ove 1300 on that computer.. i should also mention if it isnt obvious the mac only has 4 gb ram and half the memory.. over all mac os is only better if you want to look modern and have a machine that cant get viruses .. not to mention that if youre a smart user you wont ever get a virus on a pc plus there antivirus for pc that make is just as virus proof as a mac… ANOTHER THING … YOU CAN RUN OSX (MAC OS) ON THE TOSHIBA MAKING IT A BLAZING FAST MAC.
I use PC because I haven’t had the funds to purchase a MAC. The only reason I even had an urge was because everyone has a MAC. Otherwise I use my Sony Vaio VGN-NW310F. As long as you turn the WIFI off and don’t download a bunch of nonsense and things of that nature your golden. Keep it to the bare essentials you need and you shouldn’t have a problem. Sony VAIO/Traktor/ Traktor AUDIO 10/ X1 – 2 years
Well – after reading all the ranting online, coming from an old-school DJ, this is my Comments.
#1: Seems like there are far too many DJ’s out there depending on their computers to play gigs. I admit, I like the idea of an enless source of music stored on a PC that is easily accessable (very cool), but truly – having a couple Techniques turntables and a Rain mixer with a kick-ass sound system will never be beat. I REALLY miss that era. I could walk into any club and get offered a job because it took a lot of talent to mix with turntabes, with no room for error…… But, now all I see is 19 year old wannabe’s clicking buttons on over-priced Macbooks, selling their soul for $10 an hour in some pub somewhere. So, yes – I agree with some of the “turntable” comments….. but, unfortunatley, we live in an age now where live mixing just doesn’t happen as much any more. We live in a lazy world. So ya – moving to a PC or Mac is probably the way to go – but by the sounds of it – NOT the most stable of solutions. Also seems like everyone fricken “crosses their fingers” at every show in hopes that their fricken system doesn’t crash!! NOT COOL. But, its the price you pay for conveinance. Is it worth it? I guess we have no choice….. In conclusion: we miss the turntables – but are having a hard time competing with all the closet DJ’s and their laptops. Too bad. Gotta get a PC.
#2: Mac vs. PC: Macs seem to be a more stable OS. But, most of the posts were back in 2009 – and the new Windwos 7 or even XP seem to be stable enough now. It also seems that people are buying Macs because “everyone” else has one on the DJ scene. They don’t carry as much RAM and won’t be as fast at the same price point. So, is it worth it??? “mabye”… but what I can say is that “peice of mind” comes at a high price. And I’m willing to pay it if its worth it….. But, I’m just not sold on the fact that a Mac offers that….. or at least isn’t a big difference to a PC. In conclusion: Stick to what you know. Paint your PC white if you have too…. but it seems like a good PC that is stripped from any extra bells and whistles will be just fine. Just invest in lost of RAM and a good sound card. (and maybe don’t get a Toshiba). Buy a Mac – you’ll be fine as is….. but it will cost big bucks ($1700) and in the end – it won’t be any different than a PC. And you’re probably better off to buy 2 PC’s (or 2 Macs) anyway, because of all those “crashes” that you’ve all talked about. Which is bullshit… but typical. How embarrasing that would be. But I think if you DJ enough with a laptop – its only a matter of time. I DJ’d for 20 years with turntables… no crashing there.
My adivce/conclusion: Stick to what you know in a PC. Its the tech erra….. mias-well just get a computer and be done with it (sorry turntable dudes). Guess the turntables are just too much to lug around and just simply not practical anymore, unless the club is setup for that stuff. …..Buy Mac or PC – no difference. Just make sure it is just for your music/DJ. Have a backup ALWAYS. Lay-off the internet if you can while working. And give A LOT of fuckn’ CUTOS and shake the hand of us old school DJ’s who paved the path for all you closet laptop DJ’s, that want to be like us! WE DESERVE IT and we will ALWAYS be better than you!
Leave some comments…. I’m sure a lot will agree with me!
And I gotta end this… my PC battery is getting low and its gunna crash… hehe.. no joke!
wow crazy reading the comments form 2009 til now. haha i was just wondering why every dam DJ uses a MAC like seriously tiesto, LBL, ect all use mac and its because they dont know any better. my samsung qx last 7 hours uncharged just like a mac does, 6 gig ram, nvidia graphics card, 720 gig storage, i5…. guess how much it cost… 550 american dollars haha double the specs that the 1000$ mac book pro costs….
so in the end i was like wow people are just doing it for the easy way out… and its because they are uninformed…guess thats why at the store apple doesnt show their low end specs ;] they jsut have a well built OS. but if you keep your pc clean ur getting the same thing. serato, traktor, ableton all work with pc too so…. i guess thats the better way to go and use the extra 400 bucks to get a better controller/mixer/ headphones ;]
I am a beginner dj and been asking myself the same questions over and over about Mac over ox. I have only owned a pc and am a certified tech with 6 years time in service working for the army as an it tech basically and when I hook up my American Audio VMS4 to it I have a very short run before my virtual DJ software crashes and I have to restart my comp. 7 was too much my comp and equipment didn’t like it so I downgraded to vista and still the same issues. I’m looking at buying a Mac for the same reasons most other people said its a solid state memory is more stable and faster and of course upgradable in the same ways a pc is but with less tech knowledge necessary to get started and less modifying necessary!! I don’t care about having a Mac to have it I want peace of mind that my system won’t crash during the middle of my set I could never recover from that in a club or at a party!
Djing has moved from the scratch and Serrato era to digital downloads and digital players. It’s easier, faster set up, and faster breakdown at the end of the night to move on the next mission. I’m stationed in Germany right now easily the party capitol of the world and here being a dj pays I can’t have iffy equipment so in my experience and from what I know as a beginner this is my set up!! Buy an external hard drive to travel with all your music stored on keep your computer clean ( don’t use your personal comp professionally), a Mac is the way to go if you want to get in there and do your thing without having any extra requirements plug and go and I think that’s what most djs beginner and expert can all agree on!!