[ATAOB]

Hey all,
 
I've recently started getting into making my own remixes/mixes/sets call me a wannabe "D.J."  if you have to.  
 
So naturally I'm needing to purchase some better equipment much better than GarageBand which I've been using.  
 
I went ahead and searched around for an audio equipment buying guide and came across this post-
 
http://headphonecharts.com/headphone-buying-guide.php
 
I have some questions after reading it.   Do people who mix music typically use noise canceling headphones and are they even worth it? Should I purchase a headphone amplifier?  Do most D.J's use DAC and why would they use DAC over an audio interface? 
 
Any suggestions would be greatly appreciated.

 

[Muinarc]

I don't think people that mix music in a home or studio setting ever use noise cancelling headphones. I guess it might be used in a live DJ environment to protect the DJ's hearing over time?
 
Most studio gear and audio interface equipment will have everything you need built in, I doubt you'd need a separate amp and DAC.

 

[Monsterzero]

Being a DJ for more years than I can count,and mixed and made my own music I can offer this advice:

Regardless of everything else try to use as close to neutral headphone you can find.

Any coloration a headphone adds will effect the final mix....example,If you use bass heavy headphones you might be prone to lowering the bass of the mix to compensate.It might sound right from the headphones youre using,but to everyone else who isnt using bass heavy headphones it will sound bass-light.

Everything else is secondary IMO.

Good luck

 

[PurpleAngel]

  I've recently started getting into making my own remixes/mixes/sets call me a wannabe "D.J."  if you have to.  
So naturally I'm needing to purchase some better equipment much better than GarageBand which I've been using.  
I went ahead and searched around for an audio equipment buying guide and came across this post-
http://headphonecharts.com/headphone-buying-guide.php
I have some questions after reading it.   Do people who mix music typically use noise canceling headphones and are they even worth it? Should I purchase a headphone amplifier?  Do most D.J's use DAC and why would they use DAC over an audio interface? 
Any suggestions would be greatly appreciated.

 
We can assume your remixes/mixes/sets on a Mac computer?
And your currently using the Mac's built in speakers, for listening?
Do you have a budget for better equipment?
 
If your working in a quiet environment, having noise canceling feature on your headphones is a redundant feature.
 
One of the main functions of an Audio Interface is being a DAC (Digital to Analog Converter).
 
Other features that an Audio Interface has (that a DAC does not)
A ADC (Analog to Digital Converter), for line-input (mic or other).
Separate volume controls for inputs and outputs (and more outputs then a basic DAC has).
Software for processing audio (like mixing), guess software like your Garageband.
 
If someone is mixing music and already has all the software they need and has no need for a line-input feature.
Then I guess they could just buy a DAC, for use with their headphones or speakers.
 
Check out Sony MDR-V6 or MDR-7506 headphones, plug them straight into your Mac's headphone jack.
They seem to be popular (and cost under $100) with people doing any sort or audio processing.