I’ve just converted over to all hard drive, computer driven DJ with Traktor Dj 3 software for Macintosh (universal binary) which is awesome software. Using the Native Instuments Kontrol 1 interface (hardware) adds a USB 2 interface with three configurable knobs. The Kontrol 1 purchase came with Traktor LE which does not allow for user configurable keyboard commands among many other nifty upgrade items. I find key commands are invaluable to this type of DJ setup. The upgrade to TraktorDJ3 was $129, but well worth every penny. Traktor and my Intel duo core 2 iMac handles my 44 thousand song repertoire (and growing) with ease. I even run iTunes in the background as a backup in case of crash. I also use a G3 iBook as an additional backup. I need to upgrade the G3 to a Macbook, soon.

It took some real work and thought to redesign my DJ rack but it’s working quite well. There is a methodology DJing requires to smoothly fade from one song to the next. Using a typical CD setup with a pro DJ mixer requires using the crossfader in conjunction with CD player start and stop.It’s amazing how this simple transition movement changes with a computer setup. Mousing around doesn’t quite get it for me. This is where the use of the Kontrol 1 box/knobs came in very handy.
I will include some future photos of my rack to help other DJ’s get ideas for their own setups. I can highly recommend Native Instruments, Traktor DJ 3 to any DJ. Please be warned, you should practice and bring out CD backup in the beginning if you’re not used to computer DJing. Home practice can help, but real world is another story, as you may know.
Also, this software is HEAVILY copy protected through internet verification. Just buy it. That’s the only way.