which iPod for DJing?
If you’re looking at this page, then you’re probably already into DJing and iPods. Picking the right iPod for DJing is pretty key, whilst all iPods are great, there’s price, storage capacity, screen, and size to consider, all of these have a impact on how efficent it will be to DJ on that iPod.
First lets have a look at the iPod family:
There are 4 types of iPod:
iPod shuffle; iPod nano, iPod (classic), iPod touch
(whilst there are older versions, considering the progression of iPod technology, there’s no real need to address these as most iPod docks and accessories are compatible).
if you are looking to DJ with an iPod, using an iPod Dock, such as the Numark IDJ2 or the Cortex D-mix then you can use all of the above iPods, as you’ll be using the iPods as a storage Device for DJing with rather than the actual Deck platform for controlling the music with, as would be the case if you wanted to take up iPod DJing on a budget.
for iPod DJing on a budget, you’re going to need a lot of control and information, as such, whilst you can still DJ with any iPod range, it makes it a lot easier if you go for an iPod with a screen and jogwheel, and with the new iPod touch, this will also be a viable model for DJing on, this eliminates the iPod shuffle range completely, mainly due to the lack of a screen which you would need to help control your music and select tracks.
Considering the iPod shuffle is the cheapest iPod in the family, if you’re on a budget, your best alternative is the iPod Nano, bearing in mind that for iPod DJing on a budget you’ll need two iPods, the iPod nano, is the ideal compromise between affordability and functionality and storage.
The largest iPod classic is the standard iPod, and really is a larger version of the iPod nano, as such unless you have a massive libary of tracks, you really wouldn’t need the storage capacity of an iPod classic.
The iPod touch however is still very new, and lots needs to be considered. The iPod touch is still in its first generation format, considering the price, its also pretty steep, however, it does have wi-fi, and the touch screen and applications feature does mean there is a possibility that iPod DJing software can be developed to allow DJing on the iPod touch, add to this its new and cool, and really you might want to consider the iPod touch as an investment.
Lastly, have a look at the iPod phone or iPhone, whilst its not strictly an iPod, because its essentially an iPod touch with a phone, you can still DJ on it, and with the wi-fi feature there are also some applications that are designed to help DJ on the iPhone, and like the iPod, it syncs with iTunes… typical of Apple, all the iPods and the iPhone are awesome, high quality finish, top notch design, and of course, well thought out.